Yugoslavian Zastava M59/66 A1 SKS 7.62×39 Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Blade Bayonet

SOLD FOR: $1,082.00

LSB#: LSB250217BV019

Make: Yugoslav Zastava / CAI 

Model: SKS 59/66A1

Serial Number: 583234

Year of Manufacture: Post 1966-1989

Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm

Action Type:  Semi-Automatic, Hinged Magazine.

Markings:  The left side of the receiver is marked “583234”. The left side of the hinged magazine is marked “583234”.  The right side of the barrel is marked “MDL. 59/66 YUGO 7.62×39/ CAI GEORGIA VT.”.  The rear sight is marked “1-10” with “I” for the battle position.   

Barrel Length:  Approximately 22”, 24” with welded-on flash hider/grenade launcher spigot.

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post with a flip-up tritium night sight. Tritium has been painted red. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1 – 10” and “I” and has a flip-up tritium night sight.  The tritium is depleted.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  This is a Matching Numbered, two piece wood stock with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivel, rubber butt pad, trap door for storage compartment (Cleaning kit Included), hinged magazine, finger grooves, and cut out for the attached folding blade bayonet.  The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about good overall condition given its provenance.  There are no chips or cracks.  This rifle has the flip-up phosphorescent tritium night sights (Depleted) as well as its folding spring blade bayonet and ladder sight with gas ring.  The grenade launcher doubles as a muzzle device.  There are some compression marks and scars, but they remain sparse and shallow, typical of imported 59/66 Rifles.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.  There is no erosion on the lands.  No heavy fouling in the grooves.  In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 90%-95% of its metal finish. There is some light operational wear.  There are scratches, surface oxidation, Surface rust, and edge wear on the top cover and receiver .The box mag has lost its finish. The receiver has retained most of its color. Overall, this rifle rates in very good condition. Please see photos for a better understanding of this rifle’s condition.  

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The cleaning rod is installed.

Our Assessment:  The Yugo PAP M59/66A1 is a version of the Russian SKS (Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova) rifle that was produced in Yugoslavia. The SKS was designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov in the early 1940s and was produced in the Soviet Union from 1945 to 1958. The SKS was then produced in a number of other countries, including China, Romania, Albania, and Yugoslavia.

The Yugoslavian version of the SKS, known as the M59/66, was produced from 1966 to 1972. It was chambered in 7.62x39mm and had a number of differences from the original Russian SKS, including a grenade launcher sight, a folding bayonet, and a grenade launcher. It was also equipped with a longer, more durable barrel and a modified gas system.  The M59/66A1 is a unique configuration with iconic phosphorescent tritium night sights that differentiate this rifle from most SKSs on the market.  

The M59/66 was used by the Yugoslav People’s Army and was also exported to a number of other countries. In the 1980s, a number of these rifles were imported into the United States and became popular with collectors and shooters due to their low cost and reliable design.

This particular Yugoslavian SKS M59/66 is a great find for anyone at entry-level shooting or for anyone looking to build an armory of firearms. The grenade launcher device was not replaced, and it still retains the rest of the grenade launcher components.  This rifle has a strong bore, and the rest of the rifle is solid. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.