Yugoslavian SKS 1959/66 M59/66A1 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Rifle MFD 1969 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210515MW48
Make: Preduzece 44 (Production Facility 44), Yugoslavia. See page 34 of Joe Poyer’s book The SKS Carbine, 4th Edition.
Model: SKS Model 1959/66A1 (M59/66A1). The “A1” variation added night sights to the rifle. The grenade launcher has been removed from the rifle.
Serial Number: F-167440 (The “F” prefix is a date code.)
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Action Type: Semi Auto, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the right side of the barrel reads “C.A.I. GEORGIA VT” and “MOD 59/66 7.62 X 39 YUGO”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “F-167440”, as are the magazine cover, trigger guard, left side of the buttstock, back of the receiver cover, top of the bolt cover, and the left side of the bolt. The bottom of the magazine cover is stamped with “SL-4-00.000”. The left side of the handguard is marked “2.00.001”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 inches. The grenade launcher has been removed, and the mount now serves as a brake. The barrel is 24” with the brake.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. A flip up yellow dot is attached to the rear of the front sight. It is a night sight that glows when charged with a flashlight. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1 – 10” and “I”. A second flip up “U” notched blade is attached to the rear of the assembly. It has two yellow dots on it. These are night sights that glow when charged with a flashlight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a semi pistol grip, black rubber buttpad, scallop for the safety, finger grooves, ventilated handguard, metal nose caps, hole for the included cleaning rod, cutout for the included folding bayonet, through bolt, sling loop on the gas tube and belly of the buttstock, and a smooth black rubber buttpad with a spring loaded door for storage (no kit is included). The forearm has a small reinforcing bolt through it. There are light nicks and dings throughout the stock. There are more notable dings in the gripand on the belly of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad shows only light wear with some minor scuff wear on the heel. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is quite bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The receiver has gone to a very light patina in most places, the receiver cover has scattered light nicks and scuffs, the left side of the gas tube and barrel have scuff wear from the sling buckle, and there is minor thinning on most edges of the muzzle brake. Screws show light tool marks with usable slots, and markings are generally clear—the import mark is poorly struck. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The bayonet locks into place correctly.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes an olive drab sling that has minor stain wear, the brass buckle is missing most of its finish, the leather buckle is cracked and dry, and overall rates in Very Good condition..
Our Assessment: The Yugoslavian SKS was produced consistently for 28 years and saw several upgrades and modifications as production wore on, where even early examples were retrofitted with grenade launchers and night sights. The version commonly found here in the states is the M59/66 and the M59/66A1. Produced in 1969, it is in good working order and retains much of its finish. Good luck and happy bidding!