Ok, so they're not in stock military configuration. Since it's a pain in the butt and generally legally questionable to keep a bayonet on a Chinese SKS rifle thanks to asinine government regulations (who say it's fine to keep on that bayonet if it's a Russian, or Albanian, or Yugoslavian, or Backwaterstanian SKS), I figured I might as well configure 'em with 30 round detachable magazines.

Back in the days when it was still legal, somebody beat me to some modifications to the SKS on the left, fitting a handy muzzle brake and flash suppressor on the rifle, further enhancing its evil look. I figured it was a perfect candidate for that after-market bipod, and presto, chango, a civilian-legal support weapon. It'll throw thirty rounds downrange in five seconds or so, legally.

Did I mention yet on this page how much I love Idaho for letting me have these toys?

The SKS on the right was subjected to an incomplete attempt at a refinish by a previous owner. I stripped what they'd failed to complete and sealed the wood. It's not pretty, but it shoots well. I'll trade beauty for shooting well any day, which might explain my own evil pulchritude.

For the $100-$150 the rifles go for on the open market (plus a few extra bucks to increase the magazine capacity two or threefold), it's the cheap, effective, and fun way to enter the "I have a semi-automatic rifle that my neighbors hate" club.

They're also reasonably accurate for what they are - you won't be winning an Olympic medal with one, but they're good enough to punch holes in man-sized targets up to a couple hundred meters.

And that's all you can really ask for in a gun, right?
Well, that and to look impressive if left in an open field.