Eager for the Albanian

[TinMan99]

Hello. Just curious what the status is on the Albanian SKS's? I ordered one two weeks ago. At that time, I was told it would be a week and a half. Is there any update on the status? Are they in-country being held by customs/ATF? Are they in-house being graded? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

TinMan99

[1 Patriot-of-many]

Mine got here a couple hours ago...Completely caked in cosmoline.Looks to be another AIM gun...Completely to advertisement...VG+ - EX from what I can see through all the cosmo....

[zouavexx]

Excellent!!!

[1 Patriot-of-many]

Spoke too soon....Cosmo was hiding numerous gouges and scratches...This one is going back.Not an EX or even a VG...Somewhere between G and VG Hopefully you guys will do better....But for $269 I expect and EX and nothing less.

[AIM Surplus]

Sorry about that must have been a mistake, call me and we will get you a better one. As you can see the cosmo is pretty thick. We have plenty of Excellent guns in stock at this time. Please remember we advertise these guns in Very good to Excellent condition.
Thanks,
Erik

[1 Patriot-of-many]

Thanks Eric....Just called to return it.I noted on the reciept if you can find me a truly EX stocked one,I'll take an exchange,otherwise credit back my CC.
Don't get me wrong,I'm not ripping on you guys,I even thought it was EX. at first look....Had to strip the Cosmo off to see all the gouges,dings,dents,ect..SO I understand how it was missed.
Best regards,
Robert Stevens

[REDSTAR]

I got mine today. Save for one gouge about 2mm and a few light scratches the rest of the rifle is excellent.

The finish is a strong 99%, the bolt matches as does the piston, mag, stock, receiver, carrier. It all matches. It's a keeper for sure. Very nice SKS, alot like a chicom. Stock was probably manufactured in China. If the stocks wearn't stamped with the number and the sling swivel being on the side, I'd just pick up a brand new Chicom stock from Global for $8. I may do that anyway.

Bore is mint, chrome lined and shiny.

Serial number is three digits and manufactured in 1977.

A great collectors item. I don't think you're going to see droves of these coming in, they couldn't have made that many in the first place.

These rifles were dunked assembled into a cosmo bath. They are very cosmo-ed.

Thanks AIM for a great rifle, well worth the money, I'm quite pleased!

[TinMan99]

I received mine but after cleaning off the cosmoline found a laundry list of problems and damage. I'm sending it back for a replacement. I'm upset I'll have to pay another 25-dollar transfer fee, but Chris at AIM was Johnny-on-the-Spot taking care of getting a replacement for me. I'm hoping I get an excellent grade for my permanent collection and that they clean enough cosmo off to see if there's any damage. Otherwise I'm going to have to send that one back too and get a refund. I'd suggest a reorganization of the Albanian SKS grading with consumate pricing adjustments:

Grade 1: Excellent to Like-New - Looks almost brand new, some light storage marks, all parts match, 95%+ finish. Immaculate collectors grade. Most external cosmoline removed.

Grade 2: Very Good to Fine Plus - Matched external parts, light handling marks and scuffs, no cracks or chips. Metal 90%+ finish. Most external cosmoline removed.

Grade 3: Average to Good Plus - May have mismatched parts, chipped or damaged stocks, surface rust, but servicable and complete. Perfect shooter/customize grade. Expect heavy cosmoline

Grade 4: U-Fix-Em. Missing some parts, no finish, cracked or damaged stock, rust and/or pitting. Weapon may not be in functioning condition. Cosmoline holding rifle together. Do not remove. ;)

Okay, AIM would never sell a Grade 4, but it was just levity on my part. Anyway, looking forward to seeing what my replacement is like.

TinMan99