I want an SKS, but not paying the prices they go at now since it would be a plinker gun. Missed the boat on good prices for them.
Since you did time in Seattle you'll appreciate this.
One Christmas time I went to Butch's Gun shop
on Aurora Ave N.
( now closed, but may have re-opened) and bought
most the gun guys in my family an SKS.
I had earned a bonus that year.
and I was debt free, owned my house, cars, boat, Yada yada.
Seattle style.
Your HPD would soil themselves. all guns on the mainland and none registered.
I think the ATF has me down for four or five.
They were under $100 each and I could pick through them
to select the best. All cleaned ones(used) were headspaced good
Some had never been issued, I had to walk my Dad through
cleaning a gun coated in Cosmoline. Although I'm not a Marine
I used gasoline, like they did.
Excellent Deer hunting rifle.
Much better than a 30-30 model 94.
Plus at that price you can scratch it up and don't worry about it.