This is not... I repeat... not a standard configuration SKS rifle gone bubba. It's yet another Yugo-nese (yugo receiver, chinese barrel) just like the one I assembled from varoius parts guns and gave to my son - not a single matching number. I did use the hammered finish paint on the receiver, rear sight block, front stock ferrule, bayonet lug and front sight - hopefully parts that won't heat up as much as the barrel and gas tube. The rear sight was painted by myself, it was one of those dull-cast Yugo replacement sights with no painted numbers to begin with, so I thought a little shine wouldn't hurt the ladder, I left the flat finish on the sight itself to cut down on glare.
I actually have had this rifle together in a wood stock for several weeks and test fired it for function and accuracy. I'm mildly concerned with the headspace on this one, as the primer strikes seem a bit deeper than most SKS's, but thus far (40-50 rounds) it has not pierced nor popped a primer yet.
It is one of my more accurate SKS's at 3 MOA, the only better ones are a refurb Russian and a Romanian. So, trust it in a fire-fight? So far, yes, but of course I'll do some more extensive testing - say, another 3-400 rounds to be sure. Thanks for looking guys (and gals)!