Still seems like too much for a crappy used Chinese rifle.
There are any number of new, really decent 7.62 x 39 rifles out there,
bolt action, not semi-auto. Ruger makes one that retails for under $400,
and a far better rifle than a crappy SKS. If you want a semi-auto, you
probably can find an AR upper in that caliber for $250-$300, and it,
too, will be a better rifle than the SKS.