Help with my SKS

Hello, first post on here and I am wanting some help and advice on my SKS. I believe it is a Chinese Type 56 based off of the sticky I read on here, but want some validation. I've had it since 2004 when I was in high school and my dad bought it for me for $100 (it came with 250 rounds of ammo and an extra synthetic stock and shot awesome). I haven't done anything to modify it, but I am thinking about refinishing the stock (which is in very rough shape) and getting some Tech-sights and a reflex sight to mount on the gas tube if that will work with the Tech-sights. I don't NEED the reflex, just want it for fun more than anything. I've put some pics up, and I have a few questions about the rifle in general.

Main question is, on the rear left of the receiver, what is that hunk of metal? It looks like it was something added on (I have never seen one in photos before) and doesn't seem to serve a purpose. Also, will it interfere with installation of the Tech-sights?

The other thing I want to know is what upgrades can I do to the trigger short of having a gunsmith do a trigger job on it? I've read that these triggers aren't always the safest, something with the sear engagement (but I can't find the article for the life of me).

Right side
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7/sctn5x-1.jpg

Left Side
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../10gckrt-1.jpg

Close up of markings on left of receiver (had to remove stock to get a good picture)
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../2quu0kg-1.jpg

Close up of "26"
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7/s28dmu-1.jpg

Close up of the extra piece on the rear left of the receiver
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7/zk3428-1.jpg

This is the web site where you can get info on upgrades, etc to your SKS

Survivor's SKS Boards - Index

Very nice rifle!

That hunk of metal is a scope base.

What you have is a fairly rare commercial SKS variant that came with an original Chinese scope and mount. There were several different types, all of which are uncommon and sought after by certain collectors.

You would be better off selling this rifle and buying a more common variant to "improve." Or better yet, buy one that has already been "improved" so you don't ruin a good, original condition SKS. ;)

You should be able to get enough for your rifle to pay for a common variety and some money left over to put towards the purchase of whatever accessories you want.

Post some photos of your rifle over on Survivors SKS board and the experts will likely share some more information with you and can show you what type of scope and mount it original was designed for. Don't tell them you are going to re-finish.

Thanks guys for your input and help.

I forgot to mention in my post that I under no circumstances will sell this rifle as it was my first ever firearm and bought by my dad...I am a very sentimental person. Any pictures of the scope mounted to this rifle?

Benton - Thanks for the link...I have family in town right now and don't have time to check it but definitely will very soon.

---------- Post added at 09:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 PM ----------

And can I still fit Tech-sights on this rifle, or am I SOL?

You have a Navy Arms style rail (also called a Type 89 rail). Do some searching for "Cowboy Companion" to learn more about your rare rifle. I understand your desire to keep it (I would , too!). You should resist the temptation to modify it in any permanent way. You'll regret it later! Spend your time and money on tracking down an original scope and mount to restore that rifle to it's former glory. :)

The top rifle is what it should have for a scope and mount - pictures courtesy of AKBLUE a gentlemen with an extraordinary collection of these rare pieces.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5073/p1031112fa2.jpg
Top image is a closer view of the scope and mount...
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/378/p1171209gd7.jpg
http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/5092/p8110012gf8.jpg

---------- Post added at 11:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:07 PM ----------

This is the scope you need...I sold this one a couple of years ago. It was missing the rubber eye cup.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...10100011-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...10100031-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...10100041-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...10100051-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...P1010003-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...P1010005-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...P1010006-1.jpg

Thanks JJ...really helped a lot. After getting more info on it, and talking with my buddy and pops, I think I am going to do my best to restore it instead of modify it. I still have the wooden gas tube cover that came on it (assuming it's original), which is the only thing not showing in the picture. My plans right now are to sand that and the stock down and re-clear them to clean it up, polish/clean the bolt carrier, generally clean up the rifle (barrel is in great shape and it shoots excellent), and I still want tech-sights if possible...I'm just not a fan of the stock sights. Thanks again everyone for all the advice and help!

Yes, the wood top gas tube cover is original. Great that you have it!

Obviously it's your rifle and you can do what you want, but sanding is not something you do to "restore" a rifle like this.

It really doesn't look bad in the photos AT ALL. Why sand and re-finish?

If you are determined to re-finish it, get some Citristrip to remove the original finish (I can't believe I'm giving advice on how to ruin a collectible SKS!) and then use an amber or clear shellac. At least it would still have somewhat of an original look to it. :(

The pictures don't really show it but the stock is beat up pretty bad...it adds character I guess haha. I definitely don't want to "ruin" the rifle at all. I've had it this way for 8+ years now with no issues so I can definitely live with it in its' condition. I'm just glad I got more info on it before I did something crazy like have it completely refinished with Duracoat or something. Maybe I'll pick up a cheap Mosin to play with (I have to modify stuff...it's a problem I have)...or just a 10/22...or build my Glock 17. I have too many ideas and not enough expendable income to complete them...story of my life.

Thanks again for all of the info and for helping with my newb-ness...now, to post some pics of my Arisaka (maybe?) over in the Japanese section and see exactly what I have there.

I shoot my SKS regularly. I've seen and fired many modded versions of the SKS but I always prefer the original configuration. It feels and works right.

Looking forward to seeing your Arisaka in the Japanese forum. I just purchased a Type 38 and will be picking it up tomorrow.

I'd choose a modern rifle like the 10/22 or an AR15 if you want to modify something. Rifles with history are better left alone. You don't want to become "Bubba."

Benton - Here is the link to my thread on the Arisaka I was talking about

Need help with my rifle...Arisaka of some sort I think.


JJJ - I really want to build a 10/22 from the ground up (cheaper to shoot) or buy an AR15, but I don't see anything wrong with slightly modifying a weapon with history. My buddy has a Mosin that he has done a lot to, but nothing is irreversible. Who knows which route I will go until I actually do it