Russian SKS45 ID/FAQ collectibles

[datastreamcom]

The visual comparisons are worth gold and provide credible, bankable details otherwise unattainable by the average collector. Great work in the subject.

I will add some of my own documentation, if only for picture-reference, author willing.

Information

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[datastreamcom]

It is what it is folks. Despite showing some refurb marks (barrel, rear sight, blade), the top cover is not stamped as a refurb.
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The stock appears to have the 1st GRAU Arsenal at Balaklaya on the right side (unusual) and one-time force match on the left side.
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I'm seeing a 'K' in a circle, an '(X)', and several /1\ or /9\ in different places.

The bolt is especially storied...
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Comment thoughts or insights. Thanks

[Boris Badinov]

Looks like a great acquisition.

Can you post some full length photos? And a photo of the trigger group internals?

A few things to consider:
The Soviets weren't very consistent with the top cover refurb stamps on the SKS-45. Also, it isn't uncommon to find top-cover dates that do not match the date specific features of the rifle. And it isnt uncommon to find the [/] stamp on the right side of the stock. As already noted, stamp consistency was somewhat lacking and often imprecise -- and seemingly less so in both regards in the final years of Soviet SKS45 production.

If it is an actual 1951 carbine it will have a 45degree gas port (swithched to curved gas port in mid 1952).

Several features suggest that this carbine may have been through several refurbs: The stamp laden bolt (always intriguing the more stamps that appear IMO), the late style laminate stock which wasn't statndardized until late 1955 or early 1956, and the slight differences in the serial number fonts. For font comparison use the receiver stamp as the base point and compare all the others to it. The Cyrillic characters differ in width and style. As well as slight to more obvious differences in the numeral fonts.




Middle gas port is 1951 appropriate:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...P1090961-1.jpg

I just took my 1952-53 Soviet Sneak to the range last weekend. In 20degree weather it shot consistent 4-5' groups out to 75yards.

Post some full length pics when you can.

Nice get!

Boris