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

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[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

[Mrmaxiron]

thank you very much for the value in the information and all the research.
I come back here time and time again every time I find another SKS I want.
the history and value on this beautiful Russian rifles are priceless.

[clornothing]

I have a 1954r refurbished but according to your information I have an earlier trigger group that doesn't belong to my 1954r, the trigger group is the earlier 1949 has no raise between the trigger guard and mag catch and no trigger arm mount...? Matching original serial numbers! Any idea why I have a mismatch it's all original everything matching have all the newer 1954r parts that identify it clearly but the trigger group seems to be an earlier make but like I said it's all original everything belongs together serial numbers match never grinded down and refinished all original.... So what's the deal with my gun lol please anyone

[Boris Badinov]

The dates stamped on refrubished guns are often incorrect. Stocks and receiver covers were often replaced at refurbishment-- the serials were often struck or scrubbed and restamped to match the refurbished rifle but the dates were commonly left intact.

It is odd that your rifle would have the early trigger group -- since the dates suggest that the rifle was refurbished anywhere between 1954 and 1958-- but it is not unheard of. I have a 1950 Soviet Sneak that is a mix of parts from early to late (early trigger group with late magazine-- all matching except for a chinese reciver cover).

Best way to narrow that date of manufacture is the style of the forward gas port(90degree, 45degree, or Curved) and the number of tabs (1 or 2) on the take down lever on the rear site block.

Also the cyrillic prefix of the serial number may help to narrow the date of manufacture even more precisely.

Can you post some photos?

[clornothing]

As you can see I did detach the factory magazine so I can use a 30rd aftermarket as well as the stock been replaced for a folding and the upper handguard swapped out just for looks lol... Sorry about all the pictures and the glares just trying to get answers I'm just confused with my trigger group. As you can see all original serial numbers not grinded down and restamped how this helps you help me thank you for the response. Oh I forgot to mention I know it wasn't part of the original listing but my front sight is stamped with a number 2 either crossed out or stamped with a 1 over the 2 still lost

[Boris Badinov]

Thanks for posting the pics.

One thing that pops out is that the serial # on the trigger group was applied after re-bluing and bbq-paint was applied. Also the font is different from the rest of the serials. So it is obviously a replacement.

The cyrillic prefix "3E" is a documented prefix on 1954 soviet sks carbines.

It's kinda odd that the trigger is 1.) early design-- since the features indicate 1953 or later and 2.) that the trigger serial was restamped AFTER the black refurb paint was applied.

My best guess would be that the rifle was not refurbed for military use but was instead intended for distribution overseas. For this reason it wouldn't have been necessary to replace the trigger group with the most up-to-date design when any functioning trigger group would render the rifle fully funtctioning and worthy for sale in a foreign market.

With the early trigger design you just have to be aware that there is no leaf spring that adds tension to the safety lever and that the lever can get loose over time from constant use.

Just make sure that you have solid positive sear-to-hammer engagement-- or at the very least a neutral sear-to-hammer engagenment with a long trigger pull with a heavy, gritty trigger. The heavy, friction-laden pull in the SKS trigger is part of the safety mechanism.

[clornothing]

I feel let down I traded an NPAP M70 lol darn either way I let a good couple mags down the barrel functions flawlessly and I can count on it with my life I prefer the smaller handguard compared to an ak47 and the extra feeding options of ammo compared to just magazine fed ak. Can't go wrong with chrome longer barrel too what would you value this rifle as... Just wondering

[Boris Badinov]

what would you value this rifle as... Just wondering

With the original stock and magazine (or stamped refurb replacements)-- between $450 and $525

Without-- maybe $400-450.