Russian SKS45 ID/FAQ collectibles

[Blacksheep]

Thanks for the information on this thread. It is exactly what I was looking for.

Information

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[domi88ss]

Hi there, Thanks for all the advices that I got on your forum. I'm a newbie who just bought 4 very nice Russian SKS45 here in Canada. They all are refurbs Tula rifles that I got for 200$ ea. Quality is completely amaising, matching nbrs (no signs of forced matching). Saw a lot of those in different stores and the ones that I got are top quality believe me. From top to bottom : 1950, 1951, 1953 and 1955.

They are from Ukrania, still full of cosmo. Guess they never been fired since they've left the arsenal 50 years ago. I won't fire them neither, kind of collection. I'll stick to my Tapco Russian SKS for shooting.

It's nice that we can still buy them here in Canada but for how long? I mean, they stop making them in 1956, and Russia forbid exporting SKS (I heard of), so the supply won't last. What do you think?

Many thanks again for your very helpfull forum

[bombadillo]

So I was looking at my '53 SKS, everything checks out on your list of non-refurb stuff there, but one thing is a variation. My stock is a laminate, and its not a 56 or past. The thing is, it has the numbers that match the barrel, stock, magazine, receiver, and other parts. EVERYTHING matches for numbers, but the laminate you say is not till later. How is that?

[jjjxlr8]

Man! That '49 is an awesome sight. Thanks for sharing and taking time to put this thread together. Great stuff.

[sandstorm]

possible the stock was the only thing that was replaced .

So I was looking at my '53 SKS, everything checks out on your list of non-refurb stuff there, but one thing is a variation. My stock is a laminate, and its not a 56 or past. The thing is, it has the numbers that match the barrel, stock, magazine, receiver, and other parts. EVERYTHING matches for numbers, but the laminate you say is not till later. How is that?

[rightcoast]

Hello fellow SKS owners. I recently (April 2013) purchased a 1953 Tula Russian package from Cabelas Canada for $250.00 It came with the usual sling, manual, stripper clips, cleaning kit and oil bottle, in a what I'm guessing a standard "western market" cardboard box with "Russin SKS 45" and matching red hammer and sickle.

I am grasping..because of the amazing work and input from sandstorm, some of the idiosyncratic differences of this remarkable weapon. Yes there is a question in here LOL! ..

What does a refurbish stamp, on a laminate stock...the box with-diagonal line...on the right side of the shoulder piece mean? The other stock markings are the serial #.. original and stamped, not XXXX... with an 0 within a small diamond proof-mark beneath it. There was clearly some other refurbishment done, as the serial number on the gas tube, is electo-engraved not stamped. All others are stamped, and matching. There is no other signs of "typical" refurbishment from what I've researched.

Any help would be appreciated, as I would love to smooth out the finish on the stock, as it looks like most in all the pics I've seen of issue ones I've seen, but am afraid it may reduce the value...if there is any. If the consensus is that this is not a collectable, then I will make it a "pretty" shooter

[upon1]

Hello Sandstorm,

Great write up and info on the SKS. I have one and the best I can see from your info is that it is about a 1956 or 57 but with a gas block version 1 as it is the 90 degree front face.

My inquiry is: the type AKM and other prefix letters followed by the model nubmers 56-x are prohibited. Do these fall into this category now? I have looked at the RCMP FRT and have not seen any distiction on their table. While I don't see the stamping that is referred to on the AK for the design manufaturer I just want to ensure that they have not been snuck onto the FRT...yet.

Cheers,

Trevor