First Sks

[SKSfanCanada]

Hi everyone, I just bought my first firearm, a Chinese sks from Cabelas for $199 CAD. I'll attach some pictures, so I've tried to identify it but being a newbie I can't quite figure it out if anyone could help with that it would be appreciated. I hand picked it out of 5 they had there and seemed to be the best looking one, hoping I got a good deal on it. Field stripped it and cleaned off the cosmoline with mineral spirits after the pictures were taken, trigger assembly was HARD to get off lol! Anyways very happy new owner and excited to get into my likely expensive journey of owning firearms.

Cheers!

[martin08]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the SKS.  From your mineral spirits comment, I see you have already come into contact with the cosmoline preservative.  Please be sure the goop is completely removed from the bolt before firing.

[Phosphorus32]

Welcome!

For trigger group removal and installation, make sure the safety is on (lever adjacent to stock).

The serial number begins with 23, so 23rd year of production of the Type 56 = 1978. I can't see the arsenal marking very clearly in the dark photo but it appears to be one of those that is difficult to determine the order of the numbers. Look at the "Arsenal Stamps" sticky: https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=43.0

I know Canadian prices are lower but I don't know your market keenly. In the US, 199 USD would be a steal, let alone 199 CAD.

[SKSfanCanada]

Thanks for the replies guys, the gun was fairly "clean" when I picked it up or so it seemed. I got most of the cosmoline off and made sure the bolt and firing pin was especially clean and that it was floating. Another question I have is after I lube the gun parts is it worth getting some sort of rust protectant? And is Hoppes 9 bore cleaner good enough for cleaning the internal parts in addition to the bore?

I'll get some clearer pics up when I get the chance.

[carls sks]

hi Canada and welcome. good to have you here. that is a beauty. watch out for corrosive ammo and give a good leaning after each use. 

[SKSfanCanada]

hi Canada and welcome. good to have you here. that is a beauty. watch out for corrosive ammo and give a good leaning after each use. 

Absolutely, we have a alot of Chinese surplus over here where I am so stocking up is on the horizon  Saw your signature thanks for your service in Vietnam.

[Bob_The_Student]

I really like that stock is that original/ matching to the gun? I don't think I have seen that grain on Chinese. Can someone enlighten me?

[Larry D.]

Welcome, Canada.
You did well, Sir.

[newchi]

I know Canadian prices are lower but I don't know your market keenly. In the US, 199 USD would be a steal, let alone 199 CAD.

Im out of touch too, but it sure looks like a good deal.

[Loose}{Cannon]

I really like that stock is that original/ matching to the gun? I don't think I have seen that grain on Chinese. Can someone enlighten me?

The tree was feed a lot of grain as a youngster. 

[Bob_The_Student]

I really like that stock is that original/ matching to the gun? I don't think I have seen that grain on Chinese. Can someone enlighten me?

The tree was feed a lot of grain as a youngster.

I should've known better!! 

[SKSfanCanada]

Welcome, Canada.
You did well, Sir.

Thank ya, looking forward to heading out to the range this weekend and putting er through it's paces.

[echo83]

Good looking gun, the stock in particular is really nice! I know Canada has restricted magazines and different import regulations, but I'm continually stunned at the lower prices you all enjoy.

Let us know how the range trip goes!