1957 Tula

[Rozzy]

Recently picked up this sks at auction knowing not much more than the basics; it turned out to be a letter series (I/И) and unfired, nonetheless. The stock is still covered in all the original markings, a few odd ones.

[Greatguns]

Very nice SKS-45 you have there Rozzy, and welcome to the Files

[running-man]

That's a very nice carbine, welcome to the boards!  Something about the stock (and I can't quite put my finger on what *it* is) gives me a bit of the heebie jeebies, but that's probably just me being me!

It's not unusual to see right side stamps on a crossbolt on an "as-issued" '57.  The square 1 or square 7 looks right in place as squares surrounding numbers is particularly common on '57s based on what I've seen in the database. 










Boris is correct on that oval or "0" with the ~ in it.  Very unusual, I've never seen a mark like that before.  There is always something new with these carbines though.  Once you think you know one thing, two more blindside you and you're back to square one! 

[echo1]

Great looking rifle, the stock is boss. The Russians sure like their proofs. PAX

[Boris Badinov]

That's a very nice carbine, welcome to the boards!  Something about the stock (and I can't quite put my finger on what *it* is) gives me a bit of the heebie jeebies, but that's probably just me being me!

It's not unusual to see right side stamps on a crossbolt on an "as-issued" '57.  The square 1 or square 7 looks right in place as squares surrounding numbers is particularly common on '57s based on what I've seen in the database. 

One thing I find particularly interesting about right side crossbolt stamps when we see them, is how often they are paired with sharp edges on the crossbolt inletting holes-- i.e. indicating virtually no wear from use.

All of these examples above are no different. Thanks for sharing these photos, rm.

[Papahound]

 Very nice catch 

Welcome from NC !

[Rozzy]

Thanks a bunch for the inputs. Glad I really got to identify it before I just assumed it was a refurb, that top cover was throwing me off but there was no refurbishment mark or characteristics of any refurb work. Appreciate the help!

[Phosphorus32]

That’s definitely a great looking’57. Congrats on the win 

[Rozzy]

Thanks, I've been on a bit of a lucky streak I guess. Grabbed a 2 digit sn Venezuelan contract fn49 earlier this year, mint barrel and internals. Pretty cool it has a lot of characteristics from some of the preproduction rifles. There's just something special about these midcentury pieces.

[Phosphorus32]

Thanks, I've been on a bit of a lucky streak I guess. Grabbed a 2 digit sn Venezuelan contract fn49 earlier this year, mint barrel and internals. Pretty cool it has a lot of characteristics from some of the preproduction rifles. There's just something special about these midcentury pieces.

Nice rifle. I'm fond of Fabrique Nationale firearms and those FN49s were well build attractive semi-auto battle rifles. The Venezeulan FN49 has eluded me but I have an Egyptian contract in 7.92x57mm and a Luxembourg conract in 7.62x63mm (.30-06)

[Rozzy]

Funny enough I have another Venezuelan that was listed as Egyptian, had some minor "sporting" changes done to it prior. Last month I got a late variant Luxembourg as well.

[Bob_The_Student]

Congrats on your '57. That year letter gun still eludes me.