SKS Identification/Factory/Manufacture Date Assistance

[WSchlesner]

Hello,

I bought my first SKS around a year ago and I have been trying to figure out which Factory it was made in and when it was made. All I know is that it is a Chinese SKS because of the import mark (I assume). I have not been able to find out any other information. The Factory mark looks weird and there are no Chinese writing on it. Any assistance would be great to help me figuring this out.

I have attached some pictures to look at of the rifle. If more pictures are needed please let me know. I have the rifle currently broken down for cleaning.

Thanks

[Matchka]

WS, leaving the forensics to the gurus; especially what I presume is a QC stamp (2) on the stock, is one very fine specimen, sir.

[Phosphorus32]

Welcome!

That's a very nice condition  letter series Type 56 made at factory /26\, aka Jianshe Arsenal. It was most likely made in 1959, although it could be 1960, as some uncertainty remains regarding which letter blocks were used in which of those two years. This predates the "Type 56" 五六式 stamp by one year, hence the lack of Chinese writing. You'd need a blade bayonet to complete it.

Further reading below:
https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=360.0

[WSchlesner]

Thanks for all of the information! I wasn't a 100% sure what the info on this SKS might be because of the markings.

I have ordered a Bayonet and just waiting for it to come in now to add that to the rifle.

If there is any other information that might be able to be gathered from this let me know I have all of the components broken down and can take more pictures.

Thanks!

[WSchlesner]

I was looking over the rifle again and noticed that there is a half star on the right side of the stock. What does this mean I've read a few different things about that?

[Phosphorus32]

I don't think anyone knows on the star (it's a half star due to an off-center strike) or triangle markings on the wood. Most likely inspection markings, i.e., quality control checkpoints, or final acceptance.

That's great that you've identified a bayonet, the addition of the blade will really make this one a winner.

[running-man]

As P32 has stated, that's an extremely nice condition letter gun.  There are precious few of those around in that condition.  My running hypothesis is that the star marking on the right side of the stock is indicative of an early refurb marking but the jury is still out.  Yours looks to maybe have been lightly refurbished (I'm waffling on whether the bolt S/N stamping is original or scrubbed and remarked).  At any rate, very nice type 56, thanks for sharing! 

[ffjoey]

That is a beautiful rifle. Once the blade is on it it will be really something

[Bob_The_Student]

Agreed, very nice!

[WSchlesner]

Thanks everyone!
Looking to expand my knowledge on my rifle and SKS's in general so I know what to be looking for when I see one up for sale

[Larry D.]

Very nice SKS you have there.

Seriously, not just blowing smoke. Pretty nice rifle that I'd be proud to own.

Stick around, WSchlesner, you've found the best SKS site on the planet. Some very knowledgeable people here.

Some pretty cool dudes as well. No ego matches, purse swinging, or wiener measuring here. We're all here to learn.

And to drool over other folks new acquisitions.....

[Justin Hell]

 

That is absolutely beautiful. I was almost positive what it was just seeing the first pic with the lightly and haphazardly struck /26\

I have a letter series built from a barrelled receiver... I've been trying to locate a proper stock for it, but I don't think I have ever seen one so nice. If I did, I would probably pass, because the receiver is pitted worse than the moon.  For all I know I may have a letter series stock, but it's been sanded to the point of looking anorexic and the serial is long gone. Blade bayonet side swivel stocks are pretty hard to find.  You just set the bar in my eyes for what to look for.

Congrats! That is a purty girl! 

[ffjoey]

The stock looks almost Russian. I am in love with that rifle.

[Bubbazinetti]

Welcome from NH.Very nice Type 56 sir.Like the good looking wood.

[firstchoice]

Awesome specimen, WSchlesner! That looks really well taken care of.

The star on the stock..., is there any evidence that the Soviets supplied any stocks during that time period? I know there were Soviet parts that came in and were used in the early years. Just not sure if stocks were brought over and if they were, how long did they last, as far as Soviet vs. Chinese wood, etc.? 

That may be a question without an answer. Just curious if anyone knew or had an opinion.

firstchoice

[Bacarnal]

Welcome from Kentucky, WS!!  Very nice weapon.  As with other comments, the stock on it is superb.  I'm with FC wondering if it wasn't supplied by the Soviets since the Sino-Soviet split had not happened at that point. Very good piece from a industrial historic standpoint, and the blade bayonet you have coming in will top it off .

[carls sks]

hi WS and welcome. good to have you here. sweet sks. 

[ffjoey]

Awesome specimen, WSchlesner! That looks really well taken care of.

The star on the stock..., is there any evidence that the Soviets supplied any stocks during that time period? I know there were Soviet parts that came in and were used in the early years. Just not sure if stocks were brought over and if they were, how long did they last, as far as Soviet vs. Chinese wood, etc.? 

That may be a question without an answer. Just curious if anyone knew or had an opinion.

firstchoice

I agree, it looks like a Tula mark and the wood looks really similar to Russian as well. I’m certainly no expert but that stock is really interesting.