I won this "Chinese SKS" (auction title) on "Dun Broke" last week and it just arrived. I followed it because I thought it might be an Israeli Capture, given the laminate stock and thought perhaps the SN was a 7 million since the auction photos were of insufficient resolution to discern the actual serial numbers, or the star. But I was happy to pay the modest price to fulfill my curiosity. The seller sent me some pics after the sale and I saw...
It's a matching 1958 Tula, IO Inc import that escaped the, ahem, accidental swapping of those odd receiver covers with the stars and years on them. Staked bayonet bolt, no Russian refurbishment marks. Original stock is just about devoid of its original shellac save for a few spots on the right buttstock and the grasping grooves, but it's in great condition. Enjoy!
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2001%20full.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2001%20full.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2002.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2002.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2003.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2003.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2004.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/left%2004.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2001%20full.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2001%20full.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2002.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2002.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2003.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2003.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2004.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/right%2004.jpg.html)
SERIAL NUMBERS
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20receiver.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20receiver.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20rec%20cover.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20rec%20cover.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20bcg.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20bcg.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20tg.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20tg.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20mag.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20mag.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20tube%20piston.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20tube%20piston.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20stock.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/SN%20stock.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/bayo%20lug%20stakes.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/bayo%20lug%20stakes.jpg.html)
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/bayonet.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/SKS%201958%20Tula/bayonet.jpg.html)
Wow Jon, an as-issued '58 Russian sneak with the original red laminate stock. That is impressive. If you paid less than $400 for it, you downright stole it!! Nice score! thumb1
Quote from: running-man on May 08, 2017, 10:12:41 PM
Wow Jon, an as-issued '58 Russian sneak with the original red laminate stock. That is impressive. If you paid less than $400 for it, you downright stole it!! Nice score! thumb1
Thanks Joe!
$355
This one a Monroe gun or Palm Bay? Just entered it into the database, man I'm 10 types of jealous over here! drool2
Oh wow... Nice score man. :o
It's a Monroe
nice, but why via albania?
Quote from: newchi on May 08, 2017, 11:18:43 PM
nice, but why via albania?
One of the imports from Albania that came in from 2012-2014. This one has an IO Inc, Monroe, NC import stamp, one of the three importers of these. Commonly referred to as a Russian sneak.
That is the hottest bestest sexiest Russian I think I have ever seen.. drool2
Holy **** nice snag dude, I like....congrats man you earned it!
congrats, have fun with it. looking good, thanks for sharing. thumb1
Awesome Find! An as issued with all the right patina and oozing with History! Beautiful rifle.
Very nice and congratulations on the purchase! Very decent price also! thumb1
Best. Sneak. Ever. drool2
Thanks everyone thumb1
Quote from: Power Surge on May 09, 2017, 12:10:53 PM
Best. Sneak. Ever. drool2
Thanks, yeah, it would be hard to beat this one, considering the general condition of the SKSs that came out of Albania.
Quote from: Greasemonkey on May 09, 2017, 12:05:27 AM
That is the hottest bestest sexiest Russian I think I have ever seen.. drool2
(http://i.usatoday.net/Wires2Web/20080905/888963305_Russia_Sexy_Putinx.jpg)
Nice!
I picked up virtually similar, all matching sneak in November. Same "K" series, same cyrillic prefix (ую 2076) in a matching laminate stock. Your stock (and stock serial) are in little bit better condionton than mine. And you got yours for a better price.
Mine shoots straight, but the sear-to-hammer engagement is extremely negative -- which led to a couple of non-triggered discharges when the bolt slammed into battery on a new magazine. Until/unless i get it fixed-- it'll remain in the safe.
Congrats on a sweet additon to your collection.
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?639058-All-matching-Soviet-SKS-45-56-K-suffix-Laminate-stock
Thanks Boris! It's interesting that yours is just 450 away from mine.
Quote from: Boris Badinov on May 10, 2017, 10:35:27 AM
Nice!
I picked up virtually similar, all matching sneak in November. Same "K" series, same cyrillic prefix (ую 2076) in a matching laminate stock. Your stock (and stock serial) are in little bit better condionton than mine. And you got yours for a better price.
Mine shoots straight, but the sear-to-hammer engagement is extremely negative -- which led to a couple of non-triggered discharges when the bolt slammed into battery on a new magazine. Until/unless i get it fixed-- it'll remain in the safe.
Congrats on a sweet additon to your collection.
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?639058-All-matching-Soviet-SKS-45-56-K-suffix-Laminate-stock
I can do a trigger job on it if you want to fix that. You only need to send the trigger assembly.
So, in the US you know its Albanian because the importer said he got them from Albania, but theres no markings or anything that say property of Albania, or stamps or anything, right?
Quote from: newchi on May 10, 2017, 08:54:35 PM
So, in the US you know its Albanian because the importer said he got them from Albania, but theres no markings or anything that say property of Albania, or stamps or anything, right?
Right.
Quote from: newchi on May 10, 2017, 08:54:35 PM
So, in the US you know its Albanian because the importer said he got them from Albania, but theres no markings or anything that say property of Albania, or stamps or anything, right?
It's so much more than that. The collecting community did quite a bit of work before anyone from CAI confirmed the Albanian connection. Martin08 was the one who coined the "Sino-Banian" term after it became clear via trench art (Albanian), replacement stocks (almost exclusively Albanian), and other components like buttplates and bolt carriers (known to be Albanian from 100 miles away because they are so different from all the other flavors). We also found UN data on 2012 Albanian exports that were identified as the CAI imports.
It took a fair amount of data before the connection was solidified and collectors felt comfortable with making the call that these Chinese T56s came to the US via Albania. thumb1
It also took a fair amount of ear bending and/or begging on the part of the importers to convince the BATF that the Chinese guns could be imported, and then be considered as C&R eligible.
I was wondering because, up here, with no import markings, that would just be another Russian gun. I dont have the slightest idea who the importer might be when i leave cabellas with my new toy. For all i know i have Albanians, Lithuanians and Moldovans or whereverians.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 10, 2017, 05:23:23 PM
Thanks Boris! It's interesting that yours is just 450 away from mine.
Yes very interesting that they are so close. Possibly part of the same arms shipment?
Mine was listed on GB as "Russian" and all matching, but the seller was courteous enough to post the photo of the IO "China M56" stamp on the barrel. It had a BIN of $519, and as soon as I saw the K serial and the reciever star I added it to my stockpile.
Quote from: Power Surge on May 10, 2017, 05:35:09 PM
I can do a trigger job on it if you want to fix that. You only need to send the trigger assembly.
Thanks for the offer PS.
Not sure yet if i want to get it done. There is a chance I may trade or sell it.
Phos-
does yours have a mark like this on the barrel ?
(http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p515/borisbadinov/sneak%20stamp/20170301_162453.jpg) (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/borisbadinov/media/sneak%20stamp/20170301_162453.jpg.html)
Hey Boris, I haven't had it out of the stock yet. Where is it located? I'll get back to you when I get a chance to look.
How are you gonna Duracoat it if you don't take it out of the stock?!!?
Oh wait, I've seen guys just rattle can them with the stocks in place, not even bothering to clean the grease or dirt away. Yup, that's a good get-er-done timesaver when you've simply got to get out to practice your bump firing techniques! dance2
(sorry, just been looking at the final GB guns for this month, I'm having severe passive aggressive issues resulting from the PTSD I think)
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 12, 2017, 02:06:07 PM
Hey Boris, I haven't had it out of the stock yet. Where is it located? I'll get back to you when I get a chance to look.
On mine: Left side barrel, just below the RSB .
Quote from: Boris Badinov on May 12, 2017, 03:06:44 PM
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 12, 2017, 02:06:07 PM
Hey Boris, I haven't had it out of the stock yet. Where is it located? I'll get back to you when I get a chance to look.
On mine: Left side barrel, just below the RSB .
Okay, finally took the time to pop it out of the stock, which of course means I have to take the time to clean it :))
Nothing but a couple dozen letters inside triangles, circles or "closed arches" scattered about the barrel and receiver.
Also, matching assembly numbers and aligned indexing marks.
Just a few pictures of the worn "gold" finish on the bayonet in regard to a side-bar conversation.
(https://preview.ibb.co/dt6oV0/left-bayonet-close.jpg) (https://ibb.co/i9SHOL)
(https://preview.ibb.co/nOc6Hf/left-bayonet-whole.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b4bNq0)
(https://preview.ibb.co/dUkhq0/right-bayonet-close.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fucHOL)
(https://preview.ibb.co/jC6Yxf/right-bayonet-whole.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ckahq0)
Bah, this is no good. You're totally not helping my case here! Polish that bayo so it's shiny and silver! Isn't that the way it works: force the evidence match the theory, whatever the cost?! chuckles1
Though in all seriousness, the letter suffix guns all seem to have golden bayos in the as-issued condition without fail. 55's and all Izhevsks seem to follow that trend as well though perhaps not quite as strongly as I found a few outliers in each year. 54's are a mixed bag but mostly golden, 53's are again mostly golden with a few outliers, 52's are a more mixed bag than '54s but this time mostly bright polished and not golden which I thought was interesting. 51's are very inconclusive in that they are all over the map, and 50's don't have enough specimens to even make a guess. Unfortunately many photos showing stake marks and bayos are hit or miss. They could be the original staking or maybe not; a gold colored bayo, a silver bayo, or a bayo that was once gold but has worn off, the resolution in most of mine simply don't show the kind of detail you show here:
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/SKS%201958%20Tula/bayo%20lug%20stakes.jpg)
I see stuff like this '54 (Looks staked and I think it's silver):
(https://image.ibb.co/iPrK3L/KB2441-receiver.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/ftCRiL/KB2441-left-front.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/ctVU3L/KB2441-right-whole.jpg)
or this one (I think it's staked and it looks silver):
(https://image.ibb.co/j4X3V0/T7055-left-front2.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/n0gK3L/T7055-left-front.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/joLqA0/T7055-right-front.jpg)
Quote from: running-man on October 30, 2018, 11:17:24 PM
Bah, this is no good. You're totally not helping my case here! Polish that bayo so it's shiny and silver! Isn't that the way it works: force the evidence match the theory, whatever the cost?! chuckles1
But of course. Null hypothesis?! We don't need no stinking null hypothesis! Cherry pick the data to fit the hypothesis.
Great observations on the bayonet finish usage progression thumb1 I'm looking forward to the release of the definitive guide to the SKS-45 thumb1 :)
Quote from: Greasemonkey on May 09, 2017, 12:05:27 AM
That is the hottest bestest sexiest Russian I think I have ever seen.. drool2
I agree, Its not everyday we see a good ol used Russian .She's Very Cool Phos! Definitely up there in Ranks. And Im happy to see the Garden experimenting and back on the fence. thumb1 Russians don't like flowers with the exception of 8 March.
What better time of year for resurrecting a necro-thread?
I like it! thumb1
Seems like there may be a small cache of 58 sneaks. I have seen four (possibly five?), each of them all-matching. I picked one up for a bargain about two years ago off of a gb BIN. The stock on mine is well maintained, but the most worn of the others I have seen. This op rifle is easily the nicest of them with the other two not far behind (both of which looked to have been cleaned up a bit).
I'm pretty sure P32 got the best deal. I got mine for ~$520. The other two rifles went in the 500-650 range after listing for several no-bid cycles. They're likely somewhere in RM's GB tracking thread.
I seem to recall there having been a thread posted on one of the forums describing a fifth all matching 58 sneak. It was a local listing for a similar bargain that someone was inquiring about. Possibly in this sub forum. (I'll have to check)
Sneaks are probably the most intriguing of the available soviet guns, imho. Especially the all matching examples. I've seen at least one Izhevsk sneak online somewhere, but still waiting to see an all (or mostly) matching '49.
I'll have to drag mine out of the safe to check the bayonet for remnants of protective coating. I don't recall there having been any, but I also can't recall having checked.
Wow, that's a nice looking rifle. Since I'm a rookie to the SKS thing I would've thought that stock was a replacement by the color. Therefore, I really appreciate that you guys post your guns. I'm learning a lot with the examples you post. Not knowing any better I probably would've clicked on that looked at that stock and would've moved on, due to lack of knowledge.
Quote from: Boris Badinov on November 01, 2018, 09:49:20 AM
What better time of year for resurrecting a necro-thread?
I like it! thumb1
Seems like there may be a small cache of 58 sneaks. I have seen four (possibly five?), each of them all-matching. I picked one up for a bargain about two years ago off of a gb BIN. The stock on mine is well maintained, but the most worn of the others I have seen. This op rifle is easily the nicest of them with the other two not far behind (both of which looked to have been cleaned up a bit).
I'm pretty sure P32 got the best deal. I got mine for ~$520. The other two rifles went in the 500-650 range after listing for several no-bid cycles. They're likely somewhere in RM's GB tracking thread.
I seem to recall there having been a thread posted on one of the forums describing a fifth all matching 58 sneak. It was a local listing for a similar bargain that someone was inquiring about. Possibly in this sub forum. (I'll have to check)
Sneaks are probably the most intriguing of the available soviet guns, imho. Especially the all matching examples. I've seen at least one Izhevsk sneak online somewhere, but still waiting to see an all (or mostly) matching '49.
I'll have to drag mine out of the safe to check the bayonet for remnants of protective coating. I don't recall there having been any, but I also can't recall having checked.
I missed your post BB. Yeah, these are cool. $355 is hard to beat. I did pick up another '58, a year after getting the posted one, for $330, which was a ridiculously low price. Poorly photographed and mislabeled as Chinese on GunBroker. It was a light refurb TU block (really, the only tell, if I recall correctly, was a refurb mark on the cover, so I'm not sure what they refurbed on it). I held it and caressed it for a while but a few months later sold it for $550 to augment my SKS fund.
Quote from: Bob_The_Student on December 17, 2018, 03:14:46 PM
Wow, that's a nice looking rifle. Since I'm a rookie to the SKS thing I would've thought that stock was a replacement by the color. Therefore, I really appreciate that you guys post your guns. I'm learning a lot with the examples you post. Not knowing any better I probably would've clicked on that looked at that stock and would've moved on, due to lack of knowledge.
Thanks! thumb1
Yeah, basically shellac sucks as a field rifle finish. It just sits on the surface of the wood and is easily chipped and then it will start to flake off from that initiation point. Get the wood wet internally, and the shellac may separate from the wood and really get flaky. Spill any alcohol or acetone on the finish, and it'll dissolve and run or get cloudy spots. The Albanians rode their SKSs hard and generally didn't bother with refurbishment (certainly not the type of refurbishment we associate with the USSR), so essentially all of the shellac is gone on this one, accounting for the appearance.