First time trying to post pictures, so bear with me.
Here's a few photos of my most recent acquisition. Picked it up from Classic Firearms before the most recent shipment, posted a little about it over in the Classic Firearms tracking thread. Here's what I know:Serial # is 59XXX, and ALL numbers match. I paid for a milled receiver and got one, I didn't pay for the hand select. There are no Chinese characters or arsenal markings whatsoever. Manufactured in 1956/early 1957?
It was COVERED in Cosmoline. Once I field stripped it, and washed off all the Cosmoline with mineral spirits, I found that bluing is pretty much nonexistent, with minor surface wear. It looks like someone took a Brillo pad to a few spots here and there with no rhyme or reason to it.
Bore is chromed, clean and bright with no pitting. Gas tube is clean as well with no pitting. I'm not thrilled with the condition of the firing pin, but it is clean and rattles freely. I took apart the bolt carrier, soaked everything down, dried it off and gave it a blast of Hoppes.
Stock is chewed up, but intact with no cracks. Lots of trench art and what appears to be the name of a prior owner...Simon? Cleaning rod, but no cleaning kit.
Spike bayonet, but stock has cut for blade bayonet. Pretty sure the stock is not the original. Lighter colored wood, no serial numbers. Head scratcher here: did I get a replacement stock, or a replacement bayonet?
Sling swivel is on the underside of the stock and is solid.
I've purchased surplus stripper clips, 100 rounds of Wolf, and a sling. Brought it by my local gun store for a once over, they said it looks solid, and that "If this rifle could talk, it would tell stories. You wouldn't understand them though, because you don't speak Chinese."
Looking forward to taking it out to the range. Planning on loading one round and firing, then loading two rounds and firing to ensure there's no risk of slamfire or cycling issues before I load a full stripper clip.
(https://i.ibb.co/ys26V1M/20190510-082906.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DKd9Ly6)
(https://i.ibb.co/D5fBCZH/20190510-082859.jpg) (https://ibb.co/18GCqkt)
(https://i.ibb.co/yV1B92q/20190510-082657.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3kqY3Kc)
(https://i.ibb.co/gjJ3S1F/20190510-082638.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DVQt9Xg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3C6pYrJ/20190510-082450.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S3Yt7sL)
(https://i.ibb.co/G5mwm87/20190510-082409.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9rPXP1n)
(https://i.ibb.co/6JGwm9C/20190510-082334.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x8wLD9T)
(https://i.ibb.co/WnjfcR0/20190510-082255.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VV5Tvkx)
(https://i.ibb.co/z54y69h/20190510-082205.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xs7pF9S)
Running-man nailed it earlier based on just your description. A ghost gun, ca. 1956. Has a replacement stock and a replacement spike bayonet (was issued with a blade) installed upside down. Looks like a good shooter with some interesting trench art. thumb1
Thanks, Phosphorus32! I wasn't sure if the bayonet was installed correctly or not, but I had a sneaking suspicion that it was installed upside down.
The bayonet does sag a little from the stock, enough to trigger a little OCD, but nothing that I'm too concerned with. I'm thinking about flipping it around, but that might be a little labor intensive...plus, with the blade groove as opposed to a spike groove in the stock, I'm not sure flipping it around would make it flush with the stock.
Is it a pain to flip around?
Flipping the bayonet is as easy as removing the screw, with the tension released by pulling the handle as you back the screw out...sliding it out of handle and spring, flipping it 180 degrees and then, reinstall.
My question is...would it be considered a faux pas putting the blade it was made for back on it? It would drive me nuts leaving it with the spike...possibly enough to leave it upside down. If shooting for historical (in)accuracy...might as well also leave it upside down? chuckles1
I am almost kind of glad I wasn't in a position to roll the dice when these came up, but you getting such an early gun mixed in with so many 'newer' is pretty rad. I would be on the hunt for a beat up dinged blade that would suit it's appearace myself...the OCD is real.
Thanks, Justin Hell! If that's the case, I may try flipping the bayonet around.
I did a cursory search for blade bayonets, and I was frankly stunned by the prices that I saw. I would almost rather just spend that money on ammunition!
I hemmed and hawed about pulling the trigger on buying a rifle sight unseen, and hoping for the best. I also made the mistake of checking back in on Classic's website to see other customer photos. I think the majority of customers got nicer looking rifles than I did, but I also know the prices continue to climb, and I've wanted an SKS for years. Now I've got one with some history!
Hopefully I've got a solid shooter here.
I do need a new safety spring. My safety catch is attached, but the spring looks like it snapped off. Any recommendations?
Quote from: echo83 on May 10, 2019, 06:40:54 PM
Pretty sure the stock is not the original. Lighter colored wood, no serial numbers.
Nice looking ghost gun. I like how the stock shows a lot of character. Is it possible that the serial number might be obscured or partially obscured by a ding or gouge? Fonts on the ghosts are very small. Sometimes you have to look really close. Anyway, nice rifle. Congratulations.
Thanks, Ghost51xxx! I took a magnifying glass to every inch of it, when I was trying to figure out where the (nonexistent) arsenal markings are. Everything on the metal is pretty easy to see, but the stock is like one of those Magic Eye posters; you stare at it for ages before you see something.
The Albanian replacement stocks were not serialized. Their “refurbishment program” rofl consisted of: is the stock shattered? If yes, slap a repacement on. Is it missing the bayonet? If yes, grab one from the pile and put it on.
That things a gem ! I agree with others, Find a blade bayonet. Hang it over your fireplace. Someone didnt finish SIMONAF on the stock. Probably got shot screwing around..😁 Pax
Quote from: Justin Hell on May 11, 2019, 12:54:58 AM
Flipping the bayonet is as easy as removing the screw, with the tension released by pulling the handle as you back the screw out...sliding it out of handle and spring, flipping it 180 degrees and then, reinstall.
My question is...would it be considered a faux pas putting the blade it was made for back on it? It would drive me nuts leaving it with the spike...possibly enough to leave it upside down. If shooting for historical (in)accuracy...might as well also leave it upside down? chuckles1
I am almost kind of glad I wasn't in a position to roll the dice when these came up, but you getting such an early gun mixed in with so many 'newer' is pretty rad. I would be on the hunt for a beat up dinged blade that would suit it's appearace myself...the OCD is real.
Oh, the OCD is most definitely real.
I flipped the bayonet today. Watched a bunch of videos, gathered my tools and prepared for the worst. Turns out it was a cinch to flip it. The screw was easy to back out. Cleaned a bunch of carbon/Cosmoline out of the area and reinstalled the bayonet. (I thought I had mineral spirited/sweated out most of the Cosmoline at the range, but this thing will most likely sweat for another few years.)
Unfortunately, there is still a slight gap between the bayonet and stock. No way it's ever going to be flush.
Now I'm at the edge of a rabbit hole...
Do I purchase a blade bayonet, and call it a day? (Blade bayonets seem impossible to find, and I'm pretty reluctant to drop $85.00 on one. Seriously. I found one listed for $85.00.) I think a blade bayonet is the way my SKS was always meant to be...
Do I purchase a stock for a spike bayonet and hope the stock fits my SKS? I kind of hate losing the character of my existing blade bayonet stock, with the trench art and all. Feels like I'm erasing history just to make a bayonet that was never supposed to fit on my SKS fit into a stock. Also, it seems like a lot of work and may end up costing more than a bayonet.
I know I'm overthinking this, but as it is written...the OCD is real.
Quote from: echo83 on June 09, 2019, 08:07:07 PM
Quote from: Justin Hell on May 11, 2019, 12:54:58 AM
Flipping the bayonet is as easy as removing the screw, with the tension released by pulling the handle as you back the screw out...sliding it out of handle and spring, flipping it 180 degrees and then, reinstall.
My question is...would it be considered a faux pas putting the blade it was made for back on it? It would drive me nuts leaving it with the spike...possibly enough to leave it upside down. If shooting for historical (in)accuracy...might as well also leave it upside down? chuckles1
I am almost kind of glad I wasn't in a position to roll the dice when these came up, but you getting such an early gun mixed in with so many 'newer' is pretty rad. I would be on the hunt for a beat up dinged blade that would suit it's appearace myself...the OCD is real.
Oh, the OCD is most definitely real.
I flipped the bayonet today. Watched a bunch of videos, gathered my tools and prepared for the worst. Turns out it was a cinch to flip it. The screw was easy to back out. Cleaned a bunch of carbon/Cosmoline out of the area and reinstalled the bayonet. (I thought I had mineral spirited/sweated out most of the Cosmoline at the range, but this thing will most likely sweat for another few years.)
Unfortunately, there is still a slight gap between the bayonet and stock. No way it's ever going to be flush.
Now I'm at the edge of a rabbit hole...
Do I purchase a blade bayonet, and call it a day? (Blade bayonets seem impossible to find, and I'm pretty reluctant to drop $85.00 on one. Seriously. I found one listed for $85.00.) I think a blade bayonet is the way my SKS was always meant to be...
Do I purchase a stock for a spike bayonet and hope the stock fits my SKS? I kind of hate losing the character of my existing blade bayonet stock, with the trench art and all. Feels like I'm erasing history just to make a bayonet that was never supposed to fit on my SKS fit into a stock. Also, it seems like a lot of work and may end up costing more than a bayonet.
I know I'm overthinking this, but as it is written...the OCD is real.
Keep the stock, replace the bayonet. You aren't removing anything original by removing the wrong bayonet and replacing it with the correct one. If you want to shoot it, you probably would want to remove the spike, or raise eyebrows at the range with it deployed.
You can usually find much better deals on them than $85...but the trend is upward. Nice thing is, you should be able to get a better deal on a slightly beat up one, and it will look better than a brand new looking one on this gun. They have a tendency to get nicks when folks slam them shut into the ferrule. Try eBay...look for misspellings bayonette for instance. Sometimes you can find them simply listed as Russian bayonet if the person selling doesn't know. You likely won't be able to tell the difference if it's a matte grey finish...anything else is certainly early Russian. Avoid Yugo bayonets for the SKS, they won't fit.
I would hook you up, but my only spare is a chromed Russian, with blood rust corrosion possibly...which would be so very wrong. :)
Ha! I'm picky, but not that picky. It would eliminate the current gap and rattle, and "There's blood corrosion on it because someone got jabbed with it. You know...because...it's a bayonet." is a way better story than "Why the spike bayonet? Yeah, they just slapped that on there for the next sap unlucky enough to be issued this rifle."
Are all blade bayonets interchangeable with my SKS, or should I be on the lookout for a particular type?
Quote from: echo83 on June 15, 2019, 01:58:13 PM
Ha! I'm picky, but not that picky. It would eliminate the current gap and rattle, and "There's blood corrosion on it because someone got jabbed with it. You know...because...it's a bayonet." is a way better story than "Why the spike bayonet? Yeah, they just slapped that on there for the next sap unlucky enough to be issued this rifle."
Are all blade bayonets interchangeable with my SKS, or should I be on the lookout for a particular type?
You will primarily want to look for a Chinese, but the vast majority of Russians will suit the bill....well, all of them will except the spike version..LOL. Chromed, blued or otherwise black should be left for Russians....most are not like that. Avoid Yugos...most are a different length, the ones that aren't belong on a M59 and should continue on their way back to one.... Anything else you will pay too much for, chances are you won't find it anyway. rofl2
I am gonna hang on to my rusty chromed one, I dig it...and it's an excuse to build another SKS. :)
Being lazy, (and it's too late for me to start researching right now),...does the '56 Ghost have a side-sling mount issued on the buttstock? I don't see a good close-up pic of the left side of the buttstock where the Serial Number would be, if it has one. If the '56 Ghost was only issued with a side-sling mount, then it stands to reason that his may be a replacement stock at some time? echo83, a couple good, clear close-up pics of the left side of your buttstock would help us to possibly identify any serial numbers. thumb1
I agree with Justin Hell on the Blade Bayonet. I'd start looking around and watch for mis-labeled, mis-spelled auctions. You should find one for about half the $85.00 price, but don't be surprised if it isn't too much below that price. They are out there, though. It's all timing. And a little dumb luck don't hurt!! :)
BTW, Welcome to the board!
firstchoice
1955/56: "test run" of Soviet Sinos, ~ 2k guns
1956: non-/26\ marked (ghosts, sterile) ~160k guns, sequincially serialed from the Soviet-Sinos
1957: non-/26\ marked (ghosts, sterile) ~51k guns,
1957: six digit /26\, ~136k guns, sequincially serialed from the "Ghosts"
1957: 2 mil /26\, ~64k guns, first appearance of the year designator mid year
1958: 3 mil /26\, ~215k guns, first appearance of the side sling swivel and long finger groove stock.
1959/60: Letter prefix /26\, possibly up to ~360k guns (360k guns would indicate two years worth of production)
Additional info on later years:
1961: 6 mil /26\ long-lug, side-swivel, large-font stock <----First arrival of the (type 56) Chinese characters on the receiver.
1962: 7 mil /26\ long-lug, side-swivel, large-font stock
1963: 8 mil /26\ long-log, side-swivel, large-font stock
1964: 9 mil /26\ long to short lug swap at 9.1-9.2m, side-swivel, large-font stock, bayo change to spike
1965: 10 mil /26\ short-lug, side swivel relocated to bottom mid year, large-font stock
1966: 11 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock <---- First arrival of stamped trigger housings, two piece gas-tube, plus the deletion of the carrier and bay lug lightening cuts
1967: 12 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1968: 13 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1969: 14 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1970: 1.5 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1971: 1.6 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1972- 1977: Rifles were not produced at /26\. Production shift to other arsenals for Jianshe /26\ to focus on the T63
1978: 23 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock, <--- first arrival of the "french tickler" handguard
1979: 24 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
1980: 25 mil /26\ short-lug, bottom-swivel, spike-bayo, large-font stock
Quote from: firstchoice on June 16, 2019, 05:37:53 AM
Being lazy, (and it's too late for me to start researching right now),...does the '56 Ghost have a side-sling mount issued on the buttstock? I don't see a good close-up pic of the left side of the buttstock where the Serial Number would be, if it has one. If the '56 Ghost was only issued with a side-sling mount, then it stands to reason that his may be a replacement stock at some time? echo83, a couple good, clear close-up pics of the left side of your buttstock would help us to possibly identify any serial numbers. thumb1
I agree with Justin Hell on the Blade Bayonet. I'd start looking around and watch for mis-labeled, mis-spelled auctions. You should find one for about half the $85.00 price, but don't be surprised if it isn't too much below that price. They are out there, though. It's all timing. And a little dumb luck don't hurt!! :)
BTW, Welcome to the board!
firstchoice
Appreciate it, firstchoice! I'm pretty certain the stock is a replacement, as well as the bayonet. No serial numbers whatsoever on the stock, and the groove on it is for a blade bayonet as opposed to spike. All other serial numbers are matching though.
It's interesting to see the assortment of parts that go into making an SKS. I'm just glad that the most important ones all stayed together through the years. I think it speaks volumes to the durability and reliability of the platform.
I'm leaning more and more towards replacing the current stock with a spike bayonet stock. (The bayonet OCD is real, and I can't find a decently priced blade bayonet anywhere.)
My material preference is either wood or jungle stock. (I was surprised to find a few jungle stocks that seem pretty affordable.)
Does anyone have a list of vendors they prefer, or a list to avoid?
sometimes eBay has some stocks.
I just posted a link to 2 more stocks in the for sale forum.
Arise, zombie post, ARISE!
Against my better judgement, I'm necro-ing my own post, but hear me out.
I've purchased a blade cut stock as a replacement, and have laid aside the stock my SKS came with. The new stock has a little wear and tear on it still (just the way I like it) and is a perfect fit. Best of all, it's a close match to my handguard, so I didn't have to mess around with finding and fitting a handguard to the gas tube, which I was dreading.
My search for a blade bayonet continues. Is there a better source than Ebay?
ebay or GunBroker are your best bets these days. It definitely takes patience and money to locate a blade bayonet.
Those items also come up on the auction houses (Proxibid, iCollector, etc. are the online services that handle dozens/hundreds of different auction houses). Do a search for SKS bayonet, for example.