It’s a letter series (1959) Honor Guard.
Based on inspection, it appears unfired.
Nice Honor Guard SKS!
Produced in original Type 56 configuration ca. 1959-60, proof fired, accepted into service with the PLA, probably fired a number of times, refurbished to Honor Guard configuration for export, likely proof-fired again.
Unfired since import is an untestable hypothesis? Possibly? Can’t be proven or refuted.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on August 19, 2024, 11:44:28 AM
Nice Honor Guard SKS!
Produced in original Type 56 configuration ca. 1959-60, proof fired, accepted into service with the PLA, probably fired a number of times, refurbished to Honor Guard configuration for export, likely proof-fired again.
Unfired since import is an untestable hypothesis? Possibly? Can’t be proven or refuted.
Thanks!
I suppose that’s true. Thankfully nothing appears force matched with the exception of magazine for import. No grinding or reprints on the serials. The bore has no copper deposits and no sign of use on the ejector. There isn’t any piston imprinting on carrier no carbon in gas port.
If it had some services with live fire that would be personally pretty cool. But given what I’ve seen it that doesn’t seem realistic. It seems that it was pushed to honor guard immediately as the gastube has a fitment issue. From my understanding rifles that had imperfections were pushed to HG due to reliability issues.
I would be very surprised if it wasn't a standard issue type 56 that got selected for honor guard duty (I had never heard that carbines with imperfections were selected for HG usage due to reliability issues before, but that's certainly a plausible hypothesis)
The fact the stock is not the original side swivel with S/N, the receiver has most certainly been reblued, and the gas tube has fitment issues would lead me to believe that the carbine in it's original state actually saw a fair bit of use. They most certainly stripped and thoroughly cleaned everything prior to reblue and/or nickel plating. Whether that would account for the unused appearance of the carbine today is certainly debatable.
It is implausible in my mind that a 1959-60 dated type 56 would see zero use until it was converted to an honor-guard style weapon anywhere from 15 to 30 years later though. The only pristine condition carbines that one might even consider to be "unfired, unissued, unrefubished" would the cache guns found in their crates in Vietnam or very late production (year 23+) carbines imported during the late 80's & early 90's.
Quote from: running-man on August 20, 2024, 10:40:47 AM
I would be very surprised if it wasn't a standard issue type 56 that got selected for honor guard duty (I had never heard that carbines with imperfections were selected for HG usage due to reliability issues before, but that's certainly a plausible hypothesis)
The fact the stock is not the original side swivel with S/N, the receiver has most certainly been reblued, and the gas tube has fitment issues would lead me to believe that the carbine in it's original state actually saw a fair bit of use. They most certainly stripped and thoroughly cleaned everything prior to reblue and/or nickel plating. Whether that would account for the unused appearance of the carbine today is certainly debatable.
It is implausible in my mind that a 1959-60 dated type 56 would see zero use until it was converted to an honor-guard style weapon anywhere from 15 to 30 years later though. The only pristine condition carbines that one might even consider to be "unfired, unissued, unrefubished" would the cache guns found in their crates in Vietnam or very late production (year 23+) carbines imported during the late 80's & early 90's.
Awesome feedback - thank you.
I connected with AJ at the triangle 26 channel and he noted that HG would be often selected in the production process that had quality fitment related issues. Not sure if this applies to mine or not. Regardless - I agree with both of you more as this has likely seen some level of service.
I’ve been searching for HG information and where they were first converted. The service life and timeline is vague. But from what I’ve noticed is that the sidesling is the most prominent variation and one that remains in use. The bottom swivel is not actively used in colour photos that I’ve seen. The stock colour is certainly older as well as they is not something typically used as they often have a darker or reddish stain.
HG that are on the market here in Canada often have the bottom sling swivel and frequent have the same stain on the stock. Not sure if this is an import/batch specific occurrence.
Does anybody have information or can link to information on HG service dates /branch variations? There seems to be a gap in information on these comparative to other variations.