Laminate Refurb Stock with Crossbolt Stamps?

cztulsa · November 12, 2016, 10:38:41 PM

I was somewhat under the impression that sharp crossbolt inpsection stamps were indicative of a non-refurb (in most cases). Ran across one today that was a letter gun with the laminate stock, two crossbolts, but had sharp inspection stamps around the front crossbolt. All number appeared to match, and it was a very nice rifle. Wasn't too keen on the price ($650), but otherwise was of interest to me. So would a refurb have what appeared to be original, sharp stamps around the crossbolt?

pcke2000 · November 12, 2016, 11:22:40 PM

without pictures it's hard to tell if it's a refurb. However I did see a refurb Tula hard wood stock (with XXXX on original serial number) had all inspection cartouches around crossbolt present.

cztulsa · November 13, 2016, 08:23:30 AM

Quote from: pcke2000 on November 12, 2016, 11:22:40 PM
without pictures it's hard to tell if it's a refurb. However I did see a refurb Tula hard wood stock (with XXXX on original serial number) had all inspection cartouches around crossbolt present.

How weird; This one had the original SN stamped as well. I was always under the impression that the 2nd crossbolt at the wrist was also a refub giveaway, but this one I'm not completely sure.

Loose}{Cannon · November 13, 2016, 08:30:43 AM

The second crossbolt is a design addition to the laminate..... All laminated Russians have them and its not a 'sign' of refurb.

That being said, I think people may be putting entirely too much faith in identifying non furbs and furbs based on stock stamps near the crossbolt.

martin08 · November 13, 2016, 08:59:37 AM

Did it have the garnet red finish vs brown? If so, probably was original.

I have $650 in the following. Thought it was worth it.

cztulsa · November 13, 2016, 09:07:27 AM

Quote from: martin08 on November 13, 2016, 08:59:37 AM
Did it have the deep garnet red finish? If so, probably was original.

Sad, but I can't remember exactly. All exterior numbers matched, all stamps were sharp and clear, blued finish (no BBQ), and if I remember right, it was a "K" letter suffix. I may go back to the show and see if it's still there, maybe offer him a bit less and see if he bites. I'll want to break it down and examine the guts and SNs inside. Damned nice rifle to be sure, and I don't have a '58 in the stable.

On another note, another guy had a very nice 77(?) Albanian, but was at $750 for it. All exterior numbers including stock matched on that one as well. Told me to make an offer, but didn't want to piss him off. Would like that beauty in the safe as well.

Loose}{Cannon · November 13, 2016, 09:10:55 AM

Dont see alot of 77 Albanians.... But 76 is the very hard one to find. A 77 value like any other would depend on condition and all matching. 75-80℅ condition and all matching.... Maybe $650-700

cztulsa · November 13, 2016, 09:27:49 AM

So if that Russian turns out to be a very nice, light refurb, is $650 out of line? I'd be happier in the $550 area, but I'm not too knowledgeable on letter guns. This one appeared to be pretty nice, even if a refurb.

I'll pick on the guy with the Albanian; I'd like to have it too. He was impressed that I was the only guy who knew what it was, and said he got a lot of "overpriced Chinese" remarks. Not surprised. Maybe me being the only offer might sway him a little.....it is the last day of the big show, after all.

cztulsa · November 13, 2016, 03:06:46 PM

OK - having a bit of buyer's remorse, but did pick up the Russian. Broke it down there at the show, and all numbers match, from buttplate to gas piston. All cartouches present, and it is the deep red shellac over the laminate. It's also an "I" letter, not a "K". Never paid that kind of money for an SKS before ($620 out the door), so I feel a little stupid, but I'm fairly certain that it is a non-refurb and it's in very nice condition. I'll post pics later.

Thought long and hard about the Albanian, but just didn't want to leave the show completely broke. Guy said he'd go $700 on it, and I know where he works, so I'm sure I could get ahold of him if I change my mind.

pcke2000 · November 13, 2016, 03:31:01 PM

Quote from: cztulsa on November 13, 2016, 03:06:46 PM
OK - having a bit of buyer's remorse, but did pick up the Russian. Broke it down there at the show, and all numbers match, from buttplate to gas piston. All cartouches present, and it is the deep red shellac over the laminate. It's also an "I" letter, not a "K". Never paid that kind of money for an SKS before ($620 out the door), so I feel a little stupid, but I'm fairly certain that it is a non-refurb and it's in very nice condition. I'll post pics later.

Thought long and hard about the Albanian, but just didn't want to leave the show completely broke. Guy said he'd go $700 on it, and I know where he works, so I'm sure I could get ahold of him if I change my mind.

if it's a non-refurb letter gun with the original laminated stock, $620 is a very good price

cztulsa · November 13, 2016, 04:22:10 PM

martin08 · November 13, 2016, 07:59:45 PM

That's a nice looking gun, and looks unrefurbished from your pics.

I would have ZERO remorse about the price. It's a good deal.

running-man · November 13, 2016, 09:07:44 PM

You likely got quite a good deal on that gun. Would love to see additional photos so I can enter it into the database. Each individual gun helps in is own way.