Russian SKS Symbol Help and Other

[ozarkmac]

I'm new to the SKS world and have found numerous references for symbols but cannot find what the "CCCP04783" on a lettered Russian SKS means.

Also, is the value of a lettered SKS much lower if the receiver cover has the rebuild mark on it (slash inside the box)?

[Phosphorus32]

I'm new to the SKS world and have found numerous references for symbols but cannot find what the "CCCP04783" on a lettered Russian SKS means.

Also, is the value of a lettered SKS much lower if the receiver cover has the rebuild mark on it (slash inside the box)?

The CCCP#### is an importer's serial number.

The refurb mark is some detraction but relatively minor compared to other factors, in my opinion. The more important factors to me are: fully matching numbers (original preferred, force-matched stock is a ding), condition, lack of bbq paint.

[running-man]

Welcome to the boards!

P32 is right on the mark as usual!    That number is the true serial of your gun as recorded by FFLs and the ATF.  You might check out http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=1105.msg13374#msg13374

CCCP serial numbers were put there by only one importer: CDI.  Many consider the CDI billboard font stampings to be gaudy and to detract from the firearm.  I've read of some collectors that will go so far as to *not* collect anything stamped by CDI regardless of how nice the rest of the gun looks (ridiculous in my book, but whatever floats their boat).  CAI, NHM, and KBI all had smaller import marks and some like CAI in the early years didn't reserialize their Russian guns at all if the lettering was all readable in the Roman Alphabet. 

As for the refurb mark, 99% of guns that are refurbed and don't have the mark are still obviously refubished.  A collector with a good eye will be able to tell how much use any particular gun has, whether it has period correct hardware on it, and whether it is worth paying a premium for.   I think the obviously apparent refurb marks are relied upon a bit too heavily by the noob collectors and good guns at great prices are passed up in search of guns with receiver covers free from stampings that are not necessarily in better shape.  Letter guns are not head and shoulders more collectable than any of the the other common years. 

[Phosphorus32]

RM added some great details.

Also, welcome, glad to have you here!  We always like to see pics of SKSs and other firearms, so please add some if you have them and are inclined to share  Thanks.

By "lettered" I assume you mean a Tula with a letter suffix: Д, И or К. Does it have a laminated stock?

[Dannyboy53]

Welcome Ozarkmac, we hope to see some photos soon!

[ozarkmac]

I'm new to the SKS world and have found numerous references for symbols but cannot find what the "CCCP04783" on a lettered Russian SKS means.

Also, is the value of a lettered SKS much lower if the receiver cover has the rebuild mark on it (slash inside the box)?

The CCCP#### is an importer's serial number.

The refurb mark is some detraction but relatively minor compared to other factors, in my opinion. The more important factors to me are: fully matching numbers (original preferred, force-matched stock is a ding), condition, lack of bbq paint.

Phos32, thanks, I thought as much. Please explain what you mean by "lack of bbq paint."

[ozarkmac]

RM added some great details.

Also, welcome, glad to have you here!  We always like to see pics of SKSs and other firearms, so please add some if you have them and are inclined to share  Thanks.

By "lettered" I assume you mean a Tula with a letter suffix: Д, И or К. Does it have a laminated stock?

Yes, looking at two of them. Sorry, no pics. One is laminated, one is not.  Both are backwards N. 1957, correct? One has 1954 stamped nicely on the stock and the original serial number x'd out on the stock. Looks like original finish on metal, but the bolt carrier is silver. t is not a laminate stock.

[Phosphorus32]

"BBQ paint" is a US collector's term to describe the black paint applied to some of the Russian SKSs during refurbishment. A durable black paint like that applied to BBQ grills. When originally issued, most of the metal surfaces were blued, but the bolt and bolt carrier were in the white (silver).

[spongemonkey]

Welcome to the forum!  If and whenever you can, please post up additional pics!

[Phosphorus32]

RM added some great details.

Also, welcome, glad to have you here!  We always like to see pics of SKSs and other firearms, so please add some if you have them and are inclined to share  Thanks.

By "lettered" I assume you mean a Tula with a letter suffix: Д, И or К. Does it have a laminated stock?

Yes, looking at two of them. Sorry, no pics. One is laminated, one is not.  Both are backwards N. 1957, correct? One has 1954 stamped nicely on the stock and the original serial number x'd out on the stock. Looks like original finish on metal, but the bolt carrier is silver. t is not a laminate stock.

Yes, И is a 1957 Tula. It sounds like the one you describe has the original metal finish but a refurbed stock from a '54. You didn't mention if the SNs matched or not. If the price is right, go for it.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the sticky on the letter series.

http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=764.0

Check the monthly, or yearly, GunBroker listings to get an idea of market price on an SKS-45 in the condition you're looking at.

http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=2331.0

[ozarkmac]

It is all matching and it appears original finish, doesn't have that "BBQ paint" look. The only flaw that I can see (as an amateur) is the force matched serial on the stock and the 1954 on the stock. Otherwise it's in much better condition than all of the like models I've been looking at for the last 2 weeks. Priced at $575 out the door. Haven't tried to negotiate it down yet.

[carls sks]

hi Mac and welcome. good to have you here. good luck in getting a sks, they are fun. 

[Bunker]

Incidentally "СССР" in Russian translates to USSR or the USSR in English depending on the translator.

[Phosphorus32]

It is all matching and it appears original finish, doesn't have that "BBQ paint" look. The only flaw that I can see (as an amateur) is the force matched serial on the stock and the 1954 on the stock. Otherwise it's in much better condition than all of the like models I've been looking at for the last 2 weeks. Priced at $575 out the door. Haven't tried to negotiate it down yet.

Sounds like about $100 more than I'd want to pay but I've got more than one Russian SKS, so I'm picky. Also, I realize you don't have any pictures, but it's hard for any of us to make a clear judgement on condition without them, so take our value opinions with a grain of salt. Furthermore, region (local market) affects value, what the shop owner has into it and what he needs for a margin, and then there's the intangible value of being able to handle it, look down the bore, etc.

[montigre]

CCCP in Cyrillic transcribes to SSSR in our alphabet and translates to: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Союз Советских Социалистических Республик)   

[Loose}{Cannon]

But...  'Union' doesn't start with an S.     

[montigre]

DOH.........