Pair of 54 Izhevsk's imported mid 90's, could be as-issued?

[GunPile]

I got them over 20 years ago at gun shows. The first purchase was just because it looked so nice, and the price was right. The second one was because they were starting to disappear at the gun shows, and I enjoyed shooting them.

Both have CAI import stamps. Would appreciate your help in learning more about these. I have a lot more pictures than what I posted so far, but not sure what else is important to show.

























Serial # of the other one:

[Phosphorus32]

Well they both look beautiful, especially the one you presented in detail 

Both SNs are in the Serial Data as letter prefix/suffixes associated with verified as-issued 1954 Izhevsks, so that's a very good sign.

It's amusing that the importer put an O in front of the Cyrillic O and and an R behind the Cyrillic P...that wouldn't be confusing at all 

[Blicero]

Holy Izhevsks wow 

[carls sks]

those are beautiful, as nice as I have ever seen. your a lucky guy. 

[GunPile]

I'm happy to see these responses. I did think they were a little special at the time because they were priced so much higher than run of the mill SKS's, but I hadn't counted on much appreciation. I recall the dealer saying that these were ceremonial rifles, and figured that it made them worth the investment. They've spent the last 20 years in the back of the safe. Looking at the gas tube and piston/op rod it doesn't look like they were fired that much, if at all. I think I bought at least 5 of these and sold 3 of them. I still own a commercial Norinco that accepts AK mags. Only reason I'm interested in these again is because I brought a Moist Nugget home from the gun show yesterday. While checking out the Mosin sites I noticed SKS sub forums, and decided to check it out.

Probably a stupid question, but were the serial numbers like this etched at the factory, or by the importer? They're just so clean for being 62 years old.

[Phosphorus32]

"Ceremonial rifle" is just the dealer's story.  The electro penciling was done at the arsenal.

[Loose}{Cannon]

Nice!

There's those words again.... 'moist nugget'.   Whats this mean? 

[montigre]

Ooh, I'm loving those Izhevsks!!! Glad you decided to hang onto them so we'd have the opportunity to over them en masse!!

[running-man]

Well they both look beautiful, especially the one you presented in detail 

Both SNs are in the Serial Data as letter prefix/suffixes associated with verified as-issued 1954 Izhevsks, so that's a very good sign.

It's amusing that the importer put an O in front of the Cyrillic O and and an R behind the Cyrillic P...that wouldn't be confusing at all 

+1

We've seen: younger sister O2428_P:



Even has the same acceptance stamp under the wrist:


Sino-Banian O2642_P:




And for the E prefixed guns, there was an absolutely huge run into the 5900's of this prefix/suffix combo (in terms of Izhevsk that's quite a lot anyhow):













Would love to see both carbines receiver cover serial numbers (heck would love to see detailed photos of the E1240И for that matter!).  Should be a single line all the way across just like this one:

[GunPile]

Best I can do tonight...

[running-man]

Beautiful set GP.  Top quality on both.   

The O1665_P is easily a $800+ gun and the E1240_И is likely in that neighborhood too from what I can make out.  It could top $1k if the wood is in a bit nicer shape than the O.

[CuSks]

There's those words again.... 'moist nugget'.   Whats this mean?

It's slang for "Mosin Nagant"

Absolutely gorgeous riles that you have there!!!!