Matching Serials Question

[Outside_niner]

Hey folks, I just picked up an 11mil serialized Arsenal 26 Type 56.
I was pleased to find it in good condition, with all matching serial numbers, except for the stock. I'm aware it could be a refurb, since it's a commercial Norinco export, but is there a chance this is the original stock it was shipped from China in? It's hardwood, and looked as if the receiver hadn't been taken out of the stock before.

[Phosphorus32]

Possible but seems quite unlikely. If it says Norinco then it’s been knocking about the US for at least 28 years. When Norinco refurbished Type 56s and replaced the old stocks they stamped them to match. Anyhow, 3 decades is plenty of time for it to have been in and out of some aftermarket plastic-fantastic stock and back into wood.

Post some pics 

Welcome to the Files 

[Boris Badinov]

Can you post some photos of the overall rifle.  And in particular a photo-- from above-- of where the barrel is screwed into the receiver?

[Outside_niner]

Can you post some photos of the overall rifle.  And in particular a photo-- from above-- of where the barrel is screwed into the receiver?

It's a short lug, if that's what you're asking. I'll post photos as soon as I figure out how to make photo bucket work - I'm new to this forum thing. I'll try to attach the image, maybe that will work instead

[Outside_niner]

Post some pics 

Welcome to the Files 

Thanks! Here's a before and after of my stock refinish. It had a glossy almost orange varnish on it before. Now I just need to work in some linseed oil.

[Phosphorus32]

Nice juxtaposition with the orange tabby. The Chinese had a fairly wide variation of finishes and colors. I have a nice one with the thick orange shellac.

The bayonet needs to be rotated 180 so the flat side is down when folded.

[Outside_niner]

The bayonet needs to be rotated 180 so the flat side is down when folded.

Oh I had no idea! Thanks for the tip.

[Bacarnal]

Can't see the pix, but Welcome aboard!!

[Outside_niner]

Can't see the pix, but Welcome aboard!!

Thanks!

[Bacarnal]

Can see them now.  Cute cat!!

[Boris Badinov]

It's a short lug, if that's what you're asking. I'll post photos as soon as I figure out how to make photo bucket work - I'm new to this forum thing. I'll try to attach the image, maybe that will work instead

All 11th year carbines are short lug.

I'm curious if the stock inletting is cut for a threaded barrel or a pinned barrel.

If the replacement stock is cut for a pinned barrel , it would suggest that stock is not the stock it was imported with.

[Outside_niner]

If the replacement stock is cut for a pinned barrel , it would suggest that stock is not the stock it was imported with.

I'm not sure, I'll post a photo tomorrow when I get home from work.

[Boris Badinov]

Thanks! Here's a before and after of my stock refinish. It had a glossy almost orange varnish on it before. Now I just need to work in some linseed oil.

Nice job, btw.

Linseed oil is spot on for an 11th year carbine, too. I think /26\ transitioned to wood oil finish in either the 10th or 11th year of production.

[Outside_niner]

Nice job, btw.

Linseed oil is spot on for an 11th year carbine, too. I think /26\ transitioned to wood oil finish in either the 10th or 11th year of production.

Good to know! It's my go-to woodstock treatment. I wanted a more dark brown natural looking stock. The orange shellac may be desirable for some, but it wasn't very appealing to me.