SKS, Lies & Videotape: Common Myths and Misunderstandings about the Chinese SKS

[Phosphorus32]

I hear these myths repeated frequently (especially the first two) on Facebook and other firearms forums. I thought it would be nice to have one link that could be a central node from which to reach the in-depth information in the associated links.

"1956 plus the millions digit = the year a factory /26\ was made."
Well, it seemed like a reasonable hypothesis, with the added appeal of simplicity, and an aphorism anyone could remember...until the very early production (1950s and early 1960s) Type 56s provided by China to Albania were exported to the US and the inconsistencies and unexplained serial numbers began to multiply like Salmonella in a warm chicken salad  Careful study of the serial numbers, various features of the Type 56 SKS and comparison to the serialization of other Chinese firearms (Type 53s, Type 54s), where specific year of manufacture dates were also stamped, all coalesced to dispel this myth. It's more complicated than the 56+millions place, but it's also more interesting, and best of all it's consistent with the observable facts.
http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=360.0

"You can only date factory /26\ Chinese SKSs"
This myth seems to have arisen from a sheer lack of inquisitiveness about studying the serial numbers of other arsenals. Careful study of a variety of serial numbers from a multitude of factories has dispelled this myth.
http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=360.0

If your SKS takes an AK mag "it's an M or a D, period".
Okay this is one part myth and one part one person's misinformed, and oft repeated personal mantra  Shake generously by the shoulders, open mouth and pour out argumentum ad nauseum (a well known tactic of fallacious logic most often practiced by politicians; repeat something that isn't true until people start to believe it) 
http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=216.0

"Norinco never made anything!. It's just an export company."
Not sure where/how (well maybe where) this myth started, but once again it's simply false 
http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=2059.0

[Loose}{Cannon]

Cool reference Phos... 

Bet ya I can add a few more.   

"Cyrillic letter prefix = first made in china and using the Russian serial format"
Yeah, no!  They are not Cyrillic at all, but rather Latin latters and they do not date to 1956. http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=42.0

[Phosphorus32]

Cool reference Phos... 

Bet ya I can add a few more.   

"Cyrillic letter prefix = first made in china and using the Russian serial format"
Yeah, no!  They are not Cyrillic at all, but rather Latin latters and they do not date to 1956. http://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=42.0

Thanks LC.

Yes that's a good one 

Associated with that myth is the use of the term, "Sino-Soviet", which leads to further confusion with the actual first 2000 Type 56 carbines, the "Soviet Sinos".

[MEBears]

I was going to mention Sino Soviet. Sometimes I just want to slap the stupid out of some of the people in FB groups. But you do see some nice rifles on there once in a while.

[shawker71]

Yeah, I have read most of those so many times on other board(s) it is sickening. You forgot the most important thing of all when anyone outside the SKS world mentions a Chinese SKS......THEY ARE ALL CHEAP GARBAGE. How often have you heard that repeated over and over?

[Loose}{Cannon]

Just buy an AK or AR ready....  Bah

[Phosphorus32]

Yeah, I have read most of those so many times on other board(s) it is sickening. You forgot the most important thing of all when anyone outside the SKS world mentions a Chinese SKS......THEY ARE ALL CHEAP GARBAGE. How often have you heard that repeated over and over?

Yup, I mean who wouldn't hate chrome-lined barrels, solid machining, and robust reliable operation