Factory 6614

[Matchka]

Any clue on sernos associated with Factory 6614?

[astronut]

That is an interesting factory number in a diamond.  I have seen factory numbers in ovals and rectangles but have never seen them in a diamond before.  As far as the serial number, I am sorry but I have no idea. 

[Matchka]

I didn't see it listed on the 2018 factory stamps. Maybe it's a new one?

[running-man]

That’s a brand new one to me for certain. I’ll look through my old files and see if howie bearse ever has that one come up.

Whats the story on this gun Matchka?  Can you get me a full photo spread?

[carls sks]

interesting, thanks for sharing. 

[Phosphorus32]

Interesting!!! You placed it in commercial, so is it not a standard configuration Type 56? More pics needed, for sure 

Howie doesn't have it on his list of arsenals either.

[Bubbazinetti]

Wouldn't it be considered a Chicom model from 1978?

[Phosphorus32]

Wouldn't it be considered a Chicom model from 1978?

Yes, by the markings shown, it's a Type 56 from 1978, originally. If it's been cut to para length or otherwise modified at the factory before export to the US, then it's certainly a commercial. Either way, it's an interesting find 

[Bubbazinetti]

Are Type 56's with the "rail to nowhere" considered Commercial models?

[Phosphorus32]

Are Type 56's with the "rail to nowhere" considered Commercial models?

Yes. If it's modified from an original configuration Type 56 by Norinco etc. then I consider it a commercial model.

[Bubbazinetti]

How about pre Norinco Type 56's?

[Phosphorus32]

How about pre Norinco Type 56's?

I'm not entirely sure I'm understanding and answering your question, but I'll take a shot. To me, any Chinese SKS with the Chinese characters that translate as "Type 56", and also the mid-1950s Type 56s that predate that marking, I consider to be military Type 56 SKSs. That holds true regardless of any later markings and/or refurbishment done by Norinco or whomever, as long as it remains in original military trim, 520mm (20.5") barrel, no receiver rails, etc.

[Matchka]

Here's the pics the owner sent to me. I assumed it's a commercial production, but I'll leave it to the gurus.

[Phosphorus32]

Here's the pics the owner sent to me. I assumed it's a commercial production, but I'll leave it to the gurus.

Ah-ha, paratrooper length, therefore it is a commercial made by taking a 1978 Type 56 with its 52cm barrel and cutting it down to 42cm. Bayonet lug was neutered then tapped for a bipod mount, it appears.

[Bacarnal]

Also looks like the cleaning rod detent is a flat spring instead of a ball. 

[Bubbazinetti]

Looks to have that type 89 scope rail to nowhere as well.

[Matchka]

That’s a brand new one to me for certain. I’ll look through my old files and see if howie bearse ever has that one come up.

Whats the story on this gun Matchka?  Can you get me a full photo spread?

Owner got it from a friend. He contacted me about purchasing the missing magazine, cleaning rod & gas tube/piston.

[running-man]

Looks to have that type 89 scope rail to nowhere as well.

Good catch Bubbaz, I missed that in photo #2. That combined with the 16” barrel, Bayo delete, and spring clip on the cleaning rod hole means this gun is a Navy Arms Cowboy Companion. 

As an aside, the commonly mentioned ‘rail to nowhere’ is a totally different animal found on K-Sports guns. Type 89 rails fit many various type 89 scope mounts.  Yes they are hard to impossible to find, but they do exist. No off the shelf mounts exist for the KSI rail to nowhere. 

[Matchka]

Qwik note: the stock is unnumbered, under placement of the sling loop, spike bayo cutout.

[Loose}{Cannon]

Ah.....  interesting new arsenal.   

I’ll try to get it added shortly