Hello

[simpleman]

Hello from Oklahoma, I was looking for info and found it here, thanks.  I'll hang out awhile if you don't mind.  I'm no expert so I won't bore you with my knowledge.  I may ask some questions.  I sit all day at a screen so my off time is usually NOT in this chair unless I get curious about something.  That said I do have what according to your chart is a 1978 (thanks again) /26\ Norinco Poly, 23114XXX K that I bought new back in the late 80's.  Over time I tried a folding stock, a klugey scope and mount that never held and detachable 30 rnd. mags that were wobbly and more trouble than they were worth, all were disappointing compared to the original configuration.  So I put all the original pieces back over three decades ago. The only concession I've made is a larger attached 20 rnd. box in place of the original 10 rnd. box.  Now about that K! 

[Larry D.]

Welcome from Arizona.
You found the right place to learn.

Pull up a chair and have some fun.

[Phosphorus32]

Welcome from Washington  Glad to have you here.

Regarding the letter suffix, the thread below has a lot of discussion of the issue. Personally, I think it was most likely added by the importer. Probably overkill in every case but the importer just making sure they didn't have a duplicate serial number in their records.

https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=3852.0

[astronut]

Welcome to the forum simpleman!  Yes, you found the correct place to research and learn as much as you care to about the SKS!

[Bacarnal]

Welcome from Kentucky, simpleman.  Sounds like you've got a good, solid rifle.  For the 20 rounder, did you use the ChiCom mag or a different version?  Cheers, Bruce.

[running-man]

Greetings from New Mexico!  Glad you found us.  Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Welcome aboard.   

[carls sks]

hi Oklahoma and welcome. good to have you here. 

[simpleman]

Welcome from Kentucky, simpleman.  Sounds like you've got a good, solid rifle.  For the 20 rounder, did you use the ChiCom mag or a different version?  Cheers, Bruce.

Hi Bruce, the 20 rnd mag is stamped "made in china" in cursive on the bottom so likely a later commercial offering?  The original is stamped with part ser.# of course.  Did this type even come with anything other than 10 rnd. mags from the factory?

[simpleman]

Welcome from Washington  Glad to have you here.

Regarding the letter suffix, the thread below has a lot of discussion of the issue. Personally, I think it was most likely added by the importer. Probably overkill in every case but the importer just making sure they didn't have a duplicate serial number in their records.

https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=3852.0

Thanks, I had actually read that string already.  You guys are eat up with the details, I like it!  So that was just me being, well...me!  I will keep looking in on that one.

[Bubbazinetti]

Hello from NH.Interesting that you have a pre 1980 Norinco Polytech.Is it marked as such?

[simpleman]

Hello from NH.Interesting that you have a pre 1980 Norinco Polytech.Is it marked as such?

From what I decipher here 1978 is correct, if not please let me know.

[simpleman]

I resized this pic to post the whole rifle.  Is rifle correct or is it carbine?

interesting note, this rifle came with ammo belt that carries 200 rnds in clips with maint pouch for oil bottle etc. and 1100 rnds Chinese ammo.  I still have a can of 550 rnds unopened.  I quit using it because cleanup was too intense.

[Phosphorus32]

Hello from NH.Interesting that you have a pre 1980 Norinco Polytech.Is it marked as such?

From what I decipher here 1978 is correct, if not please let me know.

/26\ 23 million serial number, so it's a Jianshe Arsenal Type 56 made in 1978. The SKS has carbine in it's name (in Russian) but a carbine is also a rifle. Formally, the more specific term would be carbine. Your example is in the original 52cm (20.5") barrel length.

[running-man]

The rifle vs carbine terminology debate will rage until the end of time.  My favorite answer that I've ever seen has to be: "Simonov called it a carbine, so it's a carbine!"

The "Poly" on the side of this one indicates or was imported by Poly USA out of Atlanta, GA.   See https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=2111.0 for a bit of info on what that actually means.  (It was still exported by Norinco, so not really a 'Polytech gun' in a certain sense.  See https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=2059.0 for a good primer on Norinco vs Polytech & a brief history of the split .)

[newchi]

"Simonov called it a carbine, so it's a carbine!"

But did he call it a Car-bean or car-byne?

[Phosphorus32]

"Simonov called it a carbine, so it's a carbine!"

But did he call it a Car-bean or car-byne?

He called it a карабин 

[Bubbazinetti]

So any Norinco marking on a /26\ will obviously represent the enterprise that later exported it. http://www.jianshetrade.com/wm/en/AboutUs.aspx?id=4

So it's likely a Poly#4 classification of a likely very late import batch I'm surmising?And not actually manufactured by Norinco despite what is stamped on the receiver because of the 1978 date code?

[firstchoice]

Welcome from SW Missouri, simpleman! Hope you stick around for a long time. This is a process of learning that takes time and input from many members. It's always best to have as many examples of the SKS and the features data as possible.

Very nice example of the Chinese Type 56 Carbine you have there! I like the '78-'80 years of /26\ production of the Type 56 Carbine!

After firing the Chinese x39 rounds that you have, did you clean the gas tube, gas block, and gas piston thoroughly? That early Chinese ammo was pretty corrosive stuff. Many folks didn't know about it and put their carbines away after shooting. It can sure mess up a nice firearm!

firstchoice

[newchi]

Welcome, theres lots of info here, far too much to be healthy for your wallet tbh

[Justin Hell]

Greetings, I have your carbine's older sister, a 2309xxxxK as well.

Great SKS for sure....not to rib you or anything on your intro post....but I gotta....
Your bayonet is on upside down.