What do I have here?

[Direct Connection]

 Cool pickups Dave. Those trench guns have history behind them. Battlefield pickups  A story to tell Love the dark grease look and you know that baby smells like 50 year cosmoline. I mean you open your safe and its like heaven from the aroma.. Got a few myself. Not the Russian sneak but the old chi-com greasers    Good job 

[Shane O Mack 76]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to this forum and this is my first SKS. Can someone help me date this rifle and tell about this proof marking?

[Phosphorus32]

Welcome!

The markings indicate that it's a 14th year of production (1969), Type 56 (五六式), made at Arsenal 666. It should have a spike bayonet and a cleaning rod. Good score!

Nice ZPAP too  I recently grabbed one of those with the walnut furniture from my local gun shop.

[Shane O Mack 76]

@Phosphorus32
Thank you for your help. I thought it might be a 1969 model, but wasn't sure. I got this for $370. I've already picked up a bayonet and cleaning rod. Just waiting for them to come in. Do you know anything about factory 666?

[Phosphorus32]

@Phosphorus32
Thank you for your help. I thought it might be a 1969 model, but wasn't sure. I got this for $370. I've already picked up a bayonet and cleaning rod. Just waiting for them to come in. Do you know anything about factory 666?

Great price these days 

I don't know anything about the location etc. of 666. It was clearly one of the low volume arsenals, since there are only five digits for the actual serial number after the year of production digits. In the 14th year at 666, the highest number we have in our serial number lists is around 3600, so a very low output Arsenal.

[Greasemonkey]

There are a few documented.. maybe a dozen or so, pretty uncommon find for a first timer. and that one is in nice condition.. the wear and usage on mine, who knows where or what it done in it's former life.   It may full well need an exorcism..