'56 Tula Letter SKS with oddly stamped stock

[montigre]

Hello all,
I just purchased this 1956 Tula letter rifle that I thought may have been in "as issued" state.  However, although all numbers are matching, it was brought to my attention that the SN on the stock was lacking the Cyrillic prefix nor does the crossbolt have any inspection marks around it.  Are these known omissions, or does it indicate the rifle was lightly refurbished?  Thank you.

[Boris Badinov]

Full serials (excluding letter date suffix) are the standard for original parts on a soviet sks. The omission of the cyrillic prefix is considered to be evidence of replacement.

[running-man]

As Boris said, that stock has been replaced and/or refinished and restamped.  1956 Russian SKS45s have the full prefix *and* number stamped on the stocks. 

Interestingly enough, they never have the suffix (Д in your case) stamped unless an overzealous Canadian importer who shall remain nameless attempts to hump a gun. *Cough, cough*

[montigre]

Full serials (excluding letter date suffix) are the standard for original parts on a soviet sks. The omission of the cyrillic prefix is considered to be evidence of replacement.

Thanks. I have a lot to learn/relearn...

[montigre]

As Boris said, that stock has been replaced and/or refinished and restamped.  1956 Russian SKS45s have the full prefix *and* number stamped on the stocks. 

Interestingly enough, they never have the suffix (Д in your case) stamped unless an overzealous Canadian importer who shall remain nameless attempts to hump a gun. *Cough, cough*

Thank you, kind sir.  I think I'm safe from the effects of the Canadian humper...