1954 Izhevsk

[jmaurer]

...I did notice the blueing on mine is different than any other SKS I’ve owned & I noticed yours looks similar; like the blueing almost looks like it has a cold blue finish-like coat with that extra “blue tint” that leaves fingerprints, blue streaks & smears behind more easily. Especially noticeable on the receiver. Would you say that yours is kinda like that in person?

Worm, I think you've described the finish well. I need to compare this one against a couple of Tula letter-series rifles I've got stashed (which may be in similar condition) to see how the bluing compares. You're right though; I had trouble with glare in a lot of the photos even after wiping surfaces dry, and for a couple pics I had to get help by having someone hold up blankets to block out already weak sunlight from a completely overcast sky.
And thanks!

[Worm]

Yeah it’s pretty reflective. We have a 56 Tula here and the blueing is definitely different than that one. I mean it was a different factory afterall maybe they had a slightly different process. Just thought it was worth mentioning because I’ve never seen anyone talk about it, & when I saw yours it was like looking at mine. Aside from yours looking like it came right off the line of course haha

[Cz315]

Izhevsk blueing is definitely different (nicer) than the Tual on all the rifles I observed.

[Worm]

Izhevsk blueing is definitely different (nicer) than the Tual on all the rifles I observed.

Glad I’m not crazy (this time) 

[jmaurer]

Nope, not crazy at all! By the way, it looks like several Izhevsk SKS rifles have been posted to auction sites in the last couple of weeks; grab one and let's see it!

And again, thanks for the comments from everyone.