SKS and the number 1

vettefever333

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Ok, I can't help myself. There have been some references to the number 1 stamped on the front sight of SKS's and questions asked if this means that it is an accuracy grade. So...I am starting a thread addressing this "myth" or "truth". After some research and originally believing the number 1 was an accuracy grade, I have come to the conclusion that it is not. This is not based on actual fact, but for just some logical reasons. The first being there was no need for an accuracy grade on a carbine. They would never be used as sniper rifles. Two, after close inspection of the number 1 stamped on my front sight, it appears to be a straight line rather than a numeral. This was determined by me after inspecting with a magnifying glass and comparing to an actual number 1 stamped in serial numbers etc. I know there are people with SKS's that have no stamp and others with the number 1 (or line). How about any with number 2 or 3 as I have heard may exist??? Just posting for a bit of fun and exchange of theories and ideas...
 
I was wondering the same thing. Every refurbed sks I have seen from this shipment has the line. I started thinking if this is accuracy grade as some say were the standards that low?
 
Any comments on this? I have also read that the numbers stamped on the front site are put there when first field tested.

1 is the best grade, 2 is regular and 3 is poor. The Russian guns were tested for accuracy. I do not know what the criteria was, but # 1 rifles had the best groups and are referred to as sniper grade (lol).

The 1954 Tula I just got has a number 1 on the front sight. Curious to see how this shoots compared to my Norinco SKS.
 
I call BS on that one "why on earth would the soviets spend time a money grouping each SKS to grade there accuracy??????"
 
Maybe the factory just slaps the front sight on, then someone comes along and looks down it (maybe they have a rife stand, and they just line up the sights with a mark on the wall), the "1" /line is then stamped on to say the sights have been aligned.
?
 
I call BS on that one "why on earth would the soviets spend time a money grouping each SKS to grade there accuracy??????"


I am thinkng the same thing that's why I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on this. Does anyone with a Russian SKS have anything other than a 1 stamped on the front sight?
 
Mine has a 2. :(

I remember reading about this awhile ago, wrt accuracy, and whatnot. Who knows?

If it's true though, I'll be sad... Poor me, stuck with a 2... It's also got some other stamps on there, an "H" and some other stuff.... But the 2 is big and bold.

BTW Mine is a 1950 Tula.
 
Mine has a 2. :(

I remember reading about this awhile ago, wrt accuracy, and whatnot. Who knows?

If it's true though, I'll be sad... Poor me, stuck with a 2... It's also got some other stamps on there, an "H" and some other stuff.... But the 2 is big and bold.

BTW Mine is a 1950 Tula.


Interesting. I am sure we will get to the bottom of this. There are some SKS experts on this forum who should chime in shortly!
 
So8nds like more fodder for the marketing hysterics that want to sell SKS's for $600.

Goes on the list of stupidity as painted and unpainted bolt...etc. :rolleyes:
 
So8nds like more fodder for the marketing hysterics that want to sell SKS's for $600.

Goes on the list of stupidity as painted and unpainted bolt...etc. :rolleyes:


Take it easy on the "stupidity" comment. Many people agree that the quality of the mismatched parts on the black bolt refurbished sks rifles is usually worse than the silver bolts. I have seen this first hand.
 
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Still don't understand? The number corresponding with the letter in the Cyrillic Alphabet I understand but what does this have to do with my question?

I agree, it has nothing to do with your question. Anyway, the cyrillic numbering system was replaced by the arabic system (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the
18th century.
 
I am thinkng the same thing that's why I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on this. Does anyone with a Russian SKS have anything other than a 1 stamped on the front sight?

i got one with a 1 , one with a 2 and a dozen just a straight line.

i dont think it has anything to do with accuracy.
 
i got one with a 1 , one with a 2 and a dozen just a straight line.

i dont think it has anything to do with accuracy.


Thanks. After reading all your stickies and not reading about this I thought it might not be true. I found only a couple of posts in other forums where they stated that the 1, 2, and 3 were accuracy ratings when first tested. I will keep searching and post any updates.
 
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