Jianshe Factory 26 SKS, with anomalies

[fenceline]

So I was finally able to track down a Factory 26 for my SKS collection. It is a 10 million series, making it a 1966 vintage. That being said, there are a few characteristics that stand out as odd...

First a look at the proper characteristics, as documented in Curtton's Type 56 Sticky in this part of the forum...

- “/26\ 10,22*,**8” (ie codes are on the far left side before the 3 Chinese characters as per 1962-1970 style)
- Short barrel lug = mid production- short barrel lug (part1965 - 1980).
- Early sight base.
- Stock sling swivel = bottom of stock, consistent with changes made in 1966 from the side to the bottom.
- Milled receiver, matches early and mid-production which 66 falls into.
- Lightening cut on bayonet lug and bolt consistent with 1966 production notes. This lightening ended in 1967.

The anomalies for a 1966 rifle…
- Blade bayonet = China SKS manufacturing changed to spike bayonet in mid-1965
- No serial number on the stock.
- While the stock appears to have the proper sling mount on the bottom rather than the side, the stock is properly cut to fit the blade bayonet. The bottom sling 66 style contradicts the blade bayonet cut on the stock. Stocks would have changed in mid1965 to coincide with the spike bayonets coming into use.


There are no scratch marks or blemishes on the rifle to indicate it was a Chinese refurb. Even if it was, one would think they would have kept the spike bayonet on it if it was refurbished well after being built in 1966. The rifle feels solid and I'm quite happy with it either way.

What I'm trying to figure out is whether or not this is a transition period rifle, built using variations from the earlier models, and the mid models.

 

[fenceline]

The rifle... \/ \/ \/

Lightening cut on bolt... \/ \/ \/

Lightening cut on bayonet lug... \/ \/ \/

Bayonet and stock... \/ \/ \/

Sight block and barrel lug... \/ \/ \/

Gas Tube... \/ \/ \/

 

[bryan.14]

Nice Rifle. I didn't realize it till I read your post but I also have a nearly Identical Chinese SKS rifle with blade bayonet and Factory 26 marking.

Maybe they Switched in 1966 not 1965, unless are rifles are an exception.

 

[fenceline]

Nice Rifle. I didn't realize it till I read your post but I also have a nearly Identical Chinese SKS rifle with blade bayonet and Factory 26 marking.

Maybe they Switched in 1966 not 1965, unless are rifles are an exception.

10 million serial number on yours? How about a serial number on the stock?

 

[geologist]

Are factory 26 rifles better than other SKS rifles?

 

[fenceline]

Are factory 26 rifles better than other SKS rifles?

This one is pretty nice. I have some variety, and each one I like but this is far from my worst example when comparing it to multiple russians and a yugo 59/66 that I've handled. It's better than one 1950 Tula I've handled, but the finish isn't as nice as a 1953 Tula refurb. The Yugo was nicer than them all. I think with SKS rifles they can differ from rifle to rifle with how they feel or how they have survived over the years by treatment alone.

I was looking for a Factory 26 from Jianshe so I could accurately date it (only factory you can do this by serial number). I've got the SKS bug. This won't be my last SKS.

 

[Calum]

Wow those are great pics, they really bring out the orange stain in the wood that I fell in love with.

I'm glad she found a good home.
Enjoy.

 

[bryan.14]

10 million serial number on yours? How about a serial number on the stock?

Yes 10 million Serial number

 

[fenceline]

Wow those are great pics, they really bring out the orange stain in the wood that I fell in love with.

I'm glad she found a good home.
Enjoy.

Thanks again Calum, it will be treated well!

 

[fenceline]

Yes 10 million Serial number

Hmmm. Well at least that's a start. Post up some pics, would be nice to see some comparisons. Maybe Factory 26 changed in 66, or maybe they started changing in 65 and there was a period of transition while parts got used up. No sudden change of versions but a grandual switch over a year or so from 65 into 66.

 

[fenceline]

Checked Yooperj's page.

China used replacement stocks with either design of sling swivels. All unmarked stocks are believed to be a replacement for a previously damaged stock.

Still would seem odd to have a rifle from 66 built with a spike, get a stock replaced with one for a blade and then change the spike out to a blade.

 

[Woodbeef]

I'd say it's a refurb. The Chinese do not use refurb markings like other countries do.

 

[YooperJ]

I would tend to agree that iit has a replacement stock done by someone at some point in time. With no proofs or s/n on the stock, it would be easy to change that part out.
Bottom line is that it is STILL a NICE SKS!!

 

[fenceline]

I'm pretty happy with it. I'd have to agree with the stock being a replacement. Just seems so odd to swap out the bayonet styles during a refurb.

Any info to how the Chinese applied their refurb program? Was it an on going process?

 

[Andurp]

I'm glad you found out the origins of yours, at least a bit. My Chinese SKS has been a bit confusing. It has no factory markings at all, that I can see. Nor does it say "Norinco" or the caliber on it anywhere as seen on the commercial ones. Other than the serial number, a small V near the gas tube on the barrel, and a couple of arsenal stamps on the bolt, there's no markings on it whatsoever.

 

[fenceline]

I went searching for a /26\ marked Chinese SKS so I made it a little easy to start out with. It wasn't a random "send me an sks" purchase. I know for a period of time Chinese factories didn't add much for markings.