1950 SKS with a short tab takedown latch?

[bp2626]

I have a 1950 SKS from a very respected dealer on here that was sold as an all original 1950 SKS that had never been refurbished.

Everything is correct save for the tab on the takedown latch. It is the short tab type and the pin appears to be press fitted (large pin type). The SKS FAQ on here says that the long tab was used from 1950-part 1951 and that short tab only came into use in 1951. I have consulted the book The SKS Carbine by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer but it doesn't go into detail about this. It just says the the earlier takedown latches had the pin milled in and the later ones had the pin press fitted. It doesn't give any indication as to what "early" and "later" means in that context.

I want to know if anyone has observed a short tab type on a late 1950 SKS? This one doesn't have a spring loaded firing pin and by its features it was made near the end of 1950. Before you ask, yes all the cartouches and stamps are present everywhere they should be.

 

[Darc]

Here is my early 1950. Its refurbed but all matching number except for magazine. This is what the "early" versions look like along with a 90 degree gas block. I think all 1950 SKS had spring loaded firing pins..All mine did. If you look at the date on the dust cover and the "1950" looks hand engraved thats an "early " model. The late models have a stamped 1950 like the rest of the years.

 

[ljones]

No not all 1950 SKS's had the spring firing pin. What you have is an early "transitional" 50 SKS. It has some of the features of the '49 but part way through 50 they made changes. They changed the bolt and bolt carrier and switched to the free floating firing pin. They eliminated the loop takedown lever and went to a long tab takedown lever. They also went from the 90 degree gas block to the 45 degree gas block. Yours being a "transitional" 50 they had already switched from the cruciform spike bayo to the blade bayo.