Anything Special About A '55 Tula Laminate Matching SKS?

Drachenblut

Drachenblut

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Hello,

I recently procured an all matching, minus the magazine box, 1955 dated Laminate (Stock and Handguard) SKS. I got it literally out of a freshly opened crate, and I was curious about it, if it was worth more than your run of the mill SKS?

Also, all the parts seem to have been "Parkerized" rather than blued? Any idea why?

I bought it for a survival/plinker/bush gun, and plan to do a modification by drilling two holes bi-laterally in the top of the gas tube just behind where the gas piston sits. I did this once some time ago for another SKS and I found it noticeably aids in felt recoil, barrel climb and doesn't fire the brass a mile away on extraction. I seem to recall a page on the net about this subject, but I have forgotten it. Any leads? Oh and in addition, using military surplus ammo it did NOT affect operation, if anything it smoothed it. I believe the holes were 3mm in diameter.

Thanks, and if these seem like FNG questions, it is because I'm re-learning my SKS'!
 
Drachenblut said:
Hello,

I recently procured an all matching, minus the magazine box, 1955 dated Laminate (Stock and Handguard) SKS. I got it literally out of a freshly opened crate, and I was curious about it, if it was worth more than your run of the mill SKS?

Also, all the parts seem to have been "Parkerized" rather than blued? Any idea why?

I bought it for a survival/plinker/bush gun, and plan to do a modification by drilling two holes bi-laterally in the top of the gas tube just behind where the gas piston sits. I did this once some time ago for another SKS and I found it noticeably aids in felt recoil, barrel climb and doesn't fire the brass a mile away on extraction. I seem to recall a page on the net about this subject, but I have forgotten it. Any leads? Oh and in addition, using military surplus ammo it did NOT affect operation, if anything it smoothed it. I believe the holes were 3mm in diameter.

Thanks, and if these seem like FNG questions, it is because I'm re-learning my SKS'!
Click to expand...
I was born in 55 so I bought one for that reason but other than that not much diff. Were there any more 55's there I could use another for a set of twins!!
 
The one nice thing is that a Laminate stock can be "proper" on a 1955 dated rifle - as a result you may have a non-refurb rifle.
This was a transitional year in production where receiver covers were blank, had a Tula Star with Date, or Tula Star with no Date. Many with the blank covers have the Tula star on the Left receiver and are letter series rifles (letter at the end of the serial number), but sometimes these rifles also have a dated or tula star marked cover as well.

The other theory is that starting in 1955-57 they assembled rifles with left over parts - this could be true as the Czech's assembled K98's Post WWII with left over parts for a few years as well.

They also started phosphate some parts in 1955 as well.

I would need to see more pics to be certain.
 
Chances are that because it has the laminate HG as well, that it is in its original configuration.
 
Most laminate stock SKS' that I've encountered come with hardwood HGs. "Rare" is not a term I'd use though. Less common is better description.
 
All I know is my original laminate stock 55/56 SKS has a replacement handguard and it just doesn't look right...

So congrats on your laminate handguard.

As for your question on the drilling of holes into your gas tube, check the red rifles section. Lots of info for quite a few mods you can do to your gun there.
 
The original non refurbed laminates are a much darker red colour (Shellac). Many of the refurb laminates I've handled have had lacquered stocks, are much gold/yellow in colour such as this one.


This rifle's marking on the barrel indicate that this is a Molot rifle of recent import, like many of the recent MN Snipers and M38's that have hit our shores recently. Also noticed that there's a refurb mark between the date stamp and Tula star on the top cover. Looks to be a light refurb however, perhaps only the stock was replaced and rifle was parkerized?
 
That is possible, as all parts match. There is no refurb stamp on the stock, though, and the serial number matches (not ###X'd out). The rifle has an extreme crisp and sharp chrome bore, the edges of the rifling are very sharp, almost unfired. I wonder if it was pulled out of storage, the Shellac was flaking off so they stripped, laquered the rifle, and parkerized it? Judging from the presence of unworn paint on parts where the bolt slides, I'd guess it was exported in that condition.
 
I've handled a number of SKS' with that finish, and wouldn't I call it parkerized. Its a textured matte, but not park'd IMO. I have a parked gun and its different.

Check the top of the piston head, if its discolored, gray/black then its been fired. You can't get that off after firing it. Usually a dead giveaway.
 
one pic. 11/15 you can see the rnc logo. this means it's been refurbished. also your bolt is black. another sign of a refurb.

it's a beauty for sure though! congrats and have fun with it!
 
One thing I forgot to mention is the check the left side of the receiver for the small Tula star associated with later letter series SKS production. I used to own (stupidly sold it before I realized the significance) a 55 top cover dated refurb with this, that had all matching stamped serials (gas tube, piston, and buttplate EP'd) but have yet to see another like it in 5 years! It had a stock exactly like yours.

That IMHO, would be something to look for on any 55 you come across.
 
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