Bought another SKS (pics)

[RMXC51]

So I just brought this home, haven't cleaned it or anything other than a wipedown at the shop. After looking trough a crate and a half of rifles, I narrowed it down to this or a light colored '52 Tula. It is a 55/56 Tula refurb, very dark colored, almost black. My question is, how do I tell whether its 55 or 56 for sure?

You can just make out the Tula star and the numbers 195 - I'd swear the last number is a FOUR, but you need to use "the force" to see it.

Bayo is matte silver

Gas takedown lever is TOTALLY different than on my Izzy

I thought the 54 Izzy (with the sling) had a dark stock:

I checked the FAQs and YooperJ and didn't see a definite way to tell if this is 55 or 56. Anybody know?

 

[The Kurgan]

Sweet. Nice pick of the litter!

I am going to buy another as well. One to shoot and one to look at

 

[RMXC51]

They had a beautiful '53 Izzy there, but somebody put a big bash/gouge in the side of the stock. I picked it up 3 times thinking "how did I miss this one?" followed by "oh, right".

I'm going to shoot both of mine, but the Izzy will see less duty from now on unless the Tula is a crummy shooter. Both have a "1" on the front sight post, so if that means grade A accuracy as some suspect, I'm in good shape. Either will do fine for Zombies.

 

[easyrider604]

Got a similar 56 Tula. Well, I call it my 56 although it could be a late 55, but nothing short of an arsenal production report would confirm that. I have a 55 laminated stock that is clearly stamped 1955 but I don't really place much importance on year of manufacture as long as they shoot well.

BTW, this 56 is my "go-to SKS shooter" and loaner to friends, for now. Does 8" groups at 200 meters on white paper. My eyes cannot see anything darker than white at that distance.

The muzzle/crown is all-white. Some guys are saying this is probably the original barrel as my non-refurb 51 (most likely with an original barrel) looks like it. My 52 and 55 have blued muzzles with only a little "white" crown showing around the bore circumference.

 

[SceptreStart]

Looks nice.

 

[zippy_the_wonder_chimp]

lovin' the look of the dark finish.

nicely done.




-zip

 

[The Kurgan]

I just ordered my second SKS from Ki11ercane. I can then relax and enjoy one and "save" the other for a rainy day! I'm enjoying my SKS more than other rifles that cost 10x more!