Chinese SKS type 56 ID FAQ.... feb 19, 2013

Arsenal /625\ is actually /256\

Courtesy of research conducted by a Running-man on the SKS-files forum, utilizing pics from a marstar shipment.

Running-man on SKS-files said:
I was perusing other boards (*gasp* you mean we're free to do that here?) and found a tantalizing string. I pulled the string and I think this info needed to be posted. It's only a small piece of proof, but it falls 100% in line with our dating scheme. thumb1

I found this image:
marstar_crate_markings.jpg~original


Meh, nothing too impressive, the side of an olive green crate. You're probably saying: "RM, you're wasting my time here, get on with it!" Ok, let's take a step back and see how the Chinese marked some of their other crates. This is a crate of 7.62x54R ammo with Albanian (yes Albanian!) script on the outside. Notice the three sets of numbers in the bottom left of each crate:
7_62x54r_albanian_crate.jpg~original


And open the 0007 marked crate, and take a look at the two tins inside. Ah ha, we see some familiar Chinese markings, a very clear 53式 (type) as this 7.62x54R was fabricated for a Type 53 carbine. We also see the same three numbers 0007, 71, and 68, but this time, arranged a bit differently: 0007-71 and then 3-68:
7_62x54r_albanian_open_crate.jpg~original


Unfortunately, this is where info from this particular crate simply stops. The poster put up some photos of the ammo inside, but neglected to show the headstamps, darn:
7_62x54r_albanian_rounds.jpg~original


Too bad, I could have put a bow on this post right off the bat, but instead you'll have to simply bear with me through another couple examples. The following is a different tin of ammo from a different poster. This is 7.62x39 ammo, but the general markings are somewhat similar. I see a 0030 & 101 kind of grouped together and a 6-71 also grouped together among all the Chinese:
7_62x39_2_tin.jpg~original


The headstamp of these rounds reads 101 over 71:
7_62x39_2_headstamp.jpg~original


Common consensus around the net is that the top number in a chinese headstamp is the factory, and the bottom number is the year, in this case factory 101 ammo produced in 1971. Interesting, those numbers sure are prominent on the outside of the tins. Is this somewhat consistent with other ammo tins?

This is other 7.62x39 ammo and the general markings are different, though it's a bit hard to tell as the tin is in horrible shape with heavy oxidation. Three numbers stand out, like what was marked on the crate from the 7.62x54R ammo. These numbers are 0049-69-61:
7_62x39_tin.jpg~original


Opening the tin yields boxes of ammo, and opening the boxes yields this:
7_62x39_headstamp.jpg~original


Interesting! The headstamp says that this ammo is from factory 61, produced in 1969.

So what can I conclude from these simple examples when you see a ###X-XX-XX(Y) number set on a crate or tin?

  • [li]The first number in the three number chain appears to be perhaps a crate number (or maybe a batch number, lot number, or other identifying number that seems to be different on each individual crate) as both tins in my 7.62x54R example from above had identical 0007 markings as the crate holding them did.[/li]
    [li]The second number corresponds to the year of manufacture. (Incidentally, the X-YEAR code seen grouped together on the tin appears to me to be a month code as I've seen no number greater than 12 as the prefix. This is assumed by many other collectors that I've seen as well.)[/li]
    [li]The third number corresponds to the factory number.[/li]
So what does any of this this have to do with the first green crate photo from above?
marstar_crate_markings.jpg~original


Hmm, 0004-70-256. Crate #0004, built in 1970, from factory 256.

But what's inside that crate?

:eek:
marstar_crate_open.jpg~original


:eek: :eek:
marstar_crate_open2.jpg~original


:eek: :eek: :eek:
marstar_crate_open3.jpg~original


popcorn1
marstar_crate_open4.jpg~original


nailbite1
marstar_case_accessories.jpg~original


drool2
marstar_crate_open6.jpg~original


pullhair1
marstar_crate_open5.jpg~original


dance1 banana time

Interesting. These guns are pristine in the original grease! I'd go so far as to say unissued, and anyone who knows me knows that I never use that term! I'd be surprised if theres a gouge or ding in the whole lot.

Crate #0004, built in 1970, from factory 256.
Rifle 1509796 (among other 1.5 mils in the crate, I also have a picture of rifle 1510971), we've always called that mark factory "625"
15 S/N prefix corresponds to the 15th year of production (1970) from our dating hypothesis. It would appear it matches exceptionally well with the crate markings. The 256 arsenal is another interesting nugget in there as well. Very interesting indeed!
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the write up. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I have been able to narrow down the manufacture year of my newest Chinese SKS to being built between 1967 - 1970.

I made this estimation using the following guidelines found in this post:

Changes made in 1967.
-Gas tube, 1 piece 1956 - 1967, 2 pieces 1967 - 1980.

Changes made in other years.
-Top handguard, wood 1956 - 1970, bakelite 1979 - 1980.







Am I correct?

The only thing I am not sure about is the lack of factory code and other typical markings on the left side of the reciever. This rifle only has a 7 digit serial number which matches all other components on the gun.
 
The guns were scrubbed and new serial numbers applied. In your case that is a 2001 serial number. It is a military parts gun assembled for commercial sale. Most of these appear to be complete guns that were re-numbered before export from China.

People like to call them clandestine guns, but there is no evidence that they were made for clandestine operations outside of China.

You may be abe to narrow down a period the gun was made in, but an exact date is impossible on these "clandestine" commercial sales. Military version, rebranded for commercial export.
 
Very curious

I just acquired an sks from a gentleman who has no idea about it. It has only 5 numbers in the serial number ( nothing else). Now on the barrel lug there is D5599. This doesn't match the serial # throughout the gun. All other numbers are matching except the magazine. It has a D on the rear sight, all parts are milled, the gas tube is 2 pieces. There is lightening cuts in all the places specified.

Is this an early production with some refurbishment? This sticky has really got me interested.
 
Hi great thread , I have a chance to by a Chinese Military SKS one has a blade Bayo and the other spike bayo , I read here the early odeles have a blade , for collect ability is an early model better than a later one with a spike Bayo ??

Thanks !!
 
Question

I have a Chinese civilian SKS , from the sticky the triangle code it is 0405 ??

It is all matching numbers but on the side of the receiver it is stamped " SKS 7.62X39 Norinco poly USA ATL CA.

There are 3 Chinese letters after the triangle then further over is the serial number starting with 230 ###XX the a H past the end of the serial number and slightly above .

all the rest of the serial numbers are the same as the last 5 numbers found on the side of the receiver after the 230 .

The trigger guard is machined not stamped metal , spike bayo and has a green sling with leather ends that hold the clips .

Can any one give any info on this rifle , many thanks !
 
Hello to all. Earlier this year I acquired a type 56. I love it (it's all beat up and looks great) but the trigger pull is horrendous. I'm familiar to the sks and know that the triggers vary. Does anyone know what could be making it so tough? As I squeeze the trigger, it's gritty and can feel the trigger slip by some metal it seems to be catching on. Any suggestions would help. It's so bad I don't think I could even sell the rifle
 
Got this cute one locally...Looks like factory 6666. Late milled receiver and milled trigger group. Production year looks like was the 1980. Has CAI import stamp and is all matching. Is this a PLA issue or commercial? Or...or a super rare one from Chairman's Mao personal collection??
ez9FhL5.jpg


wOYAaJQ.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom