First Rifle/SKS: 1950 Russian Non Refurb?

[Ryan_db]

So I just got my first rifle which happened to be a fairly nice Russian SKS if I do say so. Its a 1950 Tula with a laminated stock, and from what I can tell it has all matching serial numbers. Some weird things i noticed is that the firing pin has a return spring? I thought all sks's firing pins were just free floating in the bolt? Another thing is the safety mechanism isn't spring operated, so you manually have to move it all the way back and forward... One question I would have for someone, is since this is one of the earlier models of the Russian sks, how do i know if its got a chromed line barrel? Anyways thanks for looking and here's some pics:

Hope you like the pictures!

 

[louthepou]

Hy Ryan, welcome home

Your SKS looks good. It is a factory refurb though, with laminate stock and previous number X'ed out on the stock.

Take the time to read the numerous "stickies" in this Red Rifles section, you will find many answers and tons of info you must know about your rifle. Cheers,

Lou

 

[Spcamno]

Very nice sks!

As far as I know the laminated stock was available to the sks until later production that might be explain why you have the original stock number ###X out,its call force match (at least what most CGNer call)LOL.

As to find out how to tell if your barrel has chrome lined or not I was told you can use a little cold blue to see is the inside of the barrel takes it since you can not blue chrome.

Check with others to see if they have any better way to verify the barrel.

 

[easyrider604]

Nice 1950 you got there, Ryan. That lam stock is a replacement for sure, but your metal seems to be non-refurb.

The view from the top, into the receiver, showing the mag follower closely, and the photo of the receiver cover, shows the metal is very clean.

No refurb marks on the cover as well. The arsenal may have just changed the stock on it and left everything as is.

As far as the stiff safety lever and firing pin spring is concerned, I believe 1950 production models had them.

As far as chromed barrel or not, I'd fire a fiew rounds down range, wait a week and push a patch through the barrel. If you see reddish brown residue, that is rust my friend, meaning you should have cleaned the rifle and not listened to my advise. Just kdding of course. Seriously, some experts say you can apply a little blueing solution to the muzzle crown (follow instructions that came with the blueing solution). If the muzzle turns blue, then bore is non-chromed.

Again, beautiful rifle. Congrats!

 

[Ryan_db]

Thanks for all the advice guys! I will definitely try the cold blue trick and see if that can give me an answer. I definitely love my sks though and can't wait to go to the range with her this weekend!