Russian SKS Serial Number Registry

The Kurgan

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Russian SKS Serial Number Registry -- CLOSED - thread for informational purposes only

Here's my attempt to, OVER TIME, estimate total production of Russian SKS carbines.

I created the survey (links below) yesterday, and already there's been quite a large and positive response on my side of the border.

The idea is to build a large enough database of serial numbers to reliably determine the highest serial number for every Cyrillic prefix and suffix character combination. Theoretically, by adding-up the highest recorded serial number for each Cyrillic character combination, a total production number can be calculated for that given year. The data can be sorted by year and by arsenal, etc. Again, the database must be large enough to capture the highest, or nearly the highest, serial number for each prefix/suffix combination.

The results of the survey are completely confidential. You will not be asked to give your name, address, or any other identifying information. The serial numbers stored in the survey will never be sold, distributed, or shared.

The more data, the better!

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:sniper: --->PIVOT TABLES -- PREFIX/SUFFIX UNIQUE COUNT & MAXIMUM SERIAL NUMBERS<---

The first tab provides a pivot table that indicates maximum (highest) serial number per Cyrillic character ranges that have been added to date. Over time, the sum of all those numbers will hopefully indicate production numbers.

The second tab provides a pivot table that indicates total number of occurrences per Cyrillic character range.

LEGEND
The "*" symbol separates a prefix from a suffix
The "T_" and "I_" represent the arsenal

There is some "blocking" occurring, but the database is way too small to start drawing any conclusions around prefix and year patterns.

Regarding suffix, the only conclusion I can draw so far is that they are limited to 1954 Izhevsk and 1955/56 "letter series"/"no date" Tula.

I will create more pivot tables as the database grows and becomes more useful.

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A link to basic summary results:

:sniper: --->SUMMARY STATISTICS -- SKS SURVEY<---

Again, once the database grows in size (200+ responses), I will begin attaching more interesting comparisons... looking at multiple variables, like year and arsenal by physical features, cyrillic code, etc.

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LINK TO SURVEY:

:sniper: --->RUSSIAN SKS SERIAL NUMBER REGISTRY<---

Due to a recent rash of bogus registry entries, I have temporarily suspended the survey. It has become far too labour intensive to sift through all the garbage on a daily basis. I may devise some sort of proof system, which I am sure, will cut down on participation to nearly nil. The good news is that there's nearly 2300 quality entries and I have already drawn my conclusions on overall production numbers. Given this, I feel it has been a resounding success. I will keep you apprised of any changes. Thanks to all who have participated!!

Cheers,
Kurgan :yingyang:
 
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I have a spreadsheet set up with basically all the same info. Tried to get it going on another board (you know the one) and there were no takers. I still think its a great idea. I don't have time to enter all of them in your survey, but if you have time I can send you my spreadsheet and you can add them at your leisure.
 
I have a spreadsheet set up with basically all the same info. Tried to get it going on another board (you know the one) and there were no takers. I still think its a great idea. I don't have time to enter all of them in your survey, but if you have time I can send you my spreadsheet and you can add them at your leisure.

It's designed to be self-serve and takes 2 minutes to complete! :)
 
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New ideas incorporated. So far no confusion from participants (which is a very positive sign). Thanks for the words of encouragement! :D

Once I have a good starting sample size, say 100 responses, I will post simple statistics, and hopefully have this link turned into a sticky.

Obviously, it will take a LONG time, and a VERY LARGE sample size in order to infer production numbers, but we have to start from nothing in order to achieve this goal.

Thanks again, and FEEL FREE TO PARTICIPATE. No confidential information is asked, and there is NO WAY to track your location/whereabouts. The survey is completely anonymous.

BTW, if you are just testing the survey with "fake data", please don't hit "Submit" -- I want to keep the database "clean".

And no, I don't work for CSIS or the RCMP! :)

Cheers.
 
Data submitted. From everything I have read since purchasing it, I think I have an unissued, frankenpinned late model Tula. Thus far it shoots like a dream.
 
I have an Izhevesk and a No Date Tula. Adding them to the database. Interestingly, my Izhevesk has a cyrillic letter at the end of the serial number as well as my no date Tula.
 
I have an Izhevesk and a No Date Tula. Adding them to the database. Interestingly, my Izhevesk has a cyrillic letter at the end of the serial number as well as my no date Tula.

No problem, the survey is set-up to allow you to add a Cyrillic character after the serial number as well (suffix character).
 
No problem, the survey is set-up to allow you to add a Cyrillic character after the serial number as well (suffix character).

Yeah, noticed that. Certainly an easy to use system. Well done! I'm going to get some serial numbers from some buddies who have Russian SKS's and add them in, but as far as I know they're all just run of the mill Tula refurbs. Still, I'm sure it'll help.
 
Yeah, noticed that. Certainly an easy to use system. Well done! I'm going to get some serial numbers from some buddies who have Russian SKS's and add them in, but as far as I know they're all just run of the mill Tula refurbs. Still, I'm sure it'll help.

All SKS's matter. The purpose of the registry is to ultimately estimate production numbers. I just asked some additional questions (such as refurb vs as-issued) so that I can run some basic statistics while the registry grows.

Thanks for the kind words.
 
2 minutes if you have 1 or rifles. That ain't me...

Still, I 'd like to se the results, I'll put mine in as I find time.
 
There, mine are in. If I may make a suggestion, I would add categories for type of finish (blued vs BBQ paint) and type of op rod spring (single v dual wound). Lots of debate going on about op rod springs, so I keep track of that.
 
There, mine are in. If I may make a suggestion, I would add categories for type of finish (blued vs BBQ paint) and type of op rod spring (single v dual wound). Lots of debate going on about op rod springs, so I keep track of that.

Good point, and in fact, I contemplated adding those very questions! However, this assumes a higher understanding of the SKS, and I don't want to unnecessarily complicate the survey and loose potential participants.

I also don't want to insult anybody by making them feel their "BBQ painted" SKS's are a lesser beast. Personally, I happen to find heavy refurbs to be quite interesting.

Let me think about it, and perhaps I can add the finish question, without sounding insulting.

(BTW, NICE COLLECTION! :))
 
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