Russian SKS Serial Number Registry

I can sure use the help from you enthusiasts -- spread the word and perhaps we can REALLY GROW this database, and make it to be "the source" of general SKS data.
 
RMXC51 said:
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.
Click to expand...

I added the categories.
 
Just emailed some friends with Russian ones the link. They should check it out as they get time. Quite interested in seeing the results!

How many submissions do you have by now, if you don't mind answering the question?
 
Andurp said:
Just emailed some friends with Russian ones the link. They should check it out as they get time. Quite interested in seeing the results!

How many submissions do you have by now, if you don't mind answering the question?
Click to expand...

Nearly 50 in less than a span of 8 hours -- when it went live. I will go back later and see the overall count. Everything is working as it should.

I am quite excited to actually know %'s of this and %'s of that, without speculation.

I just posted on two large US forums, hopefully that will generate replies!

I will post some statistics as it grows a bit more.
 
Can we assume the serial numbers weren't adjusted to foil production estimates?
The Allies successfully used German serial numbers for production estimates in WWII, it is possible the Russians and Chinese employed deception:
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_tank_problem
 
I don't think finish type would insult anyone. One of my favorites is a 51 black bolt. Kind of reminds me of a German Shepherd with its black and tan color. I need to make a little room in the cabinet and its the one that SHOULD go, but I don't know if I can part with it. Never even fired it...
 
RMXC51 said:
I don't think finish type would insult anyone. One of my favorites is a 51 black bolt. Kind of reminds me of a German Shepherd with its black and tan color. I need to make a little room in the cabinet and its the one that SHOULD go, but I don't know if I can part with it. Never even fired it...
Click to expand...

My biggest regret is selling my first gun ever, a refurbed '54... why? not sure. Keep yours! :)
 
Juster said:
Can we assume the serial numbers weren't adjusted to foil production estimates?
The Allies successfully used German serial numbers for production estimates in WWII, it is possible the Russians and Chinese employed deception:
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_tank_problem
Click to expand...

ummmm... I don't think so. However, I suppose anything is possible.
 
I added "shiny gold" and "matte gold coated" to the bayonet question, though I am convinced that the gold colour is nothing more than dried cosmoline. Thanks for the suggestion RMXC51
 
The Kurgan said:
I added "shiny gold" and "matte gold coated" to the bayonet question, though I am convinced that the gold colour is nothing more than dried cosmoline. Thanks for the suggestion RMXC51
Click to expand...

I fully agree that its dried cosmo, but a big database that lets us figure out the where why and how it happens could be helpful too.
 
Here's a preliminary summary based on a mere 50 responses:

Arsenal:
Tula 78%
Izhevsk 22%

Tula:
1949 2%
1950 10%
1951 8%
1952 10%
1953 10%
1954 24%
1955 4%
1955/56 10%

Izhevsk:
1953 10%
1954 12%

Does the SKS have a double OR single character Cyrillic prefix?
Double Character (common) 90%
Single Character 10%

Is there a single Cyrillic character stamped AFTER the serial number?
Yes 20%
No 80%

Country of origin:
Canada 78%
USA 22%

I'll break the following out by year and arsenal, once the response rate increases:

Collector Status
laminate refurb 38%
hardwood refurb 42%
as-issued 20%

Describe the magazine
welded plug (aka "frankenpinned") 22%
riveted 50%
pin welded follower 6%
not limited to 5 rounds (USA and international) 22%

Describe the bayonet
spike (any finish) 2%
blade -- shiny finish (polished steel) 30%
blade -- shiny gold finish 0%
blade -- matte silver coated 66%
blade -- matte gold coated 0%
blade -- blued finish (refurb) 2%
blade -- painted finish (refurb) 0%
blade -- parkerized (refurb) 0%

Describe the trigger assembly
early type 32%
late type 64%
I still don't know 4%

Describe the gas block
square type 2%
45 degree type 24%
later curved type (most common) 72%
I still don't know 2%

Describe the metal finish
blued 90%
painted black -- shiny finish 0%
painted black -- crinkle finish 0%
painted black -- matte finish 6%
parkerized 0%
I don't know 0%

Describe the operating rod spring
single wound 10%
double wound 6%
I don't know 22%
(left blank) 62%

On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the overall condition of the SKS?
1 - Poor 0%
2 0%
3 10%
4 34%
5 - 'as-new' 56%

You can see how as the survey grows, how much more interesting (and accurate) the results will become.

So far, the response count is way too low for any meaningful analysis.

If you know people who have Russian SKS, let them know about the survey.

Thanks.
 
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