Should it stay or should it go?

PinkyPlinker

PinkyPlinker

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Kenora, ON
Seeking advice/input on a recent Sks purchase. I have a bargain bin beater and another good shooter already. What I was/am looking for was a rarer non refurb to leave in Cosmo and preserve.
I purchased a letter series "D" rifle from a very knowledgeable and respected dealer in absolutely wonderful condition. It was as advertised and I have no complaints save for one disappointment, the SN on the bolt is not a match to the rest of the rifle.
The seller and I are both in agreement that this was likely a duff up at the factory. Numbers are correct, letters are not, but the stamp fonts match up with the rest of the rifle. There are no indications this gun was ever refurbed and shows little if any metal wear. It is otherwise exactly what I want.
What I would like to discuss is if this mismatch is more desirable because of the error, or less desirable due to non match SNs.
The seller has graciously offered to replace it if I so desire but I am really on the fence about taking him up on the offer or keeping it.
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I should also mention that it was not advertised as a numbers match gun, and I did not ask. When I notified him I believe he was genuinely surprised at the mismatch.
 
PinkyPlinker said:
I should also mention that it was not advertised as a numbers match gun, and I did not ask. When I notified him I believe he was genuinely surprised at the mismatch.
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I think you are probably going to continue to be bothered by this and should get it replaced. If it is going to cost you to ship it back, perhaps offer to sell
it on the EE at your cost? Perhaps someone will view a slight mix-up as being an interesting feature and pay more. I would have to see the whole rifle.
 
it an sks , nothing special there they made million of them , the only sks ever that would value a fortune would be one made in 1945 but you probably gonna have to steal the kremlin for that !
 
Dad003 said:
it an sks , nothing special there they made million of them , the only sks ever that would value a fortune would be one made in 1945 but you probably gonna have to steal the kremlin for that !
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I'm not expecting to retire on its future value, but I would like to have a nice example of a rarer one tucked away while I blast away with the other two.
 
Without posting a ton of pics,
Laminate stock, cartouches intact including final inspection and can be felt as punched. Only wear is around front cross bolt, usual crate wear. Buttplate shows no wear.
All stamped SNs match (besides bolt) in same font, all scribed SNs match and done in the same hand including under the rear sight.
Punch marks on bayo (Matt silver) are intact.
No refurb stamps or Xouts anywhere.
Beautiful blueing, no paint.
Crowning is a bit deeper than my 54s, could mean nothing. Hammer shows slight wear where the bolt travels over it. Other than that there isn't any noticeable wear.
It's a beautiful example of a rare gun, for an Sks, even if it could have had the bolt replaced.
 
As a commercial rifle made specifically for export to the USA in the late 80s I'm not sure if matching numbers is even relevant to the value. They aren't really collector's pieces. Although, that is subjective.
 
Letter series were all made with spares from all factories and depots. In 1957 or what ever the year is D letter represents, all they cared is that the gun functionned right. Soviet soldier never shot more than 10-15 rds during his tour of duty. 5 to zero it when he received the weapon, 5 for practice if he lucky and 5 to qualify. then clean and put it on the rack. All they used sks for is to guard facilities with bayo on. Dumping crates of ammo down range was never intended purpose of sks.
So mismatched letters oh who cares as long as it shoots straight.
 
Not to confuse, this is not a SKS-D, but a letter series 55-56 "D" (looks like the English letter A) stamped beside SN on receiver. Last years for Tula.
 
I am now certain this was a light refurb, bolt and buttplate being replaced after short service. Possibly during the AK SN series which appeared in the "I" series, thought to follow the "D". I've decided to keep it anyway as I'm doubtful I will find a better "D" gun and I feel the price was still fair (would have considered it a smoking deal if it really was unrefurb). Disappointed it won't be the one that gets tucked away but OTOH now I can feel good about just cleaning it and shooting it.
 
PinkyPlinker said:
I am now certain this was a light refurb, bolt and buttplate being replaced after short service. Possibly during the AK SN series which appeared in the "I" series, thought to follow the "D". I've decided to keep it anyway as I'm doubtful I will find a better "D" gun and I feel the price was still fair (would have considered it a smoking deal if it really was unrefurb). Disappointed it won't be the one that gets tucked away but OTOH now I can feel good about just cleaning it and shooting it.
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Good decision! You get to buy another SKS! And you get another Shooter!
 
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