SKS help. is it refurb?

[jakerazer]

I just purchased an "unissued" 1954 Tula SKS. All the serial numbers match. The gun looks unfired but when I took it apart to cleanoff the grease i noted the underside of the front gas tube is electropenciled with the serial number.
Does this mean it's a refurb?

thanks

 

[Jay]

No, it does not mean it's a re-furbished gun. Electro-penciling of the gas tube is standard. Pretty hard to stamp the serial on the gas tube when it's round, not impossible, just makes more sense IMHO to pencil it...

As for it being "unissued", can you see a re-furbish stamping on the top cover? Should look like a square with a line through it, or a diamond shape with a line through it... Does it have a bolt through the pistol grip? Is there wear on the hammer?

I'm sure curtton will help out here, he's the pro! Post pics & we can sort it out for you!

Cheers
Jay
P.S. The RUSSIANS are nice 'eh!

 

[Woodbeef]

If it has none of the outward refurb indicators Jay mentioned,then look for certain stamps on the stock. Seeing as it's a 54,it should be in a hardwood stock that has Tula star,date and only one serial number that matches the gun on the left side of the butt. Look carefully for nothing Xd out or the numbers being restamped over old ones. On the right there should be what looks like a circle with a cirlce inside it with a line through it. This is the final acceptance stamp. Now look closely at the cross bolt. At least the left side should have stamps around it,the right side may or may not have these QC stamps. Now these are all pretty good indicators along with Jay's info the gun has never went through refurb. Also look for signs of wear in the bluing,and overall wear.

 

[jakerazer]

Thanks Guys. It looks like it's not a refurb. I would even venture to say it's unissued.
Now i have to decide if i should shoot it of put it away.........