Starting the collection!

R

RobHL

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Hey guys, I finally popped my cherry and started my collection of surplus rifles. As with many people, I started with an SKS. Bought this one last night. It seems to be in very good condition, although it's absolutely filthy and I haven't gotten round to cleaning it yet.

It seems to be a Tula 1954, with all matching serial numbers (externally anyways), like I said, I haven't gotten around to stripping it down yet. I cannot find a refurbishment marker on it, and the stock seems to be original. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

If anyone could enlighten me further it would be appreciated!

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As you said, no apparent refurb marks. Are the peens on the bayonet pivot screw intact? If so, you have a possible unrefurbished, as issued rifle. When you take it apart, check for wear on the contact points, the bolt, hammer face, guide rails, etc. If no wear, that may lend more credence to an unissued rifle. Is the muzzle in the white and unfinished?
 
Thresher said:
As you said, no apparent refurb marks. Are the peens on the bayonet pivot screw intact? If so, you have a possible unrefurbished, as issued rifle. When you take it apart, check for wear on the contact points, the bolt, hammer face, guide rails, etc. If no wear, that may lend more credence to an unissued rifle. Is the muzzle in the white and unfinished?
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Thresher, here are some pictures whilst I was disassembling. It seems to not have very much wear, and all the electro pen numbers are where they should be. The only one I couldn't find is on the bayonet. It does however have inspection markings on the stock.






 
It's been shot, not that much by the looks of it though. I have three letter series, with no wear internally or externally, and no refurb marks. Can't bring myself to shoot them when I have a few shooters already. Your rifle is broke in, but almost pristine, it'd make a good shooter without guilt afterwards. Your peening on the screw is intact and original, and no peening from impact on the rear receiver. Hammer face finish is worn as well as contact points for the bolt carrier, locking lug is starting to wear on finish and could be the flash but the front of your follower seems to have wear. Most of the wear on yours could also be duplicated by manually cycling but it was probably shot as well. Enjoy her, you got a better one than the recent imports! Let me guess, got her from Westrifle?
 
I actually picked it up at Wholesale Sports here in Calgary! Super happy with it. This was definitely the nicest one they had. Thrilled I managed to get one with almost all original parts too! Thanks for your help Thresher! Hoping to take it out this weekend.
 
The worst part of this whole thing is that I've already decided on my next rifle. I'm hooked for sure. However, this being first, I want to enjoy it a little before the next one.
 
RobHL said:
The worst part of this whole thing is that I've already decided on my next rifle. I'm hooked for sure. However, this being first, I want to enjoy it a little before the next one.
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Get the older sister - SVT :) That get a MN and it's carbine variants. That move onto German side :) You will feel the difference after firing K98.
 
RobHL said:
I actually picked it up at Wholesale Sports here in Calgary! Super happy with it. This was definitely the nicest one they had. Thrilled I managed to get one with almost all original parts too! Thanks for your help Thresher! Hoping to take it out this weekend.
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NOt sure what you mean by almost all original. That rifle is on all numbered parts.
 
Smitsauce said:
The original serial numbers were all stamped. Refurbs had forced matched serial numbers electro penciled onto the parts to make them match.
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Forgive me if I'm wrong, but according to the research I've done, and what I have read on Curtton's thread entitled: 'Russian SKS 45 ID FAQ and Collectibles'; some electro stenciling was original. The following is taken from the thread.

"5. Serial Numbers.
Location of original serial numbers.
-Stamped serial numbers are on left side of the receiver, behind top cover, on trigger guard, bottom of mag, left side of butt stock, top of carrier and bolt.
-Original electro-penciled can be found on gas tube, gas rod, extractor, butt plate, bayonet and under rear sight leaf."

My interpretation is that original serial numbers were electro penciled onto certain parts, as are done on my rifle.
 
Welcome!! You're hooked now. You have made a good start. Years ago people sneered at "them old army rifles " but I wonder who gets the last laugh?

Have fun!
 
kjohn said:
Welcome!! You're hooked now. You have made a good start. Years ago people sneered at "them old army rifles " but I wonder who gets the last laugh?

Have fun!
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I definitely am! I've always loved the milsurp stuff, just never got around to owning any myself. Can't wait to keep adding to the collection.
 
Call said:
Now go out and buy 2000 rounds of ammo before the upcoming election hits.
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Interesting quote. I'm curious what how you think the election would impact the availability of surplus ammo? If the liberals or NDP get in would they prevent 7.62X39 from getting into the country?
 
MuthaFunk said:
Interesting quote. I'm curious what how you think the election would impact the availability of surplus ammo? If the liberals or NDP get in would they prevent 7.62X39 from getting into the country?
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More a comment on the "restrictions" that Trudeau has mentioned. Other countries already have limits on how much ammunition you can buy/store at one time, I can see this being a "reasonable" position that the Libs or NDP would push for. I suspect there are many politicians who would ask why any "farmer or duck hunter" would need more than 50 rounds of ammunition...
 
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RobHL said:
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but according to the research I've done, and what I have read on Curtton's thread entitled: 'Russian SKS 45 ID FAQ and Collectibles'; some electro stenciling was original. The following is taken from the thread.

"5. Serial Numbers.
Location of original serial numbers.
-Stamped serial numbers are on left side of the receiver, behind top cover, on trigger guard, bottom of mag, left side of butt stock, top of carrier and bolt.
-Original electro-penciled can be found on gas tube, gas rod, extractor, butt plate, bayonet and under rear sight leaf."

My interpretation is that original serial numbers were electro penciled onto certain parts, as are done on my rifle.
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Your interpretation is correct. The other gentleman is sadly mistaken. Its easier to electro pencil on small parts such as the gas tube, or the piston shank. Stamping would possibly damage the tube as well, changing the internal dimensions. Also, re-numbered trigger groups had the old numbers ground off, leaving a flat spot, and then re-stamped.
 
Thresher said:
Your interpretation is correct. The other gentleman is sadly mistaken. Its easier to electro pencil on small parts such as the gas tube, or the piston shank. Stamping would possibly damage the tube as well, changing the internal dimensions. Also, re-numbered trigger groups had the old numbers ground off, leaving a flat spot, and then re-stamped.
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Thankyou for confirming my thoughts. I've done a fair bit of reading on a couple of forums and am hoping I'm beginning to know my stuff. Looking forward to getting all this cosmoline gone over the weekend. I'd very much like to take it out soon.
 
It is not uncommon for later SKS rifles to be all matching. A lot were manufactured and then placed straight in storage. By this stage the AK had proved very successful so the SKS was not required and was not being issued. They had just not stopped production yet. Mine is a 53 all matching as manufactured. Test fired only.
 
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