Russian SKS model 45 (CKC45g)
Tula- Weapons were produced in this area by artesians starting in the 16th century because of the mineral deposits close at hand and in the 18th century Tula Arsenal which is the oldest arsenal in Russia was built and was the first to use water powered machinery to produce weapons. Producing SKS's 1949 through 1955 with early model receivers in 49-50-51 and 52, late model receivers in 52 through 55. The guns that were manufactured starting in 1946 through 1948 were trials guns and use a bayonet that looks like one from a Mosin Nagant Model 1944, and there were two styles of locking mechanism for the blade bayonet made as well. There were also early model bolts on 49-50-51-and maybe the early part of 52. Tula's mark is a five point star with an arrow inside, found on the bolt carrier cover and on the 55 model it can be a small star on the left side of the receiver as well.
Izhevsk- producing 1953 through 1954 with no variations known by me as I have only seen two of them. Izhevsk's mark is a circle with a triangle inside, with an arrow inside that, also found on the bolt carrier cover.
The stocks on the Russian SKS are made of Artic Birch and have an almost natural camo pattern when stained or oiled which ever it is. Actually smells like old used motor oil. Replacement stocks were made using laminated Birch, sometimes containing two reinforcing bolts.
I have seen bayonets that were blued, satin chrome and polished chrome, actions that were re-finished in black powder paint and that were beautiful polished blue. The accuracy of an SKS was checked by firing 3 rounds at a target and if it obtained sniper quality it was marked on the front of the front sight base with the number 1, with #2 and #3 as accuracy decreased.
