This Russian SKS was made by Tula and is chambered in 7.62x39mm. The serial number has a letter suffix that was used after the early production SKS’s which had the year on the top of the receiver. Though sometimes debated it is generally accepted that serials ending in Cyrillic letters: Д = 1956, И= 1957, К= 1958. This rifle has the K designation so would be 1958.

This SKS has all numbers matching on its metal parts. The stock, however, does not have a serial number or any of the usual stamps/cartouches. There are no marks indicating this is a refurbish but it is possible the stock was a replacement for the original. This rifle is also missing the bayonet. There are no import marks appear on this rifle.

This rifle is in very good condition. The laminate wood stock and hand guard finish, a deep reddish brown, is good with only minor wear. The wood shows no splits or cracks but does have a few minor dings here and there. The finish on the receiver and barrel is very good showing only minor wear.

The inside receiver is very clean with minimal wear. The bolt face shows only the slightest hint of wear/grime. The bore is very good, 3/5, shiny with crisp rifling and no signs of pitting. The action is smooth and all parts function mechanically as they should. This rifle has NOT been test fired by us.

The SKS truly is the ultimate transitional from the World War era to the modern era of rifles. Like in the U.S. with the M14 service rifle, the SKS had a similar implementation, purpose, and rather quick replacement. The Second World War proved that ammo capacity, light weight set-ups, and fire rate were much needed technological advancements for the small arms world. The Russian Red Army had a plethora of full auto and semi auto weapons like the SVT-40 and PPSH-41. However the majority of them and their allies used the bolt action Mosin Nagant rifle. As great as the Mosin Nagant was it was limited to 5 rounds of the heavier 7.62x54R. Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov was the designer of the SKS rifle which stands for Samozaryandy Karabin system Simonova – Simonov’s self loading carbine. Siminov began work in the early 1940s with the SKS-31 (AKA the SKS-41) Only 50 units were produced in 7.62x54R. When the 7.62×39 cartridge was developed the project was revived. The rifle was adopted by the Russian military and eventually for its early Warsaw Pact allies. China was the biggest adopter of the SKS and the longest user of it. At the time 80+ factories in China tooled up for SKS Type-56 production. China made some minor changes in the production process and build of material.

No Import Marks Found

CИ 6234 K – left side front receiver

Star (Tula) – Left side receiver

CИ 6234 – gas tube (electro pen), bolt, bolt carrier, magazine, trigger guard, rear receiver cover

X in Triangle – left side front receiver

K in Circle, O in Circle, X in Circle (inspection marks) – left side rear barrel

Miscellaneous Proof/Inspection Marks – various places

No Serial / Cartouche / Marks on stock