SKS Questions

[SKS56]

I have a few questions regarding a Chinese Type 56 SKS I picked up a couple years ago. On the side, it is stamped with the People's Republic of China symbol, the symbols meaning 56th year type, the serial number (22028610, the 220 looks like a prefix), and "SKS 7.62x39mm MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO POLY USA ATL GA". All other parts match, they are stamped 28610. It was new, unfired, at the time of purchase. It also had a bayonet lug, but without a bayonet. It also appears to be of milled construction.
With this information, can anyone tell me when it was made, who imported it, or when was it imported? Also, is this a military type or a later commercial version? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

[This message has been edited by SKS56 (edited 10-30-1999).]

[CALIFORNIAN]

hi, the serial # is in the 22 million range
and that would be a 1978 manufactured SKS,
it should be the spike bayonet model ? it was
probably imported by KENGS in GA. my guess ?
it's a post Vietnam rifle ,probably made for
the Chinese police or People's Militia. The
rifle was probably imported between 1991-93
and they are well made ,not a recent comercial mfg. rifle. Does it have a "26 in
a triangle" marking ? the recent production
SKS rifles usually dont look as nice and are
more crude in appearance with pinned barrels
& stamped trigger guards ,bad fitting etc.
Arsenal 36 makes some crude examples.

[This message has been edited by CALIFORNIAN (edited 10-30-1999).]

[SKS56]

The only other marking I was able to locate was an eleven in a circle on the comb of the stock. I cannot find and other inspection marks or such on the reciever or any other part. It definatly is a spike bayonet model (the wood in the slot was pressed in were it used to be, prior to importation). The information you gave is quite suprising to me as the rifle only cost $120, arsenal fresh. Thanks for your input!

[This message has been edited by SKS56 (edited 10-30-1999).]

[Mike Kreca]

The difficulty with identifying many of the Chinese SKSs' origin is that manufacture of various components was carried out at many small shops and factories throughout China, with assembly at still others.

Many of these locations are classified. The two best known manufacturers of China's SKS carbines are State-Owned Factory (SOF) 296, near the northeastern coastal city of Tsingtao and also called the Jianshe Industrial Group which now manufactures Yamaha motorcycles. Production of SKS carbines began at ceased at SOF 296 in 1956 and ceased the early 1970s. 296 carbines are identified with the number 26 inside of a triangle.

SOF 976, near the southeastern China city of Chongjing has been the sole known SKS manufacturer since the early 1970s, when all SKS technicians were transferred there. It is identified by the stylized number 416 inside of a triangle. Your SKS is most likely a SOF 976 product.

If interested, the spike bayonet is available from Gun Parts Corp. http://www.gunpartscorp.com