Chinese Type 56 SKS (Rust / Identification)

[Crucial]

Hey everyone,

I picked up a Chinese SKS from Classic Firearms yesterday and I've almost got it all cleaned up (cosmoline) that is. I noticed some rust areas (on the barrel / receiver and magwell). You can tell it's pitted as well in those areas and I'm requesting your expertise in helping me determine the year / any identifiable info on this rifle. There is only a 5 digit serial number along with the "F5639" marking underneath the barrel / receiver.



Regarding the rust, should I remove it? Should I keep it oiled / greased in those areas? And most importantly, is it safe to shoot?

Here are some pictures:

"F5639" (under the barrel / receiver)



Sights:



Stock:





Rust Areas:

Magwell:



Barrel / Receiver Left Side:




Barrel / Receiver Right Side:



Piston Area:



As always, thank you SO much for your input.

[Helen Keller]

Purely cosmetic, Clean it up and oil it .


Unless it's been run over by 10+ tanks an SKS will be safe to shoot.

[Crucial]

Purely cosmetic, Clean it up and oil it .


Unless it's been run over by 10+ tanks an SKS will be safe to shoot.

Much appreciated reply. Any idea on the marking on the bottom of the barrel? Or how I can date this rifle?

[Krupski]

Much appreciated reply. Any idea on the marking on the bottom of the barrel? Or how I can date this rifle?

Look at the serial number. The first digit denotes the year. A Chinese serial number will have 7 digits (a 1956 will only have 6). Add "1956" to that digit.

For example:

Serial number nnnnnn (only 6 digits, rifle is a 1956) (because "nnnnnn" is equivalent to "0nnnnnn")

Serial number 3nnnnnn (rifle is 1956 + 3 = 1959)

My Chinese SKS: 741xxx (only 6 digits, mine is a 1956).

See?

[Crucial]

Look at the serial number. The first digit denotes the year. A Chinese serial number will have 7 digits (a 1956 will only have 6). Add "1956" to that digit.

For example:

Serial number nnnnnn (only 6 digits, rifle is a 1956) (because "nnnnnn" is equivalent to "0nnnnnn")

Serial number 3nnnnnn (rifle is 1956 + 3 = 1959)

My Chinese SKS: 741xxx (only 6 digits, mine is a 1956).

See?

Awesome, so I looks like mine is a 1956 as it only has 6 digits for the serial and everything matches down to the stock which I found pretty cool as well.


I appreciate your response and knowledge regarding this rifle. Any idea of the strange "F" letter and numbers under the barrel (F5630)? That does not match anywhere close to the serial if that helps?
Markings1_zpsbe35585d.jpg

[Krupski]

Awesome, so I looks like mine is a 1956 as it only has 6 digits for the serial and everything matches down to the stock which I found pretty cool as well.


I appreciate your response and knowledge regarding this rifle. Any idea of the strange "F" letter and numbers under the barrel (F5630)? That does not match anywhere close to the serial if that helps?
Markings1_zpsbe35585d.jpg

My barrel has nothing stamped on the bottom:

(click pic for full size)


Everything else has either the (same) serial number stamped on it, or the last 4 digits (the bolt carrier, for example).

I dunno what those numbers mean. Maybe a replacement barrel?

[Krupski]

Purely cosmetic, Clean it up and oil it .


Unless it's been run over by 10+ tanks an SKS will be safe to shoot.

Agreed. The pitted areas are unfortunate, but they won't hurt the integrity of the rifle. Probably a lot more than 10 tanks could run over it and not hurt anything!

@Crucial: Don't try to sand or grind away the pitted areas. It will only make it look worse. Just use a rough oiled flannel cloth and a lot of elbow grease to remove the rust, and maybe a mini plastic "wire" wheel in a Dremel to de-rust the pitted areas. Don't use ANY metal tools, files, wire brushes, etc... only plastic, nylon or cloth.

Then use some cold blue to cover any bare areas and finally wipe a thin layer of good gun oil over the whole action.

If you know how, take the action completely apart and clean/oil each part, then reassemble.

BTW, how is the barrel bore?

[Crucial]

BTW, how is the barrel bore?

The bore is squeaky clean (will post a photo once I get it all finished).

Is taking apart the action required? I've done some research and it looks like it can be a huge pain in the ass.

[Helen Keller]

other than field stripping.

dont mess with the FCG, unless a parts breaks.

[Crucial]

other than field stripping.

dont mess with the FCG, unless a parts breaks.

Cool, it was packed with cosmoline, I got most of it (what I could reach) out and oiled up.

Which brings me to my next concern / question. My firing Pin appears to either be dented / chipped at the tip, is this normal or should I get it replaced; picture below.

Also, sorry for so many questions, I just want to be safe.







Also attached is my bore picture I promised.