Apparently, the most rare is a cleaning rod for my yugo. I don't even wanna use one for cleaning, just want one that sits on the rifle like it's supposed to.
Mine came with a rod but the trap door was empty. It also has Albanian writing carved into the stock with rings of an empty case jammed into it. Also a triangle 26. So..... Idk
I can honestly say I love this channel and how deep the rabbit hole goes with these rifles. I love my Yugo 59/66 as it's my only one. Such an incredible history and for me I find this channel super informative.
I just bought a sks paratrooper 400$ and using your videos will help me identify everything I need! Great rifle shoots straight and true. Will be buying more.
Very CLEAR,not extremely technical, and IN PERSON, PROFESSIONAL Presentation!!! Well done! I wish you would cover chinese made AK pattern rifles,but if not i understand..KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!
I got an SKS through Classic firearms a few years ago, and it's been a mystery where it came from. The lack of factory markings and low serial number have thrown me off. The black bayonet I also thought was strange. But it's my first SKS, so these videos are really helping me out. Thanks!
What have you found out? When I bought mine it was simply labeled as Russian and since it looked like Soviet refurbishment, I figured it was. It has no obvious markings and what looks like a black maybe parkerized bayonet. I don't really know anything about it
@@loganheaton9213 It's definitely Chinese. Bayonet and stock (along with a few other parts) were from being refurbed at an armory. Bolt and carrier are numbers matching but the rest is a mutt. My rifle came from a shipment out of Albania according to Classic firearms.
You have a wealth of information here, glad I found your channel. After not having an SKS in my collection for over 10 years the bug bit me again. A guy at work has a Chinese one he said he’d sell me for what he paid for it a couple years ago. Grabbing it from him in a couple weeks.
Love it... Keep up the great work... One thing which intrigues me is how an SKS represents learning from the successes of the m1 carbine and Garand... truly in between while also learning from the SVT non-success and the Simonov tank rifle
I share your intrigue. If it weren't for the mediocre iron sights, I would go as far as to say that the SKS combines (and improves upon) the best of the M1 carbine and rifle.
Information on 0-602554 and 8S3837 … any help greatly appreciated . Thank You for your wealth of knowledge. You are like an encyclopedia of facts on these units. Thank You for sharing 👍
I sent you a email. Have you ever seen a Norinco 56 with a Norinco scope mount and scope on it and is welded to the dust cover? I sent you pics also.@Triangle26
Wow what a mind blowing amount of information. You went more in-depth into the AK then I ever heard before ans it sounds like you could have went much deeper!!! Keep up the good work. All you need to blow the roof off of your channel is some practical exposure...
Sir, Thank you for your channel, your knowledge of one of my very favorite weapons, and your obvious love for what you do ! Please keep producing such great videos, and take care !!
I love my SKS's. Your channel has been my learning channel and learn I do. But I get lost easy when I start digging, and just go back to I love them, there very well made and I can afford them, usually. Thanks for taking the time e to share you vast hard earned knowledge. And God Bless Larry Vickers, please pray for him.
Oh don't worry, TH-cam rewards me handsomely. We are talking tens of dollars per video. I'm thinking of buying a new hat. All jokes aside, thanks for watching and commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Hey T26. Thank you so much for your incredibly informative videos. My wife has had an SKS from her father for a while. We alsways thought it was a Romanian version, but your videos helped us learn its true pedigree. We now know its a 1960 chinese letter gun. Matching numbers all around, "M" and 4 digits, but very little markings. It does have a Triangle 26, partially obscured by the stock, nothing on the dust cover, and a poorly stamped star on the stock. Super cool. Keep up the great work! 🤘 👍
The quality of your videos is superb, the knowledge, opinions, and detailed explanations show a very deep understanding and appreciation for the SKS rifle and the work you do. That being said I really wish your channel was better known and you got more views. Please don’t change and keep up the fantastic work :)
Love your channel, my sks is a Tula letter series that looks factory new. I paid 100 dollars for it around 1990. Thanks for your extensive research it is much appreciated.
This being the first time I’ve watched one of your videos, 😎👍 1951 Tula, light referb all numbers matching… (not forced, not coated) shoots great. Subscribed.
Your videos never disappoint sir, I am always happy when you post something new on here.. I am at 8 sks variants at the moment and my goal is to have 12 total
Wicked video brother. Key take away for me was appreciating what you have and preserving it as there is always another one that will give you a short term dopamine kick. Funny how much thay translates to the dating world. Find your favorite SKS/Woman and hang on tight for dear life. Love the content! Please don't ever stop!🎉🎉😅
Haha, too true. Chasing dopamine hits is fun for a while, but as far as I can tell it's not a road that will ever lead to anything resembling satisfaction. With guns or with women. Thanks for watching and commenting as always.
My next door neighbor was a door gunner in Vietnam. His Huey took fire from the ground on a mission. He spotted the shooter and dispatched the threat. My neighbor asked the pilot if he would land near the body to take the SKS off the field. His wish was granted. He brought the SKS home. He is not deceased and the SKS now resides with his son.
A old gentle that went by the name SKS man via his website SKS Man. Once told me the most money he ever made selling a rifle was an East german sks . RIP Paul.
SKS are not cheap these days. If someone is looking for a Chinese model. Get a arsenal never the cheap Norinco. They are totally junk. Some look like they were put together by kids. People are trying to pawn them off as a arsenal. Even though they are junk they sell.
Is there any way to contact Mr. Triangle 26? I have a Chinese laminate stocked SKS (One of a few known to exist), I was wondering if you have any info on these rifles.
I just subscribed to your channel and love it! FYI, in Canada a standard type 56 rifle will cost around $450-$500 Canadian dollars and is still available on the primary market.
I really appreciate your channel and your attention to detail. I have binged most of your videos in the last week or two. As an avid gun show parts scrounger, I am interested in finding out more specific information on parts identification. How do you tell what nationality/era a stock is? When were side swivels used as opposed to bottom swivels? How do I determine what nationality or timeframe a fire control group came from? Are there any distinguishing magazine characteristics that can help determine the country of origin?
Appreciate all of the knowledge you've shared reguarding the SKS! I have definitely learned alot to say the least since I started viewing your channel. Could you possibly make a video sharing your thoughts and experience on scopes being added to the rifle if you have any? The concenses online seems to be that a scope doesn't belong on the SKS. Either its for lack of accuracy, rifle always losing the zero due to improper mounting techniques, "use the rifle how it was meant to be in its original configuration" ect. Would enjoy listening to your take on the subject. Thanks
There is interesting simonov's that are made in Soviet union but finished and assembled in China and have both markings. Soviet union moved production machines, some crew for using them and parts that were under construction to China. Half a year later relationship between countries collapsed and ally turned to enemy but those rifles was example of international politics and some way of... peace
I absolutely loved this video, the history behind the type 56 cabine is a vast mystery that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of I myself own a 1990 commercial made type 56 sks that I believe with all my heart was never shot tell I got my hands on it. For example what made me think that was that the bluing on the reciver slide rails was still shiny with, the bluing looked absolutely perfect, second the action was very tight like it hadn't been work much at all. But that's not why I love mine it the history behind it and yes I agree China made the best quality SKS in my opinion.
(I mean this totally in jest) but have you ever thought about running a clothesiron across your Airborne flag? Sincerely, someone bothered by insigificant things. Awesome video... I now have three SKS's in my collection... two Chinese SKS' and a Yugoslavian, and looking towards my first Russian (laminate birch, I'm hoping!). My Chinese SKS's just so happen to coincide with my interest in Chinese history, especially the communist period. They are both factory 26 rifles. One is 1969, one is 1978. 1969 and 1978 were banner years for red China. 1969 being the peak of the Cultural Revolution, epitomized in the Ninth National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party - this was the year Mao and his loyalists had regained full power within the Central Committee, the party, and the country, after years of steady decline/competition, particularly from "renegades" in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 1978, on the other hand, was the year Deng Xiaoping ascended to the position of "paramount leader" of China, cementing the rule of state-capitalism in China, after a 2 year power struggle following Mao's death, against the Gang of Four, and other Mao loyalists in the party and country. In other words, my two SKS's earmark the beginning and end of uncontested, Maoist political power in China, one of the most turbulent and chaotic periods in the entirety of human history. To compliment them, I also got age-appropriate slings, stripper clip pouches, etc. I even bought a 1960s authentic Cultural Revolution copy of Mao's red book, and a Mao pin to stick on the sling. Offtopic, I know, but these things make my rifles just a little bit more "rare" than anyone else's Factory 26 SKS. :) Keep it up, love your content.
I can honestly say that at no point in my life have I ever independently considered ironing anything lol. Not a bad idea though, thanks for mentioning it. Phenomenal write-up on your rifles by the way, it seems we have very similar ways of relating to these rifles. I wish I would have done a better job of emphasizing that rarity on it's own is kind of stupid. I mention that at the very end, but I wish I would have hit it from the start. Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at.
"Rarity on it's own is kind of stupid." "Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at." @@Triangle26 I agree fully, and I suppose it matters what you actually want out of an SKS collection. Some might want a Yugo because all their friends have Russians or Chinese, and they want to be unique. Some think the Russian one or the Chinese one is "better." Some prize having all-matching rifles, or rifles from first years of production, or something. Maybe you want a weird, obscure Chinese factory no one else has or for bragging rights (factory 666 anyone?). Maybe you just want every example you can get your hands on. The personal reason is more interesting than what's "objectively most rare or rarer." I think there's something unique and "rare" about every single SKS rifle, as you pointed out at the beginning (with tongue in cheek but I think it's true). There's apparently nothing that makes a 1969 versus a 1968, or a 1978 versus a 1979, any different, or any more or less rare than the next "objectively," except for the unique opportunity to tell a story. And honestly, every single SKS affords an opportunity to tell a unique story, no matter the factory, or year, or country of origin. Perspective is everything. And I think you do an excellent job breaking down why the question "which is rarer?" is impossible to answer, and maybe isn't that important. SKS enthusiasts should select rifles based on what speaks to them personally.
Do you know Arabic? The number is "144", correct? I've always hoped that was the case, as "144" is a very significant number among all the Abrahamic religions. I get a kick out of that number being meaningful to the Palestinian Muslims that owned it, the Israeli Jews that took it, and the American Christian that owns it now.
@@Triangle26 Yup 144 “١٤٤" Actually I do not know what this number means for Palestinian Muslims Or Jews or Christians I am a Muslim from Saudi Arabia What is your interpretation of this number?
@@oldstory-sz4qcI know that in Christianity, one place where it comes up is that according to Revelation, 144,000 people will go to heaven at the end of days.
Nice, you're kind of an SKS Jesus, which is cool. The fuse that I have are not rare but they're nice. Examples of the count shouldn't they came from and like you said it never ends. I would like a Romanian, but I'm not well in the shell out. What people want for them thanks for the vid
thx, any plans on a short vid about the Chinese Public Security Models (and perhaps other similar marked models of other origin?), I have a mid 60s era Public Security model, I understand they are pretty much just SKS with added markings to designate use by that particular agency
Absolutely it’s in the works. To be honest the only hold-up is I don’t personally have one, and I’d like to buy/borrow one before filming. They are awesome (and pretty darn rare) rifles with a great story.
Another great video. Excellent writing!! Have you considered turning any of these scripts into an article submission for any of the mil surplus magazines?
Thanks for watching and commenting. That's a really interesting thought - I can't say that idea has ever crossed my mind. I certainly save the scripts though, and figured that one day I might find something interesting to do with them...
New subscriber,this is the most in-depth video on SKS I've ever seen.I just spent the afternoon with my 1953 Tula factory refurb firing Russian Barnaul non corrosive ammo.I haven't shot corrosive in it since i bought it about 17yrs ago.It shoots amazing but the sights are hard to make out due to being all black.You mentioned sites with certain types of night paint on them?I am going to search through your video's for more info.Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Thanks for watching and subscribing, I really do appreciate it! Hard to beat an afternoon with a Soviet SKS. As for sights, the Yugoslavians used luminescent phosphor paint on many of the M59/66A1s. I don't know much about using phosphor paint today, but stealing a bit of the old lady's nail polish has a similar effect. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Canadian here, while waiting for my gun licence, I got my buddy to buy and hold an sks for me. It was advertised as the “French tickler” with the Bakelite hand guard. I’m looking forward to seeing how much I overpaid for it😂
Great vid - I agree with the previous comment that you should hav 10X at least more subscribers. And that's an Albanian on the wall behind you. I used to have one ... they are fairly rare.... to medium rare lol
Awesome video!! I have a type 56. What is the best for refinishing? There seems to be so many options for wood finish. I thought maybe a marine wood sealant, but really have no clue. I have subscribed, and thank you for your hard work. This video alone answered many questions that I had.
@@MP-qn1jw Thanks for subscribing! There are a few great options for refinishing, and choosing between them can depend on your desired result. For a more traditional look, natural oil finishes like linseed or tung are preferred. If you put a higher value on durability, marine spar varnish might be a good choice. My personal favorite finish is wipe-on oil-based polyurethane. It’s easy to work with, extremely durable, and looks great. My most recent video on this channel “The Earliest Chinese SKS” highlights a stock I refinished with this product.
I recently purchased a SKS that is an arsenal refurb with black paint. What is unusual is that it was listed as a Russian SKS and it even says... Made in Russia but in English. But it also has a Chinese ⭐ on it. No idea what I really have.
Based on your description, I’d guess you have a late-pattern (1956-1958) Soviet SKS-45. The Chinese didn’t put stars on their rifles, but the Russian Tula factory did. If you want a more conclusive identification, feel free to email me pictures, my contact info is in the description of this video.
Thank you for all of the hard work that you put into the awesome videos! They have been exceedingly educational as well as highly informative... . Now I have a question to ask .... . How rare is a new in the box (not refurbished) Triangle 26 SKS from 1965? Thanks!
The ones I've seen always seem to be Russian factory refurbs. Many out there in SKS land refer to it as "BBQ paint". I seem to recall that the process at the factory was to paint with a black paint that was then baked in a kiln or something to that effect to bake it on. At least that's the story I heard, maybe Triangle26 can confirm or deny?@@oldstory-sz4qc
Bought my first SKS used at a local dealer yesterday. Sadly it was sporterized, bayonet and lug taken off, polymer stock set, but i didnt mind. According to the tag, it's an Ihevezks or however it's spelled. No factory markings other than the bolt and magazine plate but i beleive those are non-matching.
BXN SKS stripper clips. Any suggestions on a manufacturer or dealer that you would trust? Your SKS history is incredible. I have had a whole semester of college on the SKS through you. Keep up the good work…Thank you Sir.
Dear factory 26,I have stumbled upon a factory 26 it has 3 holes drilled and tapped right past the triangle 26 stamp and is in to serial number which was scribed farther back on the receiver.what I'm trying to find is the original side mount scope mount that would have been used due to the location of the tapped holes being on the left side of the bolt carrier the only thing close is a Molot scope mount but,from the design they are typically located farther back closer to the dust cover.if there is a way to show a picture i would like to share it because i would like to utilize the already tapped holes of i can find out the exact scope mount.thanks for all the info on SKS's
Hello! So let’s get the bad news out of the way first: The Chinese were notorious in the 1980’s for creating “bridges to nowhere”. In other words there are tons of bizarre optic mount footprints, and then different mount styles themselves, and in most cases it is extremely difficult to assemble a complete mounting system. I would tend to recommend drilling for an AK or SVD style mount, and installing it directly over the existing holes.
@@Triangle26 I appreciate the response I can totally understand the bridge to nowhere as in this case it sure has been it Def does look Bubba drilled it but, i may just try to retap the holes for another optic probably an Ak side mount thanks again.
I have a 1953 tula,Refurbished, force matched serial numbers, i removed the "bbq paint" from the bolt carrier..Does that devalue the Piece? I am not,and will not sell this Piece, but just Curious.
I just got an SKS, it has no marks at all only a serial number. It is a long threaded, the stock has been changed to a tamco stock on it now. It does have a grenade launcher sight, Bayonet mount no Bayonet. I need stripper clips and that belt on the wall too. I have 2 , 20 round magazines that came with it.
About 13 years ago (where does the time go?😟) when silver was on a bull run I traded a guy 20 1oz silver buffaloes for a Ruger security six .357 with standard and combat grips, a Norinco sks, around half a dozen duckbills, a .30 cal can full of stripper clips and a 1000rd box of wolf classic. In the time since I got that sks I've only shot it maybe 4 times and now it just lives in my safe. They're neat rifles but dang they aren't cheap anymore. Whats going on with the prices of milsurp weapons? Is it because of inflation? Is there a surge of collectors or is the supply dwindling because of import restrictions or something? All of the above? I miss the days of cheap, plentiful imported milsurp guns and ammo.
Years ago, i was drinking beer on a back porch of a friends house, a deer came out in the field he grabbed a sks and took a shot ,missed .but i had a look at it. It was a east german Sks.. I tried to buy it off him, but a big no..😮..
Absolutely. I talk about this at the end of the video, but in retrospect I wish I would have mentioned it from the start: "Rare" rifles are overrated. Enjoying the rifles we already have is underrated. Also - mint Romanians are awesome, congrats.
Love the deep dive you do into this subject. I found out by watching one of your other videos I have one from the "french tickler" block. Do you know how many were produced during that time frame? Thanks for your time 🍻
6.8/10? Hard to measure rarity objectively… It’s an excellent piece, that’s for sure. They are difficult but not impossible to find. Most collectors (myself included) would like one, but don’t have one. That said, there are certainly more rare variants.
Hey Triangle! I just got a Chinese SKS and it's my first rifle purchase ever. I'm excited to get into it and am curious if there are preferred ammunition for the SKS? For hunting, plinking, and defense respectively. Thanks and keep up the great content!
Congrats on your purchase, you made an excellent choice. In terms of ammunition, the main thing to understand is that these rifles were designed around Eastern Bloc ammunition and that is what they prefer. In general, anything with a steel case will run great. Russian, Chinese, anything ending in “stan”, etcetera. Brass cased ammo made in Yugoslavia, Serbia, Bosnia (or really anywhere other than North America) will also run great. Based on the wounding characteristics of 7.62x39, generally speaking plinking and defensive ammo is usually going to be the same. It’s not a very sophisticated projectile, so generally FMJ in the 120-125 grain range is good for most plinking and defensive applications. Anything with an M67 bullet (Yugo M67, Igman M67, Russian Vympel / Golden Tiger) uses a slightly more lethal projectile. Not a dealbreaker one way or another, but all else being equal it’s the preferred bullet. I’ll mostly dodge the hunting question as I am not an experienced hunter. What I have heard is that Hornady SST or PPU 154 grain soft points are good starting points, but again I can’t vouch for that personally.
@@Triangle26 thanks for the insight! I look forward to learning more about my rifle through your videos. I appreciate the help and that you replied personally, that means a lot.
I was super confused why my "Chinese" looked identical to a Tula... until I found out it was a 1956 production Sino Soviet.
Apparently, the most rare is a cleaning rod for my yugo. I don't even wanna use one for cleaning, just want one that sits on the rifle like it's supposed to.
Agreed, it completes the look.
You made me run upstairs and check my yugo, and yes it has a cleaning rod , I couldnt remember , lol
Liberty Tree Collectors has the Yugo SKS cleaning rods for $24, I bought one for my Yugo SKS resto project.
@@The_Casual_Collectorthanks been looking for all kinds of parts to no avail
Mine came with a rod but the trap door was empty.
It also has Albanian writing carved into the stock with rings of an empty case jammed into it. Also a triangle 26. So..... Idk
This channel is under rated. You should have way more subscribers than you have.
I sincerely appreciate that. I'm optimistic that we will get there!
I can honestly say I love this channel and how deep the rabbit hole goes with these rifles. I love my Yugo 59/66 as it's my only one. Such an incredible history and for me I find this channel super informative.
Absolutely!!
Especially after he got the rub from channels like Hickok45.
You know what makes my Triangle 26 Carbine rear ? It's mine and I love it .
And she is Not for sale at any price 😊
I just bought a sks paratrooper 400$ and using your videos will help me identify everything I need! Great rifle shoots straight and true. Will be buying more.
Awesome. Congrats on a fine rifle!
Very CLEAR,not extremely technical, and IN PERSON, PROFESSIONAL Presentation!!! Well done! I wish you would cover chinese made AK pattern rifles,but if not i understand..KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!
I got an SKS through Classic firearms a few years ago, and it's been a mystery where it came from. The lack of factory markings and low serial number have thrown me off. The black bayonet I also thought was strange. But it's my first SKS, so these videos are really helping me out. Thanks!
What have you found out? When I bought mine it was simply labeled as Russian and since it looked like Soviet refurbishment, I figured it was. It has no obvious markings and what looks like a black maybe parkerized bayonet. I don't really know anything about it
@@loganheaton9213 It's definitely Chinese. Bayonet and stock (along with a few other parts) were from being refurbed at an armory. Bolt and carrier are numbers matching but the rest is a mutt. My rifle came from a shipment out of Albania according to Classic firearms.
@@richardhall5221 that's cool still. Wish I knew more about mine
Black bayonets sks are worth more. Should be an early Russian. But i can’t remember exactly.
You have a wealth of information here, glad I found your channel. After not having an SKS in my collection for over 10 years the bug bit me again. A guy at work has a Chinese one he said he’d sell me for what he paid for it a couple years ago. Grabbing it from him in a couple weeks.
Underrated channel.
Love it... Keep up
the great work... One
thing which intrigues
me is how an SKS
represents learning
from the successes
of the m1 carbine
and Garand... truly
in between while also
learning from the SVT
non-success and the
Simonov tank rifle
I share your intrigue. If it weren't for the mediocre iron sights, I would go as far as to say that the SKS combines (and improves upon) the best of the M1 carbine and rifle.
Information on 0-602554 and 8S3837 … any help greatly appreciated . Thank You for your wealth of knowledge. You are like an encyclopedia of facts on these units. Thank You for sharing 👍
The best part, if the SKS functions correctly it is a great rifle. Regardless if rare or common, a great rifle.
100%
Great video. Thanks!
Thank you!
I have a triangle 26 pretty happy about that
Heck yea, that's all you really need.
I sent you a email. Have you ever seen a Norinco 56 with a Norinco scope mount and scope on it and is welded to the dust cover? I sent you pics also.@Triangle26
Wow what a mind blowing amount of information. You went more in-depth into the AK then I ever heard before ans it sounds like you could have went much deeper!!! Keep up the good work. All you need to blow the roof off of your channel is some practical exposure...
Much appreciated friend, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.
My sks has a 🔺 with a 26 in it. That's good enough for me. Awesome video, love these deep dives!
I know next to NOTHING about SKS's; except we used to buy a pallet of them for $66 per unit.
THis is a real good primer.
Sir, Thank you for your channel, your knowledge of one of my very favorite weapons, and your obvious love for what you do ! Please keep producing such great videos, and take care !!
Thanks friend, I sincerely appreciate that!
I love my SKS's.
Your channel has been my learning channel and learn I do. But I get lost easy when I start digging, and just go back to I love them, there very well made and I can afford them, usually.
Thanks for taking the time e to share you vast hard earned knowledge.
And God Bless Larry Vickers, please pray for him.
Thank you, friend. God Bless Larry Vickers, I pray the authorities consider the immense service he has provided our country.
New subscriber here. Love the channel so far
Great to hear, glad to have you!
WOW thank you for doing this!
Good stuff 👍👍 Every time I watch one of your videos, I feel like I owe you money.
Oh don't worry, TH-cam rewards me handsomely. We are talking tens of dollars per video. I'm thinking of buying a new hat. All jokes aside, thanks for watching and commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Great info as always!
Another great video!!!! Keep it up!! I have 2 SKS's now and love them both. Thanks for the work you put into your video's.
Thank you for all the info I’ve learned a lot about my Tula 1954
Glad to help!
Hey T26. Thank you so much for your incredibly informative videos. My wife has had an SKS from her father for a while. We alsways thought it was a Romanian version, but your videos helped us learn its true pedigree. We now know its a 1960 chinese letter gun. Matching numbers all around, "M" and 4 digits, but very little markings. It does have a Triangle 26, partially obscured by the stock, nothing on the dust cover, and a poorly stamped star on the stock. Super cool. Keep up the great work! 🤘 👍
The quality of your videos is superb, the knowledge, opinions, and detailed explanations show a very deep understanding and appreciation for the SKS rifle and the work you do. That being said I really wish your channel was better known and you got more views.
Please don’t change and keep up the fantastic work :)
Great video. I recently came upon my second ( sold my first) sks and boy did I miss this rifle.
Love your channel, my sks is a Tula letter series that looks factory new. I paid 100 dollars for it around 1990. Thanks for your extensive research it is much appreciated.
Thank you for your answer
Keep up the good work
This being the first time I’ve watched one of your videos, 😎👍
1951 Tula, light referb all numbers matching… (not forced, not coated) shoots great.
Subscribed.
The bond sks guys share is something special
i'ont even know yall and we all feel that
Absolutely.
Like smallblock Chevy and .30 Carbine guys.
I’ve always had interest in adding a couple SKS’s to my collection. Recently picked up a Romanian. Looking forward to a future video about them!
Your videos never disappoint sir, I am always happy when you post something new on here.. I am at 8 sks variants at the moment and my goal is to have 12 total
Wicked video brother. Key take away for me was appreciating what you have and preserving it as there is always another one that will give you a short term dopamine kick. Funny how much thay translates to the dating world. Find your favorite SKS/Woman and hang on tight for dear life. Love the content! Please don't ever stop!🎉🎉😅
Haha, too true. Chasing dopamine hits is fun for a while, but as far as I can tell it's not a road that will ever lead to anything resembling satisfaction. With guns or with women. Thanks for watching and commenting as always.
@@Triangle26100% correct. I love collecting, but the only road that leads to true satisfaction and lasting joy is faith in Jesus Christ.
I like that, presumably, pre-ban para spicker you have on the wall. Might have been made from a basket of parts, but they bring a premium on GB.
🔺, thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks for watching and commenting, as always!
Thank you for all the hard work you put into the videos. I learn many new things with everyone.
Thanks once again!
And thank you!
Very cool video, I'm currently working on restoring a Yugo SKS that was essentially bubbafied.
Awesome. I just saw your "6 of 8" video, looks great. I look forward to seeing the finished result!
@@Triangle26 Thanks! I'm hoping to get some work done on it in the coming weeks.
My next door neighbor was a door gunner in Vietnam. His Huey took fire from the ground on a mission. He spotted the shooter and dispatched the threat. My neighbor asked the pilot if he would land near the body to take the SKS off the field. His wish was granted. He brought the SKS home. He is not deceased and the SKS now resides with his son.
A old gentle that went by the name SKS man via his website SKS Man. Once told me the most money he ever made selling a rifle was an East german sks . RIP Paul.
I believe it, they were destroyed or given away to yugoslavia.
SKS are not cheap these days. If someone is looking for a Chinese model. Get a arsenal never the cheap Norinco. They are totally junk. Some look like they were put together by kids. People are trying to pawn them off as a arsenal. Even though they are junk they sell.
@haroldbell213 you mean triangle26,triangle 66, etc. If so then yes I agree.
@@haroldbell213 Chinese SKS are rock solid and reliable.
You earned my sub! Great content! Y'all stay safe and keep shooting 🤙
THANK YOU SIR
Is there any way to contact Mr. Triangle 26? I have a Chinese laminate stocked SKS (One of a few known to exist), I was wondering if you have any info on these rifles.
Yessir, my email address is in the description of this video.
Well thank goodness Mauser collecting is so straightforward by comparison…
HA! I see what you did there.
Great channel, I have 2 type 56 both are year 1978 with plastic hand guard, and both are unissued and unfired.
You're good! You should put out a detailed hard back book on the SKS.
OUTSTANDING CHANNEL l,You should have 80k subscribers
I just subscribed to your channel and love it! FYI, in Canada a standard type 56 rifle will cost around $450-$500 Canadian dollars and is still available on the primary market.
Wish we could import them into the US.
Hickok sent me here. Subscribed!
Great video sks is great
I really appreciate your channel and your attention to detail. I have binged most of your videos in the last week or two. As an avid gun show parts scrounger, I am interested in finding out more specific information on parts identification. How do you tell what nationality/era a stock is? When were side swivels used as opposed to bottom swivels? How do I determine what nationality or timeframe a fire control group came from? Are there any distinguishing magazine characteristics that can help determine the country of origin?
Great vid🔥
Appreciate all of the knowledge you've shared reguarding the SKS! I have definitely learned alot to say the least since I started viewing your channel. Could you possibly make a video sharing your thoughts and experience on scopes being added to the rifle if you have any? The concenses online seems to be that a scope doesn't belong on the SKS. Either its for lack of accuracy, rifle always losing the zero due to improper mounting techniques, "use the rifle how it was meant to be in its original configuration" ect. Would enjoy listening to your take on the subject. Thanks
There is interesting simonov's that are made in Soviet union but finished and assembled in China and have both markings. Soviet union moved production machines, some crew for using them and parts that were under construction to China. Half a year later relationship between countries collapsed and ally turned to enemy but those rifles was example of international politics and some way of...
peace
Golden Era Triangle baby!
Thanks brother.
Your video are awesome,I two SKS.!!
I absolutely loved this video, the history behind the type 56 cabine is a vast mystery that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of I myself own a 1990 commercial made type 56 sks that I believe with all my heart was never shot tell I got my hands on it.
For example what made me think that was that the bluing on the reciver slide rails was still shiny with, the bluing looked absolutely perfect, second the action was very tight like it hadn't been work much at all.
But that's not why I love mine it the history behind it and yes I agree China made the best quality SKS in my opinion.
(I mean this totally in jest) but have you ever thought about running a clothesiron across your Airborne flag?
Sincerely, someone bothered by insigificant things.
Awesome video... I now have three SKS's in my collection... two Chinese SKS' and a Yugoslavian, and looking towards my first Russian (laminate birch, I'm hoping!).
My Chinese SKS's just so happen to coincide with my interest in Chinese history, especially the communist period.
They are both factory 26 rifles. One is 1969, one is 1978.
1969 and 1978 were banner years for red China. 1969 being the peak of the Cultural Revolution, epitomized in the Ninth National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party - this was the year Mao and his loyalists had regained full power within the Central Committee, the party, and the country, after years of steady decline/competition, particularly from "renegades" in the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
1978, on the other hand, was the year Deng Xiaoping ascended to the position of "paramount leader" of China, cementing the rule of state-capitalism in China, after a 2 year power struggle following Mao's death, against the Gang of Four, and other Mao loyalists in the party and country.
In other words, my two SKS's earmark the beginning and end of uncontested, Maoist political power in China, one of the most turbulent and chaotic periods in the entirety of human history. To compliment them, I also got age-appropriate slings, stripper clip pouches, etc. I even bought a 1960s authentic Cultural Revolution copy of Mao's red book, and a Mao pin to stick on the sling. Offtopic, I know, but these things make my rifles just a little bit more "rare" than anyone else's Factory 26 SKS. :)
Keep it up, love your content.
I can honestly say that at no point in my life have I ever independently considered ironing anything lol. Not a bad idea though, thanks for mentioning it.
Phenomenal write-up on your rifles by the way, it seems we have very similar ways of relating to these rifles. I wish I would have done a better job of emphasizing that rarity on it's own is kind of stupid. I mention that at the very end, but I wish I would have hit it from the start. Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at.
"Rarity on it's own is kind of stupid." "Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at."
@@Triangle26 I agree fully, and I suppose it matters what you actually want out of an SKS collection. Some might want a Yugo because all their friends have Russians or Chinese, and they want to be unique. Some think the Russian one or the Chinese one is "better." Some prize having all-matching rifles, or rifles from first years of production, or something. Maybe you want a weird, obscure Chinese factory no one else has or for bragging rights (factory 666 anyone?). Maybe you just want every example you can get your hands on.
The personal reason is more interesting than what's "objectively most rare or rarer." I think there's something unique and "rare" about every single SKS rifle, as you pointed out at the beginning (with tongue in cheek but I think it's true).
There's apparently nothing that makes a 1969 versus a 1968, or a 1978 versus a 1979, any different, or any more or less rare than the next "objectively," except for the unique opportunity to tell a story. And honestly, every single SKS affords an opportunity to tell a unique story, no matter the factory, or year, or country of origin.
Perspective is everything. And I think you do an excellent job breaking down why the question "which is rarer?" is impossible to answer, and maybe isn't that important. SKS enthusiasts should select rifles based on what speaks to them personally.
3:45
Arabic numbers 😍
Do you know Arabic? The number is "144", correct? I've always hoped that was the case, as "144" is a very significant number among all the Abrahamic religions. I get a kick out of that number being meaningful to the Palestinian Muslims that owned it, the Israeli Jews that took it, and the American Christian that owns it now.
@@Triangle26
Yup 144
“١٤٤"
Actually I do not know what this number means for Palestinian Muslims
Or Jews or Christians
I am a Muslim from Saudi Arabia
What is your interpretation of this number?
@@oldstory-sz4qcI know that in Christianity, one place where it comes up is that according to Revelation, 144,000 people will go to heaven at the end of days.
@@sirboomsalot4902
Thanks for sharing this information❤️
Miss You !!!!!!
Each SKS is one in an SKSillion
Nice, you're kind of an SKS Jesus, which is cool. The fuse that I have are not rare but they're nice. Examples of the count shouldn't they came from and like you said it never ends. I would like a Romanian, but I'm not well in the shell out. What people want for them thanks for the vid
thx, any plans on a short vid about the Chinese Public Security Models (and perhaps other similar marked models of other origin?), I have a mid 60s era Public Security model, I understand they are pretty much just SKS with added markings to designate use by that particular agency
Absolutely it’s in the works. To be honest the only hold-up is I don’t personally have one, and I’d like to buy/borrow one before filming. They are awesome (and pretty darn rare) rifles with a great story.
Another great video. Excellent writing!! Have you considered turning any of these scripts into an article submission for any of the mil surplus magazines?
Thanks for watching and commenting. That's a really interesting thought - I can't say that idea has ever crossed my mind. I certainly save the scripts though, and figured that one day I might find something interesting to do with them...
I always feel annoyed when I watch a video (like this) several times and can only give one like.
I sincerely appreciate the one 🙏
New subscriber,this is the most in-depth video on SKS I've ever seen.I just spent the afternoon with my 1953 Tula factory refurb firing Russian Barnaul non corrosive ammo.I haven't shot corrosive in it since i bought it about 17yrs ago.It shoots amazing but the sights are hard to make out due to being all black.You mentioned sites with certain types of night paint on them?I am going to search through your video's for more info.Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Thanks for watching and subscribing, I really do appreciate it! Hard to beat an afternoon with a Soviet SKS. As for sights, the Yugoslavians used luminescent phosphor paint on many of the M59/66A1s. I don't know much about using phosphor paint today, but stealing a bit of the old lady's nail polish has a similar effect. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I love your collection my brotha! I have nine variants myself... No where near yours my man! I have five Norinco's, three Russian's, & one Romanian...
My 58 Triangle 26 has an Albanian surname carved into the stock. There's a story there!
Canadian here, while waiting for my gun licence, I got my buddy to buy and hold an sks for me. It was advertised as the “French tickler” with the Bakelite hand guard. I’m looking forward to seeing how much I overpaid for it😂
Great vid - I agree with the previous comment that you should hav 10X at least more subscribers. And that's an Albanian on the wall behind you. I used to have one ... they are fairly rare.... to medium rare lol
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
My pleasure, thank you for watching and commenting.
Bought mine for $350 Type 56 five digit serial with cleaning rod and bayonet its now my favorite gun in my collection
Awesome!
Awesome video!! I have a type 56. What is the best for refinishing? There seems to be so many options for wood finish. I thought maybe a marine wood sealant, but really have no clue. I have subscribed, and thank you for your hard work. This video alone answered many questions that I had.
@@MP-qn1jw Thanks for subscribing! There are a few great options for refinishing, and choosing between them can depend on your desired result.
For a more traditional look, natural oil finishes like linseed or tung are preferred.
If you put a higher value on durability, marine spar varnish might be a good choice.
My personal favorite finish is wipe-on oil-based polyurethane. It’s easy to work with, extremely durable, and looks great. My most recent video on this channel “The Earliest Chinese SKS” highlights a stock I refinished with this product.
Unsurprisingly the local market may play a role: here in Italy Jugoslav SKS are quite rare. Rumanian and Albanian ones are unobtainable.
I have an Izzy sks, which I believe is ultra rare. It has a high grade finish that I have never seen on a sks before.
I recently purchased a SKS that is an arsenal refurb with black paint. What is unusual is that it was listed as a Russian SKS and it even says... Made in Russia but in English. But it also has a Chinese ⭐ on it. No idea what I really have.
Based on your description, I’d guess you have a late-pattern (1956-1958) Soviet SKS-45. The Chinese didn’t put stars on their rifles, but the Russian Tula factory did. If you want a more conclusive identification, feel free to email me pictures, my contact info is in the description of this video.
My 1 and only SKS, A Type56, is going to my son when he gets old enough. I sold a sam7 over it to get into night vison.
Rare is awesome but they're all cool👍
Agreed. Honestly, the least “rare” tend to be my favorites.
I have orginal wooden stock but my sks has synthetic stock. Is it still possible to find information?
Proud owner of a 1976 factory 0138… common, commercial, hunk of garbage and I love it like nothing else.
Thank you for all of the hard work that you put into the awesome videos! They have been exceedingly educational as well as highly informative... .
Now I have a question to ask .... . How rare is a new in the box (not refurbished) Triangle 26 SKS from 1965?
Thanks!
3:35
I was wondering why the bolt carrier is black?
It’s actually a trick or the light. You can see the same bolt carrier up close at 11:35, and it’s a light gray phosphate coating.
@@Triangle26
Is there any version of the SKS with a black bolt carrier?
The ones I've seen always seem to be Russian factory refurbs. Many out there in SKS land refer to it as "BBQ paint". I seem to recall that the process at the factory was to paint with a black paint that was then baked in a kiln or something to that effect to bake it on. At least that's the story I heard, maybe Triangle26 can confirm or deny?@@oldstory-sz4qc
@@oldstory-sz4qcSome refurbished Russians have bolt carriers that where painted black, like one of the ones in this video
@@sirboomsalot4902
This means that it never comes from the factory painted black
correct ?
There is a reason that I probably won't own a krink, because it can permanently take the place of the one that's next to get.
You should do a video on corrosive surplus vs noncorrosive 7.62x39 please :) That might help answer some questions people like me may have
Bought my first SKS used at a local dealer yesterday. Sadly it was sporterized, bayonet and lug taken off, polymer stock set, but i didnt mind. According to the tag, it's an Ihevezks or however it's spelled. No factory markings other than the bolt and magazine plate but i beleive those are non-matching.
BXN SKS stripper clips. Any suggestions on a manufacturer or dealer that you would trust? Your SKS history is incredible. I have had a whole semester of college on the SKS through you. Keep up the good work…Thank you Sir.
Dear factory 26,I have stumbled upon a factory 26 it has 3 holes drilled and tapped right past the triangle 26 stamp and is in to serial number which was scribed farther back on the receiver.what I'm trying to find is the original side mount scope mount that would have been used due to the location of the tapped holes being on the left side of the bolt carrier the only thing close is a Molot scope mount but,from the design they are typically located farther back closer to the dust cover.if there is a way to show a picture i would like to share it because i would like to utilize the already tapped holes of i can find out the exact scope mount.thanks for all the info on SKS's
Hello! So let’s get the bad news out of the way first: The Chinese were notorious in the 1980’s for creating “bridges to nowhere”. In other words there are tons of bizarre optic mount footprints, and then different mount styles themselves, and in most cases it is extremely difficult to assemble a complete mounting system. I would tend to recommend drilling for an AK or SVD style mount, and installing it directly over the existing holes.
@@Triangle26 I appreciate the response I can totally understand the bridge to nowhere as in this case it sure has been it Def does look Bubba drilled it but, i may just try to retap the holes for another optic probably an Ak side mount thanks again.
I have a 1953 tula,Refurbished, force matched serial numbers, i removed the "bbq paint" from the bolt carrier..Does that devalue the Piece? I am not,and will not sell this Piece, but just Curious.
My very first gun was on s k s forty five letter series 1956 that I bought in 1997 and I still have
Awesome. Great rifles, those.
I just got an SKS, it has no marks at all only a serial number. It is a long threaded, the stock has been changed to a tamco stock on it now. It does have a grenade launcher sight, Bayonet mount no Bayonet. I need stripper clips and that belt on the wall too. I have 2 , 20 round magazines that came with it.
About 13 years ago (where does the time go?😟) when silver was on a bull run I traded a guy 20 1oz silver buffaloes for a Ruger security six .357 with standard and combat grips, a Norinco sks, around half a dozen duckbills, a .30 cal can full of stripper clips and a 1000rd box of wolf classic. In the time since I got that sks I've only shot it maybe 4 times and now it just lives in my safe. They're neat rifles but dang they aren't cheap anymore. Whats going on with the prices of milsurp weapons? Is it because of inflation? Is there a surge of collectors or is the supply dwindling because of import restrictions or something? All of the above? I miss the days of cheap, plentiful imported milsurp guns and ammo.
How rare is the jungle stock sks?
There isn't really any information about them.
Thank ya for any help.
Years ago, i was drinking beer on a back porch of a friends house, a deer came out in the field he grabbed a sks and took a shot ,missed .but i had a look at it.
It was a east german Sks.. I tried to buy it off him, but a big no..😮..
Mine is stamped Chinese police. Bought it a couple of years ago for under $300
Love my mint condition Romanian, don't care if it's rare or not. Great shooting rifle.
Absolutely. I talk about this at the end of the video, but in retrospect I wish I would have mentioned it from the start: "Rare" rifles are overrated. Enjoying the rifles we already have is underrated. Also - mint Romanians are awesome, congrats.
Love the deep dive you do into this subject. I found out by watching one of your other videos I have one from the "french tickler" block. Do you know how many were produced during that time frame? Thanks for your time 🍻
I have a Yugoslavian Ceremonial Guard SKS rifle I bought from AIM Surplus in 2015. How rare is it?
6.8/10? Hard to measure rarity objectively…
It’s an excellent piece, that’s for sure. They are difficult but not impossible to find. Most collectors (myself included) would like one, but don’t have one. That said, there are certainly more rare variants.
Hey Triangle! I just got a Chinese SKS and it's my first rifle purchase ever. I'm excited to get into it and am curious if there are preferred ammunition for the SKS? For hunting, plinking, and defense respectively. Thanks and keep up the great content!
Congrats on your purchase, you made an excellent choice.
In terms of ammunition, the main thing to understand is that these rifles were designed around Eastern Bloc ammunition and that is what they prefer. In general, anything with a steel case will run great. Russian, Chinese, anything ending in “stan”, etcetera. Brass cased ammo made in Yugoslavia, Serbia, Bosnia (or really anywhere other than North America) will also run great.
Based on the wounding characteristics of 7.62x39, generally speaking plinking and defensive ammo is usually going to be the same. It’s not a very sophisticated projectile, so generally FMJ in the 120-125 grain range is good for most plinking and defensive applications.
Anything with an M67 bullet (Yugo M67, Igman M67, Russian Vympel / Golden Tiger) uses a slightly more lethal projectile. Not a dealbreaker one way or another, but all else being equal it’s the preferred bullet.
I’ll mostly dodge the hunting question as I am not an experienced hunter. What I have heard is that Hornady SST or PPU 154 grain soft points are good starting points, but again I can’t vouch for that personally.
@@Triangle26 thanks for the insight! I look forward to learning more about my rifle through your videos. I appreciate the help and that you replied personally, that means a lot.