Excellent encyclopedic knowledge of the SKS. It can now be preserved for future generations. They will want to get good examples because they will likely cost in excess of $10,000 or a herd of goats at that point.
Just when I thought I got most pertinent info from you on my SKS, you point out 3 new things, lol. My SKS is an odd assortment of parts. My 1969 is non-lightened but, it has the milled trigger guard (original with matching serial #). Has the 2 piece gas assembly with cast gas block (Brinklee). I didn’t buy it as a collectible but the history is interesting. I bought this SKS for durability, accuracy and ease of use. It excels in all categories for its intended purpose. Thanks for the info, again!
Fantastic video! First class. I so appreciate that you back up your statements with tangible, relevant, hard evidence - all too rare on the internet these days. While I've not doubted for one minute the mechanical quality of my (new-to-me) Chinese SKS (the quality was readily apparent to me from the first time I field-stripped it and cleaned the cosmoline out of it), this video reaffirmed that for me, and I particularly appreciated your specific coverage of the Chinese manufacturing innovations in the gun that increased production efficiency, reduced costs, and had no impact on the functionality or reliability or durability of the rifle.. Having just repaired a major crack in the stock (just behind the dust cover) with pinned doweling and epoxy, I would agree completely with your point about the relative wood quality!
Thank u I just realized one of my sks is dated earlier than 1966....your information and research is much appreciated.....I constantly watch your channel ....thank u
Excellent. I have been shooting Chinese SKS, yeesh, 40 yrs, and allot. Excellent series. I only have 2. Other one, Russian, made same year Stalin died. Your technical validation and practical reasons are spot on. Almost the same endorsement given by the veteran that said, "you should go buy an SKS .it was the 80s.
Thanks for clearing up all those issues. While working on a French Tickler model SKS I was really impressed with the build quality of all components, and like you, the only part that seemed to not quite measure up was the wooden stock. Personally, I am only concerned with three things. Functionality, accuracy, and reliability. It certainly seems like the Chinese Type 56 exceeds in all these categories. I know I'm being superficial here, but to my eyes, the French Tickler is the most aesthetically pleasing version. I'm also very happy that such a high quality rifle is available at a comparatively low price point (at least where I live). Keep up the great work!
I still believe the Type 56 PLA-issued ones are the best. My favorite is the 10 mil series. I prefer the spike bayonet, and side-mounted sling swivels, but with the same quality as the early Type 56 Carbines. My 1965 carbine still has a strong bore and flawless action. Has not failed me. Refinished the stock, but the remaining rifle still strikes true.
Nice video. I have 3 SKS patter rifles. The 1954 Russian laminate model is nicely machined, but not well polished and the stock is roughly finished. Accuracy is about 3" groups at 100yds. The next is a full size Chineese with a cast receiver. This rifle for whatever reason is extremely accurate with 1.5" groups routinely. The last is a beautiful Chinese tanker model. Machining, polishing and bluing on this rifle (including the stock) is outstanding. All 3 have matching S/Ns on all components. I'm most interested in the Chinese tanker model. I purchased this rifle from a distributer by the name of Nationwide in the early 90s. The sales description listed it as an extremely rare ceremonial Chinese model which is why I purchased it. At the time, it was listed at about 3X the cost of the Russian laminate stock model.
Thank you for the video! I love my Chinese SKSs even more now! Despite my grandfather was a friend of Sergej Simonov and I own a Soviet СКС-45 as well, my French Ticklers are way more accurate. And thanks to Hickock 45 who mentioned your channel in one of his videos. Subscribed 👍
Great video. I wonder if several treatments of boiled linseed oil on the stock will help with weather resistance/ wet climates. I do know that Northern China experiences cold winters (-15c), so I do not doubt that they are cold tolerant stocks.
I just got my Chinese SKS unissued brand new factory 26 1979 and it shoots very good, I was blown away how accurate it is. I also have a 1950 Russian SKS and is good but not as good as the Chinese SKS.
Awesome, congratulations on the new acquisition. I consider the 1979 /26\ to be one of the finest SKS-types ever made, and the results you are getting are consistent with what I have observed as well.
I just got my first sks from cabelas ugh if only i knew the one they had on display was the factory 26 1979 with the french tickler hand guard so shiny and new looking through out the whole rifle i assumed i would get the exact one out of the box i received a fairly good condition factory 26 1969. I wish id known you could ask to see a few before purchase. I may have to go back and grab another one now....😮
I think part of the stigma about commercial Chinese ones , a lot of people myself included rarely see a matching one. Most of my experience with commercial ones is one that was a super dangerous recalled Navy Arms import , a matching SKS-M that ran well , and a bunch of frankenguns that would usually still run well so long as they had factory fixed mags and no cheap folding stock or the overpriced StarMag.
That’s a fair assessment. I’ve mostly seen matching examples, but as admitted I’ve only been in this game for about 10 years - so I missed the heyday of Navy Arms and true commercial availability. I wonder if perhaps people who experienced earlier waves of imports might have a different opinion than myself because those waves contained so many “novelty” products - which although interesting and appealing to many American consumers - represent an insignificantly small fraction of total Chinese production.
With all the SKS confusion, your videos clear things up. I just subscribed. One thing I would like to know however, is the Norinco thing. Did they manufacture any SKS's? Were they just an importer/exporter? Were they handled just for export? Lots of opinions about what Norinco is and they differ greatly. Would like your take on this.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! You ask a great question, and it’s definitely my intention to address the Norinco confusion in video form at some point. In the meantime, I’ll try and offer a condensed answer: When Norinco was founded in 1980, it was basically a professional “front” for the Chinese Communist Party to sell weapons abroad. Basically overnight they consolidated State owned military infrastructure, told certain key people to trade their PLA uniforms in for suits and ties, and re-branded as a state-owned “defense contractor”. In summary, Norinco didn’t have a whole lot to do with Chinese SKS production because they didn’t exist until 1980. Most of the rifles that say “made by Norinco” on them were not made by Norinco, because they were made before Norinco even existed. Norinco just stamped that on there during export. Did Norinco technically manufacture some SKS’s in the 1980’s and 1990’s? Sure. But thats potentially misleading also. Norinco didn’t open new factories or anything like that. The same factories that had always made SKSs kept making SKSs, it just so happens that one day the Chinese government decided to “poof” into existence a company called Norinco to, among other things, manage those factories.
Great video, you have a talent for teaching. Do you happen to know if the type 56 honor guard SKS would have chrome deposited in the bore? Thanks in advance.
I think i told you the story of how i got my sks. But owell ill tell again. I had a browning bar 270 made in belgium 1970 and my bro liled it alot more then me and he had a extra sks but with no trigger group, but he ordered a trigger group from the russian federation before the war started , so we traded and it showed up 30 days later and was in a box with pins and parts so i put it together with a block with holes and hammer , then there was 1 pin missing , hammer pivot pin. I ordered 2 of them from newyork and it took a year to arrive . I put the pins in as soon as they got here and i tested to see if it works correct without the stock and reciever. It didnt fire when i tried and i moved the bar down and it fired . I put it in the stock and receiver and bang, it worked perfect. The main part of this story is that the trigger i got seems like it was a different one from all the other sks ive gotten before, this trigger pull is like a accutrigger with 2 lbs trigger. The first stage has very little resistance and you hit a wall and then pull it light and click , the usual triggers have 100 yards of pulling through trees feeling before you hit a strong 2nd stage and some dont even have the stage feelings but this trigger has got tp be the best sks trigger ive ever had. And its safe because i always cock the trigger and bang the bottom of the sto ck on the grpund to see if the sear slips from the hammer. It doesnt, i l ove this sks from 1952 with no chrome lined barrel. I ordered a 1 inch buttstock pad and it one from a dks beca use you can still use the hole in the back for the cleaning kit. Adds a in ch of pull
Just wonder how much does 1965 chinese sks cost nowaday? brand new from the crate, shot once DP1001xxx. I believed it was made in shan je province. Thanks
Great video my friend! you have a great way of sharing information in a way thats easy to understand....really learned alot about the types and quality.... was very enlightening to be able to now identify whats what and why...thank you for the content and I am looking forward to the next...KEEP ON ROCKING IT! .....Triangle 26
I once bedded my first sks in afew spots but not the spots were it needed it. Ive been looking at afew m14 videos and it shjows exactly the same method that would work with a sks. Im going to bed my russian sks to tighten up the groups. My sks is 1952 nonchrome lined . All i did to is one is add afew popcan shims to the sides for side to side and some tape at the very front around right behind the mounting bar on the stock. It had 4 layers of clear hockey stick tape but it wouldnt fit, i took 1 layer off and it was nice and tight when fitting to the stock. I have yet to test groups to see if it closes up the groups. When i bed ill remove wood from the front off the stock behind that metal bar , the ears of the magazine latches and some on both sides of the rear stock to control some left and right movement. It should make a nice tight stock. I was going to do this to a extra stock i have . Or else fill in the channel of the cleaning rod with a fiberglass arrow shaft and a bunch of jb weld and still bed the 3 spots. The front of the stocks look like they do freefloat and the only part touching the stock is the receiver . Then front of then stock was also ( ferrule ) shaved abit to allow movement of the stock so it doesnt pull down on the barrel when fired. Just some thoughts and doings on my sks.
9:09 that is a subject I'd definitely like to see you cover. Commercial vs military production particularly QC concerns and their comparative durability. I don't ever see me taking an SKS to battle for a whole host of reasons with reload times being top of concerns but I digress.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve been getting that request from a few people - so I’m definitely going to make that video happen (hopefully in a timely fashion). I definitely wouldn’t want an SKS either. I love the platform and feel very comfortable with it - but it really doesn’t compete with modern detachable mag fed weapons systems that can easily host electronic enablers. Now if I had an M59/A1 with fresh tritium and a bread bag full of Yugo AP and AT rifle grenades… maybe I’d think about it 😂
My sks had a jungle stock on it when I bought it but I found a wood stock that someone painted black so I sanded it down and put boiled linseed oil on it and it has held up great so far. The wood stock serial number is 00089 so it doesn't match the rifle but it works well. Not sure the country of origin but I think it's chinese for the wood stock.
I just purchased a /0223\ (1977) and can definitely say the metal machining and fit quality is well below several /26\ and Soviet I own, in spite of all of them being well used and the is one being like new in the cosmoline. The exception is the stock. It is well ahead of either in quality despite it being the soft wood and odd darker red finish resembling a fiber stock in color. However function still seem to be fine short of firing it taking off that pristine new look.
While the exterior is visually very nice, the interior machined surfaces have the roughest machining I have seen. The dust cover has to be tapped into place yet the latch is very loose. The pinned barrel to receiver fitment has large flashes of excess metal in the chamber area. 100% numbers matching with electro penciled gas tube and piston (Was this done in '77?). Function seems fine (unfired) and appears new and unfired in comoline - little evidence of refurb, but could be. (Maybe the trigger guard is ground but if so it was done very well.@@Triangle26
A question concerning the SKS wood stocks, first did the wood variety vary over the production time, and second, I have read somewhere that the Chinese stocks were made from catalpha wood…is that the chu wood you mentioned in the video? What is the actual species name….do you know? If I knew the species name then I could research the quality of that species for various uses, hpsuch as stocks, furniture frames, et cetera. Thanks.
I have also done a small comparison between Russian and Chinese. I agree the Chinese ones I’ve tried were more accurate than the Russian ones. But i want to mention the trigger pull comparisons I’ve made. The Chinese generally have a lighter less creepy trigger than the Russian ones. Some of the Chinese ones had triggers as low as 5-6 lbs, while the Russian ones would be around 10 lbss. Sample size was 5 of each, refurb russian vs new non 26 Chinese military versions.
The Chinese SKS quality did (presumably) trend down during the culture revolution, especially (presumably) when the production shifted from 296 to other manufacturers. In 2006, the ceremonial type 56 carried by Hong Kong garrison PLA were seen wrapping with scotch tapes around the magazine.
Very interesting. As you well know - I’ve already learned quite a bit from you, so if this is another issue you can shed light on, I’ll be eager to update my perspective. I’m really curious about any substantive evidence of quality deterioration. The logic behind the presumption makes sense - I just can’t find raw evidence, which is why I’ve drawn the opposite conclusion. Of course, living in America all my life and closely inspecting perhaps 50-100 examples out of 10 million leaves plenty of room for error. It’s interesting that you mention the rifles of the PLA Honor Guard - I’ve definitely had some interest in them over the years. After closely inspecting quite a few pictures, I’ve seen some rather unusual features. It appears that these battalions issue a combination of live and deactivated rifles. This leads me to wonder if they are maintained in accordance to weapon systems - or if they would more be considered as props, possibly explaining how issues arise that otherwise might not.
@@Triangle26 I actually don't have any substantial evidence of the deterioration: a large number of Chinese SKS collectors argue to stay away from non-26 ones. Some claims include: not having the right machine/tooling, workers not proficient enough, lack of QC, inferior parts, constant interruption. Those arguments can be true during the " Third Front" period. As for the honor guard ones, I never had a chance to see a real one. My guess is that they are mostly for decoration, never for battlefield. This may explain why the scotch tapes are used: the magazine can open on its own. This type of fitting issue cannot be accepted by combat units. BTW, after this "laughable incident" at HK , scotch tapes is no longer seen as far as I know. Another factor is that storage and maintenance can be horrible. Even though the PLA has strict discipline cleaning up and oiling (esp. after corrosive ammo), others don't follow that much. Large quantities of those that are poorly taken care of end up exporting. The ones I saw in the early 2000s in China had no better shape than those from Albania...
Thanks for sharing! I found my arsenal 26 made in 1969 very well made, shoots better than my 1952. Changed my perception of old Chinese manufacturing. Recently imported Type 56 carbine were imported from Albania, and most are 1969. I wonder when they were sent to there.
@@stoegerstewie8351 Thanks for watching! Those ‘60s guns are hard to beat. For whatever it’s worth, I’ve actually seen quite a healthy date range come out of the “Sino-Banian” batch - including one of the earliest production examples I’ve ever seen, a 4 digit 1956 “Ghost”. I suspect that the Chinese rifles entered Albania in multiple batches, probably from the late 1960’s to mid 1970’s, but I could be wrong on that.
Huh. Apparently, I have a transitionary example of a 1966 Type 56. All the numbers match, but while there are no lightening cuts, the trigger guard is milled and the gas block is one piece.
What do you know about factory 404 sks rifles? I just bought one that the website says is from 1975. I was just curious on what you might know about factory 404 in terms of their quality/reliability.
My notes suggest factory 404 was most likely located just east of the City of Yichang, and it’s proper name may have been the “Wind and Thunder” machinery factory. 1975 would be a pretty typical production year. Quality will be excellent - all Chinese Type 56 carbines are rock solid. As long as you keep it in factory configuration, it should exceed all reasonable expectations for reliability.
@@Triangle26 I appreciate the response, and your expert level knowledge on the subject. More creators need to be like you. Your passion for these weapons and their history makes everything that much more interesting.
Great video. Question.... I "remember" video (you?) on "DP" serial # series... and Key points: (1) Last ones made & close to end of Type 56 production. (2) Details to fit & finish excellent. (3) Same material grade, quality, & reliability as military (PLA) variant. (4) Others (??). I tried to find video (DP series) to verify Key points (I remembered) w/o success. Did you make such video or I am dreaming about "DP" Key points? Appreciate your reply..... good day sammy
When did China start attaching the bayonets with rivets instead of screws? I bought a Chinese SKS brand new in the 90s that had a rivet holding the bayonet on.
Honestly, that’s a great question that I will have to look into. It is important to note however that it never caught on or became the National standard. Riveted bayonets are actually rather uncommon.
Awesome video that put a lot of myths to bed. One thing Ive found jn my limited experience is that the Russian safeties are stiffer while the Chinese safeties are smooth and easier to move. Perhaps the Russian safety was designed to never be used? Appreciate all the info brother, great video.
That’s a fair gripe, and one I’ve certainly encountered myself. I do believe that Chinese Chu (Catalpa) wood is a little more compressible than what we see from European manufacturers. My perspective on it is that stocks are easy to fix, bores aren’t. I can shim a wiggly stock. I can repair a cracked stock. I can’t do anything for a finicky bore.
Honestly - it's a niche I've never taken the time to research. I need to get around to it at some point. I think the most important thing to understand is that they are extraordinarily rare, and represent a tiny (yet interesting) footnote in the larger Type 56 Carbine story.
I might buy a norinco SKS with matching serial numbers at my local gun store. They are selling for $399 without bayonet. It looks like it’s in very good condition. Is it worth it?
I would say yes. My opinion is that any complete and matching Chinese SKS under $500 is a good buy. Most Chinese variants use a standard spike/cruciform bayonet, which can generally be replaced for under $50, and that's not a serialized part so it's not like a "mismatched" bayonet effects the long-term value. In other words, for a rifle in good shape for $400 plus a $50 replacement bayonet, I would say you are still coming in at a very good deal for 2023.
That’s a good idea, thanks. I do have a bayonet comparison video in the works, but I wasn’t planning to include a penetration test. I’ll definitely look into adding that!
It's a little bit of an exaggeration but the Simonov\SKS is to Canadian civilian shooters what the M16\M4 is to U.S. civilian shooters. You should do a video on the Chinese version of the M14\M1A.
I’ve definitely heard that, it seems like an appropriate comparison. I would *love* to do a video on the Chinese M14, although they seem to be much harder to find in the US than Canada. Hopefully as the channel grows I can make some connections and start getting access to some other stuff like that.
@@Triangle26 I apologize if the previous reply seemed strange but the gigantic list of newly prohibited firearms are being continually added to by the now "woke" RCMP without being voted on in Parliament and the RCMP refuse to reveal which firearms they add to the list. Thus we Canadians don't even know if a common model of hunting rifle in their possession is on the list. The Chinese version of the M14\M1A would take second place to the SKS in popularity among Canadian civilian shooters as many of its' owners used it for big game hunting back when it was legal to do so. Thankfully several Provinces and Territories have blocked some of the regulations but you might have to postpone any trip to Canada until awhile after the Conservatives get elected and the Norinco M305 becomes legal again.
@@kenlansing1216 Just today I saw a news article that the gun banners are at it again in Canada, and they have not revealed which rifles they are now after! You better buy what you can quick before these damn bureaucrats tale them off the market!
@@Daniel-xq7ny 1978-1980 production rifles are almost *always* unissued, because China phased the T56C out of service in 1980 (immediately following the Sino-Vietnamese War). So you can be pretty confident it was not issued. If it’s soaked is cosmoline, that would be an additional indicator that it hasn’t been touched since importation. No worries if not however, all that matters is that it’s in good shape.
I seen another SKS with bayonet same condition but for sale for 899. I think that’s definitely not worth it. Maybe the $399 is better price without bayonet. They both have cleaning kit in the butt stock.
At that point it really all comes down to collector value. From a purely functional perspective, the Chinese variants are clearly the best choice. In addition to being the cheapest, they easily match (if not generally exceed) the real world performance of other variants. With that in mind, I would not advise paying $899 for an SKS unless you know exactly which variant it is, and you are choosing that variant specifically as a collector piece or an investment. From that perspective, it might actually be a great deal, it all just depends on what it is.
Unfortunately that’s one I’ve got nothing on in my notes. Hopefully that changes in the future - it’s frustrating not being able to decipher some of these codes, because there are far more codes than actual factories!
@@Gabthar Possibly, but I wouldn’t jump to that immediately. The most obvious explanation is that it’s simply a military Type 56 Carbine. Does it have the three Chinese characters on the receiver?
@@Gabthar Also, it is worth noting that I personally suspect that “0306” is the same factory as “Triangle 36”, best known for making high quality drum magazines for AKs.
I'm not sure I understand what you are describing. The *overwhelming* majority of Chinese SKS patterns (military Type 56 Carbines certainly included) have a blued finish. The visual character of this bluing can vary significantly, from a deep glossy blue to a flat matte black, and everything in between. Additionally, wear and exposure to elements can produce distinct patterns of patina. These cosmetic variations notwithstanding, 99% of what we will see on Chinese SKS patterns is still going to be blued steel. With that in mind, can you describe the finish you are describing as "military"? Is it paint, parkerization, or something else entirely?
@@Triangle26 Thank you for your response. One of my carbines is the deep glossy blue you were talking about and the other is all flat matte black (military looking). I guess I am good to go on both of them. I thought it might have something to do with whether it was going to be used for combat or commercial import.
weird thing is you seem to love the chinese more then any other but still like i said before in one of your videos my Russian are just as accurate and in a couple case better then my triangle 26 that being said the quality well to each his own and at under 200 bucks a pop here i have quite a few as for the pinned barrel well if you wanted to say install another barrel on your gun well ask a gunsmith which is better also i would challenge you on the metal and quality like check them out on a rockwell hardness test. and as you say the stocks do suck on the Chinese as far as accuracy is well my 26 was crap until i put it in a custom walnut stock that is when it really shone and proved just how accurate it could be same as the Russian guns. all my sks rifles get shot and some days run pretty hard they are not safe queens except for the one 1949 i have which to me is the only one that has any real value just because of its condition and all matching numbers bottom line are my Chines better then my Russians no thing is weird pick up say a 51 Russian which i am sure you have then pick up a 26 then tell me which one seems a bit heavier just take the action out of the stocks and compare the two to me that kind of means something
I think that you’ve sufficiently expressed your skepticism in my conclusions - and I like to think I’ve sufficiently expressed that I’m not going to dismiss empiric evidence based on long TH-cam comments. The types of steel used from the beginning to end of SKS-45 and Type 56 Carbine production are known, documented, and tested. Challenge all you like, but that’s a known quantity. Let’s also be clear that I never alleged that Chinese steel was better (or worse) than Soviet. I speculated that Chinese chrome lining was better, based on the historical fact that in 1956 they had the benefit of experience with chrome lining, something the Soviets lacked in 1951. That said, this is a speculation which I transparently questioned in another video you which you commented on. Finally, while I think it’s cool that you and others are into accurizing SKS’s with custom stocking, I personally have no interest in that. I’m interested in “as-issued” military configuration rifles. I understand how the practices you are describing could reveal insights relevant to military configuration rifles, but frankly, I’m not just going to take your word for it.
"They invented the perfect weapon for the war they just fought"
Fantastic comment there. The SKS would have been insane in WW2.
Too little too late
Excellent encyclopedic knowledge of the SKS. It can now be preserved for future generations. They will want to get good examples because they will likely cost in excess of $10,000 or a herd of goats at that point.
Just when I thought I got most pertinent info from you on my SKS, you point out 3 new things, lol. My SKS is an odd assortment of parts.
My 1969 is non-lightened but, it has the milled trigger guard (original with matching serial #). Has the 2 piece gas assembly with cast gas block (Brinklee). I didn’t buy it as a collectible but the history is interesting. I bought this SKS for durability, accuracy and ease of use. It excels in all categories for its intended purpose. Thanks for the info, again!
Fantastic video! First class. I so appreciate that you back up your statements with tangible, relevant, hard evidence - all too rare on the internet these days. While I've not doubted for one minute the mechanical quality of my (new-to-me) Chinese SKS (the quality was readily apparent to me from the first time I field-stripped it and cleaned the cosmoline out of it), this video reaffirmed that for me, and I particularly appreciated your specific coverage of the Chinese manufacturing innovations in the gun that increased production efficiency, reduced costs, and had no impact on the functionality or reliability or durability of the rifle.. Having just repaired a major crack in the stock (just behind the dust cover) with pinned doweling and epoxy, I would agree completely with your point about the relative wood quality!
Thank u I just realized one of my sks is dated earlier than 1966....your information and research is much appreciated.....I constantly watch your channel ....thank u
Thanks a ton, I'm glad you are enjoying the channel!
Excellent. I have been shooting Chinese SKS, yeesh, 40 yrs, and allot. Excellent series. I only have 2. Other one, Russian, made same year Stalin died. Your technical validation and practical reasons are spot on. Almost the same endorsement given by the veteran that said, "you should go buy an SKS .it was the 80s.
Thanks for clearing up all those issues. While working on a French Tickler model SKS I was really impressed with the build quality of all components, and like you, the only part that seemed to not quite measure up was the wooden stock. Personally, I am only concerned with three things. Functionality, accuracy, and reliability. It certainly seems like the Chinese Type 56 exceeds in all these categories.
I know I'm being superficial here, but to my eyes, the French Tickler is the most aesthetically pleasing version.
I'm also very happy that such a high quality rifle is available at a comparatively low price point (at least where I live).
Keep up the great work!
Bro you have a great capacity to teach and explain things well my friend. You really do a good job
Thanks bro. I really appreciate that.
THE BEST presented and informative outline on the SKS that I have seen .. very well done sir!
This is a super cool video. I didn’t know about their changes in manufacturing.
I still believe the Type 56 PLA-issued ones are the best. My favorite is the 10 mil series. I prefer the spike bayonet, and side-mounted sling swivels, but with the same quality as the early Type 56 Carbines. My 1965 carbine still has a strong bore and flawless action. Has not failed me. Refinished the stock, but the remaining rifle still strikes true.
Nice video. I have 3 SKS patter rifles. The 1954 Russian laminate model is nicely machined, but not well polished and the stock is roughly finished. Accuracy is about 3" groups at 100yds. The next is a full size Chineese with a cast receiver. This rifle for whatever reason is extremely accurate with 1.5" groups routinely. The last is a beautiful Chinese tanker model. Machining, polishing and bluing on this rifle (including the stock) is outstanding. All 3 have matching S/Ns on all components. I'm most interested in the Chinese tanker model. I purchased this rifle from a distributer by the name of Nationwide in the early 90s. The sales description listed it as an extremely rare ceremonial Chinese model which is why I purchased it. At the time, it was listed at about 3X the cost of the Russian laminate stock model.
Awesome, sounds like a great collection. Those short Chinese variants are hard to beat in my experience.
Great vids! My two are a factory 26 paratrooper (ranch hand?) 1969 production and a factory 156 in excellent condition. Great shooters!
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. You have a pair of excellent rifles.
Thank you for the video! I love my Chinese SKSs even more now! Despite my grandfather was a friend of Sergej Simonov and I own a Soviet СКС-45 as well, my French Ticklers are way more accurate. And thanks to Hickock 45 who mentioned your channel in one of his videos.
Subscribed 👍
Been waiting on this one for a bit
My bad. Thanks for sticking it out 🙏
@@Triangle26 well worth the wait my friend
Appreciate the video and your thoughts!
Very informative and delivered extremely well.
Thank you!
Great video. Need to do part 4 with yugo sks’s. Thank you for your videos. I’m trying to work my way through you videos and watch them all.
Great video. I wonder if several treatments of boiled linseed oil on the stock will help with weather resistance/ wet climates. I do know that Northern China experiences cold winters (-15c), so I do not doubt that they are cold tolerant stocks.
I just got my Chinese SKS unissued brand new factory 26 1979 and it shoots very good, I was blown away how accurate it is. I also have a 1950 Russian SKS and is good but not as good as the Chinese SKS.
Awesome, congratulations on the new acquisition. I consider the 1979 /26\ to be one of the finest SKS-types ever made, and the results you are getting are consistent with what I have observed as well.
I just got my first sks from cabelas ugh if only i knew the one they had on display was the factory 26 1979 with the french tickler hand guard so shiny and new looking through out the whole rifle i assumed i would get the exact one out of the box i received a fairly good condition factory 26 1969. I wish id known you could ask to see a few before purchase. I may have to go back and grab another one now....😮
Same here. French Tickler looks and shoots very well
I think part of the stigma about commercial Chinese ones , a lot of people myself included rarely see a matching one. Most of my experience with commercial ones is one that was a super dangerous recalled Navy Arms import , a matching SKS-M that ran well , and a bunch of frankenguns that would usually still run well so long as they had factory fixed mags and no cheap folding stock or the overpriced StarMag.
That’s a fair assessment. I’ve mostly seen matching examples, but as admitted I’ve only been in this game for about 10 years - so I missed the heyday of Navy Arms and true commercial availability.
I wonder if perhaps people who experienced earlier waves of imports might have a different opinion than myself because those waves contained so many “novelty” products - which although interesting and appealing to many American consumers - represent an insignificantly small fraction of total Chinese production.
With all the SKS confusion, your videos clear things up. I just subscribed. One thing I would like to know however, is the Norinco thing. Did they manufacture any SKS's? Were they just an importer/exporter? Were they handled just for export? Lots of opinions about what Norinco is and they differ greatly. Would like your take on this.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
You ask a great question, and it’s definitely my intention to address the Norinco confusion in video form at some point. In the meantime, I’ll try and offer a condensed answer:
When Norinco was founded in 1980, it was basically a professional “front” for the Chinese Communist Party to sell weapons abroad. Basically overnight they consolidated State owned military infrastructure, told certain key people to trade their PLA uniforms in for suits and ties, and re-branded as a state-owned “defense contractor”.
In summary, Norinco didn’t have a whole lot to do with Chinese SKS production because they didn’t exist until 1980. Most of the rifles that say “made by Norinco” on them were not made by Norinco, because they were made before Norinco even existed. Norinco just stamped that on there during export.
Did Norinco technically manufacture some SKS’s in the 1980’s and 1990’s? Sure. But thats potentially misleading also. Norinco didn’t open new factories or anything like that. The same factories that had always made SKSs kept making SKSs, it just so happens that one day the Chinese government decided to “poof” into existence a company called Norinco to, among other things, manage those factories.
Great video, you have a talent for teaching. Do you happen to know if the type 56 honor guard SKS would have chrome deposited in the bore? Thanks in advance.
Great videos dude keep it up
I think i told you the story of how i got my sks. But owell ill tell again. I had a browning bar 270 made in belgium 1970 and my bro liled it alot more then me and he had a extra sks but with no trigger group, but he ordered a trigger group from the russian federation before the war started , so we traded and it showed up 30 days later and was in a box with pins and parts so i put it together with a block with holes and hammer , then there was 1 pin missing , hammer pivot pin. I ordered 2 of them from newyork and it took a year to arrive . I put the pins in as soon as they got here and i tested to see if it works correct without the stock and reciever. It didnt fire when i tried and i moved the bar down and it fired . I put it in the stock and receiver and bang, it worked perfect. The main part of this story is that the trigger i got seems like it was a different one from all the other sks ive gotten before, this trigger pull is like a accutrigger with 2 lbs trigger. The first stage has very little resistance and you hit a wall and then pull it light and click , the usual triggers have 100 yards of pulling through trees feeling before you hit a strong 2nd stage and some dont even have the stage feelings but this trigger has got tp be the best sks trigger ive ever had. And its safe because i always cock the trigger and bang the bottom of the sto ck on the grpund to see if the sear slips from the hammer. It doesnt, i l ove this sks from 1952 with no chrome lined barrel. I ordered a 1 inch buttstock pad and it one from a dks beca use you can still use the hole in the back for the cleaning kit. Adds a in ch of pull
My trigger group is the same as you described. First stage is very light and then the wall. Don’t know how many pounds pull but feels perfect.
I have learned so much from your videos...thank you
Thank you!
Just wonder how much does 1965 chinese sks cost nowaday? brand new from the crate, shot once DP1001xxx. I believed it was made in shan je province. Thanks
Great video my friend! you have a great way of sharing information in a way thats easy to understand....really learned alot about the types and quality.... was very enlightening to be able to now identify whats what and why...thank you for the content and I am looking forward to the next...KEEP ON ROCKING IT! .....Triangle 26
Thanks so much 🙏
I once bedded my first sks in afew spots but not the spots were it needed it. Ive been looking at afew m14 videos and it shjows exactly the same method that would work with a sks. Im going to bed my russian sks to tighten up the groups. My sks is 1952 nonchrome lined . All i did to is one is add afew popcan shims to the sides for side to side and some tape at the very front around right behind the mounting bar on the stock. It had 4 layers of clear hockey stick tape but it wouldnt fit, i took 1 layer off and it was nice and tight when fitting to the stock. I have yet to test groups to see if it closes up the groups. When i bed ill remove wood from the front off the stock behind that metal bar , the ears of the magazine latches and some on both sides of the rear stock to control some left and right movement. It should make a nice tight stock. I was going to do this to a extra stock i have . Or else fill in the channel of the cleaning rod with a fiberglass arrow shaft and a bunch of jb weld and still bed the 3 spots. The front of the stocks look like they do freefloat and the only part touching the stock is the receiver . Then front of then stock was also ( ferrule ) shaved abit to allow movement of the stock so it doesnt pull down on the barrel when fired. Just some thoughts and doings on my sks.
9:09 that is a subject I'd definitely like to see you cover. Commercial vs military production particularly QC concerns and their comparative durability.
I don't ever see me taking an SKS to battle for a whole host of reasons with reload times being top of concerns but I digress.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve been getting that request from a few people - so I’m definitely going to make that video happen (hopefully in a timely fashion).
I definitely wouldn’t want an SKS either. I love the platform and feel very comfortable with it - but it really doesn’t compete with modern detachable mag fed weapons systems that can easily host electronic enablers. Now if I had an M59/A1 with fresh tritium and a bread bag full of Yugo AP and AT rifle grenades… maybe I’d think about it 😂
My sks had a jungle stock on it when I bought it but I found a wood stock that someone painted black so I sanded it down and put boiled linseed oil on it and it has held up great so far. The wood stock serial number is 00089 so it doesn't match the rifle but it works well. Not sure the country of origin but I think it's chinese for the wood stock.
MY son and i LOVE your channel!!!!
I just purchased a /0223\ (1977) and can definitely say the metal machining and fit quality is well below several /26\ and Soviet I own, in spite of all of them being well used and the is one being like new in the cosmoline. The exception is the stock. It is well ahead of either in quality despite it being the soft wood and odd darker red finish resembling a fiber stock in color. However function still seem to be fine short of firing it taking off that pristine new look.
Out of curiosity, what are you seeing in terms of machining and fit quality?
While the exterior is visually very nice, the interior machined surfaces have the roughest machining I have seen. The dust cover has to be tapped into place yet the latch is very loose. The pinned barrel to receiver fitment has large flashes of excess metal in the chamber area. 100% numbers matching with electro penciled gas tube and piston (Was this done in '77?). Function seems fine (unfired) and appears new and unfired in comoline - little evidence of refurb, but could be. (Maybe the trigger guard is ground but if so it was done very well.@@Triangle26
A question concerning the SKS wood stocks, first did the wood variety vary over the production time, and second, I have read somewhere that the Chinese stocks were made from catalpha wood…is that the chu wood you mentioned in the video? What is the actual species name….do you know? If I knew the species name then I could research the quality of that species for various uses, hpsuch as stocks, furniture frames, et cetera. Thanks.
I have also done a small comparison between Russian and Chinese. I agree the Chinese ones I’ve tried were more accurate than the Russian ones. But i want to mention the trigger pull comparisons I’ve made. The Chinese generally have a lighter less creepy trigger than the Russian ones. Some of the Chinese ones had triggers as low as 5-6 lbs, while the Russian ones would be around 10 lbss. Sample size was 5 of each, refurb russian vs new non 26 Chinese military versions.
That’s an excellent point, and generally consistent with what I’ve experienced as well.
Great stuff! Learning a lot
I really appreciate it, thank you for giving it a chance!
I have 2 type 56 sks's , they look like they have fought 10 wars . They have never jammed and are impressively accurate
well done.
I have Chinese SKS, and I love her 😀 👍
The Chinese SKS quality did (presumably) trend down during the culture revolution, especially (presumably) when the production shifted from 296 to other manufacturers. In 2006, the ceremonial type 56 carried by Hong Kong garrison PLA were seen wrapping with scotch tapes around the magazine.
Very interesting. As you well know - I’ve already learned quite a bit from you, so if this is another issue you can shed light on, I’ll be eager to update my perspective.
I’m really curious about any substantive evidence of quality deterioration. The logic behind the presumption makes sense - I just can’t find raw evidence, which is why I’ve drawn the opposite conclusion.
Of course, living in America all my life and closely inspecting perhaps 50-100 examples out of 10 million leaves plenty of room for error.
It’s interesting that you mention the rifles of the PLA Honor Guard - I’ve definitely had some interest in them over the years. After closely inspecting quite a few pictures, I’ve seen some rather unusual features. It appears that these battalions issue a combination of live and deactivated rifles. This leads me to wonder if they are maintained in accordance to weapon systems - or if they would more be considered as props, possibly explaining how issues arise that otherwise might not.
@@Triangle26 I actually don't have any substantial evidence of the deterioration: a large number of Chinese SKS collectors argue to stay away from non-26 ones. Some claims include: not having the right machine/tooling, workers not proficient enough, lack of QC, inferior parts, constant interruption. Those arguments can be true during the " Third Front" period.
As for the honor guard ones, I never had a chance to see a real one. My guess is that they are mostly for decoration, never for battlefield. This may explain why the scotch tapes are used: the magazine can open on its own. This type of fitting issue cannot be accepted by combat units. BTW, after this "laughable incident" at HK , scotch tapes is no longer seen as far as I know.
Another factor is that storage and maintenance can be horrible. Even though the PLA has strict discipline cleaning up and oiling (esp. after corrosive ammo), others don't follow that much. Large quantities of those that are poorly taken care of end up exporting. The ones I saw in the early 2000s in China had no better shape than those from Albania...
Thanks for sharing!
I found my arsenal 26 made in 1969 very well made, shoots better than my 1952. Changed my perception of old Chinese manufacturing. Recently imported Type 56 carbine were imported from Albania, and most are 1969. I wonder when they were sent to there.
@@stoegerstewie8351 Thanks for watching! Those ‘60s guns are hard to beat.
For whatever it’s worth, I’ve actually seen quite a healthy date range come out of the “Sino-Banian” batch - including one of the earliest production examples I’ve ever seen, a 4 digit 1956 “Ghost”.
I suspect that the Chinese rifles entered Albania in multiple batches, probably from the late 1960’s to mid 1970’s, but I could be wrong on that.
Huh. Apparently, I have a transitionary example of a 1966 Type 56. All the numbers match, but while there are no lightening cuts, the trigger guard is milled and the gas block is one piece.
Sounds correct. That’s definitely a possible combination of features for that year!
What do you know about factory 404 sks rifles? I just bought one that the website says is from 1975. I was just curious on what you might know about factory 404 in terms of their quality/reliability.
My notes suggest factory 404 was most likely located just east of the City of Yichang, and it’s proper name may have been the “Wind and Thunder” machinery factory. 1975 would be a pretty typical production year.
Quality will be excellent - all Chinese Type 56 carbines are rock solid. As long as you keep it in factory configuration, it should exceed all reasonable expectations for reliability.
@@Triangle26 I appreciate the response, and your expert level knowledge on the subject. More creators need to be like you. Your passion for these weapons and their history makes everything that much more interesting.
Great video. Question.... I "remember" video (you?) on "DP" serial # series... and Key points:
(1) Last ones made & close to end of Type 56 production.
(2) Details to fit & finish excellent.
(3) Same material grade, quality, & reliability as military (PLA) variant.
(4) Others (??).
I tried to find video (DP series) to verify Key points (I remembered) w/o success.
Did you make such video or I am dreaming about "DP" Key points?
Appreciate your reply..... good day sammy
When did China start attaching the bayonets with rivets instead of screws? I bought a Chinese SKS brand new in the 90s that had a rivet holding the bayonet on.
Honestly, that’s a great question that I will have to look into.
It is important to note however that it never caught on or became the National standard. Riveted bayonets are actually rather uncommon.
Awesome video that put a lot of myths to bed. One thing Ive found jn my limited experience is that the Russian safeties are stiffer while the Chinese safeties are smooth and easier to move. Perhaps the Russian safety was designed to never be used? Appreciate all the info brother, great video.
One of my type 56 sks' wiggles in the stock a little bit, I think due to wear. That is my only gripe about the Chinese SKS.
That’s a fair gripe, and one I’ve certainly encountered myself. I do believe that Chinese Chu (Catalpa) wood is a little more compressible than what we see from European manufacturers.
My perspective on it is that stocks are easy to fix, bores aren’t. I can shim a wiggly stock. I can repair a cracked stock. I can’t do anything for a finicky bore.
While watching your video the Chinese SKS factory 26 make 1979 is standing beside my bed, no doubt it is in very good condition.
Great videos bro
Thanks a ton!
Thanks, another great video. Picked up a Type 53 not long ago, how about a little info on those. But I still like my type 56 best!
That’s a great idea. I actually intended to have a Type 53 Cameo in this video - but ran out of time!
Chines wood of SKS give orange colour shine in day light, looks beautiful.
So whats the story on the rare stamped receiver varient? I saw that Ian has a video out but do you have any more detailed info?
Honestly - it's a niche I've never taken the time to research. I need to get around to it at some point. I think the most important thing to understand is that they are extraordinarily rare, and represent a tiny (yet interesting) footnote in the larger Type 56 Carbine story.
Awesome! I’ll have to look forward to seeing what you find out one day!
I might buy a norinco SKS with matching serial numbers at my local gun store. They are selling for $399 without bayonet. It looks like it’s in very good condition. Is it worth it?
I would say yes. My opinion is that any complete and matching Chinese SKS under $500 is a good buy. Most Chinese variants use a standard spike/cruciform bayonet, which can generally be replaced for under $50, and that's not a serialized part so it's not like a "mismatched" bayonet effects the long-term value.
In other words, for a rifle in good shape for $400 plus a $50 replacement bayonet, I would say you are still coming in at a very good deal for 2023.
@@Triangle26 awesome thank you sir for your reply! Didn’t expect a reply but, I am very happy you did! I just bought buy it yesterday!
@@Tslee45 Awesome, I think you made a good choice!
By the way, I have an idea for a video. Maybe do penetration tests between the spike vs the knife bayonet. That could be pretty cool.
That’s a good idea, thanks. I do have a bayonet comparison video in the works, but I wasn’t planning to include a penetration test. I’ll definitely look into adding that!
I agree with you
I have been a machinist for 48yrs
Thanks for watching and commenting. Sounds like you’ve forgotten more about metalworking than I’ll ever know, so I appreciate the feedback.
It's a little bit of an exaggeration but the Simonov\SKS is to Canadian civilian shooters what the M16\M4 is to U.S. civilian shooters. You should do a video on the Chinese version of the M14\M1A.
I’ve definitely heard that, it seems like an appropriate comparison.
I would *love* to do a video on the Chinese M14, although they seem to be much harder to find in the US than Canada. Hopefully as the channel grows I can make some connections and start getting access to some other stuff like that.
@@Triangle26 I apologize if the previous reply seemed strange but the gigantic list of newly prohibited firearms are being continually added to by the now "woke" RCMP without being voted on in Parliament and the RCMP refuse to reveal which firearms they add to the list. Thus we Canadians don't even know if a common model of hunting rifle in their possession is on the list. The Chinese version of the M14\M1A would take second place to the SKS in popularity among Canadian civilian shooters as many of its' owners used it for big game hunting back when it was legal to do so. Thankfully several Provinces and Territories have blocked some of the regulations but you might have to postpone any trip to Canada until awhile after the Conservatives get elected and the Norinco M305 becomes legal again.
@@kenlansing1216 Just today I saw a news article that the gun banners are at it again in Canada, and they have not revealed which rifles they are now after! You better buy what you can quick before these damn bureaucrats tale them off the market!
Hi. Is a 1978 Chinese in the good years? All numbers matches, unissued and triangle 26 stamped.
Yes. 1978-1980 production at /26\ is one of my personal favorite eras of production, and arguably some of the nicest SKS patterns ever made.
@@Triangle26 how do i make sure it was unissued? On the stock there is a stamped triangle with a 4 in it, (if it can help). Thanks
@@Daniel-xq7ny 1978-1980 production rifles are almost *always* unissued, because China phased the T56C out of service in 1980 (immediately following the Sino-Vietnamese War). So you can be pretty confident it was not issued.
If it’s soaked is cosmoline, that would be an additional indicator that it hasn’t been touched since importation. No worries if not however, all that matters is that it’s in good shape.
@@Triangle26 thanks, (from Quebec, Canada)
@@Triangle26 Have you had the chance to compare the accuracy of these 1978-1980 eras? Thanks
Would YOU want to be the guy responsible for delivering a batch of Bad Rifles to Chairman Mao?.... Neither would I!
These rifles are really well made.
Good point. I wouldn’t even want to be that guys mailman…
I seen another SKS with bayonet same condition but for sale for 899. I think that’s definitely not worth it. Maybe the $399 is better price without bayonet. They both have cleaning kit in the butt stock.
At that point it really all comes down to collector value. From a purely functional perspective, the Chinese variants are clearly the best choice. In addition to being the cheapest, they easily match (if not generally exceed) the real world performance of other variants.
With that in mind, I would not advise paying $899 for an SKS unless you know exactly which variant it is, and you are choosing that variant specifically as a collector piece or an investment. From that perspective, it might actually be a great deal, it all just depends on what it is.
@@Triangle26 got it thanks!
I have a Chinese factory 0306. Can't find any info about it
Unfortunately that’s one I’ve got nothing on in my notes. Hopefully that changes in the future - it’s frustrating not being able to decipher some of these codes, because there are far more codes than actual factories!
@@Triangle26 I know you don’t have any notes but if you were to guess, are those likely a conventional commercial made from surplus parts?
@@Gabthar Possibly, but I wouldn’t jump to that immediately.
The most obvious explanation is that it’s simply a military Type 56 Carbine. Does it have the three Chinese characters on the receiver?
@@Gabthar Also, it is worth noting that I personally suspect that “0306” is the same factory as “Triangle 36”, best known for making high quality drum magazines for AKs.
I have a Chinese SKs with a blued finish and another one that looks like it has a military finish. What’s up with that?
I'm not sure I understand what you are describing.
The *overwhelming* majority of Chinese SKS patterns (military Type 56 Carbines certainly included) have a blued finish. The visual character of this bluing can vary significantly, from a deep glossy blue to a flat matte black, and everything in between. Additionally, wear and exposure to elements can produce distinct patterns of patina. These cosmetic variations notwithstanding, 99% of what we will see on Chinese SKS patterns is still going to be blued steel.
With that in mind, can you describe the finish you are describing as "military"? Is it paint, parkerization, or something else entirely?
@@Triangle26 Thank you for your response. One of my carbines is the deep glossy blue you were talking about and the other is all flat matte black (military looking). I guess I am good to go on both of them. I thought it might have something to do with whether it was going to be used for combat or commercial import.
To the people who call 1966 and up SKS junk, I hope you also call the Springfield a3 junk compared to a 1903.
weird thing is you seem to love the chinese more then any other but still like i said before in one of your videos my Russian are just as accurate and in a couple case better then my triangle 26 that being said the quality well to each his own and at under 200 bucks a pop here i have quite a few as for the pinned barrel well if you wanted to say install another barrel on your gun well ask a gunsmith which is better also i would challenge you on the metal and quality like check them out on a rockwell hardness test. and as you say the stocks do suck on the Chinese as far as accuracy is well my 26 was crap until i put it in a custom walnut stock that is when it really shone and proved just how accurate it could be same as the Russian guns. all my sks rifles get shot and some days run pretty hard they are not safe queens except for the one 1949 i have which to me is the only one that has any real value just because of its condition and all matching numbers bottom line are my Chines better then my Russians no thing is weird pick up say a 51 Russian which i am sure you have then pick up a 26 then tell me which one seems a bit heavier just take the action out of the stocks and compare the two to me that kind of means something
I think that you’ve sufficiently expressed your skepticism in my conclusions - and I like to think I’ve sufficiently expressed that I’m not going to dismiss empiric evidence based on long TH-cam comments.
The types of steel used from the beginning to end of SKS-45 and Type 56 Carbine production are known, documented, and tested. Challenge all you like, but that’s a known quantity.
Let’s also be clear that I never alleged that Chinese steel was better (or worse) than Soviet. I speculated that Chinese chrome lining was better, based on the historical fact that in 1956 they had the benefit of experience with chrome lining, something the Soviets lacked in 1951. That said, this is a speculation which I transparently questioned in another video you which you commented on.
Finally, while I think it’s cool that you and others are into accurizing SKS’s with custom stocking, I personally have no interest in that. I’m interested in “as-issued” military configuration rifles. I understand how the practices you are describing could reveal insights relevant to military configuration rifles, but frankly, I’m not just going to take your word for it.
I like your vids. But comment on the cheap catalpa wood stocks. Horrible!
I address the inferior Chinese wood quality at 19:14. I certainly agree that it is a noteworthy shortcoming!
@@Triangle26 it works fine, but yikes. Prolly the best issued rifle of its time. Funny when china invaded nam.
The Chinese make terrible SKSs
Some say they are the only thing with less production quality than a Triangle 26 TH-cam video.
luv my norinco!!!