Thanks for watching! Sounds like a 1960 so-called “letter series”. Technically was made during the “Sino-Soviet” era, but not what many people are referring to when they say “Sino-Soviet”. They are great rifles, and I will have a full video dedicated to “letter series” at some point
Haven't finished the video yet, but I have a ghost SKS, but it is clearly a late model. I hadn't heard of ghost SKS until I saw this video. I noticed there was only an import marking and serial number on this SKS and absolutely nothing else on it shortly after I bought it. Now I'm confused because your said the "ghosts" were all early models. I'd love to get your take on this contradiction.
There are later commercially marked Chinese SKS patterns which, like "Ghosts", lack factory markings and model designations. I'm guessing that is what you are describing. Although they share a scarcity of markings, they are totally distinct categories of rifle. The category of firearm I am describing in this video *must* have early features, and a serial number between 2000-214000.
Well, I'm not sure what information specifically you are interested in, but unfortunately the first thing that I can tell you is that Ghost Serial numbers never start with zero. If you are interested in getting a proper identification, I'm happy to help at "triangletwentysix@gmail.com".
You have to be the most knowledgeable person I've seen speak about sks's. I apologize if you've already posted a video on this, but do you have any thoughts on the DB marked sks's? I picked one up 25ish years ago at a gunshow for 60 bucks and I've always wondered what it's deal was. Anyhow, thanks in advance and thanks for your videos on the sks and otherwise, I've been really enjoying your approach to presenting information. Cheers.
@@TurnandMike Sincerely appreciated, thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I don’t have a video about the DB and DP marked rifles yet, although I hope to at some point. Long story short, they are officially a mystery, but the dominant theory is that they have something to do with aid programs to Bangladesh (DB) and Pakistan (DP). In absence of new information, this does strike me as reasonably likely. I’m hoping to really dive into that research at some point, but for now that’s the best I have!
@@Triangle26 Thanks. Using knowledge I've gained from your videos I can also add that since mine is very crudely marked "SKS 7.62 NORINCO / MADE IN CHINA CJA SFLD, MI"(all very similar text, maybe some type of shitty importer over stamp?), it's likely that it would have been some time after 1980? Also I know you had mentioned 709 serial numbers, mine is 9 numbers and is a 7010 prefix...is it logical to assume that is sequential to the 709? Thanks again for all the info man, I'm trying to get caught up!
Okat first off..... Dude your knowledge of SKS is fucking legendary.... Blessed be you bro.... Second I am mad confused.... I think I have a Ghost reciever that has been fitted with commercial stock & spike bayonet..... Almost none of the serial numbers are matching. There is no arsenal marks..... Is it possible they took a receiver from a beat up "ghost sks" & slapped it in with parts from other rifles????? The first two letters of the serial number on the reciever are 88 which implies Arsenal 26 right? Ive always been afraid to look more into my SKS because what if i find out its just a lame ass Chicom commercial rifle ..... But as it turns out even the commercial rifles had arsenal marks right?
So it does sound like you have a 1988 "commercial" rifle *however* , that *is not* a bad thing. If you haven't seen my video on commercial versus military rifles, I'd recommend doing so - I linked it at the bottom of this comment. Commercial rifles were made to military specifications on military tooling in military facilities, and they were *very often* made from original military rifles which were sanitized of their markings. I have a 1988 commercial rifle which was made from an early 1960's Type 56 Carbine. So to answer one of your questions, yes it's possible for any military receiver to end up in any commercial build. Although even if it's not a military receiver, they are still the same thing. If you ever want to shoot me pictures at "triangletwentysix@gmail.com", I'll be happy to tell you exactly what you have. Thanks for the comment! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hl_eBmomvyc.htmlsi=KTqU6p72rV9lA7RG
That sure sounds like a factory mark to me, although not one I am familiar with unfortunately. Have you checked out my video on “How to date any Chinese SKS”? Your rifle can most likely be dated using a representational date code. Are the first two digits of your serial number between 17-25? If so, just add that number to 1955, and you are good to go.
*"Like"* (👍🏻#223) *"Comment"* -the text that I'm currently typing both to communicate my gratitude for the video AND to appeas our overlords; the YT algorithmic robots. *"Subscribe"* -Happy to sub to a guy who appreciates Simonov's carbine, its variants and its history the same way I do! Keep up the good work, sir👍🏻
Is this triangle with a three in it stamped on the steel sidewall of the receiver, or pressed into the stock? If it's on the receiver, there are going to be additional numbers coded into the triangle (although they might look really funky and be hard to decipher). If it's on the stock, it's not actually going to tell you the factory that made the rifle.
@@Triangle26 It's stamped into the receiver. Triangle pointed up with a 3 inside of another triangle pointed down 👇. Almost looks like a parachute inside the triangle with a 3 pointed down 👇. Marking are 71-03465. Thank you for anything you can get from the Norinco.
@@johnreinhardt9278 Ok, I am tracking now. So if you look really closely, you will likely find that the larger triangle is not a perfect triangle, but rather has odd breaks and doglegs in it. This is because the triangle is actually made from three stylized numbers (one to the left of the 3, one above, and one to the right). From left to right, I have seen these read "666" and "636". Once you factor in the other 3, that leaves us with a factory code of "6636" or "6336" (although there is healthy debate as to the correct order of those numbers). Either way, my opinion is that your rifle was *most likely* made at Jilin Diesel Factory in 1971, but full disclosure that is an educated guess, not a guarantee.
Maybe you can help me identify my SKS. I just inherited it from my uncle. Type56 chinese markings with serial number 7201397. No markings on the stock other than a small Chinese symbol. Underside sling. Has a scope mount on the side. Willing to send pics to help! Thank you!!
Was just waiting for you to say theyre popular because of the cool name. maybe we rename romanian sks’ “widowmakers” or “call of duty black ops guns” we’ll throw some fanboys of the trail. all sks patterns deserve a cool name
I have a "variant" I don't know the name of. I have two mil surp Chinese type 56 SKS carbines I bought in 1993. One is from 1962 and the other is from 65. They are both from Arsenal 26 and are identical except the 65 model has a beefier strap mount on the side of the stock rather than a smaller one the bottom. The quality of the wood grain is much better than the 62 and the serial number on the stock doesn't match the rest of the gun. The stock on the 62 model is not numbered. Is my 65 model a "variant" of some kind or did someone change the stock to make it desirable? It's probably the nicest piece of wood I ever saw on an SKS.
After weeks of searching- finally found your content. My wife’s grandfather recently gave me an sks with serial in the early 50,000s all matching and in invited condition.
That’s the whole number, as shown on the receiver? Or that’s the number that’s on all the smaller assemblies, and the receiver has that number with a prefix.
Very interesting, I found that I have a Ghost and beyond any shadow of doubt it was in 'Nam. Since it has a serial number of 179xxx, I assume it was a 1957 year model, going by the info you presented. The gun has matching numbers on the barrel assembly/receiver, bottom of trigger guard and stock, missing bayonet, buttplate and rear sling swivel. The gun stock is rough. The bolt has a different number and the bolt carrier has a serial number pattern of 3 6XXX 6 (with the spaces as shown), years ago someone suggested this was East German but I have no real clue. However, it has an additional stamping in the metal which appears nowhere else that I can find. For lack of better way to describe it , It is sort of a sideways letter C with a tail at one end (left side) of the C, then 2 apostrophes, and a letter Y with a tail on going left from the bottom of the Y. Although small, this is deeply stamped as apposed to some sort of graffiti. Any ideas? Thanks for the informative video!
I guess another form of intrinsic value could be if you had 2 or more sequentially manufactured weapons. It wouldn't necessarily make the weapon more valuable. Atleast since we know the ghost was in a serial pattern we could do that in this modern age of technology. Although I would say it is more than unlikely to catch 1 out of 212,000 together.
I have one but the stock has been replaced when I bought it, it was wearing a jungle stock. But it has 24859 serial number and proof marks everywhere, a long barrel lug and lightening cuts on the bolt and bayonet lug
Brother you just made my day. You mentioned #23456. What about #23989 with all parts matching #23889 with Russian made reliever that appears to have been russian/Chinese assembly during the early production and adjusting stage as it has little what appear to be tiny factory numbers and letters stamped in the stock and internal parts as you described. I bought it a gunshow 2 yrs ago from a single table seller because it looked "old and beat up" and had a 5digit number. Oh the stock is ridiculously scared scratched dinged even bears some abbreviations and poss dates. It's seen "action" . And alot if it. That's what drew me to buy most "damaged looking gun or stock that i have purchased. I am a history buff and I do thank you and appreciate the info you shared. I used to collect WWll era infantry rifles. Great to fun to restore to working order and a blast to shoot. All of them. If your a gun history and or as enthusiastic as genuine and enthusiastic you seem in your videos. You gotta see this 56. Because you just described my gun dead on so im pretty sure mine is one of those "Patrick Swayze of Ghosts" hey that kind of fits doesn't it? Lol
Dang brother your videos are awesome. Very well thought out and all models and bases covered very thoroughly and clearly shared in layman's terms. I am an ex collector and I do appreciate how you apologize ahead of time or at the beginning of your videos for upsetting anyone who doesn't adhear to the strict rules of history in your dating and categorizing as your about to hurt their feelings. Or agree to disagree. Lol. Thanks keep em coming. You got me excited about these old weapons again I may start up a collection again. I got good one to start with. #23989
Thanks a ton. Have you watched the Classic video, and if so, do you think its worth watching? I've bought some great guns from them over the years, but I haven't always been impressed with their social media efforts.
I understand that. I liked the video for the content but wasn't detailed. Type 56 sks, ak, type 63, 81, 95, and qbz 191. Lot of information in a short amount of time. Somewhat general information. The point Matt was trying to make was China's not using older rifles in service
I probably should be able to identify and date my Chinese rifle from you're information but I'm having trouble, the serial number is a 306 inside a triangle , two Chinese characters , 23012xxx , Hopefully you can help me, thanks in advance
@@Triangle26 The SKS for sure, I love that it's so early (56,000) and well-made. The Type 53's are cool as well, quite beat up but still smooth and good shooters.
Chinese serial numbers beginning with a zero are unusual - and typically indicate 1980’s commercial production. You are referring to the full serial number, as it appears on the left side of the receiver?
I have one in the 50k serial number range. The original stock was trashed so I just put it in a different wooden stock I found at a gun show. It is a great shooting rifle. Thank you for the content.
Do you still have the original stock? What are you going to do with it? Do you know if the stock that was in poor condition was actually the original or if it was also a replacement?
@@BenG1776 I don’t have it any more. I bought it as a gunsmith special. The only issue it had was a cracked stock. I tried repairs but never felt good with it. I used it a lot and wanted something solid. I’ve had it for a few years and just figured out why it doesn’t have stampings. It shoots great, and I love it.
Have a Ghost, 19422 . Needed a replacement stock a Bayonet an ended up using both a Russian 54-56 stock an a post 52 bayonet . Both were perfect fits . If you knew only a little about SKS's you would think this was a Russian rifle.
Excellent. Now I want an additional SKS, but I always do. If only one of the more "common" types, a Russian or "Ghost"...but for range time, never seen any typ perform sub par.
I’m so glad I found your content. You’re a walking talking SKS encyclopedia (old school term) (todays terminology would be you’re better than Google. Anyway, thank you for you help in identifying mine and I look forward to watching more of your videos and hearing from you too.
Great question. The front handguard ferrule on Soviet spec gas tubes is welded and blended to the gas tube itself, giving the appearance of "one piece" construction. This is also what we see on Chinese examples from 1956-1965. Later Chinese examples are joined differently, which creates a distinct linear seam in the gas tube, immediately in front of the handguard. I talk about this extremely briefly (and provide clear pictures) in another video. Here is a link to that exact moment if you are interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zceAruxQn8Y.html
I'll have to dig mine out. I have one with no factory markings, none!. The serial number is six digit starting with zero, and it's in new unfired condition.
The first four are the number edition of the batch, example 0310 would the 310 one made, the next two numbers would the year of production. This was what I was told anyway, hope this helps.
I just purchased two type 56 ghost guns. One of them is a full length Caribbean with all matching numbers including the stock in the 14000 range. The other is a a shortened paratrooper conversion carbine with a bladed bayonet and with all matching numbers in the 24,000 range.
Oh good, I’m glad you watched this video! I just read your other comment, and I was going to suggest that you check this one out considering you just discovered you have a ghost. Congrats on having one of the coolest variants!
Not really. “Sino-Soviet” is kind of a terrible term in my opinion, because it’s vague and can be reasonably applied to rifles other than the ones it was originally intended to apply to, which creates a ton of confusion. That said, the term was originally intended to apply to only the first 2,000 rifles, serialized from 1-2000. They were made on Soviet made receivers, marked with a Tula star. So-called “Ghost” rifles were the next 212,000 rifles made, serialized from 2000-214,000. They are on Chinese receivers, which are not marked with the Tula star.
@@aleksandryermakov7138 Still, not quite - and this is a big part of why I hate the term “Sino-Soviet”. The only early Chinese Type 56 Carbines that have a letter prefix are what I called “letter-series” rifles, made in 1959 and 1960. They are super cool rifles, but a few years apart from the “Ghosts” and “Sino-Soviets”. The thing is, a ton of people call the “letter-series” rifles “Sino-Soviets”. And I can’t say they are wrong, because after all that is a distinctly Soviet serialization method on a Chinese gun, it just makes everything hopeless complicated because some other people already “claimed” the definition of “Sino-Soviet”. “Sino-Soviets” were made were made in 1956 only, and have 1-4 digit serial numbers between 1-2000. No prefix. “Ghosts” were made in 1956 and 1957, and have 4-6 digit serial numbers between 2000-214,000. No prefix. “Letter series” were made in 1959 and 1960, and have 4-5 digit numerical serial numbers *with* a Latin letter prefix. “Letter series” also have a “triangle 26” marking, whereas “Sino-Soviets” and “Ghosts” do not.
@@Triangle26 sounds like lots of rabbit holes with sks rifles. I have been very confused with early type 56s for a while now, but now it all makes sense. I really appreciate your video and replies. Have a great one! 👍🏻
