Yours is a 1966 but it was never actually used in Vietnam. However, it was used extensively in the Balkan wars by Albanian paramilitary. Never saw Nam though. Good old girl. Get her an original mag.
Great information, much appreciated! She sure is a good old girl. I do have the original mag and if needed could pop it right back in but I like having the detachable mags for recreational use.
@@AmattEUR sweet. My bad. I thought you bought it like that with the duckbill detachable mag. I friggin hate those things personally. I’m kind of a purist when it comes to certain things.
@@Factory_Muff I totally understand which is why I didn't want to do any permanent alterations to it. I also still have the original gas tube as well. Thanks again for the info about the Albanian paramilitary, that gives the rifle a whole new story to me and that's what I love about surplus collecting, the story these old firearms tell. ✌️
@@AmattEUR You’re welcome man. Century Arms is kind of misleading the customer by saying they’re “Vietnam Era” just to make you think it might have been used in Vietnam, but nope. China was handing these things to allied communist states as aid packages and the logistics of actually having said country return the weapons To China after use would have made it a much more expensive endeavor. I learned most of what I know about our SKS (I have a 1965 Factory 26) from this guy. Perhaps the most knowledgeable person on the internet when it comes to surplus SKS especially Type 56 like ours which are his favorite. In fact, he just recently did a video on the Vietnam debate. I’m sure you will get along with him great. Enjoy. His channel is called Triangle 26. ru-vid.com/show-UCcz0bsW-QkNO8jSf8WqeJrg
Dont ever underestimate the sks. Ive taken mine out to 500yds on 15" f class targets which points to a 3moa rifle. Tula ammo at 500yds is moving at 1200fps and 400ft lbs still. Thats point blank magnum territory in ballistics
@Danila Makarov i was lucky enough to grow up in the plains on a homestead ranch. You could see for about 1000yds within a 200° viewpoint from our front porch
@@AmattEUR it wasnt quite heaven... And it definitely wasnt Iowa lol but it was on the east side of the pecos river in New Mexico. Grew up hunting tahr/javalina boar and coyotes in my backyard. From the porch to the closest Reservoir was 900yds. To the well was 600yds. To the first fence line was 200yds.
I have a soft spot for the Chinese SKS. When I was in my early teens, my dad bought one for me because it was lighter recoil than the 30-30 I used my first year hunting. At the time I was super skinny and very recoil sensitive...yes, I was a bitch. We added a recoil pad that served 2 purposes. Reduction of recoil and and extra half or 3/4" stock extension because I am over 6' tall. I took some of my first deer with it. Years ago we pulled it back out for shooting and it felt like home even after a decade after using a Remington 30-06 hunting in my late teens-early 20s and a couple years in the Corps used to the M4. In closer range plinking it was a lot more accurate than expected. I'll still take my AR15 over the SKS if I had to choose only one...but the SKS is CA compliant as it is and an old friend that still shoots well even after I've neglected him for a few years.
Hey Josiah! Great story and thanks for sharing. I think we were all a little recoil sensitive at some point so don't feel too bad. Plus it gave your dad a great excuse to get you an SKS! I love pulling out these old rifles from time to time, dusting them off and taking them shooting. Great piece of history!
it was still less than $100 at the time in '94 or '95. It was also related or a reaction to the 1994 Federal assault weapons ban. Bonus history context adding to sentimentality and early pro 2A activism.
@@Hcirteid if we learned anything from the assault weapons ban is that assault weapons bans do nothing to curtail crime. Glad you took advantage of the SKS market at that time
@@Hcirteid I bought one when I turned 18 in 1996 for $99. My dad threw a fit and I was then scared to shoot it because I didn't want to get into more trouble. I never shot it and sold it years later after marriage for $250. I have owned a few since and they are fun to shoot and I have also taken deer with them. Good luck to you with yours. Dust it off and keep having fun!
Left side engraving id's factory 26 - Jianshe Arsenal as manufacturer, Serial number plus the milled trigger group frame ID this as mid-production SKS, made in 1967. The "11" in the serial number is how many years after 1956 the gun was made, ergo 1967. It also has the mid length barrel lug which confirms it as a mid-production piece made between 65 and 80.
Thanks Robinson, I appreciate the info. It's good to know more about my rifle, when and where it came from. There aren't many decent resources to date SKS' especially since there's so many variations out there. This definitely helps! 👍
I'm confirming what @Robinson Mitchell said regarding the date of your SKS. This dating method is specific for Chinese SKS with the 26 in the Triangle, with the Chinese Characters to the Right of the Triangle and the Serial Number to the right of that.
Thank you for making your most enlightening video on the sks. Most appreciative of your good work that makes me even prouder to own my Chinese machine.
Got a lot of different platforms, and battle rifles, including a mint condition 1954 Russian Tula SKS. At one time had the SKS clothed tactical with the magpul stock, and 20 round mags, a few 30 round steel mags, and the 78 round drum. All fed well. Recently put it back into the original wood, and went back to using the stripper clips in it, that with the proper technique will feed flawlessly, guickly into the original 10 round box. Lift up on the bullet of the top round while pushing down on the base, bingo. Technique works well with other stripper clips as well to include the SMLE. SKS IMHO is one of the best, most reliable rifles ever made, and I say that owning more than a few. Good video, keep it up.
Those are some great tips and sounds like you have a nice SKS collection. I totally agree, need more than one SKS but unfortunately just like the rest of the surplus market everything is drying up. I appreciate the comment!
@@AmattEUR Had two Russian SKS I bought close to 40 yrs. ago for 125.00 each. Gave one to my oldest son for a b-day present years ago. Only one left. Bought it in Chicago during the assault rifle ban, as it was exempt. When the ban was rescinded, expanded my collection of platforms to include, an AK, AR, HK G3, SMLE, MAC10 and a few others. Many classics, but still love that SKS. Love the classics! Back in 1976 bought a Colt Python for under 400.00. Still love that old school gun too! Carry that as a Sunday BBQ gun here in Tennessee. EDC can range from a 1911, CZ75, to a Taurus TCM in .380 most days, weather dependent. Tennessee is a gun owners paradise. 2nd. ammendent sanctuary state, with constitutional carry in state, although I still maintain a carry permit that grants reciprocity in over 40 other states. SKS is often my truck gun. Good deer, or wild boar rifle spur of the moment, as well as an improvised battle rifle for two legged predators. Understated firepower that attracts very lil attention even in plain sight with the bayonet. Doesn't look too threatening to the firearm ignorant, it passes just under the radar of alarm. Good choice, enjoy yours brother! :)
I have had a “no name Tula” for many years. It’s built like a tank. Never fails, and is more than sufficiently accurate for what they were designed to do. Thanks for covering
11 before the sn is I believe around 1967. Manufacturering started in 56. Add 56 to whatever the first two digits to get the year. Triangle26 channel has a great video breaking down all of the different sn’s and their meanings.
Definitely a fun plinker that also happens to be a cool piece of history. You're right, go the AR route first, you could always get/build one chambered in 7.62x39. And at half the price of most AKs I snatched this SKS before getting an AK.
I bought my Chinese SKS from Classic Firearms right around the same time. I got mine when they were selling them for $300 also. Prolly the best 3 hundy I ever spent. Great video!
Not being fugley but bought my '52 #s matching Tula in the early '80s in the box with all the acc. for....$39. Yep still have it. My buddy at the same time bought an AK for the same price.
Awesome! I picked up a Chinese Type-56 SKS at a local gun show. The only thing I did to the rifle was add some bright pink Testors model paint to the front sight and cleaned the stock and finished the wood with boiled linseed oil. I owned a Norinco SKS that took AK 30 round mags back in the 1990's. My current Chinese Type-56 is much more accurate ans seems to be better made.
Hey Stephen, glad you picked one up. The Chinese made a great SKS. Model paint on the front sight is a good idea and probably makes a huge difference 👍
Funny intro. Proud owner here of two SKS rifles: Chinese and Yugo. Fun rifles and ammo is still relatively cheap if you look around. And that Yugo grenade launcher is big fun (using a rubber grenade).
myself and 5 buddies all got Chinese Type 56 SKS from Classic Firearms as well, we love ours as well, fun little cheap rifle for fun times at the range lol
I grabbed one of those a couple years ago. Got the rifle, and 2,000 rounds of ammo for about $600. The “kinda” good old days! I’ve got a book on the history of the SKS carbine, and it has a lot of info on the Chinese models, including manufacture date by serial number. It has to do with the first 2 numbers. They started manufacturing them in ‘56, so if the first 2 numbers on yours are “11”, then add 11 to 56, and yours may have been made in 67. Wish I had some land like you do to shoot! Stuck here in Houston, with a bunch of 25 yard indoor ranges!
600 for the rifle and 2000rds ain't bad at all, especially since Russian ammo just got banned... 🙄 Thanks for the info on the year of manufacturing, I heard 1967 from others too so definitely sounds right. It's tough when you only have access to 25yd indoor ranges, does Houston not have any outdoor ranges outside the metro area? I grew up in Dallas and remember there being a few outdoor ranges less than an hour outside the city.
I have the same exact SKS, and in its original state. All matching serials and such. Purchased from CF. Flawless shooting gun. The only thing I added to its side were stripper clips!!!! And boy with the wear and tear does it look great!!! I got it when they were $180 bucks.
Nice! That's a great price. I got mine from CF when it was just a little more at $200, worth every penny. The wear and tear beats any aftermarket stock out there
@@AmattEUR Indeed, my friend. Something about that spike bayonet just makes me like it more. The bladed ones just have a toy-ish look to them in my opinion. But hey, to each their own.
For a while I wanted the blade bayonet more but when I saw it in person I had the same thought, looks like a cheap toy even though I'm sure it's plenty effective. But you're right the spike bayonets look much better to me as well.
Finally apart of the Sks club it feels good got mine on a deal $450 took it to the range ran some steel tula Im genuinely shocked that this rifle was considered cheap back in the day its a solid rifle
yeah, I've got the same, however I bought mine brand new out of the box back in '90, I've got about 350 rds through it, beautiful Norinco,,,,, with a "PIG-STICKER"...great gun, doesn't kick to bad, wifey likes it to!
Very cool! The ol' Pig-Sticker makes it look awesome too. Recoil ain't bad at all however, it's not the lightest rifle especially with that dumb drum attached
I'm glad you got one too! They're drying up quick and the only ones left are way more expensive than only a couple years ago. Definitely a great all-purpose rifle that has stood the test of time
@@AmattEUR hey if milsurp taught us anything it's that cheap doesn't necessarily mean bad haha btw what's the red dot you're using? I actually thought it was a scout scope till you said something.
@@jimkiernan3563 ain't that the truth. Unfortunately the red dot isn't available anymore but this is the link www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GL7BKYX?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
The sks is one of the most reliable guns I have owned it's heavy but I never had any issue with it. I got it from my father in law like 16years ago and it's still a fun gun I just bought an aftermarket stock for mine. But he bought it for $99 from off a news paper add selling sks
That's so cool you used to be able to buy firearms from newspaper adds. People would flip out if they saw a gun add in their morning papers these days. Definitely a very reliable gun
Your not going to beat a SKS they r well made and the simplicity is amazing like 3 moving parts. Mine is 1963 with a blade bayonet and the stock was beat to hell I had to take some fine sandpaper to it just to be able to handle it without getting a splinter. But all matching serial numbers and the bore shine like new money and very accurate to 300 yards. They shoot better then a AK because of the longer barrel, I think will keep mine.good video 👍
You're absolutely right in many ways. Very accurate and hard to beat! Even at the crazy prices they're going for these days it's hard to find an AK for less. And the "character" you get from these historic artifacts are so cool and fun to talk about. I think an SKS is a much better conversation starter than your typical run of the mill AK. Thanks for watching! ✌️
Certainly a very functional -- and reasonably priced -- rifle well worth the money. Of recent, I've seen ammo priced as low as about 50 cents a round (price always subject to some variability). You might also note the use of 10 round stripper clips to quickly reload.
Good points! I love that rifle more than most of my other more contemporary firearms. Some say you can reload the 10rd box mag with 3 consecutive stripper clips faster than reloading a 30rd AK mag making the SKS slightly better for certain applications.
I got one from classic in 2019 . i did tapco wood Monte Carlo stock,tapco 20rd mags , texas arms mag release ,matador site rail, with utg bug buster 3 .i went full buba on it.
The 1” rubber recoil pad you see slipped onto a lot of SKS rifles is never there for recoil, it is installed to elongate the “length of pull” as the Chinese are quite small and these stocks are very short. I’m. 6ft and the 1” rubber pad adds the perfect length of pull for me. Nice rifle! These have only gone up in value!
And will probably continue to go up.in value due to their popularity in video games and gun culture. I hope to keep mine forever. The recoil pad to increase length of pull is a great idea
I have 3 of them. All are Russian: 1954, 56 and 57. The last year of production in USSR was 1958. I am 6 feet too, but looking for shorter length of pull for scout project SKS. Had to buy one Chinese fiberglass stock and working on it right now to feet my 1954 SKS. I am even thinking to shorten the butt of the stock, and change its angle for my frontal shooting posture. Fiberglass stock gives possibility for some modes, such as moulding semipistol grip into it.
@@azbogivediglagoli4759 sounds awesome! The fact that you have 3 Russian SKS' is amazing since they're almost impossible to find at a decent price these days. I'd definitely recommend getting the aftermarket stock for mods so you can keep the original one in tact. These little nuggets of history are becoming more and more scarce every year.
@@azbogivediglagoli4759 totally agree, to manufacture a firearm like the SKS in today's market would easily be approaching $900-1000. Crazy to think 15-20 years ago they could be had for a 10th of that price.
1st of your vids I've seen, good "review" (quotes cuz it's not "stock") of the rifle and mods. Earned you a sub. One note though, I would've liked a close up and a bit more detail on the NC Star rail and the red dot (I'm sure that means I'm not the only one). Maybe do a separate vid on it as an attachment review. Just a suggestion from someone who's seen thousands of guntube reviews
sks are great ! shoots the same shell as a ruger mini thirty. looks a little like a scaled down m14. ammo is reasonably priced.accurate enough for practical shots. works and is affordable. great cammon sence gun.
Hey NOCT, thanks for the comments! The couple of modern parts gives it that post-apocalyptic look without overdoing it. Tula ammo works great but you're right, the SKS will (and should) chew up and spit out just about anything you put in it due to it's loose tolerances. I definitely agree with it being one of the best rifles ever made, it just had the unfortunate timing of coming out right at the end of WW2 and right before the AK47 so the rifle was pretty much glossed over by military history. It's a smooth shooting, accurate gun with tons of character and has been copied by many other gun designers for good reason. I'll have to try out your tip of stretching out the Tapco spring if it becomes an issue but for now the detachable magazines are working well enough for me.
I've heard about that. I just don't want to do any permanent modifications since the prices are so wacky right now. The good old days of finding a cheap SKS are long gone
I do like the scope mount. Mine is a 1969. Very battle worn. Likely Albania. I want to go back to the stock mag and would like a 4x scope with wide plain of view
Haha, I understand the pain! I wanna shoot my ARs but still trying to conserve my 556/223. And you're right, just saw a case of 762x39 for about $300. Still not pre-pandemic prices but getting there 🤞
I love to hear about firearms being passed down through the generations because generally they're appreciated more by those receiving them. Sorry about your pops but glad to hear you were able to take it shooting ✌️
To pull a full magazine, you drop the magazine as far as you can. Then you pull back the bolt with one hand while removing the magazine with the other hand. Pretty awkward...but with practice...quite doable.
Technically with last shot hold open you just drop the mag and then insert a new one without having to hold the bolt back. Also you can manually lock the bolt back by pushing up on the bolt stop. But it's just a workaround for a much older design and about the best you can get with a detachable magazine for the SKS. Thanks for watching ✌️
SKS is a Simple easy to maintain firearm. I purchased mine over 20yrs ago and it is stlll in top condition. Only problem I have now is trying to find stripper clips for loading it with.
I love Russians too. And Italians. Even more since a few days ago. Yours is a 1966 bud. You have one of the best made battle rifles in the world. If it was mine, I would switch back to the original magazine.
Scored one back then from classic. Should have bought more. Just now ordered from PSA, now $500 shipped. Tapco mags, grind your bolt for mag feed, get the AK mag release, do a trigger job. ((I promises precioussss))
Very cool! Did you have to mill down the rails the sear slides on? Chinese SKS sear rails are slightly longer and the manufacturer says you may have to mill them down a bit
I know I'm odd in the majority of the gun community, but I smile when people talk about modern guns being too heavy to run around with. I'm used to carrying around 10+lbs muzzleloaders though.
As a Canadian I own one because that idiot Trudeau didn’t ban them. Despite being a high powered semiautomatic rifle that was actually built for the battlefield, unlike an ar15.
The tab that locks the drums in is a very thin piece of steel, which is why the drum jams unless u hold the base. Wee bit of JB weld and some filing to build that piece up and you're good to go
I have that nc star gas tube with a chaote monte carlo stock black,and a nc star red dot.....flawless performance. Also have the archangel 20rd mag,awesome gun now
@@pdog109 I posted my comment about a yr ago.and I can without a doubt say that the red dot is the way to go for this setup.since I've done these mods I've popped a few thousand rounds and I've been very impressed with this setup
@@AmattEUR honestly I wouldn't buy any other NC star products.but the gas tube has been great.i think they put more effort into engineering that because it's a functional part of the weapon? Hard to say but it's been very durable
I bought the exact looking Type 56 sks from Classic around that time. All numbers matching beauiful chocolate colored worn stock. Took me two days & the hottest setting in the dishwasher to remove the cosmoline. It is in exellet mechanical cond. First internals iI cleaned was the FIRING PIN CHANNEL as these can cause DEATH when stuck open. Otherwise torso hits out to 200y with steel sights thru my old eyes is common. These really are* the Russian M4 imo. What type of optic mount is that ??
I remember it taking a while to clean out the cosmoline. Fortunately it was during the hot summer days and I think I did the sun baking method to bleed out the cosmoline. That firing pin channel is very important like you said. Love shooting it though. Russian M4 is a good way of putting it. The optic mount is the cheap NC Star but works really well. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html
I am very affluent most weapon systems from m4 to Mosin-Nagant I actually have to put this to be hands-down the best rifle ever made in comparison to a Springfield socom 16
The optic is holding zero really well, I zeroed it a couple years ago when I first got it and haven't had to adjust it since. The gas tube mount took a little bit of fitting because not all SKS's are made the same but wasn't too difficult. Just make sure to use thread locker on the screws
I just built a side charging AR in 7.62x39 and a few in 5,56 over the years. I sure wish I had started the hunt for an SKS a few years ago ! That been to war and still working thing is to me what makes them cool.
Please use a $15 lapel mic. You've got one chance to get audio right. Lapel makes it easy, doesn't matter if you turn your head or move around, same great audio. Also enrichens voice by catching sound from chest. Thanks for SKS info!
Optics planet, they're not always in stock but looks like they are now. This the link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html
What type of mag is that 20 round mag that has a release tab? Where can I get 1? Also, your 30 round might work better fully loader with more pressure on the spring.
That 20rd mag is made by Tapco which isn't around anymore, at least currently. But you can still find Tapco SKS mags in short supply by Googling them. Promag still makes a bunch of different ones too
whats the diff between the chinese the russian and the yugo? I think mine is the yugo... mine also has the grenade launcher attachment, which is useless unless I ever run across some rifle grenades, but they wont let me shoot those at the range
I'm not exactly an expert on the SKS variants but I do know the Yugos have the grenade launcher attachment. So yours probably is a Yugo and highly sought after, not because it's usable in any way but because it's cool to own 😎
I have a couple. One is a 66 and the other is a deballed 79 ( no bayonet lug). Very reliable guns..the last one cycled slow.so I took it apart and found the gas tube still packed in grease. Think squeeze cheese...nasty..but still shot !.what optic is that?
That cosmoline can be yucky stuff. I pretty much drenched my rifle in mineral spirits when I first took it home. The optic unfortunately isn't made anymore but if you can find it it's called the Evike UFC HD25
Awsome video my American brothet I remember back in late 80s i could buy a sks in a box with sling cleaning kit and ammo pouch brand new for $99. God if i had a time machine id go back and buy a case of them. I have one now and i wouldnt trade it for any ar15 or ak47. But i do own all 3. But if tge world was comen to an end id grab my sks before any other. These guns are built like a ruger gp 100. And here in kentucky a box of cheap russian ammo will cost you $14 and last year i could get a box for $12. The ammo and the sks go up in price every damn year.
Hey thanks Ernie! I wish I could go back in time and snatch up every cheap surplus firearm I could find, especially the SKS! You're right, it only keeps increasing in value. The SKS would be a great end of the world rifle because it would outlast just about anything, even the cockroaches haha
Nice video I have the same setup minus the bayonet. Shoots nice but I do have a recall pad on mine as you get a little older you mind the recall. Where did you find your Red Dot mount and scope and does it hold zero. And it only cost $89 when it was purchased.
Hey, thanks Lou. The red dot isn't being made anymore but the mount is great and holds zero really well as long as you tighten down the set screws. May require some fitting. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html
The bolt can be modded to take a mag with the bolt dropped. I prefer stripper clips learn them and run a bandolier. Make sure the trigger has positive engagement that’s a life saver learn about it cuz these will fire sometime when u drop the bolt or crank the bass no joke
You're right they have been known to slam-fire. Would be great to be able to insert the mag on a closed bolt but I don't want to do any permanent modifications since these rifles aren't as plentiful as they used to be. Thanks for the info though
@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader that’s not true Russian primers are hard American primers are very soft sks will slam a lot with American bullets Also sks some have negative sear engagement and a hard bolt drop or rifle drop will allow the hammer to squirt the seat out from under it. Pls take this as the gospel I’ve experienced these things. U could buy a spring loaded FP kit. Ppl experience and learn different things from each other I’m telling u
Thanks, the rail is NC Star and the optic is Evike UFC HD25 but discontinued. This is the link to the rail www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html
@@AmattEUR Thank you! I sported my SKS out at first, but eventually decided it should be more stock, but focused on accuracy, which means optics. Most options are rear mounted, but I like this forward option and it's been difficult to find the mounts for it. Thanks again!
@notrelevant3453 no problem! The best thing about these mods is that they're not permanent so returning it to stock is easy if you need to. Plus you won't upset all the purists haha
Nice video, but if i could suggest investing in a decent mic. Audio is something we don't really notice until quality is poor. Then it becomes all we can focus on.
Hey Kelvera, thanks for the feedback! I 100% agree and coincidentally filmed a video yesterday using a new lapel mic. I think that'll make a huge improvement.
Hello. I assume you're talking about the drum? Here's a link but you can usually find them on sale for less www.classicfirearms.com/75-rd-rear-loading-sks-drum-mag-korean/
Will have the original type 57 it took the real AK-47 magazine but my state really didn't like it California and got all pissed off about it is salt rifle somebody gave me a really good deal I was able to got 450 bucks for it when I sold it I wish I could still have it
I've been out of the sport for more than a decade and a half. I had an AR (bushmaster) and an .357 Sig. I was looking at AK's earlier, but my computer is about to shit on me (gaming laptop) so I think my price point has been knocked down a peg, so I'm starting to look into SKS rifles. Good video on introducing me to the model.
Thank you sir, I appreciate it! I never understood why AKs, being one of the most mass produced rifles ever, is so expensive. At least here in the US. And even at current market prices the SKS is still considerably cheaper and very similar in most aspects to the AK47. I honestly don't even own an AK but love my SKS, if you see one at an affordable price don't hesitate 👍
@@AmattEUR I hate AKs. SKS is way better: solid milled receiver vs stamped in AK platform, longer barrel = better accuracy in SKS, almost twice less parts is SKS, Wich is a great pros in field cleaning. I love SKSes, and would never replace one with AK or any other , including AR platform.
