I can honestly say I love this channel and how deep the rabbit hole goes with these rifles. I love my Yugo 59/66 as it's my only one. Such an incredible history and for me I find this channel super informative.
Apparently, the most rare is a cleaning rod for my yugo. I don't even wanna use one for cleaning, just want one that sits on the rifle like it's supposed to.
Mine came with a rod but the trap door was empty. It also has Albanian writing carved into the stock with rings of an empty case jammed into it. Also a triangle 26. So..... Idk
I just bought a sks paratrooper 400$ and using your videos will help me identify everything I need! Great rifle shoots straight and true. Will be buying more.
I got an SKS through Classic firearms a few years ago, and it's been a mystery where it came from. The lack of factory markings and low serial number have thrown me off. The black bayonet I also thought was strange. But it's my first SKS, so these videos are really helping me out. Thanks!
What have you found out? When I bought mine it was simply labeled as Russian and since it looked like Soviet refurbishment, I figured it was. It has no obvious markings and what looks like a black maybe parkerized bayonet. I don't really know anything about it
@@loganheaton9213 It's definitely Chinese. Bayonet and stock (along with a few other parts) were from being refurbed at an armory. Bolt and carrier are numbers matching but the rest is a mutt. My rifle came from a shipment out of Albania according to Classic firearms.
Hey T26. Thank you so much for your incredibly informative videos. My wife has had an SKS from her father for a while. We alsways thought it was a Romanian version, but your videos helped us learn its true pedigree. We now know its a 1960 chinese letter gun. Matching numbers all around, "M" and 4 digits, but very little markings. It does have a Triangle 26, partially obscured by the stock, nothing on the dust cover, and a poorly stamped star on the stock. Super cool. Keep up the great work! 🤘 👍
Information on 0-602554 and 8S3837 … any help greatly appreciated . Thank You for your wealth of knowledge. You are like an encyclopedia of facts on these units. Thank You for sharing 👍
Love it... Keep up the great work... One thing which intrigues me is how an SKS represents learning from the successes of the m1 carbine and Garand... truly in between while also learning from the SVT non-success and the Simonov tank rifle
I share your intrigue. If it weren't for the mediocre iron sights, I would go as far as to say that the SKS combines (and improves upon) the best of the M1 carbine and rifle.
My next door neighbor was a door gunner in Vietnam. His Huey took fire from the ground on a mission. He spotted the shooter and dispatched the threat. My neighbor asked the pilot if he would land near the body to take the SKS off the field. His wish was granted. He brought the SKS home. He is not deceased and the SKS now resides with his son.
I sent you a email. Have you ever seen a Norinco 56 with a Norinco scope mount and scope on it and is welded to the dust cover? I sent you pics also.@Triangle26
I love my SKS's. Your channel has been my learning channel and learn I do. But I get lost easy when I start digging, and just go back to I love them, there very well made and I can afford them, usually. Thanks for taking the time e to share you vast hard earned knowledge. And God Bless Larry Vickers, please pray for him.
Do you know Arabic? The number is "144", correct? I've always hoped that was the case, as "144" is a very significant number among all the Abrahamic religions. I get a kick out of that number being meaningful to the Palestinian Muslims that owned it, the Israeli Jews that took it, and the American Christian that owns it now.
@@Triangle26 Yup 144 “١٤٤" Actually I do not know what this number means for Palestinian Muslims Or Jews or Christians I am a Muslim from Saudi Arabia What is your interpretation of this number?
@@oldstory-sz4qcI know that in Christianity, one place where it comes up is that according to Revelation, 144,000 people will go to heaven at the end of days.
Love your channel, my sks is a Tula letter series that looks factory new. I paid 100 dollars for it around 1990. Thanks for your extensive research it is much appreciated.
A old gentle that went by the name SKS man via his website SKS Man. Once told me the most money he ever made selling a rifle was an East german sks . RIP Paul.
SKS are not cheap these days. If someone is looking for a Chinese model. Get a arsenal never the cheap Norinco. They are totally junk. Some look like they were put together by kids. People are trying to pawn them off as a arsenal. Even though they are junk they sell.
Your videos never disappoint sir, I am always happy when you post something new on here.. I am at 8 sks variants at the moment and my goal is to have 12 total
You have a wealth of information here, glad I found your channel. After not having an SKS in my collection for over 10 years the bug bit me again. A guy at work has a Chinese one he said he’d sell me for what he paid for it a couple years ago. Grabbing it from him in a couple weeks.
Oh don't worry, RU-vid rewards me handsomely. We are talking tens of dollars per video. I'm thinking of buying a new hat. All jokes aside, thanks for watching and commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Sir, Thank you for your channel, your knowledge of one of my very favorite weapons, and your obvious love for what you do ! Please keep producing such great videos, and take care !!
This being the first time I’ve watched one of your videos, 😎👍 1951 Tula, light referb all numbers matching… (not forced, not coated) shoots great. Subscribed.
Wicked video brother. Key take away for me was appreciating what you have and preserving it as there is always another one that will give you a short term dopamine kick. Funny how much thay translates to the dating world. Find your favorite SKS/Woman and hang on tight for dear life. Love the content! Please don't ever stop!🎉🎉😅
Haha, too true. Chasing dopamine hits is fun for a while, but as far as I can tell it's not a road that will ever lead to anything resembling satisfaction. With guns or with women. Thanks for watching and commenting as always.
The quality of your videos is superb, the knowledge, opinions, and detailed explanations show a very deep understanding and appreciation for the SKS rifle and the work you do. That being said I really wish your channel was better known and you got more views. Please don’t change and keep up the fantastic work :)
There is interesting simonov's that are made in Soviet union but finished and assembled in China and have both markings. Soviet union moved production machines, some crew for using them and parts that were under construction to China. Half a year later relationship between countries collapsed and ally turned to enemy but those rifles was example of international politics and some way of... peace
thx, any plans on a short vid about the Chinese Public Security Models (and perhaps other similar marked models of other origin?), I have a mid 60s era Public Security model, I understand they are pretty much just SKS with added markings to designate use by that particular agency
Absolutely it’s in the works. To be honest the only hold-up is I don’t personally have one, and I’d like to buy/borrow one before filming. They are awesome (and pretty darn rare) rifles with a great story.
Canadian here, while waiting for my gun licence, I got my buddy to buy and hold an sks for me. It was advertised as the “French tickler” with the Bakelite hand guard. I’m looking forward to seeing how much I overpaid for it😂
I absolutely loved this video, the history behind the type 56 cabine is a vast mystery that we have only just begun to scratch the surface of I myself own a 1990 commercial made type 56 sks that I believe with all my heart was never shot tell I got my hands on it. For example what made me think that was that the bluing on the reciver slide rails was still shiny with, the bluing looked absolutely perfect, second the action was very tight like it hadn't been work much at all. But that's not why I love mine it the history behind it and yes I agree China made the best quality SKS in my opinion.
Is there any way to contact Mr. Triangle 26? I have a Chinese laminate stocked SKS (One of a few known to exist), I was wondering if you have any info on these rifles.
Appreciate all of the knowledge you've shared reguarding the SKS! I have definitely learned alot to say the least since I started viewing your channel. Could you possibly make a video sharing your thoughts and experience on scopes being added to the rifle if you have any? The concenses online seems to be that a scope doesn't belong on the SKS. Either its for lack of accuracy, rifle always losing the zero due to improper mounting techniques, "use the rifle how it was meant to be in its original configuration" ect. Would enjoy listening to your take on the subject. Thanks
I really appreciate your channel and your attention to detail. I have binged most of your videos in the last week or two. As an avid gun show parts scrounger, I am interested in finding out more specific information on parts identification. How do you tell what nationality/era a stock is? When were side swivels used as opposed to bottom swivels? How do I determine what nationality or timeframe a fire control group came from? Are there any distinguishing magazine characteristics that can help determine the country of origin?
Awesome video!! I have a type 56. What is the best for refinishing? There seems to be so many options for wood finish. I thought maybe a marine wood sealant, but really have no clue. I have subscribed, and thank you for your hard work. This video alone answered many questions that I had.
@@MP-qn1jw Thanks for subscribing! There are a few great options for refinishing, and choosing between them can depend on your desired result. For a more traditional look, natural oil finishes like linseed or tung are preferred. If you put a higher value on durability, marine spar varnish might be a good choice. My personal favorite finish is wipe-on oil-based polyurethane. It’s easy to work with, extremely durable, and looks great. My most recent video on this channel “The Earliest Chinese SKS” highlights a stock I refinished with this product.
BXN SKS stripper clips. Any suggestions on a manufacturer or dealer that you would trust? Your SKS history is incredible. I have had a whole semester of college on the SKS through you. Keep up the good work…Thank you Sir.
I just subscribed to your channel and love it! FYI, in Canada a standard type 56 rifle will cost around $450-$500 Canadian dollars and is still available on the primary market.
Years ago, i was drinking beer on a back porch of a friends house, a deer came out in the field he grabbed a sks and took a shot ,missed .but i had a look at it. It was a east german Sks.. I tried to buy it off him, but a big no..😮..
The ones I've seen always seem to be Russian factory refurbs. Many out there in SKS land refer to it as "BBQ paint". I seem to recall that the process at the factory was to paint with a black paint that was then baked in a kiln or something to that effect to bake it on. At least that's the story I heard, maybe Triangle26 can confirm or deny?@@oldstory-sz4qc
Nice, you're kind of an SKS Jesus, which is cool. The fuse that I have are not rare but they're nice. Examples of the count shouldn't they came from and like you said it never ends. I would like a Romanian, but I'm not well in the shell out. What people want for them thanks for the vid
Bought my first SKS used at a local dealer yesterday. Sadly it was sporterized, bayonet and lug taken off, polymer stock set, but i didnt mind. According to the tag, it's an Ihevezks or however it's spelled. No factory markings other than the bolt and magazine plate but i beleive those are non-matching.
Another great video. Excellent writing!! Have you considered turning any of these scripts into an article submission for any of the mil surplus magazines?
Thanks for watching and commenting. That's a really interesting thought - I can't say that idea has ever crossed my mind. I certainly save the scripts though, and figured that one day I might find something interesting to do with them...
(I mean this totally in jest) but have you ever thought about running a clothesiron across your Airborne flag? Sincerely, someone bothered by insigificant things. Awesome video... I now have three SKS's in my collection... two Chinese SKS' and a Yugoslavian, and looking towards my first Russian (laminate birch, I'm hoping!). My Chinese SKS's just so happen to coincide with my interest in Chinese history, especially the communist period. They are both factory 26 rifles. One is 1969, one is 1978. 1969 and 1978 were banner years for red China. 1969 being the peak of the Cultural Revolution, epitomized in the Ninth National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party - this was the year Mao and his loyalists had regained full power within the Central Committee, the party, and the country, after years of steady decline/competition, particularly from "renegades" in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 1978, on the other hand, was the year Deng Xiaoping ascended to the position of "paramount leader" of China, cementing the rule of state-capitalism in China, after a 2 year power struggle following Mao's death, against the Gang of Four, and other Mao loyalists in the party and country. In other words, my two SKS's earmark the beginning and end of uncontested, Maoist political power in China, one of the most turbulent and chaotic periods in the entirety of human history. To compliment them, I also got age-appropriate slings, stripper clip pouches, etc. I even bought a 1960s authentic Cultural Revolution copy of Mao's red book, and a Mao pin to stick on the sling. Offtopic, I know, but these things make my rifles just a little bit more "rare" than anyone else's Factory 26 SKS. :) Keep it up, love your content.
I can honestly say that at no point in my life have I ever independently considered ironing anything lol. Not a bad idea though, thanks for mentioning it. Phenomenal write-up on your rifles by the way, it seems we have very similar ways of relating to these rifles. I wish I would have done a better job of emphasizing that rarity on it's own is kind of stupid. I mention that at the very end, but I wish I would have hit it from the start. Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at.
"Rarity on it's own is kind of stupid." "Using the rifles to connect to history and tell meaningful stories - that's where it's at." @@Triangle26 I agree fully, and I suppose it matters what you actually want out of an SKS collection. Some might want a Yugo because all their friends have Russians or Chinese, and they want to be unique. Some think the Russian one or the Chinese one is "better." Some prize having all-matching rifles, or rifles from first years of production, or something. Maybe you want a weird, obscure Chinese factory no one else has or for bragging rights (factory 666 anyone?). Maybe you just want every example you can get your hands on. The personal reason is more interesting than what's "objectively most rare or rarer." I think there's something unique and "rare" about every single SKS rifle, as you pointed out at the beginning (with tongue in cheek but I think it's true). There's apparently nothing that makes a 1969 versus a 1968, or a 1978 versus a 1979, any different, or any more or less rare than the next "objectively," except for the unique opportunity to tell a story. And honestly, every single SKS affords an opportunity to tell a unique story, no matter the factory, or year, or country of origin. Perspective is everything. And I think you do an excellent job breaking down why the question "which is rarer?" is impossible to answer, and maybe isn't that important. SKS enthusiasts should select rifles based on what speaks to them personally.
I just got an SKS, it has no marks at all only a serial number. It is a long threaded, the stock has been changed to a tamco stock on it now. It does have a grenade launcher sight, Bayonet mount no Bayonet. I need stripper clips and that belt on the wall too. I have 2 , 20 round magazines that came with it.
New subscriber,this is the most in-depth video on SKS I've ever seen.I just spent the afternoon with my 1953 Tula factory refurb firing Russian Barnaul non corrosive ammo.I haven't shot corrosive in it since i bought it about 17yrs ago.It shoots amazing but the sights are hard to make out due to being all black.You mentioned sites with certain types of night paint on them?I am going to search through your video's for more info.Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Thanks for watching and subscribing, I really do appreciate it! Hard to beat an afternoon with a Soviet SKS. As for sights, the Yugoslavians used luminescent phosphor paint on many of the M59/66A1s. I don't know much about using phosphor paint today, but stealing a bit of the old lady's nail polish has a similar effect. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
SKS marked DP or DB, have been told these are export models for Delivery Pakistan or Delivery Bangladesh. Anythoughts? have never seen one for sale only talked about in discussion boards
Great question. Long story short, I don't know for sure. At one point I do hope to do a deep dive on those rifles and hopefully I'll manage to dig up some decent information in that process. In the meantime, based on the information I have found in my more casual research, I do agree that the "Pakistan / Bangladesh" theory is a *plausible* explanation. I've haven't personally seen enough evidence one way or another, however it does seem to be the most reasonable explanation for why those rifle markings exist.
I recently purchased a SKS that is an arsenal refurb with black paint. What is unusual is that it was listed as a Russian SKS and it even says... Made in Russia but in English. But it also has a Chinese ⭐ on it. No idea what I really have.
Based on your description, I’d guess you have a late-pattern (1956-1958) Soviet SKS-45. The Chinese didn’t put stars on their rifles, but the Russian Tula factory did. If you want a more conclusive identification, feel free to email me pictures, my contact info is in the description of this video.
Absolutely. I talk about this at the end of the video, but in retrospect I wish I would have mentioned it from the start: "Rare" rifles are overrated. Enjoying the rifles we already have is underrated. Also - mint Romanians are awesome, congrats.
Great vid - I agree with the previous comment that you should hav 10X at least more subscribers. And that's an Albanian on the wall behind you. I used to have one ... they are fairly rare.... to medium rare lol
Dear factory 26,I have stumbled upon a factory 26 it has 3 holes drilled and tapped right past the triangle 26 stamp and is in to serial number which was scribed farther back on the receiver.what I'm trying to find is the original side mount scope mount that would have been used due to the location of the tapped holes being on the left side of the bolt carrier the only thing close is a Molot scope mount but,from the design they are typically located farther back closer to the dust cover.if there is a way to show a picture i would like to share it because i would like to utilize the already tapped holes of i can find out the exact scope mount.thanks for all the info on SKS's
Hello! So let’s get the bad news out of the way first: The Chinese were notorious in the 1980’s for creating “bridges to nowhere”. In other words there are tons of bizarre optic mount footprints, and then different mount styles themselves, and in most cases it is extremely difficult to assemble a complete mounting system. I would tend to recommend drilling for an AK or SVD style mount, and installing it directly over the existing holes.
@@Triangle26 I appreciate the response I can totally understand the bridge to nowhere as in this case it sure has been it Def does look Bubba drilled it but, i may just try to retap the holes for another optic probably an Ak side mount thanks again.
Love the deep dive you do into this subject. I found out by watching one of your other videos I have one from the "french tickler" block. Do you know how many were produced during that time frame? Thanks for your time 🍻
Thank you for all of the hard work that you put into the awesome videos! They have been exceedingly educational as well as highly informative... . Now I have a question to ask .... . How rare is a new in the box (not refurbished) Triangle 26 SKS from 1965? Thanks!
Quick question about rarity. How do you view the rarity of non conventional rifles from the AWB era (SKS-D and SKS-M)? I've never been able to find production numbers but most of the stuff I've read puts them under 100K made which I have my doubts about. On top of that, I'm sure at least 25% of them got destroyed with Tapco accessories. I realize you aren't a fan of them, but it would be cool if you did a video breakdown on the non conventional carbines because doing my research, there's a lot of variations
I just found your videos while trying to find info on my sks's. Most are self explanatory, I have a Chinese triangle 5 arsenal marking, but can't find any info on that factory marking. Also have a low serial 240003##. Any info or direction would be appreciated.
So is your Arsenal mark a triangle with three smaller triangles inside of it and a single “5” in the middle? That is generally understood to refer to “6665”, or possibly those same 4 numbers in a different order. If you look closely you will see that those three little triangle are actually stylized sixes. As best as I am aware, it is not currently documented which factory that refers to. That said, your s/n indicates early 1979 production.
Hey Triangle! I just got a Chinese SKS and it's my first rifle purchase ever. I'm excited to get into it and am curious if there are preferred ammunition for the SKS? For hunting, plinking, and defense respectively. Thanks and keep up the great content!
Congrats on your purchase, you made an excellent choice. In terms of ammunition, the main thing to understand is that these rifles were designed around Eastern Bloc ammunition and that is what they prefer. In general, anything with a steel case will run great. Russian, Chinese, anything ending in “stan”, etcetera. Brass cased ammo made in Yugoslavia, Serbia, Bosnia (or really anywhere other than North America) will also run great. Based on the wounding characteristics of 7.62x39, generally speaking plinking and defensive ammo is usually going to be the same. It’s not a very sophisticated projectile, so generally FMJ in the 120-125 grain range is good for most plinking and defensive applications. Anything with an M67 bullet (Yugo M67, Igman M67, Russian Vympel / Golden Tiger) uses a slightly more lethal projectile. Not a dealbreaker one way or another, but all else being equal it’s the preferred bullet. I’ll mostly dodge the hunting question as I am not an experienced hunter. What I have heard is that Hornady SST or PPU 154 grain soft points are good starting points, but again I can’t vouch for that personally.
@@Triangle26 thanks for the insight! I look forward to learning more about my rifle through your videos. I appreciate the help and that you replied personally, that means a lot.
I have a quick question, the so-called "paratrooper" Chinese SKSs that were imported, I understand they were never military rifles and were just commercial shortened Chinese SKSs, are they really sought after? The particular one I was told about according to the seller doesn't have a bayonet or bayonet attachment. I ask because I have an opportunity to buy either that or a Romanian one, which would you recommend choosing and why? Both would likely be missing some parts like a trigger group, safety, etc...
It's true that the Chinese military never used the "paratrooper" configuration - it was purely a commercial concept. Like many other commercial variants however, paras were often made from surplus Type 56 Carbines. Some were manufactured new, but many more were converted from existing weapons and parts. Despite their commercial origins, I would say the paras are indeed sought after. They don't appeal to everyone, but they have a bit of a cult following. They will typically command prices at least 50% higher than a standard military Type 56 Carbine in equal condition. Choosing between that and a Romanian is tricky. Honestly, I'd probably recommend the paratrooper, and here is why: They are both cool pieces to have in a collection. The Romanians are a little more rich in provenance, but if you are going to get it incomplete, I think that takes away a bit from the appeal (unless you have a source for Romanian replacement parts). By contrast, a mixed-up paratrooper wouldn't bug me at all. Half of them were refurbished amalgamations from the start. The big differentiation however is the shooting experience. As cool as Romanians are, they shoot like any other SKS. If you've shot a late Soviet or an early Chinese, you've shot a Romanian. Great guns, but nothing unique. By contrast, the Chinese para is one of relatively few variants (alongside the 56/66, perhaps) which offers a truly unique flavor of SKS shooting. They are lighter, handier, and more concussive. They tend to exhibit exceptional accuracy, presumably due to the shorter (and therefor stiffer) barrel. Despite the reduced dwell time, they seem to run perfectly. Every time I shoot a para it vaguely annoys me because I can't shake the feeling that it's what the SKS-45 should have been from the start. If I was stuck with an SKS as a practical weapon, it would 100% be a Chinese paratrooper. They might not be the most historically interesting, but I think every SKS enthusiast should experience shooting one.
I agree. It was priced accordingly. Also, for how clean it looks, it's kind of a POS. I'm fairly sure the internals were hand chiseled by political prisoners.
Generally yes, the serialization format should conform to the normal rules. I hope to *one day* do a deep dive on the DP and DB marked rifles, but the short version for now is that there is still a lot of mystery surrounding them. The most popular theory is that they were most likely related to Paksitani and Bangladeshi aid programs.
