The Rare Chinese Stamped Receiver SKS (ad-free)
Added 2023-05-01 12:00:02 +0000 UTCIn 1970 and 1971, China experimented with a stamped-receiver version of the SKS. About 6,000 of these rifles were made each of the two years, and a number of them have come into the US as commercial exports.
We don't have any official records from China about this program, but it seems clear that this was an experiment to reduce the production cost of what was originally a relatively expensive, time consuming rifle to make. It's easy to think of the SKS as cheap because of the prices they Brough in the US for many years, but in truth the SKS was a very 1940s sort of design with all milled parts. It is only the massive economy of scale from Chinese production capacity that made them cheap on the American market.
Anyway, circe 1970 China experimented with this stamped design, as well as a cast receiver. The stamped guns are most easily distinguished by the two rivets connecting the front trunnion to the receiver, which are half visible above the line of the stock. This example was made by factory 0138, but examples are also documented form factories 0139, 0144, and 0145. The only dates known are 70 and 71. In addition to the stamped receiver, these guns use cast rear sight blocks and gas blocks.
Thanks to Christian for lending me this cool rare version of the SKS to film for you!
Comments
I love my Yugo,never seen a stamped reciever
Reed Gregory
2023-05-01 23:50:09 +0000 UTCThese are interesting variants. I have a cast receiver but have never added a stamped to the collection. The example reviewed definitely had some changes during refurbishment and/or after being imported to the US. The late production plastic handguard was likely inspired by Type 63 production at Jianshe (Arsenal 26, aka 296) in the 1970s. Type 56 SKS production was very low in 1970-71 and discontinued completely at Jianshe in 1971 (16th year). SKS production had a second run at Jianshe, after a six year hiatus, from1978-80 (23rd to 25th year production). That late production run coincided with the appearance of the plastic handguard, similar to that found on the Type 63.
2023-05-01 17:27:04 +0000 UTC54 russian. love that darn thing. I find it versatile and handy. not as good as a garand enbloc but... still an awesome design for a rifle. should take it out WAY more often.
Guido Schriewer
2023-05-01 12:20:40 +0000 UTC
