Russian SKS

This is the worse of the two sides. The big white spot is the quality control stamp, though. The other side is great. This picture makes the finish look rougher than it really is.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ogdief/058.jpg

Did someone fill the inspection mark in with color? Or did the flash just make it show white? Hard to tell from the photo, but the bayonet appears to have been refinished? Matte finish as opposed to shiny polished finish.

Originally Posted by deafdogdief

Pics, pics, pics. Where are they?!

Here is my 54 Tula. Found these that I had taken just after purchasing... It came with the bayonet but I removed it before taking these as I prefer to shoot without it. It was rebuilt, as indicated beneath the star.

^^^
That sure is purdy.

If I found one that looked as good as yours or 70belows' (from his thread), I'd keep it as is in it's pristine condition. However, since I found my Norinco in parts, I figured it'd be better as a bubba'd SKS since it has no real value if I tried to put it back in factory configuration.

Originally Posted by 70below

Did someone fill the inspection mark in with color? Or did the flash just make it show white? Hard to tell from the photo, but the bayonet appears to have been refinished? Matte finish as opposed to shiny polished finish.

The mark is not filled in, just the flash picking it up. The bayonet is matte.

Originally Posted by collinp2

Here is my 54 Tula. Found these that I had taken just after purchasing... It came with the bayonet but I removed it before taking these as I prefer to shoot without it. It was rebuilt, as indicated beneath the star.

Yours is in really great shape. I wish I could get the right light for my pics.

Originally Posted by deafdogdief

Yours is in really great shape. I wish I could get the right light for my pics.

hard to be a good bathroom floor. especially if you have vanity lights. see here

I used flashes.

Originally Posted by deafdogdief

The mark is not filled in, just the flash picking it up. The bayonet is matte.

I'm by no means a definitive expert on the Russian SKS, but most of what I've read claims that a matte finish (as does a blue or black finish) on a bayonet indicates a refinishing or replacement of the blade if not of the rifle.

You said that the Tula star is present on left side of the stock along with the stamped serial number? No XXXX out serial numbers? It may all be original, but the bayonet was damaged or missing so it was replaced in the arsenal and they didn't see a need to strip or remark the rifle over it.

Very nice rifle though, its a shame you're selling it, I regret selling the first Russian SKS I bought.

Originally Posted by 70below

I'm by no means a definitive expert on the Russian SKS, but most of what I've read claims that a matte finish (as does a blue or black finish) on a bayonet indicates a refinishing or replacement of the blade if not of the rifle.

You said that the Tula star is present on left side of the stock along with the stamped serial number? No XXXX out serial numbers? It may all be original, but the bayonet was damaged or missing so it was replaced in the arsenal and they didn't see a need to strip or remark the rifle over it.

Very nice rifle though, its a shame you're selling it, I regret selling the first Russian SKS I bought.

There are no XXXXX's over the S#. The info about the bayonet is interesting. I have AR 15 fever and that's the only reason I'm selling this. I know this one is climbing in value as well. Can't raid cashflow for guns, though. I have mouths to feed and the toys come from things I already have.