SKS question for the experts

[spb_la]

I recently got a KBI-imported '54 Russian SKS shown in the pictures here.
It seems to be non-refurbished - the stock shows only one serial number that matches the rest of the rifle. SKS is all matching, the gas tube is stenciled, the rest is stamped.
Odd thing I noticed is that the finish on the stock is completely matte, there is no shine at all. That is completely different form all my other Russians.

Bobby R. and other SKS gurus - have you seen ones like that? Any input is much appreciated.

[C&Rtrader]

Not that uncommon. I am pretty sure I have a Russian one like that. I know my Yugo M59 does as well.

Nice looking gun though!

[SKSer45]

Well BB that's all you buddy...heheh

Well its certainly a non-refurb and in good shape. I have seen a few of those as well but its like the Mythical Orange Paint on some SKS rifles. No one really knows what It really means or the "theory" behind it.

It could be Drunken Ivan half assing it, changed the mixture, or the original owner did something funky to it. I've seen one non-refurb like that and that was part of Prince05 collection. He said he got it like that way when he bought back in the 80's straight from the importer. So there you go.

[echo1]

Very nice. Not an expert, but a non refurb would be not so common, electro stencil I believe only occurred at the time of an arsenal rebuild (not certain). Any "squares" with a slash through it (amorers mark) stamped on the stock or reciever? PAX

[spb_la]

I checked everywhere, but did not see the square with the slash (I know i saw it on some of my other Russians). The cover only has Tula star and the year.
Feels like my friend's Yugo (like C&RTrader said). I think I prefer the feel of the glossy semi-shiny ones, this one feels.... unfinished somehow.

[NOTABIKER]

i thought china and russia were not allowed to import SKSs into the USA.

[C&Rtrader]

i thought china and russia were not allowed to import SKSs into the USA.

Country of origin, not country of manufacture I believe.

Ie.. chinese SKS from albania that have been there for X number of years.

[BruinGuy]

Looks good to me! A little Howard's and it'll be good to go.

[Dan_Eastvale]

Yes, the original would have electropenciled gas tube as they can't be stamped.... It would crush them..

[spb_la]

Thank you, Dan Eastvale - good to know I have an all-original one. Tempted to use BruinGuy's advise, but that would make it non-original, wouldn't it?'.
Oh well - I can put it in the safe for now, and store the pretty box in the garage. God knows, I have other Russians I can shoot, and that Chinese from Classics is still in cosmo, waiting to be cleaned

[6mmintl]

Its just one of 15 million variants.

[SKSer45]

Thank you, Dan Eastvale - good to know I have an all-original one. Tempted to use BruinGuy's advise, but that would make it non-original, wouldn't it?'.
Oh well - I can put it in the safe for now, and store the pretty box in the garage. God knows, I have other Russians I can shoot, and that Chinese from Classics is still in cosmo, waiting to be cleaned

Yup leave as is! don't f*ck with it! that's a non-refurb Russian SKS. As soon as you think about changing it $-100 in your head.

As for the box...call it paranoia but I would put in the Gun Safe too...since that is an Original KBI box...that's worth a few $$$ too....

[BruinGuy]

Would feeding it some Howard's Feed 'n Wax really be a no-no even for the C&R purists? If so, I guess I've ruined all of my rifles.

[SKSer45]

Would feeding it some Howard's Feed 'n Wax really be a no-no even for the C&R purists? If so, I guess I've ruined all of my rifles.

In Mother Russia, SKS's feed you and...

[knucklehead0202]

probably spilled vodka in the shellac, lol.