And though this 1967-era Jianshe Arsenal Chinese SKS has no Vietnam War capture papers, we can still hear some of its tales today - loud and clear.
This carbine and its soldier experienced at least one very bad day, as evidenced by the damage to the underside of the fore end. Whether it was hit with either a claymore mine or frag grenade explosion in that fateful moment, it's difficult to say for sure. But with no visible marks from the center of the gun to the rear, the SKS was perhaps shielded from more extensive damage by it former carrier.
Several frag scars are visible on the bayonet, with one projectile cutting a hole clean through the spike. None of the strikes would hamper operation of the gun, and it still retains all of its matching numbered parts.
Whichever the source of damage however, the explosion did take the gun out of service, at least for a short time. More impact points are detectable on the stock, all from the magazine well and forward. One projectile penetrated up through as far as the underside of the handguard, but left the gas tube undamaged.
These impact points were field repaired with a putty filler. For unknown reasons, the rear sling swivel was transferred to the top of the buttstock, and the bottom inletting was also filled with the putty. The whole stock was then refinished with a dark brown shellac.
And judging from heavy jungle patina, the improvised top mounted AK-style canvas sling, scars and scratches through the brown shellac, the carbine was returned to see some additional rigorous service, before finally being relieved by a US Armed Forces member.
This SKS speaks, and it tells some harrowing stories. Thanks for looking and listening.
