1952 Tula SKS

[captsupercow]

I just got a refurbished 1952 Tula SKS and have a couple questions.

The bayonet seems to have a 'droop' to it. It doesn't seat within the channel. I can push it into position, but the spring loading seems to want to rest in a partially open configuration. I took a look at the lug and it has straight cut tangs. The collar on the bayonet has one straight, and one angled cut, I'm thinking that I need to replace the collar? The bayonet locks out just fine, but just won't seat closed.

In light of the potential slam fire issue I've read about, I also intend to take apart the firing pin assembly along with cleaning the whole gun before initial firing.

This is my first SKS so any advice on things to look for would be greatly appreciated.

Otherwise it looks really nice to me? I'll be posting pictures tonight after work.

[Mark AP]

Sounds good, congrats. Hopefully all the numbers are matching on it [emoji106]

[Greasemonkey]

Russia used 2 types of bayonet collars and bayonet lugs, early '52 and earlier production had a straight cut collar and bayonet lug, from then on till the end of production both were tapered. Interchange them either way and the bayonet will droop when folded. At the same time, I would consider replacing the bayonet collar spring when you replace the collar, who knows how long it's be drooping and bouncing around.

You can find replacement early straight cut collars, this will take some serious looking and verifying a seller has photographed the exact item and the locking lugs.


Other things to be aware of with it, besides the bolt and firing pin cleaning..

Make sure the recoil spring is installed correctly, the squiggly end of the spring goes in the carrier. Another very common mistake that is found and it can cause issues.
Beware of the piston extension, it's spring loaded and can get away from you, quick.
Do not over oil the gas system parts.

Congrats on getting your first.. Now.... where are the photos

[captsupercow]

It's all matching with a lineout on the stock. The crown and bore look great! The bolt is black and the sight leaf is unfinished metal.

How is this for the collar?:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/222363967115

Still at work no photos yet.

[Greasemonkey]

The collar looks correct.. I have seen it take several tries to get the correct one. With luck, you might nail it the first time and with the spring no less.

Stock xxx out's and mismatched stocks are very common on Russian refurbs, as are the black carrier and rear sight in the white. Some serious refurb Russians will even have reserialed metal parts. Most as issued, non refurb Russian SKSs can and do run a pretty penny.

In the end, refurb or not...its still a Russian .

[captsupercow]

Don't mind the christmas decorations, but here she is:


I'll post some more photos later as I go through them.

[Mark AP]

It's definitely a referb, but it's a nice one! Congrats!

[steelbuttplate]

Lined out stock? Is that stock for a cruciform bayonet? The blade stock just has a narrow slit. Also make sure your cleaning rod is going thry the holes its supposed to.

[Greasemonkey]

Russia only used a spike style bayonet in years prior to 1950. If you see a '49 or '48 Tula, which in itself is very rare, but they do exist, it will have a black cruciform style bayonet much like a Mosin M44.

The odds of finding a true Russian spike bayonet or spike cut Russian stock are about as rare as finding the rifle itself.

[Mark AP]

Russia only used a spike style bayonet in years prior to 1950. If you see a '49 or '48 Tula, which in itself is very rare, but they do exist, it will have a black cruciform style bayonet much like a Mosin M44.

The odds of finding a true Russian spike bayonet or spike cut Russian stock are about as rare as finding the rifle itself.

I have one [emoji16] (it's a refurb though)

[captsupercow]

Here are the rest of the photos!






I realize that it's not a lineout, it's very difficult to get a good look at the imprint under the lacquer


Lots of marks on the sight post?




The action that needs a good cleaning...




Let me know what you think! I'm looking to learn anything I can about this rifle.

Thanks!

[Mark AP]

Nice! Yeah, my money would be on the collar. Maybe someone changed the bayonet with another one at some point. The slot looks smaller on the one on eBay, I would buy that it looks like it would do the trick. Looks like it could use a good cleaning in the action there. I've always liked SKS rifles. How much did that one cost you?

[Mark AP]

Or if you want to wait until tomorrow I can post a picture of one of my 52's and you can compare it to the one you have and the one on eBay.

[captsupercow]

Including the shipping and FFL fee it ended up totaling $540

That's the fee for being impatient and going through gunbroker I guess. But at least I got what should a solid shooter, and a Russian Tula at that!

[Greasemonkey]

Good overall example of a Russian refurb Nice little stock repair also..

Somewhere, more than likely the bayonet was removed here in the states or by someone after import, the peen marks on the bayonet screw don't line up. Usually, they were peened at the factory, this might explain the wrong bayonet collar.

Look it over closely... you will see it shares many inspection stamps with Mosins.

Check the gas tube, piston and bolt for more serial numbers. it's usually electopenciled on those parts.

Check for a cleaning kit in the butt stock to see if you got a bonus.

Now..
Rip it apart and clean it all pretty, shoot it, and repeat

[Mark AP]

Including the shipping and FFL fee it ended up totaling $540

That's the fee for being impatient and going through gunbroker I guess. But at least I got what should a solid shooter, and a Russian Tula at that!

Well you know what. Look at it this way. If you want a rifle/pistol and say it's actual fair value is $1,000 but they don't come up local very much for sale.. I don't have an issue paying a little over and having it shipped to my local FFL. No wait, get what you want and done deal. It can be cheaper than driving around to gun shows wasting valuable time, gas and admission fees. Than on the other hand you can get really lucky at gun shows [emoji16]. You got yourself a nice rifle, the arsenal repair on the stock the repainted metal and bolt means it may have seen some action in it's day! -- let me know if a picture of my 52's bayonet would be helpful, if so I'll post it if not I'll let sit. I would not be able to get it out until tomorrow afternoon when I get off work. --

[Sonny]

Your bayo needs some Viagra..

Otherwise.. nice rifle.

[Greasemonkey]

Including the shipping and FFL fee it ended up totaling $540

That's the fee for being impatient and going through gunbroker I guess. But at least I got what should a solid shooter, and a Russian Tula at that!

Well you know what. Look at it this way. If you want a rifle/pistol and say it's actual fair value is $1,000 but they don't come up local very much for sale.. I don't have an issue paying a little over and having it shipped to my local FFL. No wait, get what you want and done deal. It can be cheaper than driving around to gun shows wasting valuable time, gas and admission fees. Than on the other hand you can get really lucky at gun shows [emoji16]. You got yourself a nice rifle, the arsenal repair on the stock the repainted metal and bolt means it may have seen some action in it's day! -- let me know if a picture of my 52's bayonet would be helpful, if so I'll post it if not I'll let sit. I would not be able to get it out until tomorrow afternoon when I get off work. --

Or do the real easy way, get a C&R and for the cost of one transfer, the 03 is paid for. Saves even more valuable time and gas running to pick it up

[Mark AP]

Or do the real easy way, get a C&R and for the cost of one transfer, the 03 is paid for. Saves even more valuable time and gas running to pick it up [/quote]

Yeah, I've been wanting to do that for a few years now.

[captsupercow]

I do want to get my C&R! I didn't think I'd have my second eligible rifle this soon, it's kind of addicting collecting...... Just gotta do the paperwork now...

Also Mark, that would be great if you could post a pic of the lug so I could compare!

Thanks!