I could use some help tracking down info on my SKS. (I'm new at this xD)

[Garden Gnome]

Hello there, I was hoping to get some help tracking down information about my SKS. I?m brand new in the SKS world and recently got my hands on my first one. It was pretty bubba?d out and my goal is to learn as much as possible from it and rebuild it more how I?d like to see it. A more traditional style of an SKS but with some modern twists.

The main issue I?m having is that the rifle is missing a few key parts to it that usually contain more information about who the manufacturer was and where it was built. I believe it is Russian but honestly, I?m so new at this that I can?t be sure. The parts that I do have all have the same matching serial numbers stamped into them. It?s Russian lettering followed by 890. I?ll add some photos that I have taken of it.

If anybody could impart some wisdom to me, I?d be very grateful. If you have any questions, shoot away.

Missing parts
-Top receiver cover
-Wooden stock
-Internal magazine assembly

[PAX]

Hi Gnome Guy, If you're going to stick with Russian parts, it may turn $pendy. Even Chinese bits are going to cost a far amount. Wood wizard and Greatguns both have what you need and should be along some time if you can't get into the classifieds, plus I'll let them know. What about a bayo? PAX

[Garden Gnome]

Hey thank you man. I want to learn as much about this thing as I can. Trying to track down info on this rifle hasn?t been very fruitful since some parts are missing but also probably because I don?t know all the best places to look quite yet. I?d appreciate any help I can get.

It is definitely missing a bayonet and I would like to maybe get one for it some day, but for right now I want to at least get it to the point where it?ll be able to fire.

[PAX]

If you can't find a factory receiver cover, I've got an aftermarket one with a mount you can have for $10 shipped, ratty blade bayo Chinese stock too. PM address if you want any of it, PAX

[Greatguns]

Welcome to the boards Garden Gnome. As to your SKS, is the front of the gas block a straight 45 degree angle cut or is it more like a slide 'S' cut? If a 45 then it could be a refurbished 1951 build. If the 'S' type then it would be a 1954 refurbished build. I say refurbished due to the BBQ type black coating on the action which is a tell tale sign of a 'heavy refurb'. The trigger group is a late build design due to the step down behind the mag catch/release on the housing so I tend towards it being a 1954.
As for parts, best to find Russian OEM parts if possible. Either a hardwood or laminated Russian stock would work for this one, but laminated hand guards are harder to come by. If you can find a '54 stamped Tula receiver cover that would be best. Russian mags are harder to find but do show up on GunBroker and eBay from time to time.
If you just want the original look, I have a Chinese mag listed on GunBroker if that helps.

[Filroy77]

Hey Garden Gnome, here?s a few other places you can search for parts.

https://www.apexgunparts.com/

https://www.sarcoinc.com/parts-kits/

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/

https://www.buymilsurp.com/rifle-parts-accessories-c-3548.html

There?s a ton of SKS info right here but you can also check out this site.
https://www.yooperj.com/SKS.htm

[Garden Gnome]

Hey thanks guys. I?ll take a look at the gas block for you Greatguns and report back once I get home later tonight. I?ll start looking for some OEM parts around here and there. And thank you PAX I may take you up on that.

Also thank you Filroy I?ll need to check out those links.

I appreciate the help guys!

[Garden Gnome]

Here are some more pictures of the original parts. Greatguns, from what you described, I think it has more of an S-shaped gas block due to its curves on the block. I hope these photos will help a little bit. Also, I realized I'm missing a rear sight post. The aftermarket cover/rail needed it to be removed to be installed. I dont think those will be too hard to find but itll go on the project list.

[Greatguns]

The earlier pics looked like the action was BBQ painted, but these last ones don't. That's a plus. Given the gas block style from the data I have access to I'd say it's a 1954 Tula. I'd try and find a main stock body to match the hand guard you already have. Your best bet may be to keep an eye out on GunBroker for the de-milled SKSs that go on auction from the various 'gunbuster' sellers and others.

[Garden Gnome]

I gotcha and thank you Greatguns. I appreciate all your guys help. Its nice to have a better idea if where my SKS comes from. I feel like it adds to its story and history. Now, its time to dig more into it and rebuild it!!