1954 Izzy

[harleyrider]

Well, here's the '54 Izzy that I picked up at the gunshow this past weekend and introduced in this thread: http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=76201.msg903316#msg903316.

I managed to take a few photos of it right before dark a couple nights ago.  It took awhile to get it cleaned up because there was a bronze-tinted film over nearly the entire surface of all metal portions of the rifle that required a couple hours of very light 0000-steel wool buffing w/CLP to remove.  Not sure what it was but you can see a spot of it that I missed on the trapdoor in the picture of the buttplate.  It didn't appear to be rust but rather a residue from some former lubricant or protectant.  Regardless, the bluing underneath is quite striking.  You can sense the pride of the original maker that went into this rifle.  For a refurb, it's really very pretty.  I really like it.

































HR

[KOOLmike]

Doesn't look like a refurb at all. That's awesome, HR!

[harleyrider]

Doesn't look like a refurb at all. That's awesome, HR!

So far as I can tell, the only thing that is definitely refurbed is the stock.  I'm sure others can point out other things that may have been replaced (barrel, internals, sights, etc.).  Other than that it looks pretty fresh.

HR

[acl864]

That's a beautiful gun.

It's interesting my '54 Izzy exhibits the same really nice blued finish. Like yours the only obvious sign of refurb was the replaced stock- also off of a '54 Tula. The guy I bought mine from purchased it as an "unissued" gun very many years ago (he's been an ffl dealer since the mid-80's). He was surprised when I told him it was really a refurb. If res45 hadn't steered me to this forum I would've not questioned the "unissued" moniker based strictly upon the condition of the gun.

[Lafayettegregory]

Nice score- Congrats. 

[AKBLUE]

I have a similar 1954 Izhevsk.  Very nice blue and a scrubbed/reworked Tula stock.  Has the refurb mark on the top cover.  But very nice blue with polished carrier etc.  Close inspection looks to me like the rifle as buffed and reblued at refurb.  Maybe get some pics tomorrow.  I bought it about 2 years ago from a fellow that had it marked as "Chinese SKS" and the price reflected a Chinese so I haggled a bit and bought it right.  Certainly was not looking for it but as soon as I saw the blue and the stock and then the arsenal stamp on the top cover I knew I would purchase it.

[harleyrider]

I have a similar 1954 Izhevsk.  Very nice blue and a scrubbed/reworked Tula stock.  Has the refurb mark on the top cover.  But very nice blue with polished carrier etc.  Close inspection looks to me like the rifle as buffed and reblued at refurb.  Maybe get some pics tomorrow.  I bought it about 2 years ago from a fellow that had it marked as "Chinese SKS" and the price reflected a Chinese so I haggled a bit and bought it right.  Certainly was not looking for it but as soon as I saw the blue and the stock and then the arsenal stamp on the top cover I knew I would purchase it.

I was curious about this as well.  The bluing looks almost too good on this one for a refurb.  My thoughts were, if this thing was beat up enough to need a complete replacement stock, wouldn't the finish on the metal show a corresponding amount of distress?  Maybe more of a refurb than originally meets the eye.

HR

[sks winger]

HR, beautiful gun man

[boomer34]

Great find HR. Commenting on Woodbeef's post. Do we know that the Izzy Arsenal did not make a Letter Series in their last runs in '54? Be an interesting point to verify if it could be done.

[harleyrider]

Great find HR. Commenting on Woodbeef's post. Do we know that the Izzy Arsenal did not make a Letter Series in their last runs in '54? Be an interesting point to verify if it could be done.

I'd certainly be curious to find out boomer.  However, I'm not too sure where to even begin such a search.

HR

[Woodbeef]

Great find HR. Commenting on Woodbeef's post. Do we know that the Izzy Arsenal did not make a Letter Series in their last runs in '54? Be an interesting point to verify if it could be done.

I've seen more of the late type serial numbers on the 54 Izzies. Also not seen very many Izzies with 4 numbers in the serial number from either years

[tracker1]

Beautiful, HR.  I have a 54 Izzy also.  However mine doesn't have near the quality appearance as yours.  Great score.

T1

[Woodbeef]

Do you guys mean like these?

Not bad for refurbs.













this non-refurbed is ok too











But here is my favorite 54 Izzy

[acl864]

Dang... No wonder they are hard to find. You've been stockpiling them.

Very nice collection!

[harleyrider]

That's a fine batch of '54 Izzy's there Woodbeef!  Beautiful!  So do you have a pile of '53 Izzy's as well?

Also, what makes the last one your favorite?

HR