1st SKS for me: 1988 Norinco SKS-D imported from Beta Arms

[RogueIV]

I originally posted these pic over on the introduction post but figured I'd also post here.

Here it is in the factory box

Even contained a box of ammo from the factory

I'll post more pics later as well

From what I gather from the research I did, thanks mostly to this site, it's an late production Norinco SKS "D", 8805xxx sn range, imported by Beta Arms. The Box tag lists it as a SKS30. It's a 20" Full length barrel, regular wood furniture , detachable spike bayo (I didn't even know it was detachable till reading a post here) and the mag well doesn't have a filler plate as it appears the stock was made from the factory for the AK mags. All the parts with stamped numbers seem to match as well. No Arsenal markings or any Chinese characters. A pretty rare find.

There are some small areas of surface rust I need to address (any tips on that would be nice) but all in all it looks to be unfired or at the least very lightly used. Since this is an inheritance from my father I have no plans of selling it and do intend on using it. Don't worry, I've already deemed any irreversible mods no go on this rifle.

Edit 3-3-2019: I was in the middle of doing some maintenance on the rifle and decided to take some pics of the various SKS-D parts that may differ from the normal SKS. If anyone wants a picture of a certain area/part let me know.

[Filroy77]

I originally posted these pic over on the introduction post but figured I'd also post here.

Here it is in the factory box

Even contained a box of ammo from the factory

I'll post more pics later as well

From what I gather from the research I did, thanks mostly to this site, it's an late production Norinco SKS "D", 8805xxx sn range, imported by Beta Arms. The Box tag lists it as a SKS30. It's a 20" Full length barrel, regular wood furniture , detachable spike bayo (I didn't even know it was detachable till reading a post here) and the mag well doesn't have a filler plate as it appears the stock was made from the factory for the AK mags. All the parts with stamped numbers seem to match as well. No Arsenal markings or any Chinese characters. A pretty rare find.

There are some small areas of surface rust I need to address (any tips on that would be nice) but all in all it looks to be unfired or at the least very lightly used. Since this is an inheritance from my father I have no plans of selling it and do intend on using it. Don't worry, I've already deemed any irreversible mods no go on this rifle.

Since it's "new in the box" or lightly used, some consideration should be taken as a collector piece. I don't know how many other D's, with a box and all the stuff it came with, even ammo, are out there. There are guys here who may have an idea as to those numbers. OR, use it with much joy in loving memory of your dad!

[Lafayettegregory]

If simple rubbing will not remove the surface rust.  I have used a straight single edge razor and lots of olive oil. Gently push the razor along without digging or cutting in. It worked great on an old trapdoor that was evenly rusted. and BTW- you have one of the best sks ever made.  Much more accurate than an AK, well balanced and unbelievably durable. If those are chinese mags and have the chrome follower, cherish them closely. They are VERY valuable.
I prefer the hungarian or korean 20 rd mags in mine. It just seems to handle better at the range and in the woods. 

[AK47MAN]

That's a really nice, rare gun. That gun is worth a lot! I would guess
it is worth around 700.00 or more...Just my opinion...NEVER sell it...!!

[Jug]

You did good.

               Jug

[JimmyJamesKY]

Man, that is one fine specimen!

[RogueIV]

Thanks guys. Haven't had time to try it yet but hope to soon.  Anyone know if any 10 rd p-mags work well in these? I live in MA and trying to get more "large capacity" (anything over 10rds...I need to move) mags here is a pain in the but especially 20 rounders since they have to be pre94 AWB. I would like something a bit smaller for bench shooting.

[AK47MAN]

Try these. I own four of them just for range shooting. 10rd double stack steel mags. The fit perfectly and
have never jammed. Dont be alarmed because they are South Korean. They work and are high quality.
They are 9.99 each...AK

https://www.classicfirearms.com/ak-47-10-round-mag-steel-korean-mfg

[Lafayettegregory]

Try these. I own four of them just for range shooting. 10rd double stack steel mags. The fit perfectly and
have never jammed. Dont be alarmed because they are South Korean. They work and are high quality.
They are 9.99 each...AK

https://www.classicfirearms.com/ak-47-10-round-mag-steel-korean-mfg

I will chime in an  A-OK for these mags also.  I bought a few Hungarian 20 riders and they function perfect. AKBlue recommended the Korean ones when they cam out and they work great also. Not like some of the other Korean mags.

[RogueIV]

Try these. I own four of them just for range shooting. 10rd double stack steel mags. The fit perfectly and
have never jammed. Dont be alarmed because they are South Korean. They work and are high quality.
They are 9.99 each...AK

https://www.classicfirearms.com/ak-47-10-round-mag-steel-korean-mfg

Thanks! I'll give these a try. although a tad concerned about them being imported because of that whole 922r thing if I ever decide to swap anything on the rifle.

[AK47MAN]

They work awesomely...Dont worry about 922r crap...They are NOT a permanently fixed
magazine. Stay away from the Tapco plastic mags...! I learned my lesson trying to get
them to fit in my three SKS's. JUNK..You will thank me later if and when you order these..
Good luck..!!

[Lafayettegregory]

anyone got a source for the korean 20 rounders?

[AK47MAN]

Never heard of Korean 20rd steel mags...Only Tapco and Promag. And they
both suck...At least in my three SKS's...And DO NOT BUY the Korean 75rd drums
either..They are a joke..I bought two of them from Classic and neither one of them
would fit ANY of my three SKS's. Yugo, Norinco, Chinese 56...

[Lafayettegregory]

The korean 20 rounders are a copy of the Hungarian mags. They work great, Not anything like the other Korean mags that are less than functional. 

[AK47MAN]

The korean 20 rounders are a copy of the Hungarian mags. They work great, Not anything like the other Korean mags that are less than functional.

Do you have a link for the 20rd Korean mags? Thank you...AK