Early Norinco Factory 26 - 1956 SKS Serial Number question

[Just_Me]

I have a Norinco Factory 26 SKS with Serial Number 2M3710 /26\  (26 logo to the right of SN)

From what I have read, the alphabet number followed by a 4 digit serial number was the serial number approach during soviet oversight over the manufacturing process, but the reference guides say that it was a single alphanumeric letter, and mine has two, the number "2" then "M".    Does anyone have any research on where the preceding number "2" came from?   

Also, would appreciate any thoughts on the collectability of these early SKS's from China (It is all matching, except the stock). 

[Greatguns]

I'm no expert on the overall SN break-down, but it is possible that the 2 was added by the importer and that it is an M series letter gun which would make it between 1959-1961 build years. A pic of the SN would help, but also, does the font on the 2 look different than the rest of the SN?

[Just_Me]

Yes, the font on the preceding 2 does look slightly different than font on the other numbers.  Unfortunately I dont have a photo website hosting service so I cant post pictures.   Thats an interesting thought about the importer doing that, it was imported by Century Arms (CAI), with a small import stamp on the barrel. 

[PAX]

I have a Norinco Factory 26....It is all matching, except the stock)

Then it's not matching unless the stock has no numbers...matters to some folks. Does it say NORINCO stamped somewhere? If so it was a refurb done sometime after 1980. Pictures would help to access a value. The SKS pricing has been all over the map, depending on condition, where you're located and whether you'll ship, at $400 the first guy will buy it, $650 may take some time. PAX

[Greatguns]

Sounds like it is an earlier CAI Import of the Chinese contract Albanian rifles and CAI added the 2 for ATF SN clarification regs. So what I said earlier applies and adding it IS a Chinese built SKS that was bought by Albania.
As for the stock, it depends on the stock. It is possible that the stock was replaced in Albania before import due to wear and tear. Many of the older Chinese SKSs imported from Albania had stocks that were damaged, some beyond repair and Albania made a batch of replacement stocks as they also did for their own Albanian Type 56-1 SKSs.

[Just_Me]

A picture can tell a better story than me, here are photos of the rifle and the serial number.

[PAX]

Goodlooking rifle. Looks like an "H" to me couple years earlier maybe. PAX

[Greatguns]

Does look like an H to me as well, but a cyrillic H translates to a roman N so that would actually make it a month or two later than if it were an M. I would guess it is most likely a 1960 build.
That is also not the correct stock or bayonet for the year. It should have a blade bayonet and the stock would have the blade cut out as well as a side mounted sling swivel.
Basic mismatched Chinese SKS worth about $500-ish. Would maybe bring $100-ish more if it were in the proper configuration.

[cvasqu03]

Does look like an H to me as well, but a cyrillic H translates to a roman N so that would actually make it a month or two later than if it were an M. I would guess it is most likely a 1960 build.
That is also not the correct stock or bayonet for the year. It should have a blade bayonet and the stock would have the blade cut out as well as a side mounted sling swivel.
Basic mismatched Chinese SKS worth about $500-ish. Would maybe bring $100-ish more if it were in the proper configuration.

Wouldn't the cut on the stock ferrule be cut for a blade then? 

Just-Me, can you post a picture of what the bottom part of the stock ferrule looks like? 

[Greatguns]

Yes, it should be a V notch at the lower ferrule if it is indeed a 1960-ish letter gun