Chinese Norinco Type-63 SKS-D, Modified for AKM Magazines
SOLD FOR: $861
WOA#: WY240214BT017
Make: Norinco Chinese, SKS
Model: SKS
Serial Number: 8800252
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a triangle outline with “SKS 7.62x39MM 8800252” over “MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO. BETA ARMS IND. L. A. CA USA The trigger guard, Bolt and dust cover are marked with matching serial numbers.
Barrel Length: 20 inches.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded adjustable post and the rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1 – 10” and “-3-” for the battle position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: TheChinese hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, straight comb,hardwood upper handguard, sling ring on the bottom of buttstock, sling loop on the left side of the gas block, and a smooth steel buttplate. There is a hole for the missing cleaning rod. The stock is original. The Bayonet lug is missing its spike bayonet. The slot for the spike bayonet is properly cut. There are scuffs and scratches throughout. There is a small amount of wear along the magwell which has been modified to receive AKM magazines. The LOP measures 12 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Many military weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There are a large amount of scratches to the finish on the receiver, along with some spots of surface rust. The magazine shows considerable surface rust. There are spots of surface rust on the bolt handle. The sides of the magazine have a large amount of scratches. Most of the pins show scarring from creative approaches to maintenance . There is a scratch on the rear sight base from the disassembly lever. The screw heads show major use and desire some touch up. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with AKM Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Norinco SKS is a semi-automatic rifle with a rich history, originating from the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century. Designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov in 1943, the SKS (Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova, 1945) was officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949. It served as a standard infantry rifle before being supplanted by the AK-47. However, its reliable performance and robust construction ensured its continued use in various military and police forces around the globe.
The SKS is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, the same as the AK-47, and is renowned for its simple, durable design, featuring a fixed magazine (usually 10 rounds), a gas-operated piston system, and a tilting bolt action. This made it relatively easy to produce and maintain, characteristics that contributed to its widespread adoption.
During the Cold War, the design and production of the SKS were shared with several Soviet allies and client states, including China. The Chinese version, known as the “Type 56,” was produced by Norinco, a major Chinese defense corporation. The production began in the mid-1950s, and the Chinese SKS saw significant use in several conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it was used by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces.
The Norinco SKS’s entry into the civilian market, particularly in the United States, marked a new chapter in its history. After the Cold War, a large number of surplus SKS rifles were exported to the US and other countries for civilian use. They became popular due to their affordability, reliability, and historical significance. In the US, the Norinco SKS has a strong following among collectors and recreational shooters, appreciated for its historical value and as a practical, robust rifle for hunting and target shooting.
The SKS’s design has remained largely unchanged since its inception, a testament to the effectiveness of Simonov’s original design. While it has been overshadowed in military service by more modern rifles, the SKS, particularly the Norinco-produced variants, remains a significant piece of firearm history and continues to be respected and used by shooters around the world.
This rifle in particular has been expertly converted (most likely by the factory) to receive AKM (AK47) style Magazines which gives this an added bonus for any shooter in my opinion. Maintaining the accuracy of the sks platform while moving towards an upgraded and faster mag change.This rifle doesn’t leave a lot to be desired, as all missing parts (I.E. Bayonet and cleaning rod.), can be easily sourced in today’s market. If you are looking for a rifle with rugged reliability and accuracy this may be a great place to start. Look at the photos and see where your bid takes you.
Kris F.
