Factory 106 Norinco Chinese SKS 7.62×39 16.5” Rifle C&R 1970 Type 56
SOLD FOR: $936
WOA#: WY231213LM004
Make: Norinco Chinese, Factory 106
Model: SKS
Serial Number: 1503926 (15+1955 = 1970)
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a triangle outline with “106” inside followed by the serial number “1503926 ” and an import mark. The rear of the receiver, stock, trigger guard, and top of the bolt are marked with matching serial numbers.
Barrel Length: 16.5”
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 “n” for the battle position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a wood with, finger grooves, wood upper handguard, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling ring on the bottom of buttstock, sling loop on the left side of the gas block, a metal buttplate with a trap for a cleaning kit storage compartment (not included). There is a cutout in the bottom of the forend for the bayonet. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the fixed buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. There are some nicks and compressions throughout. There are few deeper scratches along the sides of the stock below the receiver and along each side of the buttstock. The upper handguard has wear near the front end. The magazine has been removed.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: The magazine has been removed. Will accept Duckbill or an original hinged magazine.
Type of Finish: Blue & parkerized
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 and C&R-eligible 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 90% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The top and sides of the receiver have the majority of the scuffs and scratches, with a small but noticeable spot of finish loss on the top of the receiver. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bayonet folds and unfolds normally. 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: None
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. Please see our photos.
