Factory 416 Norinco Chinese SKS-M 7.62×39 16.5” Semi-Auto Rifle MFD 1994

SOLD FOR: $866

WOA#: WY240202JT001

Make: Norinco Chinese, Factory 26

Model:  SKS-M

Serial Number: 94 59989

Year of Manufacture: 1994

Caliber: 7.62×39

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the Factory 416 stamp and “SKS M.7.62X39MM BTC S. EL MONTE, CA / MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO”.  The left side of the scope mount is marked “B-SQUARE”.  The scope is marked “SIMMONS FULLY COATED OPTICS 62 4X28”.  The bolt is marked “59989”.

Barrel Length: 16.5” Paratrooper Barrel. 18” with flash hider.

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. The receiver is mounted with a Simmons 4×28 Rifle Scope via a B Square scope rail adapter.  The sight picture is clear.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stock is a wood with, finger grooves, wood upper handguard, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, monte carlo comb, sling ring on the belly of the buttstock, sling loop on the left side of the gas block, and a rubber buttpad.  Has the under the barrel cleaning rod.  There is an adjustable folding bipod mounted to the barrel behind the front sight.  The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.  There are some minor scratches and compression lines sparsely scattered about the stock.  The left side of the buttstock near the belly has a more prominent scratch.  There are no chips or cracks.

Magazine Quantity & Condition:  None. Accepts standard AK-47 magazines.

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion present in between the midlength and muzzle.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rate 8/10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some operation wear, and thinning on the leading edges.  There are scratches, scuffs, and a few nicks on the bipod.  The bipod legs have some minor corrosion present.  The screw heads are sharp and any pins are serviceable. The markings are clear.  Overall, this rifle rates in about Very 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 SKS comes with its attached canvas sling in Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: The Norinco SKS-M is a variant of the SKS (Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova) rifle, a Soviet semi-automatic firearm designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. The SKS is historically significant as one of the early post-World War II infantry rifles, bridging the gap between the era of bolt-action rifles and the modern assault rifle. The SKS-M, produced by Norinco (China North Industries Corporation), a Chinese defense manufacturer, incorporates several modifications to the original SKS design to enhance its appeal and functionality, particularly for export markets.

Distinguished from the standard SKS, the SKS-M was designed to accept AK-47 magazines, including detachable high-capacity magazines, rather than the fixed 10-round magazine typical of the original SKS. This feature significantly improved the rifle’s versatility and made it more appealing to users seeking a rifle with higher ammunition capacity and the convenience of detachable magazines. Additionally, the SKS-M often features a shorter barrel and a modified stock, which can include a thumbhole design, to accommodate the ergonomic preferences of various users.

The introduction of the SKS-M reflects Norinco’s strategy to adapt and modernize the SKS platform for a broader audience, leveraging the rifle’s inherent reliability and ease of use while addressing the demands for greater firepower and adaptability. As a result, the SKS-M has found favor among civilian shooters in many countries, particularly in the United States, where it is prized for recreational shooting, hunting, and collecting. Despite its modernizations, the SKS-M retains the simple, robust operating mechanism of the original SKS, making it a durable and relatively low-cost option for those interested in owning a piece of firearms history with practical applications. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.