Rare Romanian M56 SKS 7.62×39 20.5” Semi-Auto Rifle w/ Bayonet C&R 1957
SOLD FOR: $1,075
WOA#: WY240127MF005
Make: Cugir Factory
Model: SKS, M56
Serial Number: PS0517-1957
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “PS0517-1957” with a factory Romanian proof and a circled “K”. The right side of the chamber is marked with a circled “K”. The bolt is marked “PS0517”. The rear of the receiver is marked “PS / 0517”. The right side of the bolt is marked “522”. The magazine and trigger guard are both marked “PS0517”. The right side of the barrel is marked “C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. / CUGIR ROMANIA”, “MDL 56 7.62X39”.
Barrel Length: 20.5”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” tangent notch leaf sight marked from “1 – 10” and “I” for the battle position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate with trap door for storage compartment (cleaning kit included), finger grooved forend, and upper handguard. There is a spring blade bayonet cutout in the bottom of the forend with bayonet installed. The LOP measures about 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some light scratches and compression marks but nothing out of the ordinary for a well kept C&R imported rifle such as this. There are no chips or cracks. There is some bubbling in the stock finish around the through bolt.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some minor fouling and corrosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some scratches and scuffs though faint and few. There is some minor pinprick pitting on the magazine and bottom metal. There is some mottled oxidation. There are some scrapes on the edges of the magazine. There is some thinning on the bayonet barrel lug. There is some finish loss on the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as C&R.
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: None.
Our Assessment: The Romanian M56, a distinctive variant of the Soviet-designed SKS, holds a special place in the pantheon of Cold War armaments due to its relative rarity and unique provenance. As a semi-automatic carbine that mirrors the original SKS’s robust engineering, the M56 distinguishes itself not just by its manufacturing origin but also by its scarcity. Unlike its more commonly encountered counterparts from the Soviet Union, China, and Yugoslavia, the Romanian M56 was produced in smaller quantities, making it a prized find for collectors and enthusiasts of military history. This rarity is compounded by the specific historical and industrial context of Romania during the Cold War, which produced arms that often featured slight variations from the standard SKS design, reflecting the country’s unique position within the Eastern Bloc.
The allure of the Romanian M56 extends beyond its technical attributes to encompass the story of Romania’s efforts to balance between the demands of Soviet alignment and its own national interests. This narrative imbues the M56 with an added layer of interest, as each rifle not only serves as a functional piece of history but also as a symbol of Romania’s complex political and industrial landscape during the mid-20th century. The limited production run and the specific historical moment it represents elevate the Romanian M56 above a mere firearm, positioning it as a rare artifact that captures a unique chapter in the evolution of military technology and Cold War geopolitics.
Collectors and historians value the Romanian M56 for its operational reliability and historical authenticity, but its rarity adds a significant dimension to its appeal. Owning a Romanian M56 is akin to possessing a tangible slice of history, one that reflects the nuanced story of Romania’s military and industrial strategy in a globally tense era. Its scarcity, combined with the rich historical context, makes the Romanian M56 a coveted item for those seeking to connect with the past through the lens of military hardware, offering a rare opportunity to engage with a piece of Cold War heritage that is both historically significant and uniquely rare. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
