Ultra Rare Kengs PolyTech Hunter Chinese SKS 7.62×39 16.5” Rifle AK
SOLD FOR: $880
WOA#: WY230416LT001
Make: Poly Technologies (Norinco)
Model: SKS
Serial Number: 00493
Year of Manufacture: Pre-Ban
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “POLY TECH / SKS HUNTER / 7.62X39mm 00493”. The barrel is marked “C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. MADE IN CHINA”.
Barrel Length: 16.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post where the hood has been converted to open wings. The rear sight is a larger adjustable notch sight for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is oiled wood with traditional pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap, 2 sling rings, ambidextrous safety, and steel buttplate. This is an original Polytech Stock with its unique features. There is a swell at the front of the forend. The bolt has a relief cutout for the larger windage adjustable rear sight. The safety is ambidextrous. The front sight is made to look more militaristic. The stock is in Excellent condition. The inside of the magwell has its original metal frame. There are no chips or cracks. Only a few light scratches and a few small nicks. It’s worth mentioning that all Polytech SKS rifles were rearsenaled from existing military rifles.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle comes with its original 6 riveted 5rd. detachable magazine.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light scratches on the receiver and slight thinning. The screw heads are sharp and any pins are serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition. Please see photos for a better understanding of this rifle’s 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 its original magazine.
Our Assessment: The rarest SKS on the market. The PolyTech Hunter SKS is a highly sought-after variant of the Chinese SKS rifle, known for its extensive modifications. These rifles are rearsenaled from existing rifles, and if you catch the light just right, you can see where previous markings were welded over. Some rifles even show inklings of the previous markings, creating a distinct shadow under the new PolyTech SKS Hunter stamping. The highest serial number observed is 945, highlighting the rarity of these firearms.
The first modification involves shortening the barrel to 16.5 inches. The bayonet lug is cut off halfway between the front sight and the lug. A bushing is then installed over the barrel, covering the second pin hole from the original front sight block. The front sight is reinstalled with a single retaining pin, while the shroud around the sight is cut open, emulating the look of other military rifles.
Further modifications include welding up the bayonet groove in the stock ferrule and filling the hole for the cleaning rod with an Uncle Mikes detachable sling swivel. It’s worth noting that these rifles were not imported by PolyTech in Atlanta, Georgia, but were actually imported and sold before Kengs changed their name to PolyTech. All rifles came through Century Arms International and have import stamps under the barrel, validating their authenticity.
The rear sight is replaced with a windage adjustable sight, which is thicker than the original and requires a relief cut in the bolt carrier above the stripper clip groove. The original magazine is carved and riveted into a 5-round configuration, with 6 rivets on the bottom. A metal mag well is securely glued into the stock, encasing the magazine. The bolt wings are relieved to allow for drop-free magazine functionality. Simply pull the mag release, and the mag will fall out, even with the charging handle closed.
All PolyTech Hunter SKS rifles come equipped with a stamped trigger group and an ambidextrous safety. It’s important to note that the parts of this rifle are not marked with the serial number; only the receiver bears the serial number.
The stocks on these rifles are unique to the PolyTech Hunter. While the specific wood type is unknown, the finish is typically a dark brown. Most rifles have a dull tongue oil finish, though some showcase the glossy shellack that the Chinese are renowned for. Notably, the left side of the stock is cut low, allowing for the use of drill and tap scope mounts without requiring additional inletting. The rear sling mount is positioned at the bottom of the stock and comes with an Uncle Mikes detachable sling swivel. It’s worth mentioning that these rifles did not come with a sling.
The stock features a metal butt plate and is not cut to accommodate a cleaning kit. In total, only 946 rifles of the PolyTech Hunter variant were produced, further contributing to their rarity and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.