Guns International #: 102360305
Seller's Inventory #: CM23-706

Category - Rifles - Russian - SKS Rifles

Category
Rifles - Russian
SKS Rifles

1954 Manufactured Russian Military Tula Arsenal SKS Rifle in 7.62x39mm w/ Sling ** SOLD **

Description:
This is a beautiful all-original and all-matching 1954-manufactured Russian Tula Arsenal SKS in 7.62x39 caliber. These Russian-made SKS rifles are considered by most collectors and shooters to be the finest SKS ever made, even better than the best of the Chinese Norinco examples. The Russians were the original developer of the SKS, and while you might not think high-quality fit and finish is an adjective that you can use with Russian weapons from this period, these Tula SKS rifles are the exception.  These weapons were beautifully made and finished with a high-gloss blue finish on all of the metal parts and a polished bright bolt. The gloss blue finish looks so good that you would think it is a gun made for the commercial market rather than the Russian Military.  All the parts were hand-fit and assembled, resulting in an extremely reliable, accurate, and durable battle rifle.  As mentioned previously, most of these 1950s vintage guns were issued and then turned in when the AK-47 was adopted, at which point they were usually arsenal rebuilt and refinished before being put into storage. A big chunk of them received a black painted finish over the blue, a new laminated wood stock and the blade and bolt were blued.  Once the rework was complete the SKS would be stamped with a square with a diagonal line running through it on the top cover.  This particular SKS must have had a VERY easy life in military service and was well cared for, as not a single part of the gun has been rebuilt or refinished. The original blue finish is in excellent condition with just a hint of light handling marks.  All of the factory markings on this Tula are 100% intact and legible. It is import marked on the left side of the receiver. The parts that are stamped with the matching serial number are the receiver, the trigger guard, the magazine housing, the bolt carrier, the bolt itself, the top cover, and the left side of the buttstock. The gas tube, gas piston, and underside of the rear sight ladder are electro-penciled rather than stamped which is factory original and correct. The bores in these Russian SKS rifles were chrome lined, and this one has a perfect bore with no visible imperfections and perfect rifling from the chamber to the crown of the muzzle. The original solid wood lacquered stock on this SKS is very nice and 100% solid with no cracks, repairs, or major damage.  The wood shows numerous minor spots of lacquer flaking and some minor dings/dents from storage and handling. All of the stock hardware is intact and in excellent condition, including the butt plate with a trap door for the cleaning kit (not included). All of the numerous small inspection-proof marks are still intact and fully visible on the stock, and the original factory-stamped full serial number on the left side of the buttstock is still crisp and clean. Just above the serial number on the stock is the date it was made "1954" which is below the Tula Arsenal marking of a star with an arrow inside it.  This Tula marking also appears stamped on the top cover of the action.  This Russian SKS is in excellent condition on the inside as well as the outside.  All of the internal parts are just as free from wear and damage as the exterior.  The action is smooth, slick, and slams home into battery with authority.  All of the controls on this SKS are in perfect working order. These were not factory serial numbered and the bayonet on this Tula is unmarked and still covered with dried cosmoline. When the bayonet on this SKS is unfolded it locks out tight on the gun with no slop or wiggle. There is no doubt that this Tula SKS would still function just as well today as it did when it left the factory 70 years ago. This Tula comes complete with its original Russian Military tan sling, and the sling and hardware are in excellent condition.  If you have been looking for an investment-quality Russian SKS for your collection this 1954 Tula example would be an excellent choice. These Russian SKSs keep going up in value every single year and they will never be cheaper than they are now.  This non-rebuilt 100% factory original Tula is about as good as they get and would be extremely hard to upgrade from in any respect!          
PRICE: SOLD
We are Antique & Modern Firearms in Lexington, KY, a dealer of fine firearms since 1974.   
PH. 859-276-1419    We Buy, Sell, and Trade Firearms & Knives.    Have an Individual Firearm,  Firearms Collection, or Firearms Estate to sell, let us know, and we can buy or consignment sell it for you.                   
NOTE:  No additional fee for a Credit Card payment

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Manufacturer: Tula Arsenal (Russia)
Model: SKS
Condition: Excellent
Metal Condition: Excellent
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Bright with Sharp Rifling
Action: Semi-Automatic
Stock: Hardwood
Finish: Blued
Manufacture Date: 1954