Had the great fortune to land a time capsule yesterday, a Chinese M21 No 8 SKS which is very close to as-manufactured condition. Fit and finish are on par with any of the best producers of the SKS.
Original bluing is near 100%, with no oxidation, freckling or fading. Internal parts have no wear from use. Stock has a few dings, and the finish is the only drawback. It has not been sanded, but there is a coating of BLO over the shellac. Tastefully done, but it still isn't quite right. The bayonet still has a light gold protective film, and the screw is staked. Cleaning kit, rod and a nice period sling are present.
I wish that I could give you a little better background on the M21 SKS, but there is no documented history of manufacture or distribution. But observations of features and context of existence in the US before general importation would indicate that these were built as a subset at Jianshe Arsenal in the late 1950's and/or early 1960's. The guns with this particular serial number configuration are all thought to be brought back from Vietnam or bordering nations in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
Here are the pictures, and thanks for looking.
Original bluing is near 100%, with no oxidation, freckling or fading. Internal parts have no wear from use. Stock has a few dings, and the finish is the only drawback. It has not been sanded, but there is a coating of BLO over the shellac. Tastefully done, but it still isn't quite right. The bayonet still has a light gold protective film, and the screw is staked. Cleaning kit, rod and a nice period sling are present.
I wish that I could give you a little better background on the M21 SKS, but there is no documented history of manufacture or distribution. But observations of features and context of existence in the US before general importation would indicate that these were built as a subset at Jianshe Arsenal in the late 1950's and/or early 1960's. The guns with this particular serial number configuration are all thought to be brought back from Vietnam or bordering nations in the late 1960's and early 1970's.
Here are the pictures, and thanks for looking.
