Russian SKS 45 Tula Arsenal Folding Bayonet 7.62x39mm Semi Auto Rifle, C&R
Sold For: $1,189
LSB#: 201012BM25
Make: Tula Arsenal, Russia
Model: SKS-45 (Samozaryadnyj Karabin Sistemy Simonova, 1945)
Serial Number: CCP79067; added by the importer. The original serial number is HC 178.
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Action Type: Semi Auto, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the right side of the receiver reads “SKS 7.62X39 / C.D.I. SWAN VT”, “MADE IN RUSSIA”, and “CCP79067”. The top cover is marked with the Tula Arsenal symbol “arrow in a star” and “1951r”. The “r” stands for “year” in Russian. The left side of the receiver, the top of the bolt carrier, left of the bolt, the rear of the top cover, the bottom of the trigger guard, the bottom of the magazine, the gas tube (electric pencil), and the left side of the buttstock (restamped) are all marked with the original serial number. The left side of the butt is also marked with faded stampings and a Tula Arsenal “arrow in a star”. The barrel shank and other metal parts are marked with various small proofs and Russian stampings. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded circular cartouche. The top of the butt is marked “P” and “2”. The bottom of the grip is marked “4” and with faded stampings.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20 1/2 inches.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1 – 10” and “n”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, scallop for the safety, metal nose cap, cutout for the included folding bayonet, hole for the included cleaning rod, ventilated handguard, through bolt, sling loop, and a metal butt plate with a spring loaded door for storage. There is a small metal tube containing cleaning gear stored in the butt. The buttplate shows small scrapes and black touch-ups. The wood shows various nicks, scuffs and scratches with a repaired chip-loss at the toe. The LOP measures 12 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish, as refinished. Small scratches show through the new finish. The top cover has oxidation showing through the finish. The metal shows various light scrapes & light handling marks. The front of the barrel shows thinning from mounting the bayonet. The screw heads show light use. Many of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The bayonet locks into place correctly. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is a small metal tube containing cleaning gear stored in the butt. It shows light scrapes and is in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Russian SKS 45 was made back in 1951 at the Tula Arsenal. It has several deep markings including a large Tula Arsenal “star” on the top cover. The metal has been refinished and the stock has been refurbished so the rifle looks great for its age. The bore is strong & mostly bright. This is a nice example of a “Cold War” Soviet weapon. These are fun rifles with lots of history behind them.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R rifle can be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
