Tula Russian SKS 7.62×39 20.5” Semi-Auto Rifle, Matching Tula Arsenal Marks
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB250603BT006
Make: Tula Arsenal (Russian)
Model: SKS
Serial Number: NB4232
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of the receiver marked with Russian Cyrillic “NB4232”. Left side of the wooden buttstock is stamped with a star with an arrow, “1951”, and with Cyrillic “NB4232”. The rear of the receiver, top of the bolt, magazine, and trigger guard are all marked with matching serial numbers. The top of the receiver cover is marked with Tula Arsenal star logo with arrow inside it and the production year “1951r” is stamped below the star. There are proofs on the stock, receiver, trunnion, and barrel. The right side of the buttstock has cartouche.
Barrel Length: 20.25”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” tangent notch leaf sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate with trap door for a storage compartment (cleaning kit included), finger groove forend, wood upper handguard, cutout for the included folding blade bayonet, sling ring integral to the left side of the gas block, cleaning rod, and sling ring installed to the belly of the buttstock. The numbers on the stock match the receiver. The LOP measures about 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some 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. The forend has a cutout for the attached spring blade bayonet.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Factory Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light scratches and some thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates a Excellent 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 attached tan canvas sling, an oiler with its pouch, owner’s manual, and its original box.
Our Assessment: The Russian SKS, designed by Sergei Simonov in the final years of WWII, bridged the gap between the bolt-action Mosin-Nagant and the select-fire AK-47. This 1951 Tula Arsenal example represents a prime Cold War-era production rifle, with its star-and-arrow receiver crest, matching serial numbers on the major components, and arsenal refurbishment preserving its original configuration. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, the SKS offered Soviet troops a lighter, faster-handling carbine with a semi-automatic action, 10-round fixed magazine, and folding bayonet—features that made it effective for both frontline service and reserve use for decades after its intro
This rifle retains about 95% of its arsenal-refinished blued metal, with sharp markings, matching numbers throughout, and a bright, chrome-lined bore rating 9/10. The matching stock with Tula cartouches and intact folding blade bayonet enhance its collector appeal, while the included sling, oiler set, and original box make it a particularly complete package. For collectors, it offers an excellent representative example of a mid-production Tula SKS with desirable matching numbers. For shooters, it remains a robust, accurate, and soft-shooting rifle that embodies Soviet Cold War small arms design at its peak. Please see our photo and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
