The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Time to see a descendent of the Russian SKS-45 that did see some action. Following the expulsion of the French from Indochina in 1954, and Ho Chi MInh's inability to lock up control of both the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North) and the State of Vietnam (south), the Second Indochina War broke out in 1959. Minh's connections with Communist China secured a supply of arms, and among those weapons was the Russian influenced Chinese Type-56 SKS. Then from 1962 through 1965, North Vietnam produced (or procured) their own copy of the Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova, the Type-1 NVA.



The Type-1 is most easily recognized by its serial number and factory arsenal stamp. The first two numbers of the serial represent the year of manufacture, and the Arsenal stamp is a star with the number 1 inside. Serial number records of those found today in the US would suggest that production was extremely limited, and that approximately 13,000 units were manufactured over four years. Some theories would suggest that the Type-1 was manufactured in China. And honestly, I cannot refute that claim, as I have studied each component of the gun against early 1960's Chinese guns, and can find no differences in physical appearance or manufacturing tooling process. Mine is a 1964.




All parts are stamped matching, except the gas piston which is electropenciled. The stock is similar to early Chinese, and appears to be birch or similar hardwood. The rear swivel is a side mount, and the entire serial number is stamped close to the rear swivel. The sling is of North Korean AK-47 style construction.






The purchase of this gun was years in the making. It's the type of firearm that one must usually know who has it, and keep in touch with the owner, to know when and how much will be needed to secure the purchase. Very few ever show up in the wild. I was fortunate that the former owner found a papered specimen, and was willing to part this fine example of the Type-1. Hope you all enjoy, and thanks for looking.

Beautiful SKS Martin...and thank you for the history and story behind it. I truly hope to run across something like this someday. I know its not likely, but I continue to check all my typical outlets every week with hopes that something shows up.

She's awsome...and it sounds like you worked hard to get it! Congrats!

This is like a fine display in a virtual museum. I can't stop looking at it. To be in this condition, what would be the story behind that? This would be a bring back weapon? Is that a correct terminology here? I would think that a NVA example would be much more worn, but this one is very clean. I know that it is clear how little I know about these but I want to know about this one. I can't even begin to guess the value of this rifle, but a "King's Ransom" doesn't seem too far fetched.

The NVA were more the professional soldier as we think of such in the west, they took care of their weapons, and had access to field armorers to repair them unlike the VC. Chances are if it is a capture rifle then it may have been taken a short while after it was issued. Made in 1964, major US troop deployments to South Vietnam began in 1965. A very nice example Martin.

Yes, these are bringback guns only. None have ever been documented with import marks. And JYD gave an accurate assessment of the level of care that this gun has seen. It is actually well used, with rounded grasping grooves and sling wear on the stock and front attachment point. Pitting is evident in places on the left receiver and rear cover, and the reddish brown of "Jungle Patina" can be seen starting on the bolt carrier.

Without a DOD-63 war trophy document, it is not known when this carbine was pulled from service, but judging from the hand wear on the stock, it was likely carried for several years before being captured. Internals and the function parts of the gun show moderate wear, but obvious care as there is no metal galling of moving parts.

Equally, this gun was properly maintained in the States. The pitting and rust has been arrested without stripping bluing. And it gets its bi-annual stripping and oiling now in my collection. A definite show piece in the SKS collection.

Good information to know, I have probably walked right past rifles like this and never even knew there was anything special about them, just another issued Chinese SKS. I have walked past hundreds, maybe thousands of such issued SKS's back in the 90's at gun shows, they were probably all Chi-Com, but I will never know.

In case there's anyone viewing this and is unfamiliar with which SKS's are the Holy Grail's of collectible...This rifle is in the top 2. Unbelievable rifle Martin, thanks for sharing!

I have seen this before but am always impressed with it and it's history. Would you be able to post a group picture of what parts of the "Holy Grail" set of the SKS that you have. I believe you have the East German but not sure about the Korean.

I'm still looking for an original Izhevsk 53 much less an original 49. Not in the Holy Grail territory yet, if ever.

What are commonly referred to as the "Big Three" of Holy Grail SKS's are the North Vietnamese, North Korean, and the East German. All had relatively low production numbers, high attrition rates, and were never imported to the US other than by capture, defection or international purchase.

There are also a few other extremely uncommon imports, as you have mentioned. I'm still working on adding some of them.

Over time, I can present the individual Big Threes in their own threads, and someday I really should take a group pic. That's a good idea Boomer!

Aha You've got them all. Thought that was the case. Look forward to the group picture of the "really, really safe Queens".

martin08 wrote:What are commonly referred to as the "Big Three" of Holy Grail SKS's are the North Vietnamese, North Korean, and the East German. All had relatively low production numbers, high attrition rates, and were never imported to the US other than by capture, defection or international purchase.

There are also a few other extremely uncommon imports, as you have mentioned. I'm still working on adding some of them.

Over time, I can present the individual Big Threes in their own threads, and someday I really should take a group pic. That's a good idea Boomer!

I can't say I'm surprised you've got all three!

A group pic would be really cool.

I heard his insurance company will not allow him to show group pics of the Big Three. They fear I may go after them
I think. What was it you said your correct address at the Moose Lodge was?

beautiful rifle ,maybe one day i will find one.

Nice one,Sir!! I've heard stories of unknowing sellers at gunshows thinking a NVA was just a plain old chi-com. So check em all out boys.

We all have some we wish could talk. That one would have a heck of a story, Martin always shows the best.

Man, that one is so nice it almost makes me want to stop hunting Sheep Dogs and
get a nice new Moose Hunting License.

Very nice Martin, Ok, that's an impressive piece.

Do NVA and the North Korean both have a chrome lined barrels, I've never seen one in person is why I'm asking. Probably never will

Greasemonkey wrote:Very nice Martin, Ok, that's an impressive piece.

Do NVA and the North Korean both have a chrome lined barrels, I've never seen one in person is why I'm asking. Probably never will

The NVA and DDR are chrome lined. I don't remember checking on the NK???

The rifle is truly a gem and a rare find. What is mostly amazing is the historian's knowledge which give the spectator a chance to know what he's looking for if the rare opportunity ever arises.

Props to the SkS Godfather and thanks for your contributions.