The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Over the winter I brokered some military surplus guns for my local FFL. This afforded me the rare opportunity to gather three North Korean Type-63 carbines (one is mine, the other two were sold) in the same place, at the same time. I would have been remiss if I didn't take some pics!




And with some recent questions as to whether a Soviet SKS could be "faked" as a North Korean, I also included some comparison pics of a Russian SKS with the laminate stock to illustrate some key differences with the Type-63.

Of course, a Russian SKS could be scrubbed and re-marked with stamps to resemble a North Korean, and it would need to be a flawless job it duplicate the NK serial number characters, the Type-63 receiver cover stamp, and the battlesight zero marking on the rear sight leaf. I think one could readily discover that these markings, as in the following pics, would need some very special skills to duplicate without noticeable alterations having been performed.









But aside from the difficult metal stamping logistics, there are also definite differences in construction. First, the front stock ferrule. On the North Korean, there is a very sharp "corner" at the transition from the front face of the ferrule to the thin half-circle collar which captures the stock.

North Korean stock ferrule - sharp corner. Followed by Russan - rounded corner







Next, the leading edge of the North Korean gas block (at the bottom of the sloped face) is straight. The leading edge of the Russian gas block is rounded to the contour of the barrel.



North Korean gas blocks with "straight" leading edge. Followed by Russian with rounded leading edge.





Some North Korean guns were also retrofitted with gas valve (Russian left, North Korean Right)







Bolt carriers on the North Korean will have a rounded stripper clip guide, and the Russian will have a squared stripper clip guide. Also a good comparison of the battlesight zero markings.


Russian (left), North Korean (right).






The stocks appear to have the very similar cross-grained Arctic birch laminate construction, with 45-47 laminate layers. But the North Korean will not have the horizontal laminate "plug" of wood along the bayonet groove and to the magazine cover on the underside.

North Korean (top), with visible vertical laminate layers. Russian (bottom) with horizontal layered plug in the bayonet groove.






The North Korean has a side mounted rear sling swivel, and the Russian has the bottom mounted swivel. Russian swivel on bottom in picture.







The North Korean will also have two wrist crosspins, and the Russian will have only one crosspin or crossbolt in the wrist. North Korean (top), Russian (bottom).






And finally for the stock, the grasping groove for the North Korean is shorter in length, and also has two reinforcing crosspins vs longer grasping groove and one crosspin on the Russian.







In Conclusion, if one could successfully duplicate the metal markings of the North Korean, it would also be necessary to overcome the not-so-subtle differences of the small parts and stock to convert a Russian into a believable forgery. At this point in time, with North Korean carbines trading at only $3-5,000, I don't believe that the elaborate "ground and up" effort to replicate one would be worth the time and money - if it could be done at all.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the little show and comparison of the three North Koreans vs the Russian.







So, where the heck did that fourth Type-63 come from? (heh, heh)

Wow.

millman wrote:Wow.

I'll second that and add a . My knowledge of NK SKS's just jumped greatly.

What millman said.

Learned a few things! Thanks......D

To the untrained eye, it looks like NK was machining a little less that the CCCP. Very cool!

Pretty slick rifles. I would sure like to see the T-53 versions.

Very interesting thread. Thank you.

very good write up,
thank you for that!

Nice pics! I don't know why that model of SKS never appears in Canada. By the way Matt, where do you keep that Golden Horseshoe, I'd like to borrow it for a while.

This is one of the best posts I've ever read on the www, on any subject, for a variety of reasons. I've been educated a little, if I can just manage to retain it.

I've come to realize reading M08's posts what a special kind of person is behind the posts. First, he has access to the right weapons to set forth as examples. Second, he clearly has the knowledge of the subjects he posts on, and last but most importantly he has the willingness to share that knowledge and the ability to communicate it very well. For all of these things to come together in one person makes for one great person to be on a forum with, so Thanks M08, it's all very much appreciated.

I've known a ton of people in my life who were very well-versed on one subject or another but you couldn't get a straight answer out of them on anything, just because if they told you, they would no longer know something you don't. But I did learn from people like that how rare and valuable someone who does share is, and how important it is to let them know you appreciate it.

Where were you able to get North Korean Type-63's? I wish I could find one. Paul

When did NK make the SKS? Were they used in the Korean War at all? Did the NKs use Russian SKSs? I had always imagined they used plenty of the M91/30 Refurbs.

North Korea contracted the SKS in 1963, and if I recall correctly, they were built from 1965 to 1978. None from the Korean War era, and the few that are found in the US are Vietnam bringbacks. At this time only 33 serial numbers are recorded, so it isn't surprising that they are difficult to find.

The NCstar strippers sold today would work in these N. Korean's. They won't fit Chi-com's or Yugo's.........SBP

Reading through old posts to learn...this deserves a bump to the top

mproko wrote:Reading through old posts to learn...this deserves a bump to the top

They are damn good looking aren't they

Martin08, you aren't Peter G. Kokalis writing under a pseudonym, are you?

Seriously, your threads are always that good. Tons of knowledge imparted in an engaging writing style. I read every one of them as soon as I see them posted. Keep up the good work!

And I sure hope you kept the bottom one in the top pic; I like the wood on it.

I sure learned a few things today... Great presentation!!!

Another one to add to my gottahave/willneverhappen list.

Thanks, folks. Kept the top one in the first pic. It has the full grenade launcher, cut-off valve and launcher sight system.