SKS serial numbers on stocks

Are the numbers on the stock linked to the rifles in any way? Or are they mix and match? I have a Norinco with a synthetic and I wanted to put the wood one back on, but I can't seem to find it. Would it decrease the value of the gun to find another wooden SKS stock and use it instead?

yes, the numbers on the stock are usually the last four digits of the rifle's serial number, a mismatched stock wont have much of an effect on price unless your selling it as all matching "un-issued" condition rifle, matching numbered bolt , carrier, mag are more important than the stock

The numbers on the stock (if any) should match the rest of the gun. Sometimes the stock came un-numbered from the factory but they never came with mis-matched numbers. I have an older Norinco that is all original with all matching numbers but the stock is not numbered. I have no doubt that it is the original stock though.

If the synthetic stock wasn't numbered the same as the SKS(Unlikely, I've never heard of a factory SKS with synthetic parts) then you can't reduce the value by adding a wooden stock, it is missing a serial number one way or the other. My Norinco SKS has the (matching)serial on the left side of the butt.

No, it came with a wooden stock with some numbers on it... don't remember what they were. I put the synthetic stock on it and during a few moves I must have misplaced it. I have the handguard and all but one of the screws, but I can't find the stock. I was wanting to restore the stock and put it on to make it look more standard.

Since I can't find it, I'm now thinking of buying a beater stock and painting it with some kind of urban camo type pattern... of course as soon as I order one the old one will show up.

I figured it came with a wood stock but I am not an SKS expert. Hope you find the old one.