SKS: Type 56 and Norinco

[Hawksnest]

I've been looking into buying an SKS for a while now and have yet to come up with a reason to buy a Russian model except to have a pretty wall hanger. I know it would be a great shooter, but I couldn't bring myself fire a round through it.

So, I've done a lot of research and have found that the Type 56 seems to be up there in quality and popularity (even with some of you guys here on THR); 2nd in the running under the Russian. I understand the Type 56 is Chinese and that Norinco is also Chinese. I haven't been able to find any clear information that the Type 56 and Norinco are the same thing or a different build altogether. I'm aware that Norinco stands for "The China North Industries Corporation"... so did Norc manufacture the Type 56 or are these two separate variants? If they are separate variants, which should I seek for purchase and in what price range would be acceptable for a solid shooter in VG (used) -NIB (non-issued) condition?

 

[nastynatesfish]

Not sure about the difference either sorry, but I have a norinco and its an awesome shooting gun. I intended to trade it since it was givenn to me but cannt bring myself to because its so fun to shoot

 

[chicharrones]

I have a new issued Norinco I bought in the early '90s. I always thought that the Norinco was a type 56, but I truly don't know.

Build quality of my Norinco is pretty nice compared to some SKS models I've seen. Accuracy and trigger pull is about like any SKS I suppose.

 

[nastynatesfish]

Per wikipedia. The 56 is an exact duplicate of the AK made from 56-73 then norinco started making from 73-? The 56 looks just like a AK which I don't like with the goddy safety and all. Ill stick with my norico thank you. Hope this helps

 

[chicharrones]

The SKS is also called a type 56 when made in China.

"The SKS is a Soviet semi-automatic carbine . . . as well as China, where it was designated the "Type 56" " and "Chinese Type 56 (1956-) . . . "
from - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS

I guess per that Wiki article, the 56 is not a Chinese commercial production which is what the Norinco is.

So that clears up my misinformation, I guess.

 

[Golden_006]

You should get a Romanian. The Chinese ones are good but they were better when they were like 250 dollars or less. they are all like 300 dollars now. for 60 more you can get a nice Romanian

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Here is a very good place for SKS info;

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

 

[nathan]

Any SKS is a good thing. They are simple , robust and doesnt cost much. You will have lots of fun shooting them with cheap ammo .

 

[Hawksnest]

Kinda hijacking my own thread here... I found a Romy SKS on J&G that is about $70 less than the Norinco SKS's they have on there. I've read that the Romanian builds are comparable in quality to Russian builds, just not as collectible. It has a synthetic sporter stock. Anyone know why it might be cheaper than the Norinco?

Link: http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...-used,-vg-cond/cPath/209_218/products_id/5430

 

[shotgunjoel]

It has a synthetic sporter stock. Anyone know why it might be cheaper than the Norinco?

You just said it, somebody screwed it up. They put some cheap, crappy stock and handguard on it and got rid of the bayonet. You could probably buy it and find an original stock for it and break even compared to a Chinese. SKS's are rarely if ever improved by modification. They are a good design to start, don't screw it up by trying to turn it into a AK or a hunting rifle. Almost all of the aftermarket stuff that people put on them is total junk.

 

[Hawksnest]

You just said it, somebody screwed it up. They put some cheap, crappy stock and handguard on it and got rid of the bayonet. You could probably buy it and find an original stock for it and break even compared to a Chinese. SKS's are rarely if ever improved by modification. They are a good design to start, don't screw it up by trying to turn it into a AK or a hunting rifle. Almost all of the aftermarket stuff that people put on them is total junk.

That's a great explanation. Thanks.