When referencing the uncommon SKS's, the 'Big Three' are considered: Type-1 from North Vietnam, Type-63 from North Korea, and the Karabiner-S from East Germany. Of these three combined, there are still under 100 specimens recorded in the US by the Simonov collector hounds. The following example brings the total to twenty-five known East German SKS's. All of the Big Three SKS's are non-imports, and all but a few European Presentation guns are Vietnam bringbacks.
Enjoy the pics, and as always, thanks for looking.
As you can see, there is much patina and pitting from its stint in the SE Asian jungle environment. And as usual, the the MNRV (DDR Ministry of Defense) sunburst stamp which precedes the serial number has been stamped out. But a careful examination of the macro pics shows it to be from one of the three known arsenals of 20z (1a and 1b are the other arsenals).
This is a complete matching unit, and highly desirable. So desirable, in fact, that it won't be in my collection for long. It is already traded for a Type-63 North Korean which should join my other Karabiner-S and Type-1 NVA. Three years in the pursuit, my Big Three quest will be complete.
Enjoy the pics, and as always, thanks for looking.
As you can see, there is much patina and pitting from its stint in the SE Asian jungle environment. And as usual, the the MNRV (DDR Ministry of Defense) sunburst stamp which precedes the serial number has been stamped out. But a careful examination of the macro pics shows it to be from one of the three known arsenals of 20z (1a and 1b are the other arsenals).
This is a complete matching unit, and highly desirable. So desirable, in fact, that it won't be in my collection for long. It is already traded for a Type-63 North Korean which should join my other Karabiner-S and Type-1 NVA. Three years in the pursuit, my Big Three quest will be complete.