Mary and I have been in the process of moving for the past 4 or 5 days from Arkansas down to Bell, Florida. Today we drove down to Chiefland to find a charger for Mary's cell phone, and we found this in a gun shop next door...it followed me home guys!
I haven't had time to give it a good cleaning, it's been "rode hard and put up wet" but other than that it isn't bad looking. It had a damned 30 round mag in it which I told the shop owner I had no use for, unfortunately he did not have the original magazine. I have another ten round mag in my spare parts kit I'm going to put in it. All numbers are matching except of course for the loss of the original mag. Even the hand guard is stamped with the last four digits on the left side. The bolt is S/N'ed with the usual bucket full of stamps all over it. I ran a patch through the bore and it looks really good with sharp lands and it's clean. I'm excited about it, this is my first Russian and if it is indeed a 1953 Tula, then that makes it even more special for me as we are both '53 models! I know that some of you are wondering, so...I got it for $475, they were asking $550.
I told Loose}{Cannon via text earlier today that it did not have a BBQ finish however I think it may have some in spots but looks as though someone tried to remove it sometime in the past. The serial number ( B01003) has what appears to be an "X" stamped in front of it if you can't make it out in the photo. I apologize for the really crappy pics but promise to get some better shots next week if I can find someone with a decent camera! I only have my $3 dollar cell phone camera (our Kodak recently crapped out) but I will disassemble it, give it a good cleaning and get some more photos next week. We are leaving for Arkansas in the morning to get our other two horses and a few other items then we can come back to Florida and relax a little.
Just before dark I couldn't resist putting one round through it...it spoke Russian really well!
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/1953%20Tula_zpsxirukr6c.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Russian%201953%20Tula_zps41xxx51e.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/53%20Tula%20stock_zpsvqipcigz.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/1953%20Tula%20receiver_zpsosvk46tt.jpg)
There have been no alterations done to it however some dimwit lazy-azz bubba used a sheet metal screw to attach the bayonet. I haven't checked yet but I'm sure the threads are dicked up, I'm hoping I can chase the threads out with the proper tap then get the correct screw for it. Anyone with any experience with this problem please chime in.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/FUBAR%20Bayonet%20screw_zpsxakvavkt.jpg)
Wow, congrats Danny thumb1
Its an interesting 1 for sure. Thats a Tula star on the receiver cover but the replacement stock is an Izzy 8). Those sideways s/n stamps on the stock and hand guard are what used to be ( and still is I'm sure) referred to as an "Ex-DDR". This has since been debunked in the past year or so and its thought/known to just be from a certain refurb factory. Some1 will chime in with the name of the place and more detailed info on that I'm sure. Still a cool variation to have.
Good luck with the bayo screw, it'll turn out ok I believe. Congrats on your 1st russian man, prices have gone nuts on these and can't say I could find a better deal on a russian around my hills.
Arrr matey, it's one of them thar dee dee arrrreee rifles rofl
Congrats Danny thumb1 and fairly decent price for a pirates rifle....I mean a Russian SKS.
My memory is failing me, but I'm thinking the arsenal was Liski or something along those lines that did the serial stamping..
Looks awesome Danny, thumb1 Congrats! Now get that Kodak fixed so I can drool some more
:P
Good job comrade!!
That bayo screw issue isn't the end of the world. I'll bet that one of us probably has the solution for the problem if there is one, or simply the right screw if there aint one.
Interesting to see the Izzy stock on a Tula. Stock looks very nice by the way. Looks like it avoided the "Hammer of Grog" refurb stamp on the receiver cover. Keep us posted, and good luck with the move. jd
Looks good danny. thumb1
Im hoping you can just replace the bayo screw with the correct one ans the screw currently installed is a somewhat smaller diameter and has not screwed up the threads.
Nice one Danny! clap1
John Galt
Welcome to the club Danny! The receiver looks right for a '53. The refurb, horizontally stamped, Izhevsk stock is pretty neat. I have a verified pristine BO prefix in my '53 Izhevsk list that's only about 538 guns away from yours by number….very interesting. You know, that gun might have a replacement receiver cover and the stock is simply off a sister Izhevsk gun. When you get a chance to get some more photos, try and get some good details of the receiver cover, especially the S/N and the rear end where the fillets transition to the flat to see if we can verify that it's been scrubbed and restamped. It's impossible to say with any amount of certainty of course (and obviously it will never ever be worth '53 Izhevsk money), but I think it's a distinct possibility you've got an Izhevsk gun there wearing a Tula cover. thumb1
Regardless, it's a nice little gun. You got a very good price as the avg. Russian "bubba' "fair" condition gun was $550 in March on GB before shipping and transfer fees. Get the bayo screw fixed and slap in a non-matching Russian magazine and nobody would be the wiser that bubba owned this gun.
They should have put that stock on my Liski Izhevsk... Bastards! bat1
Nice score for a first Russian! Are there any triangle stamps up in front of the serial number? It may be REALLY faint...
(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv305/Stoned_Oli/Pri%20Vat/Izzy/TriangleHexagon.jpg)
Nice find Danny! Looks like an interesting mix.
The Liski refurbishment arsenal mark that GM referred to is at the bottom of the table. Despite the misspellings and inaccuracies in the table heading, the table itself is based on original Russian documents that identified the arsenals, so I believe it is accurate. The /1\ mark was formerly thought to represent a DDR designation (hence the term "ex-DDR") before this Russian primary source of information came to light in the last year or two.
The GRAU and ABV facilities were for repair of weapons of all types. The Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense was apparently responsible for review and acceptance of weapon designs, and maintenance of weapons, including small arms.
GRAU: Glavnoye raketno-artilleriyskoye upravleniye, Main Missile and Artillery Directorate.
ABV: artillery base for ordnance.
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/Russian%20Refurbishment%20Arsenal%20Table.jpg) (http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/phosphorus32/media/Russian%20Refurbishment%20Arsenal%20Table.jpg.html)
Looks to me like he has a partial Nizhyn stamp... there was obviously more then one location stamping horizontally. q
Thanks to all for the "flowers"! I am anxious to get back to Florida and spend some time going through it. A soon as I can get some decent photos of all the insides & some info for running-man's Russian thread then you guys will be able to tell more about it.
Oli I will go over it with a magnifying glass for the triangles you speak of but I didn't noticed any when I brought it home.
Jon thanks for posting the arsenal list, I'll check for any of these symbols.
Jd & Cannon, I didn't even touch the bayonet screw before we left to make our final trip back to Arkansas. I have an extra screw in my parts kit. Cannon I'm hoping also the threads will be okay but it's no big thing, if the threads need it I have a big tap & die set to chase them out!
I did get the stock cleaned up, it is in really good shape and looks nice. As with anything else, the pictures do not do it justice!
Got some time between connecting my water and other things needing to be done to get some more photos. I haven't disassembled it yet so more pictures are in the works. Moving is a major pain in the butt, however I should be caught up enough tomorrow to start cleaning it and get some photos of the internal parts.
The magazine you see comes from Mary's Chinese [0306] gun, since she is using 20rnd Tapco mags this one was in our parts box so I "liberated" it.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Izzy_zpshu58xvcr.jpg)
Running-man I don't know if this photo is what you were asking for, if you would like more pics please let me know!
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Reciever%20cover_zps2tqmeupz.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Rear%20sight_zps5zk9gu6k.jpg)
What the heck is this, located on the wrist directly behind the reciever cover?
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Stock%20wrist_zpsund7jbtv.jpg)
S/N is very faint on the gas tube, barely legible. Is this the BBQ finish you guys have been talking about?
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Gas%20tube_zps8g12rolk.jpg)
Left side of the hand guard.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Hand%20guard_zpszyd0mvqc.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Izzy%20stock_zpsuc97wxl0.jpg)
Number 5 stamped on the underside of the stock between the bayonet cut and the magazine well.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Number%205%20on%20the%20bottom%20of%20stock_zpsqtavfpjw.jpg)
I installed the proper bayonet screw however another minor issue popped up immediately! The bayonet would not lock into the storage position (it doesn't sag) however a phone discussion this afternoon with Loose}{Cannon revealed the problem...I have the wrong bayonet collar, it has a straight latch and the bayonet lug is angled! Thanks Cannon!
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Russian%20Bayonet%20lug_zpscxgzuzaz.jpg)
Really cool! Thanks for posting those!
Now that I see the pic.... not so sure the coller is straight or angled. :-\ maybe its just the shadows?
Maybe I missed it.... but where is the import stamp and who is it?
Betcha it's a KBI.
Great rifle Danny. Congrats!
It does look to me like the collar needs to be mo-tapered than it is; then it would suck in there and straighten things up. I was just looking at one of my Russians, and the collar is even more angled than the lug. (moangular).
Danny, that looks to me like a well worn bbq finish. Some paint, some missing? Looks like maybe none on the mag? A guy like me -- I'd be looking hard at stripping it. ::) but then I just can't leave nuthin alone. jd
Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on May 06, 2015, 07:39:16 AM
Maybe I missed it.... but where is the import stamp and who is it?
You didn't miss it Cannon, I failed to post that info..sorry!
Quote from: Blicero on May 06, 2015, 08:16:08 AM
Betcha it's a KBI.
Great rifle Danny. Congrats!
Thanks Blicero, and you win the bet....left rear of reciever in VERY small block lettering:
KBI HBG, Pa RH023910
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 05, 2015, 11:22:16 PM
Running-man I don't know if this photo is what you were asking for, if you would like more pics please let me know!
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Reciever%20cover_zps2tqmeupz.jpg)
Yup that's the one Danny! thumb1
Notice how the edges where the transition from the radius to the flat of the backside has a little edge to it? This can come about from a heavy grind on that back surface (taking off an old S/N). Maybe there's remnants of a '7' in between the 0 and the 3? Like I said before, impossible to say for certain, but I think that your receiver cover did not start it's life on that gun. The bayo collar issues also point to a heavy refurb and a plethora of replacement parts being used on it!
It's a neat gun, give us a range report when you get a chance to settle down and breathe!
QuoteDanny, that looks to me like a well worn bbq finish. Some paint, some missing? Looks like maybe none on the mag? A guy like me -- I'd be looking hard at stripping it. ::) but then I just can't leave nuthin alone. jd
Jd, this one didn't have the original magazine cry2 so it's now sporting the mag from my wifes' Chinese [0306] gun, she's using the Tapco 20's and didn't need it!
As you can see the gas tube and barrel look pretty rough but the reciever doesn't look too bad. The angle of the photo doesn't show the bayonet lock very good but the bayonet collar is a straight cut.
Quote from: running-man on May 06, 2015, 03:37:58 PM
Yup that's the one Danny! thumb1
Notice how the edges where the transition from the radius to the flat of the backside has a little edge to it? This can come about from a heavy grind on that back surface (taking off an old S/N). Maybe there's remnants of a '7' in between the 0 and the 3? Like I said before, impossible to say for certain, but I think that your receiver cover did not start it's life on that gun. The bayo collar issues also point to a heavy refurb and a plethora of replacement parts being used on it!
It's a neat gun, give us a range report when you get a chance to settle down and breathe!
Thank you running-man, and I see what you are talking about. Since my serial number is so close to your BO number gun then mine is a '53 Izzy also?
I'm about caught up, got to put up a pen for Marys' chickens and ducks then I can get started cleaning my carbine and burning some powder...with a range report of course!
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 06, 2015, 05:00:12 PM
Thank you running-man, and I see what you are talking about. Since my serial number is so close to your BO number gun then mine is a '53 Izzy also?
If I had to guess, that's what it would be. Impossible to say 100% though. Maybe one day we'll discover some specific Izhevsk-olny metal proof stamp and that'll be your smoking gun.
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 06, 2015, 05:00:12 PM
I'm about caught up, got to put up a pen for Marys' chickens and ducks then I can get started cleaning my carbine and burning some powder...with a range report of course!
Definitely keep mama happy! If mama isn't happy, nobody's happy! thumb1
Your bayo collar has the deeply cut scallops on the sides, as is common with straight cut collars.
That collar is worth a few bucks to someone who needs one, and you need the common variety.
looking good Danny, nice find. thumb1
Quote from: Stoned_Oli on May 06, 2015, 11:13:42 PM
Your bayo collar has the deeply cut scallops on the sides, as is common with straight cut collars.
That collar is worth a few bucks to someone who needs one, and you need the common variety.
Oli as soon as I can get an address out here in the boonies I will probably post a request for a trade with someone in the Club House area. Travis told me a couple of days ago there may be someone around here that needs this straight cut collar.
Right now I'm fighting with the County over some danged permits so I'm unable to get a physical address. It beats all I've ever seen to have to pay money to a government agency to be able to do what you need or want to do with property that you own. What happened to our America?
Anyway...I plan on getting some cleaning rods for all our SKSs in the near future also, they look naked without them! :o
Quote from: carls sks on May 07, 2015, 11:11:19 AM
looking good Danny, nice find. thumb1
Thank you Carl, I might get a chance to do some shooting this evening or tomorrow. Got to build a target frame and get some distances then I'll post the results...good, bad or ugly!
Nice gun Danny, congrats! As Oli mentioned, that straight cut bayo collar is a bit rare and they usually start at around $50 and can go up from there, at least I've seen them sell for those prices. So if you are gonna do a straight up trade with someone for a angled cut collar make sure it's with someone you believe really needs one and not just swapping you for a more valuable part so they can profit. You would be doing someone quite a favor doing a straight up swap.
$50 :o
Quote from: Carl in CT on May 07, 2015, 02:51:24 PM
Nice gun Danny, congrats! As Oli mentioned, that straight cut bayo collar is a bit rare and they usually start at around $50 and can go up from there, at least I've seen them sell for those prices. So if you are gonna do a straight up trade with someone for a angled cut collar make sure it's with someone you believe really needs one and not just swapping you for a more valuable part so they can profit. You would be doing someone quite a favor doing a straight up swap.
thumb1 Well said man. Its nice having a group like this you can trust and help out/ be helped by.
Danny, I'm sure it was a PITA at first but its become a blessing in disguise. :)
Quote from: armedhippie on May 07, 2015, 05:43:34 PM
Quote from: Carl in CT on May 07, 2015, 02:51:24 PM
Nice gun Danny, congrats! As Oli mentioned, that straight cut bayo collar is a bit rare and they usually start at around $50 and can go up from there, at least I've seen them sell for those prices. So if you are gonna do a straight up trade with someone for a angled cut collar make sure it's with someone you believe really needs one and not just swapping you for a more valuable part so they can profit. You would be doing someone quite a favor doing a straight up swap.
thumb1 Well said man. Its nice having a group like this you can trust and help out/ be helped by.
Danny, I'm sure it was a PITA at first but its become a blessing in disguise. :)
Thanks hippie, it wasn't bad at all if you are talking about the bayonet screw and the missing original magazine. I hate the magazine is missing because some dimwit couldn't pass it on when he sold it but it's water under the bridge! I'm hoping to post some photos of the internals soon, I think the trigger group is new or like new but running-man told me that is to be expected when a gun is refurbed.
I really like it though!
As for trusting you guys on this forum, too many of you have helped me many times and done much for me. I have every confidence (as I know you do) in this great bunch. You guys make this site a top shelf place to hang out and learn!
The trigger group looks new, there is very little wear on the hammer face.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Trigger%20group_zps2jx1zkzd.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Bolt%20serial%20number_zps2rbdq7ie.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Bolt%20stamps_zpsz9demtty.jpg)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Bolt_zpslsprfx6d.jpg)
There was some sanding in this area, any ideas why?
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Sanded%20area_zpslo5hwvsk.jpg)
Is this a Russian sling and what is this insignia?
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Sling%20insignia_zpscfa2bklj.jpg)
Looks like one of the stag head slings which is Russian.
Quote from: Carl in CT on May 08, 2015, 08:13:58 AM
Looks like one of the stag head slings which is Russian.
Thanks Carl, it's seen a lot of use but is still serviceable. It's a pain in the butt to unhook, at least mine is!
Last night I left out a better photo of the "X" in front of the serial number, it appears it was lightly struck off center.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/X%20prefix_zpseutbzshh.jpg)
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 08, 2015, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: Carl in CT on May 08, 2015, 08:13:58 AM
Looks like one of the stag head slings which is Russian.
Thanks Carl, it's seen a lot of use but is still serviceable. It's a pain in the butt to unhook, at least mine is!
Yeah they are a PITA....
Without a doubt thats a partially struck Nizhyn refurb mark Danny thumb1
(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z475/phosphorus32/Russian%20Refurbishment%20Arsenal%20Table.jpg)
Quote from: CARBINE on May 08, 2015, 12:36:25 PM
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 08, 2015, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: Carl in CT on May 08, 2015, 08:13:58 AM
Looks like one of the stag head slings which is Russian.
Thanks Carl, it's seen a lot of use but is still serviceable. It's a pain in the butt to unhook, at least mine is!
Yeah they are a PITA....
They sure are but they look good and are authentic Russian.
Congrats to you !! Russians are nice to handle and play with. My latest acquisition in the Russian department is warm and fuzzy, she was so nice to play with I proposed to her. Now for the import part.................................
Quote from: DesertJarhead on May 10, 2015, 08:00:21 PM
Congrats to you !! Russians are nice to handle and play with. My latest acquisition in the Russian department is warm and fuzzy, she was so nice to play with I proposed to her. Now for the import part.................................
:o rofl
Quote from: running-man on May 06, 2015, 06:09:31 PM
Quote from: Dannyboy53 on May 06, 2015, 05:00:12 PM
Thank you running-man, and I see what you are talking about. Since my serial number is so close to your BO number gun then mine is a '53 Izzy also?
If I had to guess, that's what it would be. Impossible to say 100% though. Maybe one day we'll discover some specific Izhevsk-olny metal proof stamp and that'll be your smoking gun.
I've been looking this one over a bit more and now that more data has come in, I'm reversing course and saying this is definitely *not* an Izhevsk. (click photos to enlarge)
'53 Izhevsk:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/BO465_receiver.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/BO465_bolt.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/BO465_magazine.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/BO465_trigger_group.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/BO465_receiver_cover.jpg)
'54 Izhevsk:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/HO681_receiver.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/HO681_receiver_cover.jpg)
and different '54 Izhevsk:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/HO159_magazine.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/HO159_bolt_carrier.jpg)
Note the very distinctive "O" in the BO/HO prefix and how wide the aspect ratio is. Danny's S/N has the tall skinny O/0 that is indicative of a Tula.
Additionally, take a look at the distinctive numeral "1" and "3" found in '53 and '54 Izhevsks. Very distinctive and noticeably different from Danny's gun here I think:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/unknown/BO1003_receiver3.jpg)
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/P367_receiver.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Izhevsk/T337_receiver.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/523_X_receiver.jpg)(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1954_Izhevsk/P503__receiver.jpg)
Interesting
I suspected *all* the Izhevsks generally had different font width ratios, but I never really was sure enough to really make that call. The receiver cover S/N thread made me look into them more and now that I've got the Russians all catalogued nicely in the current S/N spreadsheet, it's a breeze to look at every single Izhevsk and then break them down further into as-issued and light furbs to see what the markings truly say. The 4's are extremely different too.
I should make a thread showing examples of the digits from various years, would help in identifying orphans w/o matching receiver covers and stocks.
Yep, the serif on my "1" is much shorter than the Izhevsk numbers. Also, my zeros seem to be not as wide, the Izhevsk zeros are wider across the middle...like me.
Beautiful Gun Danny ! Great story on the find too :o. Funny how your serial numbers are fairly close to my BO 465 Izzy. which also just reminded me of your Winchester 1200 your Dad passed down to you that you posted up a while back that is identical to my very first shotgun I bought brand new in high school. Yep Winchester 1200. Twins. When I get a little time ill reply with pics to your W1200 post.
And how lucky can we be to have Barock Obama's innitials on our SkS's ? Thats Just Great !!!! nea1
(http://media.use.com/images/s_2/b1bc4140280783973109.jpg) (http://www.use.com/b1bc4140280783973109)
(http://www.use.com/images/clicklarge3.gif) (http://www.use.com/b1bc4140280783973109)
Since the B is a V in Cyrillic I guess that would be Vladimir Obama ??? :))
Quote from: Direct Connection on April 10, 2016, 11:06:52 PM
Beautiful Gun Danny ! Great story on the find too :o. Funny how your serial numbers are fairly close to my BO 465 Izzy. which also just reminded me of your Winchester 1200 your Dad passed down to you that you posted up a while back that is identical to my very first shotgun I bought brand new in high school. Yep Winchester 1200. Twins. When I get a little time ill reply with pics to your W1200 post.
And how lucky can we be to have Barock Obama's innitials on our SkS's ? Thats Just Great !!!! nea1
(http://media.use.com/images/s_2/b1bc4140280783973109.jpg) (http://www.use.com/b1bc4140280783973109)
(http://www.use.com/images/clicklarge3.gif) (http://www.use.com/b1bc4140280783973109)
Thanks DC! It's funny how some s/n's from the Tula & Izhevsk are similar, the Russians weren't very original...at least in this instance. Yours is a fine looking carbine! I look forward to seeing your shotgun here DC.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on April 11, 2016, 12:07:51 AM
Since the B is a V in Cyrillic I guess that would be Vladimir Obama ??? :))
LOL...that's fitting Phosphorus!
I really don't know enough about the SkS and especially its stamping identities. Our numbers are very closee and ive never seen another BO stamp on any other sks besides our two now. IDK... RM does have a valid point on the different types of stamping on the two sn's. Regardless, Tula or Izzy its a fine Russian and will always increase in value ;)
Before RM brought it up DC I had not noticed the difference in numbers that he wrote about but I also believe there definitely is something to it. I'm really not concerned about any value of my Russian, it certainly has zero value to a collector. But that isn't why I bought this carbine, I don't know diddly s**t about collecting firearms. I simply wanted a Russian made SKS and I do not intend to ever get rid of it. It's got nice looking wood (Izhevsk stock!) and is a great shooter.
It seems like the more someone digs and finds answers, the more questions are uncovered! But if we had all the answers where would we be then?! :o
I finally found an as-issued '53 with the BO prefix Danny:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Tula/BO3098_right_whole.jpg)
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Tula/BO3098_receiver_cover_top.jpg)
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/Russian/1953_Tula/BO3098_stock.jpg)
I'm firmly in the camp that your gun is a '53 Tula now.
Here are all the BO prefixes I have in the spreadsheet. The '49 & '57 Tulas and '53 Izhevsk are all legit. I believe the '52 and '54 Tulas are likely mismatched receiver covers, though it's possible that I simply don't have enough data points to flesh out those years with this prefix. From what I've seen, generally the Russians did not reuse prefixes in two consecutive years, though I do have examples of exceptions to this 'rule', so who knows? More data is key to unlocking things. The spreadsheet now has 850+ guns in it with another several hundred left to catalogue. thumb1
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q647/jelucer/survey/russian/data/BO_prefix.jpg~original)
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh618/smithdblueDannyboy53/Odds%20and%20ends/Russian%20propaganda%20poster_zps1khl7bas.jpg)
Running-man you have worked for a long time on these Russian carbines and made a lot of headway! clap1 I thank you thumb1 for this revelation, it's nomenclature has finally been put to rest! banana time