Hi all
I have a Norinco SKS and preceding the serial number on the receiver is R0021
What does this mean? its not present with the other serial number markings
Gary
(https://i.ibb.co/x63PGfT/IMG-0845.png)
My guess would be that the R (one font) and highly oval "00" (another font) were applied by the importer to make sure the serial number was unique in their files, as required by the ATF. They appear to be stamped over the Type 56 (五六式) marking.
Without being able to see your full serial number, I further assume that the "21" was applied by the Chinese as the 21st year of production (1976) of the Type 56 you have but we need to seem more of the number and the rifle. If it's a 1976, then it's likely a pinned barrel and will have a stamped trigger group, no lightening cuts in the bayonet lug and bolt carrier, spike bayonet, and it is from an arsenal other than /26\
Thinking the same thing there Phos, missing the M to be an M21 series so either it too was added by the importer or is the millions digits of the SN.