"French Tickler" Chinese SKS

[@potatolord4214]

Hey Triangle 26, as another enthusiast and owner of the Type 56 carbine I really like watching your videos and find them very informative, but in your explanation of the Sino-Vietnamese conflict (Third Indochina War) you left out some crucial pieces. For one, how the Khmer Rouge came to power was not from overthrowing the monarchy, the monarchy was overthrown in a pro-US military coup allegedly backed by the CIA in response to then Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk's adherence to neutrality--his country was caught in conflict between two great powers which he wanted no part in. The coup government (the Khmer Republic) was very unpopular and many pro-monarchy demonstrations were violently repressed by the new government. King Sihanouk was actually instrumental in the Khmer Rouge's rise to power because he publicly declared his support to the Khmer Rouge who were fighting the unpopular coup government, this had huge effect because in Cambodian culture at the time the King was seen as a somewhat divine figure. After the Khmer Rouge seized power King Sihanouk was appointed as ceremonial head of state of Democratic Kampuchea but resigned after being appalled at how the Khmer Rouge was treating his people, he aligned himself with Communists out of mutual interest but was never wholly adoptive of Communist ideology. The Khmer Rouge placed in under house arrest after his resignation and when the Vietnamese invaded, he fled the country, denounced the Khmer Rouge, then went to the PRC where he sought asylum after being denied by the US and France. Another point is after the Vietnamese invasion the Khmer Rouge didn't stop fighting, even though many Cambodians were understandably thankful for the Vietnamese for stopping the Cambodian Genocide, the Vietnamese and Cambodian nations have been historical competitors and the Vietnamese simply set up their own unpopular puppet government (the People's Republic of Kampuchea) loyal to Vietnam and by extension the Soviet Union. The Khmer Rouge was still the largest militant party opposing the new occupation government and alongside many other non-Communist and even fervent anti-Communist armed groups including Sihanouk's monarchists formed an anti-occupation coalition, as Sihanouk was persuaded by China to again align himself with the Khmer Rouge out of mutual interests. This coalition was supported by China as well as the West even when the details of the Cambodian Genocide was already known to the outside world, with the Khmer Rouge retaining Cambodia's seat at the UN. Jimmy Carter’s national security adviser publicly stated he encouraged China to back the Khmer Rouge and "non-Communist" members of the anti-PRK coalition were even allegedly trained by the SAS, with some instructors being fresh out of the Falklands War. The extent of the international support for the Khmer Rouge reached a point in 1985 when the Vietnamese proposed a withdraw with the notable caveat that it excluded the Khmer Rouge from holding power again in Cambodia it was unilaterally rejected by not only the coalition themselves, but also China, (as well as more surprisingly) ASEAN and the United States. When the PRK and the rebel coalition came to a peace agreement in 1991 following the Vietnamese withdraw (the reason for which is explained later), the Khmer Rouge boycotted elections and kept fighting until they broke apart and dissolved in 1999, but not before Pol Pot died of natural causes in Khmer Rouge territory escaping all prosecution. For what it's worth the remaining leadership of the Khmer Rouge did apologize for the Cambodian Genocide in 1998. Something that's incredibly also misunderstood is the impact of the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War in that while yes, the invasion of Vietnam did do very little in terms of changing the immediate strategic landscape in the short term, it is incredibly important in the outcome of the war in Cambodia and the greater power balance in Southeast Asia following the reunification of Vietnam. For one, the war was designed to be rather minor with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, declaring to the US and Soviets that the war was going to be small without the involvement of the navy or air force and that there'd be no need for retaliation (from the Soviets). The real impact however was after withdrawing from most of their gains, the PLA actually occupied a couple of small slivers of territory along the CN-VN border which were the subjects of hot battles between China and Vietnam, this conflict was called the Sino-Vietnamese Border War (79-91), which peaked in 1984-1986 (see Battle of Laoshan and Operation Blue Sword B) and saw in total many hundreds of dead on both sides. With China keeping military pressure on Vietnam with constant skirmishes and threat of invasion, should the tens of thousands of PLA troops stationed along the border decided to once again push into Vietnam, and Vietnam already engaged in an occupation in Cambodia Vietnam was forced to keep their military spending enormously high. Compounded with their domestic costs of integrating their freshly reunified south this spending (and the end of aid from the Soviet Union) caused a complete collapse of the Vietnamese economy which saw the Vietnamese GDP fall from $36 Billion in 1987 to a mere $6 Billion in 1989, which ultimately led to the Vietnamese to the negotiation table for the withdrawal from Cambodia and renormalization of relations with China in 1991. Apologies for making this so long, this is a very obscure topic that I'm uniquely interested in and not including as much of this very obscure history doesn't take away from the video at all, I just thought I'd share some of what I knew as I've learned a lot from your channel myself.

[@Triangle26]

Really well written and great information - sounds like you know this history really well. I know I massively oversimplified, but I’m happy to pin your comment so other viewers can get a deeper slice.

[@anthonystevens-gm6uh]

Dude You should make videos!

[@moothemagiccow7923]

"Bob Ross" of SKS delivers as usual :)

[@Triangle26]

This made my day, thanks bro.

[@Killzone3265]

@@Triangle26 he's not wrong, ever since i discovered your channel i've been binging all of your SKS history videos. I'm gonna be sad when they run out lol

[@ticket2space]

Hahaha nice 😂🤙

[@atracin]

For the Canadians out there: Tenda just got a limited portion of the French Ticklers in for $490. Matching serials and never issued out. Get 'em while you can, I put my order in for one just now.

[@carllanger8873]

I ordered mine as well. As of today they are "out of stock".

[@indrah-p5230]

Came for information about a rifle, stayed for an history lesson. Absolutely awesome video dude.

[@brian6697]

I grabbed one up here in Canada when they got a big shipment in Mine is a 23 year one, It looks like it could have been made last week that is how immaculate condition it is even the stock. I have never seen a SKS in such condition before

[@ziggyz2958]

Also from canada and picked one of these up last week. Absolutely gorgeous rifle. Mine also looks like it just came off the factory production line. 😊

[@MaxWray111]

Excellent video as always. This is probably the most knowledgeable channel on the Type 56. I really appreciate the historical context you bring in your videos. I bought my first this year, an Arsenal 636, 20M sn, all matching, unfortunately imported with no bayonet and neutered lugs. But my 25 years manufacturing experience tells me this is as well built a rifle, as any I have ever fired. It performs flawlessly with any ammo I feed it, and if my eyes were 30 years younger, I wouldn't have any complaints about it at all.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoy the videos. Congrats on your rifle, those 636’s are rock solid!

[@thedr1911]

Thank you so much for putting this information on the internet. This is an important channel to have in the digital library. Finding this information otherwise would be a difficult task

[@DPeanut]

Beauty of a video, great to hear the context behind these. Up here in the great pinned-mag north, I picked up a '78 in pristine shape as my first rifle! Still packed in cosmoline with bayonet installed, im sure it sat in a wooden crate, never being issued.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for the kind words, and congrats on your find. Was yours one of the recent Canadian imports, or have you had it awhile?

[@DPeanut]

@@Triangle26 Thanks! I really only learnt to appreciate what it was after buying it, and thanks in large part to you sharing your knowledge here! I started with the mindset that "all Chinese SKS's are the same". That couldn't have been further from the truth. I picked it up late last year, but have seen the late production runs are still available. Next time I'm at the shop, I'll take a look at some of the stock and see if any bear a "26" date stamp.

[@cooksterexe9948]

I have a 66’ dated type 56 with the reverse take down cut out and pin. I actually still have this rifle new in the box coated in cosmoline.

[@Triangle26]

Awesome!

[@xfirehurican]

Excellent mix of the 'why' and the 'because'.

[@Triangle26]

Much obliged, friend!

[@zyctc000]

Great video! I got one like this(bakelite hand guard), with a late SN start with 23xxxx made by the 296 factory, from Cabela Canada recently. It is new and never fired. Great finish, never fired and it is on sale!

[@TrainOutdoors]

I also just picked one up at cabelas. Amazing quality and price for what it is.

[@snowlothar45]

Thanks for the well timed lesson. Recently found a 24 date FRP version and brought it home because of the amazing look and condition. Now I know the history as well.

[@Triangle26]

Excellent. I’m glad to have contributed to your enjoyment of a fine rifle!

[@paulmoss7940]

I had one of these NOS with all accoutrements but a collector wanted it worse than me. I got rid of everything I had in 7.62x39 including a mint Russian w/all . Folks loved that old vintage Norinco ammo ,it was loaded pretty stout.

[@Triangle26]

So it goes, and one day I'm sure I'll be looking at my own collection in the rearview. That Norinco ammo was indeed stout, and sometimes a pretty wicked penetrator.

[@smartacus88]

I bought one of these "French Tickler" Type 56's at a local pawn shop in pristine brand new unfired condition back in 2010 for $200 out the door. Let it go to a buddy i owed a favor for what i paid for it a couple years later. Sometimes i wonder how much that favor cost me 😂

[@WallopinSilver]

Your videos are tremendously valuable sources of info and ALWAYS a pleasure to watch. Many thanks!

[@Triangle26]

I really appreciate hearing that, super glad you enjoy them. Thanks.

[@therightarmofthefreeworld4579]

Well done 👍, ^26, 1978 new in cosmo w/o bayonet. Purchased 93, 89$ w/880 rounds in 2 spam cans in crate. Imported from poly norinco to atl ga. A fine example of an unissued type 56 w/french tickler.

[@Triangle26]

Outstanding!

[@yonyonsson144]

Just got 2 of these online from Tenda in Canada. Both came with bayonets, cleaning kits, a plastic oil bottle and 1 stripper clip. Date stamp on both start with 24. Cosmoline on barrel/receiver and magazine was mostly cleaned off but the pistons and other guts were still covered. Neither had issues getting apart or back together, firing pin retainer was easy to remove. Tested both with 100+ rounds each, no issues at all. Accuracy is just as good as my russian sks. I had to keep resetting the targets because I'd shoot them down in one shot. The bayonet is triple punched so if you want to remove it you'll need a drill and a 1/16" bit.

[@Jextaz]

interested in first time buy, have any details on your purchase? link, price, any tips?

[@yonyonsson144]

​@@Jextaz I can't post a link but its on GoTenda and its listed as: Chinese SKS Type 56 五六半 7.62×39 - “French Tickler” Limited The price is $489.99 right now on sale, normally $529.99, free shipping and 5% tax (might be more tax if you're in Ontario but you can see that in the checkout) Best tip I've got is to take out the cleaning kit using your thumb, gun upside down trigger facing up, I haven't gotten bitten doing it that way. Might not fit if you have really large thumbs. There is also a guy on Gunpost who has had some for sale for a while, they're $525 plus shipping. If you wanted to see pictures of the actual rifle you are getting then this might be the better option. The guy's name is Tristan1

[@yonyonsson144]

@@Jextaz There's another one on gunpost by a guy named "simbsmms". It's only $400

[@dreadnaughttactical]

@@yonyonsson144 I was thinking of grabbing one of these French Tickler SKS from Tenda.. and I noticed they also have a "jungle stock" version.. but I already have a pristine Russian SKS.. a Norinco SKS-D.. and a Norinco SKS-M Paratrooper SKS.. and the only other SKS I really want to add to my collection is a Yugo but have never come across one for sale. I also really hate dealing with the sales staff at Tenda (I guess they treat their mail order customers much better than their in-store customers.. but going in their store can be a very negative experience.. as they are very rude and think they are know-it-all's.. when none of them know anything and they are NOT helpful or knowledgeable and they treat you like they really do not care about your business! I have had a bad experience every single time I have ever gone to Tenda.. yes, they have the products.. yes, they have good prices.. but their customer service really sucks! I prefer to bring my business to Rangeview Sports or G4C which are all located only 45min away from Tenda.. where they appreciate you as a customer.. and value your business.

[@m.mosesshams6322]

Thank you! You're a Gentleman and a [/the ultimate SKS]Scholar!! There's always so much to learn from you!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend!

[@mk760fan3]

Excellent video, enjoyed the detailed history lesson. I've got an unissued, unfired M21 with the ribbed handguard. It is without a doubt the nicest SKS in my collection. I grew up in the 80's when surplus SKS rifles and ammo were dirt cheap and i went through several in my college years always trading them off for something "better". Today I have several variants in my collection because they're so nostalgic to me. I'll have to go through your videos to see if you cover the two variants that I'm most fond of, the stamped sheet metal Chinese and the Egyptian with the blued bolt. I still have a stamped Chinese but unfortunately traded off my Egyptian back in my college days. My favorite in my collection is my papered bring back war trophy.

[@justinanderson3046]

Finally a video on the SKS I have ! Been watching you vids for a week. All very informative. The serial #s the variations were getting me closer ,this video answered my questions. Keep up the good work.

[@Triangle26]

Glad to help, thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@rumpleforeskin5064]

Great content I'll have to revisit this again later

[@Disastrous_panique]

I had a Chinese type-56 from arsenal 26 that had been rebuilt with random used parts. It wasn’t a great shooter and it wasn’t in good condition. I decided to part with it, but almost instantly regretted selling it since it was so much enjoyable and cheap to shoot. I decided to give SKSs another try and ordered a « French tickler » after seeing some of your videos. Boy oh boy, When I received it, i immediately fell in love with it. I never saw a Sks that looked so good. Then I realized it wasn’t exactly as I saw in one of your video. After digging a little bit further and listening to this video, I realized it was a French tickler but the M21 variant! Couldn’t be happier. Went to the range today! First 5 shot group at 50 was 1.5" (3moa) perfectly centered, 10 inch high with Norinco non-corrosive ammo. Then I moved back to 100yards and fired a perfectly centered group windage & elevation with Norinco ammo ! 2.5" 5 shot group at 100 yards with iron sights out of the box! Second group at 100 yards was even a little bit smaller!For a Sks, couldn’t ask for more! I am very pleased! Thanks for all your interesting and very educational videos! Keep up the good work! Cheers

[@ted356]

I remember seeing several crates of these in 1994 at a local gun store. Salesman said these are the last Chinese SKSs we would be getting, due to the Clinton ban. He said we’ve sold lots of SKSs but these are the best we’ve ever seen.

[@ziggyz2958]

My most favorite SKS. It is a beautiful, classic military weapon with a very sleek outline. Everything that you need and nothing that you don't need. And no risk of looking tacticool.

[@Triangle26]

Absolutely.

[@paititi]

Fabulous summary of historical background, in addition to the always world class weapon expertise. Thank you!

[@FestusHaggen-e5u]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge about this SKS variant. Love your videos!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend!

[@Chiller11]

Nice detailed yet concise history of this very interesting SKS variant.

[@joshdeng2674]

We just received a new batch of these earlier this year here in Canada and I got 2 of them.

[@Triangle26]

I heard that! I also heard the retailer had some trouble dating them. Nice work getting 2 of them, seems like a wise investment.

[@joshdeng2674]

@@Triangle26 Sure it is! I have persuaded my friends getting them too. After showing them your video. The one about how to dating the SKS. Lol

[@shellmikedankiv]

Just ordered on tonight in Canada 🤙🏼

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Nice old guns with a rich history. Too bad the Australian government banned all semiautomatic rifles in 1997 . For safety of course, of course 😉👍. Great video

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting, friend! Shame that “safety” so often comes at the expense of freedom. ANZAC earned their place in this story though, not to be forgotten!

[@bigtrev761]

@@Triangle26 Lest we forget

[@newmack5621]

It almost happened in Canada...they removed center fire semi autos from the amendment on C21. Bill C21 just became law on Dec 16th and they will try to get that amendment added back again for sure. Just a matter of time.

[@austinporter6701]

​yup but had to rethink that one sks is a canadian staple probably one on every block in every city lol

[@bigtrev761]

@@austinporter6701 🇦🇺😎👍There seemed to be a lot down here at the time in1997( I never owned one ) but I have a feeling not many were handed in to the crush ( I was told also ) . I’ve never seen any since and if people kept them they never resurfaced perhaps. No one talks about them anymore . People just focus on the legal ones, bolt action rifles etc

[@luisbelmont9222]

Fantastic video!!!! Informative AF.

[@Triangle26]

@@luisbelmont9222 Thank you for watching, and for taking the time to comment!

[@daugin]

love watching these

[@Triangle26]

Thank you!

[@Steve-it4en]

Just leared that I own one of these thanks for the information, found your video on dating the Chinese sks and after dating the three I have noticed this video and its a 1979 French tickler.

[@wadedavies3924]

Your vocab and demeanor give the topic the sophistication it deserves.

[@elrobert2858]

This video was very informative and helped me date my sks which is 1979. Doesn’t have the original stock or dust cover unfortunately someone before me put a goofy scope on it. The numbers on all the other parts are all matching which is nice.

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

Yes, those are beautiful rifles.Thanks for the video.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend!

[@tpumpiscmibicv]

Thank you for the video. I just had one come in last week. I’m new to the platform and didn’t even know it was a FT until I saw your video. Came unissued, unfired with all matching serial numbers, 1979 built date

[@426fourspeed]

Great content as always!

[@Triangle26]

Much appreciated, thanks for stopping by!

[@louiss.w1944]

Amazing summary. So glad I managed to get one of these Ticklers 😍

[@daggerg8451]

Is it true that it's good to look for matching magazines for best reliability I heard there's some fitment Issues like modification required for some magazines for original and aftermarket I am curious for the final production run because I tried the gas piston from a final production run on a 1952 russian and it wouldn't fit way to long I wonder if they change the specification for the magazine because the ear sight block which also has the job of connecting with magazine

[@dakotaj5646]

I absolutely love bakelite, I have a (10) side folder that’s all baked up, along with a ton of mags, all sorts of varieties. I learned about the Chinese fiberglass, I know it’s not exactly the same as Soviet bake but still looks similar. I ended up taking a type 56 and getting a phenol stock and French tickler for it

[@louislavoie1238]

I could have stop 0:15 because if this guy likes the quality of these French Ticklers, it's all I needed to know. But of course I kept listening.

[@rotisseriebear5394]

Thanks for all the history and sharing your knowledge.

[@johnweaver8470]

Great video as always, I have a paratrooper model with a short bayonet on it bought it at a gun show 25 years ago it doesn't take ak mags though did these rifles come that way from the factory? Great video keep them coming

[@Triangle26]

There are a few commercial "paratrooper" models. The majority of them use regular magazines, but a small number of them were designed to take AK mags from the factory.

[@cmbart1]

Great channel, thanks for the info. I just laid an SKS away at my LGS and after seeing this I'm thinking it's a French tickler. It has the wood stock with plastic upper handguard but i need to recheck the markings. Pretty sure it had a triangle, wish I'd snapped a pic.

[@anthonywithem2272]

I have this same exact SKS... Thanks for the information... I just picked it up at a pawn shop in mint condition... I thought it was made in the 50s because that's what I was told, but it's not... I was excited to see this video... Mine has a 23 and the 3 Roman numeral numbers on the sight and the 3 chinese letters on the receiver... I knew there was something special about this gun.

[@TurangaLeela-mv8rb]

Super detailed and helpful as usual. Thank you.

[@SKSFan35]

Just picked up a pristine "French Tickler" from a store here in Canada. $490 Canadian which is about $360 US. 1979 production. Going to grab at least one more.

[@royalservant7011]

I have one of these with all the features

[@Greez1337]

Just nabbed one for $400CAD. Armory symbol, chinese character, followed by 24280352. Barely a single mark on the steel from the disassembly levers. I got to make those scratches myself taking it apart to clean...spent close to an afternoon cleaning out the cosmoline. First mil surp and it was fun just to see how much gunk was in the gas piston system.. I would say i do really like the deep, more reddish wood grain on some of the russian models, but the condition alone of this was too hard to pass for the price. My local vendor has a what they deem "Honor Guard" SKS with full chromed barrel for around 700+CAD. Saw some guys handling it in the gun shop, and the chrome was quite snazzy.

[@Triangle26]

Awesome find. As an American I am quite jealous of those honor guard rifles you guys have up north - they are much less common in the States!

[@HandsomeSexyBadGuy]

I saw an honour guard selling for 20k in usa on gunbroker

[@tracyscott2550]

I have a 1966 “Norinco” . In your video you said something about Norinco starting up in 1980. Can you tell me why this may be? Thank you, enjoy the content.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching. So the short version is that in addition to manufacturing new commercial products, Norinco *remarked* and exported large amount of military surplus. Your 1966 Type 56 Carbine was not originally manufactured with the Norinco marks it has now. Not only did Norinco not exist at that time, but China certainly wasn’t marking their frontline service rifles in the English language. It wasn’t until your rifle was retired from military service in the early 1980’s, and transferred to the newly created Norinco for foreign export, that the “Made in China by Norinco” marking was added. The reason Norinco did this was to build brand awareness, and it’s worth noting it was very successful (although ultimately misleading to collectors). If you are interested, I go into much greater detail on exactly this subject in another presentation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpWVdp-PnrGZgqc

[@wipperwil]

Love your videos man. Thanks for posting and keep up the great work. Now, QQ 4u: do you have a source for the rubber butt pad extensions? These things are SHORT man! (Proud 78, Tri26 owner)

[@Triangle26]

@@wipperwil Thanks for watching! I’d recommend taking a look at the “John Masen SKS Recoil Pad”. I’ve played with one once, and it worked for me. Also very cheap, and uses the existing hardware!

[@Chelsea-cu1pw]

I didn’t know I need French tickler..❤❤ great video btw

[@8pointbear753]

Great history lesson.

[@seantbr2019]

Finally someone who loves sks as much as me everyone makes fun of me because it's one of my favorite firearms subbed !

[@cmbart1]

Just brought home my layaway SKS...triangle 26 with a 23 date code tickler

[@Triangle26]

Awesome, congratulations!

[@EdwardSnortin]

There's a 1979 one up on Gunbroker right now, very tempted

[@Triangle26]

That one for $750? Not bad at all for 2023. I bet whoever scoops it will be pleased.

[@austinporter6701]

I picked up a 1978 with the bakelite for 500 no norinco markings on it. The hammer on the trigger mechanism is barely scratched so tells me shes never really been used or handled. I dont even like to shoot it i just like to look at it in all its beauty

[@Dot-bs4yv]

Seen that cabelas here in canada got a batch of these in last year

[@williammcdonald9833]

I have a m21 made in 1979. I recently acquired for less than 600$ the issue is that the metal parts are beautiful but someone swapped the stock out for a absolutely clapped out wood stock. This thing looks like it was used in battle a lot. The metal and barrel is absolutely beautiful but it’s sitting in a absolutely worn out stock. Is it worth looking for a correct stock or does it really matter because it won’t be a numbers matching stock anyway….

[@Triangle26]

Is this a “0296” M21? If so, while it would be technically possible (and pretty cool) to find a correct stock, it would likely be a real pain to find. Another option to consider is stock refinishing. A rifle with good metal and a thrashed/mismatched stock is pretty much an ideal candidate for refinishing.

[@andrewhavard1560]

cool i found out my sks is a french tickler, never realized that my sks was that valuable, i found mine at a gunshow for $300 that had shitty plastic furniture with a wobbly folding rear stock a detachable box magazine, and they replaced the unique upper handguard with a metal vented one, i replaced the stock with a red wood stock i found on ebay and got a proper fixed magazine,i am keeping the vented upper handguard, i like it. i tried to find matching serials for mine but as far as i am concerned they were probably thrown away.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I don't have one such as you describe (nor have I seen one in the wild) but I do have a mid 1970s triangle 26 in a late 1960s dated red plastic Chinese stock with matching handgaurd.

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

Quick question: so have a type 56 that im missing the recoil lug nut for. Would a yugo m59 recoil lug work?(they want insane prices for chinese ones in ebay) They look similar just figured id ask.

[@Triangle26]

I don’t see any reason that they wouldn’t be interchangeable.

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

​@@Triangle26awesome thanks

[@42willys4]

Great vid

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for stopping by friend!

[@dutchman8870]

Do those stocks have plugs in them? I’ve noticed those on multiple type 56s of that era including mine. And I agree on the trigger quality, way smoother and lighter then my M59/66.

[@Triangle26]

Yep, I’ve noticed the same. Both of my examples have multiple wood plugs. Any theories on why that might be?

[@dutchman8870]

Refurbed stocks on new production barreled actions to save costs?

[@Triangle26]

@@dutchman8870 That’s my best theory as well. I’m not fully satisfied with it (if that were true I would expect to see far more overall variation), but I don’t have an alternative explanation.

[@dutchman8870]

Mine also has marks where a tool was used to remove the upper handgaurd/gas tube. It doesn’t appear like it happened with that particular barreled action either. No marks on the Bakelite handgaurd as well. The previous owner said he bought it new in cosmoline.

[@bdwren]

Getting 1 tomorrow

[@Triangle26]

Congrats 🤘

[@shellmikedankiv]

Thanks for the awesome history lesson. Just ordered one of these today in Canada. Hoping it’s as clean as yours. Question, is it worth grabbing a second one to do a Fab Defense Chassis swap?

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching. I could go either way on the FAB Chassis (I have a mixed review on it, in case you haven’t seen). If you are looking at it from a practical or defensive lens, I think there is definitely an argument for the FAB product, particularly in Canada. Not to say it’s the only option, but it is a viable option. If you are just thinking about having fun at the range, you aren’t missing out.

[@shellmikedankiv]

@@Triangle26what other chassis is out there that you’d recommend. Really limited options in Canada and I love the reliability of the SKS and the price range of ammo and guns.

[@AKguru762]

Better then Forgotten Weapons!!

[@Triangle26]

I don’t know about all that, but I sincerely appreciate the compliment!

[@AA-tb4ff]

whats the deal with the synetic jungle stock sks?

[@Triangle26]

I've got a video called "SKS 'Jungle Stocks'", everything I know is in that video. Long story short, China had a shortage of organic wood, and attempted to develop these stocks as an alternative. The project was unsuccessful, because the jungle stocks are less strong than wood. I've got a KZbin short where I accidentally broke a jungle stock.

[@abledemo1]

I have what is probably a newbie question. Have a Chinese triangle 26 SKS SN starting in 141xxxxx. Picked this up since it was all numbers matching including stock. The Stock wood has a triangle marking and a crescent moon shape pressed/burned into the wood, below the serial number of the receiver. Is this a proof marking? Does it indicate anything at all? Never noticed this before on any others. Thanks!!

[@jeremiahjohnson3018]

Thank you for the excellent content as always! If I wanted to find a late production Type 56, what would be the best way? I've resorted to looking at serials on gunbroker at this point.

[@Triangle26]

Honestly, the search term “French Tickler” usually gets a few hits. There’s usually a couple sellers with some listed for exorbitant prices, but it’s not unusual to see them in the $600-$800 range. Another option would be to just scan listings thumbnails for the FRP hand guard. Sure you could miss a couple of legit examples (or get a “false positive” with the wrong serial), but it’s definitely more efficient. If you are going serial by serial, I’d scan for features. If you only check the serials on rifles with /26\ marked rifles with non-lightening cut bolt carriers and short-barrel lugs, that will definitely narrow the pool.

[@CinimodNorton]

I need a good un modified SKS. All I have found is the idiot conversion set up to take a 30 round magazine. I would love to have a SKS that hasn't been butchered. I'll trade my AKM for one.

[@thedesignerblacksmith5953]

The 10 minutes history part was really lengthy. I thought it has something related to the name, but it's not. Maybe some people will like it, but for me, I already know that. A small part that people usually overlook is that before Sino-Vietnamese war, there was the Sino-Indian war, which is far before 1979. At that time, India still uses gun from WW2 era like the Bren or the SMLE, so of course China has advantage over their opponent. Not sure if it has something to do with the Type 63 but at least we can tell that story of Type 56 in service is more than one war. Another thing is, while I didn't watch much video about Sino-Vietnamese war, as it's really hard to find for one, a good way to understand Vietnamese military equipment at that time is though their time in Cambodia. I did so by searching the Vietnamese name on Wikipedia, for preference of what those time was like. And so what I find is, difference from second Indochina war where footage of them marching and fighting have the appearance of gun like Mosin, M1 carbine (those two for militia), SKS, SGM, RP-46, in Cambodia - Vietnamese war, I can't see any of those at all. Vietnamese both uses captured weapon from second Indochina war like cluster bomblet RPG war head, M79, some M60, some M16 and CAR-15 (while in the same squad with the AK), and more modern weapon like the PK machine gun. Later, Chinese captured the PK machine gun, which lead to the development of the Type 80 GPMG just to still using the Type 67 and export the Type 80. So PK machine gun for sure has it appearance during the war. About that Vietnamese with SKS picture, while no real evidence, my thought is that SKS was handed to the militia or local Police force. You know, as you have a lot of out of service weapon, one could handle that to the force near the border, especially when, as you say, Chinese is the one who invaded. That may also explain why he has no equipment comes with his gun. That aside, but I think Vietnamese army really change right after the second Indochina war when they have time and new doctrine mainly from Soviet.

[@lexus9337]

I just received an M21 unissued unfired its really nice ... but I'm kinda sad it does not have the Chinese markings 😢

[@Triangle26]

Well - if it's any consolation, 99% of French Tickler owners would trade for a late M21 in a heartbeat. They functionally identical, but the M21's are significantly more rare.

[@akrounds]

I'd love to know if anyone in North America has used SKS for bear hunting? How was the experience? Can a bear be taken down with one shot? The hit point was lung or high shoulder?

[@Jojo69869]

Nice videos

[@762cat]

It would look great with a fixed 20rd

[@Triangle26]

Lol, it’s “fixed 20 round mag guy”! All jokes aside, I agree. I’ve never been impressed with their function, but I do think they would look particularly good on this variant.

[@762cat]

@@Triangle26 Love the fixed twenty rounders never had a problem

[@Triangle26]

@@762cat Awesome

[@VLK-73]

I have a factory 26 triangle, 3 letter chinese symbol, which is followed by a long serial number (haven't counted the characters but guessing about 10. This is a sharp departure from the 2 letter designation discussed in the above video. Does anyone have one like this too?

[@Triangle26]

I think you may be a little confused. When I refer to date codes (2 digits) and production numbers (5-6 digits), that is a continuous string of numbers which combine to make up the serial number, of approximately 7-8 digits. In other words, your rifle’s markings perfectly match the most common format for Type 56 Carbines manufactured at State Arsenal 296 (Triangle 26). These videos be of interest to you: How to date your /26\ Chinese SKS (The Correct Way) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3fSfIKdgbOCqc0 How to date ANY Chinese SKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4i4qJhsdq16esk

[@VLK-73]

@@Triangle26 I watched it again and I think I know where my confusion comes from...lol What I failed to notice before, is the fact that the rest of the numbers were blacked out (perhaps with an electrical tape?)...so it seemed like there are only two numbers, when in fact there were many more, as the blackout was somewhat similar to the colour of the reciever. My number is 23.

[@Triangle26]

@@VLK-73 Ahhh, I see. Sorry for the confusion. 23 = 1978 = “French Tickler”!

[@rowdybroomstick6394]

I'd love to call this cat up and pick his brain about Tehnicki Remont Bratunac.

[@Triangle26]

No reason we couldn't do that. I'm not a Bosnian expert, but I know enough to hold a conversation. Shoot me an email if you are serious, best-case scenario I learn something from you instead!

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Are the SKS rifles still banned from the USA?

[@Triangle26]

I’m not sure what you mean, the SKS has never been banned in the US (at least not on a national level). A very small number of States do have some level of restrictions on the SKS, but that’s unusual. You may also be referring to importation sanctions - however those are not specific to the SKS. We cannot directly import most firearms (including the SKS) from places like Russia or China, however we can still import the same rifles from places like Albania.

[@topgunner3025]

Bought a 1979 a couple of days ago

[@acester86]

I hate being a poor. Saw a 1979 french tickler go for $350 cause i was too broke to buy it. Was described as a commercial SKS with after market hand gaurd....but it was a 1979😢, probably military surplus not commercial....😮‍💨

[@Triangle26]

That sucks man. I wish I could say I wasn't still haunted by deals I missed out on ten years ago, but I 100% am lol.

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

What are these worth? 🧐

[@Triangle26]

Hard to say... I see them sell for north of $700 pretty regularly. Whatever someone is willing to pay for a run-of-the-mill 1960's example, I would probably pay another 25% or so.

[@frankparis950]

/156\ with star on stock before sn. Can’t find any info, besides maybe y72 or 73 and a “glass factory”. That’s literally it

[@russellmcmullen1480]

Got a sks other day. its imported by china has 26 on receiver . Looks like russian parts. Has marks on barrel and lug and receiver. Stock is not china either has a letter and 4 numbers matching

[@Triangle26]

Probably a letter series: “Letter Series” Type 56 Carbine (1959-1960) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKq7mn5miJ2HeKcsi=L6JzZ6sMY4eryqgO

[@markus_r_realiest]

Just picked one up on sale in Canada for $450. 1978. Excellent condition and all serials match.

[@Triangle26]

Awesome!

[@yaiphanahakpam1182]

Hello i want to talk with you

[@pistooli1]

Why cover up the serial numbers ?

[@Triangle26]

Out of an abundance of caution. Just because I have a firearm channel doesn’t mean I am obliged to maintain a public ledger of *exactly* which firearms I own at any given time. I also wouldn’t post the license plate or VIN number of my vehicle. Just doesn’t seem wise to me.

[@pistooli1]

That is known as Paranoia.

[@Triangle26]

@@pistooli1Thanks for sharing your 2 cents, it was worth every penny.

[@marshalllapenta7656]

East German might have this beat barely

[@Triangle26]

That may well be so, regrettably I don’t have enough experience with the EG’s to have an opinion.

[@victorracel4140]

You look like you were tickled in the Army....

[@pascalkane3272]

love this communist gun so much

[@Triangle26]

Me too. For all of their faults, they know how to make guns.

[@echohunter4199]

It’s comforting to see that someone else knows how weak the Chinese military actually is. China has a bad history of their society crash with little ease. They’re economically vulnerable and we’re watching a collapse unfolding right now. When the factories close, it has a ripple affect that affects other industries and then they have to fold up. Same for their food production, they depend on foreign food imports for some staple items. When the 3 gorges dam pops in the near future, it’s safe to say things will turn much worse.

[@hvuu1628]

weak military? or not war mongering? Americans military is weak and win only by pushing button with technology. If America was strong we wouldn't have so many PTSD vet running around.

[@humansvd3269]

China is getting an economic hit but this idea they're gonna crash is preposterous. BRICS I getting countries to join it and they are making moves to open a separate commodity market with a gold backed currency. That is grave news for us.

[@billywatts4689]

French Tickler 😂