The Most Annoying SKS?

My first purchased rifle was a Sks Paratrooper with a shortened spike bayonet. I purchased it in the late 1990s at a local pawnshop for $250.00 . It was a very fun rifle. It worked flawlessly with aftermarket higher capacity magazines. Russian surplus ammo was about 20 cents per round, without buying in bulk. I love your very well-informed videos! Thank you, Keep up the great work!

[@jeffreynunes272]

Thank you for your knowledge and expertise on the SkS rifle . I found your channel because I inherited from my Dad a 1951 Russian Tula SKS 45 in unissued condition . Now you opened my eyes on the Chinese type 56 and it's variants. Keep up the great work on your channel.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a ton, I really appreciate that feedback. Glad to be able to spread some enthusiasm for these fine rifles.

[@craigharper7544]

You turd, now I have to explain to my wife why I need another SKS!😂 Great video!!

[@Triangle26]

I get that feedback often haha. Thanks for watching, and thanks for your email the other day!

[@ghostjohn2001]

You’ve answered some questions in comments on my Bricklee SKS Paratrooper, but a couple of things I will note. I’ve fired quite a few weapons in my life, but this SKS is a bad little dude, lol. Mine is extremely well balanced with great functionality. The barrel, from tip to end of bell is exactly 15 and a half inches. Being short lug as you noted, probably 16 inches total. I only wish Bricklee had added the cut down Bayonet. At least all serial numbers match. You make great videos, most of what I’ve sorted out about my SKS is due to your info. Excellent job!

[@sarge12212]

I had cut 4" off my previously Bubba'd SKS because of some rust damage. Took it to a local machine shop and had the barrel turned down (to 14mm). Drilled and installed the pins. But it back on and now I have a ParaBubba, with a Russian blade bayonet. 😀✌️

[@Triangle26]

Awesome. Everything work properly, shoot straight?

[@sarge12212]

@@Triangle26 yes, no shot it before I put the pins in, to make sure there was no cant. KZbin, it's a wonderful thing. 😊

[@jasonmontell1472]

The blade wasn’t altered to fit the stock?

[@sarge12212]

​@@jasonmontell1472The blade wasn't original to this stock. It was a spike grooved stock. I had to cut a deeper groove in the stock and gas tube bayonet notch. The stock wasn't original either.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

I worked on one the other day. Actually just reassembled and throughly cleaned it. It has no factory markings, just norinco and the importer. I assume it is strictly a import for US market, not a modified military rifle. It seems like it would be a handi rifle.

[@gd3515]

I remember seeing these in the early 90's, at gun shows. I drooled over them but never wound up getting one. I think it's time to start shopping! Thank you for your videos, Triangle 26!

[@dennisgreen3430]

I'm a newcomer to your channel and I have to say - you're knowledgeable (very!), articulate, concise, have superb camera presence, and are pleasant to hear. I rank you with AK 47 Operators Union (Robski!), Paul Harrell, Garand Thumb and Hickok 45. Pretty elite company. As an aside I absolutely love my SKS carbine.

[@Triangle26]

I sincerely that, thank you. I'm beyond flattered to be mentioned in the same sentence as guys like that, those guys are my favorites too. Glad you found the channel, and thanks for making my day.

[@mayanksrivastav5881]

I found your channel recently and cannot agree more. Truly grateful for your no bs articulation and succinctness.

[@johnbyron3814]

Partner you do an amazing job At everything you do here As a Canadian just getting into the firearms world Any new semi rifles that we get and are allowed to shoot here are garbage unless your paying big money I came across the SKS and believe it or not it fits the bill for here Finding your channel was fantastic I'm ready to buy my 2nd SKS YOU definitely would have a GREAT Career in TV Thank you for what you do here From Canada 🇨🇦

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend!

[@jonathonwilliamson9879]

This video, as are all the rest is super informative. You are a vast well of desirable information. I am now watching multiple vids a day or yours and I am learning more everyday. I appreciate the time it takes for you research, write and record all of these excellent videos. Please keep them coming.

[@paititi]

Your super informative, excellently conveyed, expertly informed, and super-useful SKS videos are much appreciated!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend, I really appreciate that. Great username!

[@davidshao3475]

Great video and remind me of the SKS we pulled out of bomb hideout in university for military training in 1983… we have tons of those back then.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Was this in China? Am I understanding correctly that you have seen a reduced barrel length SKS that was being used in a domestic capacity?

[@Juggggo]

great vid, you’ve convinced me to get an sks watching you over the past month

[@Triangle26]

Awesome, I doubt you will regret it!

[@dslife1]

Another great video 👍👍

[@Triangle26]

Thank you!

[@apoinla]

I just got one for $422 out the door, it has synthetic stock, Bipod & Scope. I’m replacing synthetic stock with an Israeli capture stock I also got on line. Thx for the videos!

[@gooberclese]

My dad (RIP) got in on the pre-ban Norinco SKS wave back when I was a kid and loved "that cheap little Chinese rifle" . He told me he got it for someting like two hundred and 19 bucks still packed in cosmoline . The stock has a little wear, nicks, scratches in a much older looking varnish or stain layer . Like someone added a new layer love the old one and the newer damage. The rest looked newly machined tested then added to the old stock wood furniture. No proof that' is the case but I did notice it has a shorter barrel than most SKSs I see.

[@85Sirex]

Great video. I love the SKS rifles, and find them fun, and practical to shoot. I have had several, Russian, Yugo, Chinese (both military surplus and commercial) over the years. I have 2 "paratroopers", a triangle 26 that was shortened and a navy Arms Cowboy Companion. Out of all my SKS rifles, my triangle 26 paratrooper at 100yds was always my most accurate SKS using Golden Tiger, but I also personally found it very practical, and most importantly, the most fun to shoot. My last SKS I'd ever get rid of though is my Yugo 59/66A1 simply because it was my very first centerfire rifle I ever bought, so it has the sentimental value. I never had a M variant, although I think that would have been fun.

[@lonewolfvamilton2438]

Thank you for channel and knowledge I used your video to date mine to 1964 I purchased it in the 80s. Thanks again

[@Triangle26]

Glad to be of help, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@bobrowley4346]

I've only seen and had experience with a 1973 manufacture, paratrooper with blade bayonet... really cool rifle! Thanks for info.

[@allenclark1500]

Excellent video! I have an SKS paratrooper it was the 2nd SKS I ever bought i bought it back in 1995 and I feel it is a practically perfect general purpose rifle. If i could only have an 1 rifle that would be it. I only made 3 modifications to mine. 1. I put tec sights on it. To improve the sight raidus. It makes a big difference in sight picture. 2 I put it in a buttler Creek stock , because in the orignal stock I get a bloody nose every time I shoot an SKS 3 I picked up an M1 carbine clamp on flash hider . I find the flash signature in noticably increased with the 16" barrel. The flash hider is easily removable with just a wing nut.

[@Triangle26]

Nice!

[@A.R.American1]

I have a yugo sks and a model m paratrooper that uses ak mags. I put a regular military issue wood stock on the m and like it better than i do my ak. I have always liked the sks's but the m that uses sks mags is one of my favorites.

[@bumpercoach]

Simonov was fully aware of the Garand but went w/ his anti-tank design bcs unlike the m1 carbine it was meant for typical frontline troops so rugged ?reliable was good enough and semi-auto w/ A MEDIUM/practical rifle round was the big develpment so more capacity and rds/lb was what made it worth the new design

[@KevinAllred-r4t]

My first SKS happens to be a Norinco "paratrooper" bought it years ago and have since added a Yugo and a type 56 Norinco.

[@Triangle26]

Excellent! All great rifles.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

good stuff as always.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching!

[@nitrosophelin]

i have one of these that was converted from a /26\ manufactured in the early 60s and still has all the original markings. its probably my favorite gun i own

[@Triangle26]

Awesome. I believe it, they really are delightful little carbines. Hard not to love.

[@tonyadams6375]

Excellent video! I have three SKS rifles, all Chinese. The first one is a full length threaded barrel, (at the breach, not the tip), and a numbers matching, paratrooper version. I also have an SKS type M, paratroop length that takes AK-47 magazines. The type M is a pin barrel. All three are good shooters.

[@Triangle26]

Excellent!

[@xfirehurican]

Excellent recap on the 'Paratrooper'. Your example is what I'd consider the ultimate truck gun - I'm still looking for one to take to the field and actually shoot. Here's the scoop on mine: Purchased 05/18 from a collector in PA. Why I don’t shoot it: /26\ serno 91602XX, numbers matching, w/bayonet. ALL metal is in practically 'unissued' condition. Bore is shiny. The unnumbered stock (side sling mount) is finish-matched with the foregrip. Furniture is the typical orange-brown with only a couple of handling marks. Imported by CJI Southfield, MI. There's a few factory QA/QC stamps around the barrel lug. Perhaps you could tell me more about it? Be glad to email you some pics. TIA

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching as always. I agree it fills the truck gun niche extremely well. I’d love to take a look at your example, feel free to shoot pics to “[e-mail]”.

[@johnweaver8470]

That's the video I wanted to see thanks for sharing

[@Triangle26]

Excellent, thanks for watching!

[@cheesenoodles8316]

I concurr, a 16" barrel for the 39 is the best option. My Commercial SKS served as a take along gun for many desert trips ...being shorter would have been better. Space and weight mattered. I did remove the bayonet for a short time....but put it back on.

[@gabevon9374]

Man I think people will call me liar but I picked up a matching serial number “paratrooper” at my local gun shop for $450. It came with a crappy detachable mag that would feed but after replacing it with a 10rd fixed it works like charm. Loved the video btw highly informative as always. Keep up the good work

[@Triangle26]

Thank you sir! Congrats on that find, I certainly believe it. Deals are out there, and finding something without the magazine is a great way to get such a deal.

[@gabevon9374]

@@Triangle26 I know you are very familiar with identifying marking, does the number 974 in an oval mean anything to you?

[@fubar55676]

I picked one up back in January for 500 all numbers matching except for the bolt and possibly the stock because it was refinished and the numbers are no longer readable

[@alucardtepes4420]

I never had any luck getting those high capacity "detachable" magazines to work tried a few of them. only one i ever got to work was the tapco ones, and they worked 100% of the time too.

[@fubar55676]

@@alucardtepes4420 the 20 round Tapco mags are the only ones I've ever had luck with

[@bungalobill7941]

Was at a gun show in the mid 90's and a guy had a table full of these for $99 each. I didn't even buy one. Yes I am a dumbass. There is a theory that the shortened barrel is more accurate because of less barrel flex.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

I bought mine for $350 at a Garage sale back in 2014.

[@ericdulyon4601]

And BTW I see that Kbar In the background I have an old original USMC fighting K bar myself. Love it and I love Carmen knows more than I do stainless. Do you prefer stainless over carbon steel knives?

[@Triangle26]

Good to hear from you! I saw another comment from you that I meant to write a proper response too - but I don’t see it now. Weird. I remember it being great feedback though, something about how I could have been more clear about the advantages of the shorter barrel… I don’t think 4” makes a huge difference in any specific situation, but rather it adds up over time. Getting in and out of vehicles. Carrying for hundreds of miles. Getting snagged on branches. It’s not a matter of necessarily allowing someone to survive a situation they wouldn’t have survived with a longer weapon, but rather just making their life a little easier one day at a time. As for knives, to be honest I am super ignorant about blade steel. Definitely too ignorant to have a preference. What should my preference be lol?

[@ericdulyon4601]

@@Triangle26 as far as knives and carbon steel or stainless. Of course you probably know stainless is a bit harder to sharpen but the edge last longer and it's the opposite on carbon steel knives. I like them because they are very easy to sharpen quickly. But ask for a survival situation stainless of course will not rust if you use it as a tool or to eat with while carbon can honestly almost gets sharpened by rough leather which makes it a little easier to sharpen in a survival situation if you don't have a stone. So they are definitely minuses and pluses to each. yes I withdrew the question because I remember you kind of addressing it before which I had forgotten and everything you pretty much wrote back is what you said before it's just easier to deal with. I guess I've always thought a little more velocity Was better if you need Longer Range. Which might be negligible anyway though

[@matthewloula1145]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@loufaggetti3467]

I am curious why all but one of the paratrooper models I have seen are non-chrome lined? If the factories cut down existing SKS barrels why are they not chromed? Thank you

[@chrismatthews7103]

Definitely agree with you Triangle! A day late and a dollar short thought process. Even though it still was very popular with the Chinese and other outfits. Shorter barrel, modified to take AK mags. It definitely could have been a similar m1 carbine, m14/M1A which could have extended it's popularity and usage. Well done excellent video!

[@dalanwanbdiska6542]

Ever see a chassis thats made by scorpion for the sks, makes it like a ar 15 with extra rails for enablers. I got a stock 1952 russian and want to get another one so i could make it into a modern hunting rifle. Id love to get one of those synthetic stocks with the monte carlo cheek piece and its grey color. Its got the shape of a hunting rifle and thats what im after. And then a scope rail to fit a red dot. Id rather use a reddot , tube style , than a scope. Id remove the bayonet and put a sling. Set it for the flattest shooting with a 200yard zero. And I want a folding style stock sks too, maybe with a gastube rail for a reddot like yours. id keep the original magazine in all setups.

[@panyinji]

Can a paratrooper stock be used for a normal type 56? Thank you.

[@Triangle26]

Short answer: Yes, there are no differences between paratrooper and standard stocks. Long answer: Keep in mind that stocks cut for threaded barrel interfaces and pressed and pinned barrel interfaces are different. Also, paratrooper stocks often have larger bayonet cuts. This won’t prevent them from working with the correct style of bayonet (spike or blade) on a full size rifle, however it may look a bit funny.

[@philliplatham4256]

My short-barreled SKS mark 26 # 112023$$ what year was it made

[@Triangle26]

The receiver was made in 1966, although at that time it would have been a full-size Type 56 Carbine. It was converted into its current configuration a couple decades later.

[@philliplatham4256]

I’ve shot a 12 inch plate.Multiply times at 300 yards and took down six bucks with this gun and all the guys used to laugh at me hunting with this gun now half a them have their own SKS 👍🏻👍🏻 and I paid $120 for it

[@anthonystout9623]

I have an 56 sks ghost that I am considering shortening the barrel. Is there any modification that has to be performed on the gas system to account for the shorter barrel? I love your videos.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting. No modification to the gas system is necessary, as long as you are going to around 16”. Just as a a quick note: On the off chance you are unaware of the collector value of the “Ghost” variant, please note that it is among the more historically significant and desirable of the Chinese rifles. They often sell for as much as double the price of more common examples, and modification to paratrooper configuration will hurt that value. I’m not at all against chopping up SKS patterns, however a “Ghost” would not be *my* first choice for such a project. As long as you understand that going in, more power to you in however you decide to enjoy your own property!

[@anthonystout9623]

Unfortunately only the receiver and barrel are original ghost parts. The rest of the parts have been replaced and the serial numbers ground off to fool unsuspecting and uninformed customers. If it was a complete serial number matching ghost I would not even consider doing any modifications to it. I do not know the worth of my rifle in the current condition.

[@malainasimmons714]

I keep wondering, what are those corn-cob looking things hanging above the kabar?

[@Triangle26]

They are as they appear, corn cobs. Short story is I have limited decorations, and I figured any decorations are better than no decorations. Long story is a few years back I got to help out in a Navajo corn harvest, it was a really cool experience (and the best corn I've ever eaten) - so it's also just a happy memory for me.

[@louislavoie1238]

I know I cant chop my SKS under 18.xxx inches up here in Canada. So I'm curious if these paratrooper exist here and what weird laws apply to them. Restrained? Thx

[@patrickpylant7881]

I have a 1967 sks that have thw assnel 26 markings, but i have a triangle 8 stamp in the stock. What does this mean? Many thanks for any help.

[@Triangle26]

I’m not 100% sure what the single digit triangle stamps in the stock mean - however they are common. The most likely explanation in my mind is that they represent inspection/approval marks, or quite possibly that they designate which subcontractor/sub factory actually manufactured the stock.

[@AtrociousAK47]

pretty sure the first sks I every held was a paratrooper model, I remember it seemed pretty short and handy, and it was a norinco type 56. this was at a local gunshop, unfortunatley I was told by the clerk that it had already sold, but i wanted to see it nonetheless, and after that I decided i was gonna get a real one as soon as i was able to, and I did, tho it ended being the much heavier and longer yugo m59/66A1, and tho certainly quite alot of money judging by the fudd "back in my day" guys that bought theirs like over 20 years ago when they were still new in a crate covered in cosmoline for like $200 or less, I dont regret my purchase one bit. it was my first rifle and technically the first gun I ever bought, if you dont count the interarms ppk that I transferred from my old man.

[@inumbraclad]

Thanks for the explanation! I was wondering why the SKS paratrooper bayonet was so idiotically designed - with no pointy point. Now I know, and knowing is half of the battle.

[@jamesreed2888]

Thanks for making this vid! I popped into a local pawn shop to find they had a paratrooper with the most beaten up stock youve ever seen for 500, and one that looks brand new for 600. Metal on both are really clean. I really like some of the laminated wood Russian stocks I've seen online. Would it be too much hassle to reseat the busted one in a cooler stock or should I just stick to the one that is good right out of the gate? I saw someone selling a beautiful 1955 Tula for a few hundred more and the collector in me wants to get that, but the smaller form factor of the paratrooper makes it more useful to me. If I can ask one more question, I read online that the paratrooper doesnt have the hole cut into the stock to store the cleaning kit like other sks models. Is that true? Thanks again for all the info you've put out. I only learned about these rifles about a week ago, but thanks to you I know more about them than my friends who have been into firearms way longer than me :)

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and for the great questions. I’ll help as best I can: 1) The “para” you are thinking about restocking will either have a threaded or pressed & pinned barrel interface. Here is a video which can help you tell the difference: Getting the right stock for your Chinese SKS kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHu1poqqeN18o6c If it’s threaded, swapping out for a Russian stock is no big deal. If it’s pressed & pinned, I’d advise against it. Remember that a Russian stock will be cut for a blade bayonet, which may be harder to work with if you want to get a bayonet on your paratrooper. It all comes down to what you want. $100 is not a big difference to avoid a lot of work, but on the other hand, for some people the work is half of the fun. So that’s up to you. 2) Most Chinese paratroopers just use regular stocks (with the cleaning kit cutout). Some specific variants have different “sporting” stocks which lack this cutout, but those are less common. I hope that answers your questions, don’t hesitate to follow up if there is any more information you need.

[@jamesreed2888]

@@Triangle26 awesome! Thanks so much for the help

[@Dennisthemenace40]

I picked up one of these by chance about 25 years ago on the advice of my Dad. He said to get an SKS because they were inexpensive, reliable, had good power and the ammo was dirt cheap. I found it at a LGS for $190. I had no idea the short barrel was different. I just thought an SKS was an SKS. I have fewer than 1,000 rounds through it but only one malfunction. It’s definitely a keeper.

[@bumpercoach]

got my Cowboy Companion (fun ripoff on Ranch Rifle) traded for a Bersa 380CC I got at a pawn shop for >3bens... mostly milsurp parts w/ both a tapco and original stocks

[@RealDeanWinchester]

The biggest gain you get from shortening the barrel is tremendous amounts of noise.

[@fubar55676]

My paratrooper gets 5-inch groups at 50 yards but that's more than likely done to the fact it has about an ⅛ inch of play in the stock as soon as I find my Dremel I'm going to bed it and hopefully that will tighten the group's up a bit

[@Triangle26]

I’d imagine that will help a great deal. Honestly - 10 MOA is bad enough that it’s actually reassuring, because it usually means there is a correctable problem at play.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

You could probably also cork bed the barrel to reduce the play in the barrel like the Russians did with the Mosin Nagant rifle.

[@Triangle26]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 I agree, that could definitely help!

[@fubar55676]

@michaelbenjmitchell1 I don't know if that'll exactly help out because I don't think the Barrel is making contact anywhere. But now you got me thinking I might relieve the outside the stock where the feral mates with the stock and inlay it with cork.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@fubar55676 I'll have to check my SKS first. But if yours is a full length SKS "20 inch" the barrel protruding from beyond the Ferule might also be a problem area with no solution.

[@ernest9606]

Love my sks. Couldn't help to notice the ka bar in background. The special forces in Vietnam carried a sog bowie knife.

[@Triangle26]

Glad you picked up on that, sometime I like to sneak things in the background to see if anyone notices!

[@walidqaissi9292]

I have shot too many of AKs, of course. The hungarian and chines are the best in accuracy, but my first shot with SKs was type 56. I wasn't satisfied . many friends who are hunters tried to convince me, but my first impression with SKs couldn't forget . it is light , very good triger but its light whait from the muzzle make it un stable when it shots

[@Triangle26]

Fair enough, to each their own! I have always found that the short stroke gas piston of the SKS provides a more stable recoil impulse than an AK, but that's a subjective opinion.

[@walidqaissi9292]

thank you for inerrancy . I think an allitle of costimized may help SKS , beginning from leaving wood and desine a metal structure . may this help .

[@rabbitholereviews]

Those 20rd internal box magazines were all over the place in the 1990's. Still think those are neat.

[@geraldroberts4721]

Great video, now when I hear a self proclaimed SKS expert talking BS about the paratrooper model, I can just refer them to your vid. I took a shortened barreled model and updated the stuff that makes the SKS frustrating. I put a Choate stock on it, a spring firing pin and hammer spring from Murray's, a sear/mag spring from MCarbo and a quality sling and I have a shooter that far exceeds any of my other Simonov's.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching! There definitely seems to be a trend among SKS collectors where “historically accurate” and “good” get conflated…

[@athappyhiker]

I have TWO mint condition SKS-S carbines. They are awesome and way more handy than a 4” barrel reduction would make you think. Function perfectly.

[@tylerimp8004]

Really glad I came across the channel. I have a huge passion for the Chinese sks and have a 6 digit 148k "ghost" sks. I've always been hungry to learn more about the program the Russians ran. The sks is truly unbelievable, it was my first center fire semi auto, and my first semi auto rifle that I learned a gas system on. It captured me. Unfortunately I only have 1 now but I'm only interested by the chinese variants. I've always said the Chinese ones were the most proven and best ones.

[@MaverickCompany]

Where did you buy your stock for your paratrooper

[@Triangle26]

Armslist. They sell for way too much on the big auction sites, but sometimes they pop up in local listings for good deals.

[@williamalford7512]

What do you know about a norinco m35 (Chinese m14)

[@Triangle26]

Not a ton unfortunately, my understanding is that they are far more common in Canada than they are where I am in the US. That said, what little I have heard has been positive.

[@williamalford7512]

I love my sks and would like to try one of they’re m35 And I’m in Teas

[@williamalford7512]

Texas

[@GunDaddy1]

I wonder your view of the impact on Russian ammo ban on sks prices.

[@Triangle26]

That’s a great question - and honestly I might make a video on that. First I’ll have to really think about it though, I’m really not positive what the effect is. Scarcity always drives consumer panic, but on the other hand, a shortage of affordable ammunition makes the SKS less appealing to a wide section of the market.

[@MrRugercat45]

Loved the video, watched thevwhole thing. Damn, I regret selling my regular model post ban SKS. Now ANY are ridiculously expensive, and my Mini-14 was stolen. Eh, maybe I will replace it with another SKS and call it good.

[@mailmannb7970]

Love your SKS videos... but I do believe it says in the Geneva Conventions, that mutating a SKS is a violation!

[@Triangle26]

Geneva *suggestions* lol.

[@DavidDiaz-zp4hu]

It's only a crime after the 1st time ..​@@Triangle26

[@dragdragon23]

back in 2002 a guy needed money and I bought off of him a Baby eagle in 9mm, Russian SKS, four Chinese SKS and one of these is a para trooper with a synthetic stock folding legs mounted where the bayonet is supposed to be also a flash hider and a scope (Chinese 4x scope) on a mount going over the bolt cover (they had to take off the cover lever for the mounting) the rifle was set up to shoot ground hogs)but I did get the laminate stock with the metal gas tube cover and the cut down spike bayonet separate from the rifle. all for 680 bucks.

[@dragdragon23]

I did also got two folding sticks for the sks too!

[@mighaelwalker6224]

When do we get to see your paratrooper and your modern variant at the range?

[@Triangle26]

Hopefully soon. I’m going to do a full review of the “FAB” Chassis which should include a bit of range footage. That said, I should probably note that it’s actually just one rifle between shuffled between two stocks. I wish I had two paras.

[@sidviscous5959]

when you say the SKS was relieved in 1979, I can't help but picture the Type 56 standing on the parade ground, presenting his spike bayonet to the new MBR.

[@chrislang5659]

I was told that the smaller ones were a parade rifle for the Chinese version of the ROTC.

[@Triangle26]

I’ve never heard that. Doesn’t mean there isn’t any truth in it, but I’m initially suspicious. I’ve seen many parade and “student militia” rifles, but never a shortened one.

[@chrislang5659]

@Triangle 26 like you said no matter what they are, they are cool. The boss has a few, the oldest son uses one as a truck gun! Maybe that's what was all along 🤔 A Chinese truck gun #?*!

[@edmiller9654]

Like ur video I'm leaning a lot just bought one sks He said it's a 1958 Marine paratrooper So far all the numbers match But how can I really know the date It's was made in China it's got the triangle and written like in ur video please help if can

[@jayking1276]

Mishco has one with a 20 round non detachment mag.

[@bobbymay8618]

i just got a really good shape paratrooper for about 600. bore looks great, need to shoot it.

[@Triangle26]

That’s a great deal for 2023, nice work.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

Glad I got mine for $350 9 years ago but $600 is still kind of cheap too. I wouldn't mind owning another paratrooper.

[@neverendingmods]

Love my shorty SKS. If any feeding issues swap the mag to a non issued, NOS 10rd magazine. Many people ruin the shorty SKSs by taking off the bayonets and using aftermarket mags. You don't see too many shorty SKS rifles with bayonet and a good, working NOS magazine.

[@bumpercoach]

one variant I wish theyd made would be ENBLOC CLIP LOADED like the PTRS-41 worked w/ a bottom loaded/dropped 10-rd clip for better carry/speed than stripper clips

[@therover65]

I can relate to author. I own 3 models of a Tag Heuer Monaco watch. If new variants come out that I like, and I can afford it, I will continue buying Tag Heuer Monaco’s exclusively.

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Awesome video mate🏁

[@panzerabwerkanone]

I bought my Full Size SKS from Navy Arms. It was a variant made for Chinese Cowboys. 😛 The Chinese "para" SKS carbines seem to have the same lore as the "tanker Garands".

[@alanmcnew5376]

I bought an old instruction manual (which I still own) that gave detailed instructions on how to convert an SKS to take AK47 magazines haven’t seen that sold anywhere for decades. 😎

[@nick493]

Homemade Yugo paratrooper, I hated the extra long piece for something I'll not use anyway.

[@Triangle26]

Understandable. I’m sure it’s a great compromise when one has a backpack full of 22mm rifle grenades. Otherwise, not so much!

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Triangle26 What is interesting about the 59/66 is that grenade spigot was designed to also use Nato rifle grenades as well.

[@rationalmind6362]

Mine has a triangle with a 3 in it. What's the story on it ? And yes, I'm another one that came here because of Hickok 45. 👍

[@Triangle26]

Welcome! It depends if you are talking about a mark on the receiver or the stock. “Triangle 3” cartouches in the stock seem to subcontractor or inspection marks. If you are talking about a receiver stamping, it’s actually most likely going to be an extremely stylized “6636” or “3636” factory marking.

[@rationalmind6362]

@Triangle26 it's on the receiver. It's a triangle with 3 smaller triangles in it and the number 3 centered.

[@Triangle26]

@@rationalmind6362 Got it. If you look at those three smaller triangles super carefully (you may need a magnifying glass), you will see that they aren’t technically perfect triangles, but rather have openings and little doglegs. They are actually highly stylized numbers. The bottom two are going to be sixes, and the top one will either be a third six or a three. It is very likely your rifle was made at “Jilin Diesel Factory” in Changchun China!

[@rationalmind6362]

@@Triangle26 Thank you so much. I'm really enjoying your channel. Hickok did us all a great favor.

[@jayking1276]

More last ditch commercial Chicom Sks. I want one.... Got it😁

[@darwinorlose]

Hey guys, new Triangle 26 just dropped.

[@HDSME]

My favorite sks !!!!

[@michaelmcsweeney762]

I like your videos. Please invest in a better mic.

[@Triangle26]

Understood - thank you for that feedback.

[@timarnold9969]

"Don't Yuk, Yuk other people's Yum, Yums." Great advice! So, I guess I won't belittle Bill Clinton for choosing the pig that he hangs with...

[@TheThridwolf]

Doubt Chinese airborne troops ever used the the short version sks, its outdated in late 50s for most communist blocks special forces except maybe Albanian

[@Triangle26]

It’s certainly true that no Chinese airborne troops used the short version. That said, it’s incorrect to say that the standard pattern was outdated in the late 1950’s. The Type 56 Carbine was the most broadly issued small arm in China until 1980. Yugoslavia used the M59/66A1 heavily in the 1970’s and even through the 1980’s. Many smaller countries like Albania, but also Vietnam, Pakistan, Zambia, and others used the weapon much later than the 50’s. In fact, it should probably be noted that of the approximately 15 million SKS patterns produced globally, more than 2/3rds were produced *after* 1960.

[@jayking1122]

I like to call the sks-M, the ones with the thumb holed stocks There last ditch commercial Sks s.

[@Triangle26]

That's a good one!

[@bumpercoach]

to me the best looking sks stock is the choate conventional... original wood only has the edge by being original ... see/felt it yet? unless I can get a decent -priced wood for my one nonCHN itll be the choate for my 1950 tula

[@smlee7348]

My favorite Sks variant.... factory Paratrooper (the bitch).... and commands premium over 20-in rifle. I agree with you that Paratrooper would have been better fit for military operations around world in 1950's-to-1990's.... good day

[@mchankerhoff853]

The paratroopers are wayyy louder than the 20 inchers. They are ear splitting loud haha.

[@Triangle26]

Definitely louder than the 20 inchers. I'm not sure I would describe them as "ear splitting", they are basically just AK's at that point.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

My only SKS is a Paratrooper. And it is made from a military rifle not the civilian made SKS's from Norinco.

[@Triangle26]

Norinco primarily used military rifles to make their paratroopers, only a very small percentage are new production!

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Triangle26 Mine is a M series Letter gun all the numbers match on all the metal parts. But it isn't a chrome lined barrel though.

[@Triangle26]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 Out of curiosity, how have you determined that it doesn’t have a chrome lined barrel?

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Triangle26 Because there is no chrome showing at all in the chamber area or at the muzzle end.

[@Triangle26]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1I see. The reason I ask is because I have had many conversations with people who have visually determined that their Chinese SKS does not have a chrome lined barrel, which contradicts all available historical records. Of those people who I managed to talk into performing a chemical test (such as dabbing a little cold bluing solution on a Q-Tip), 100% of them have discovered that their bore was indeed chrome lined all along. Food for thought 🤷‍♂️

[@gd3515]

I love my paratrooper!.... for no particular reason. :)

[@mcmelonmaster]

I picked one up in 2009. Was my favorite. But i sold it to get an AK. I will regret that for the rest of my life.

[@Triangle26]

We’ve all got those stories, unfortunately. Comes with the territory.

[@realnealvatn]

I sleep with my paratrooper within arms reach lol

[@Triangle26]

Excellent 🤘

[@alucardtepes4420]

it really doesn't even look that much shorter.

[@johndeere1951a]

Excellent presentation. But get a microphone 🎤🎤 can barely hear you in these videos. Show more examples of each topic. At times your like reading a book about art work , without pictures !? 1981/82 sprefix Yugo in New Hampshire 🗽🇺🇸

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for the feedback, I hear you loud and clear.

[@moothemagiccow7923]

Arghh...me want one too now

[@newedgegt7435]

Words

[@stevena3871]

Unfortunately, in Washington State, all SKSs are banned by name. You can no longer purchase them at all. Even Canada allows them. It's the most asinine law ever (HB 1240).

[@Triangle26]

That’s crazy. I did a video on WA HB 1180, but I haven’t heard about 1240. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@stevena3871]

@Triangle26 HB 1180 was the original. 1240 was pretty much identical and ended up passing and signed into law. It's actually even worse than 1180 and bans certain shotguns and pistols as well as rifles. Apparently the SKS (among others) is "hyper masculine" according to the law. It's being challenged in court post Bruen, but who knows when and if this law gets overturned.

[@Triangle26]

@@stevena3871 Got it. Yea, I ripped the “hyper masculine” language in my video. AWBs are always nonsensical, but this one was particularly awful. Here’s a link to my analysis if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYXbnplufNeEopI

[@keithagn]

Not to worry, Steven! Dear Leader Justin will be banning our SKS very soon along with all other semi auto, centerfire magazine fed firearms. See bill C-21. Regards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@keithagn]

PS never give up your 2nd.

[@Red-qf5st]

Why doesn’t anyone talk about the Sks that takes a AK 47 mag. Mine does.

[@Americanstruggle]

Have you realized this is the soviet version of the M1 Garand?

[@Triangle26]

It’s really not. The M1 Garand is a first-generation autoloading battle rifle designed to fire the same full-power cartridge as Allied MMG/GPMGs, such as the M1919. The Soviets absolutely had their own “version” of this, except it wasn’t the SKS. It was the SVT-40. The closest US comparison to the SKS would be the M1 Carbine, but even that is a stretch

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Dont yuck yuck my yum yum....im keeping that one

[@alucardtepes4420]

Sure its obsolete, but it will still get the job done, and is good. m1 garand obsolete, but its still good.

[@Triangle26]

Absolutely, obsolete does not mean useless! It would be a grave mistake to underestimate old warhorses like the SKS or Garand.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Triangle26 They are still being used today in wars overseas.

[@Triangle26]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 Indeed, as are bolt action rifles and machetes.

[@uzileopard6199]

the most annoying thing is the price point

[@coreylahey9309]

The bayonet is upside down

[@Triangle26]

I’m aware. That’s not unusual with paratroopers, due to the fact that neither the bayonet nor the stock were designed to work in the short configuration. Sometimes they fit better upside down.

[@jasonmontell1472]

Bayonet is on upside down

[@Triangle26]

Yup, that’s the only way it fits in the FRP stock. Works great though.

[@jasonmontell1472]

@@Triangle26 I’m sorry.. frp? I’m not familiar with that

[@Triangle26]

@@jasonmontell1472 Fiber Reinforced Plastic, it’s just the term the Chinese used for these fiberglass or so-called “jungle” stocks. The tolerances are a little different, such that (at least on my example) the cut down bayonet fits best upside down.

[@jasonmontell1472]

@@Triangle26 ahhh. Because I’ve seen wood stocks routed deeper and wider to fit a bayo but what you have is outside of my experience