Norinco Type 56 SKS Briklee “Hunter” 7.62x39mm – PARATROOPER, SLING, BREAK

The SKS, designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov, with the express purpose of upgrading the Soviet arsenal from the obsolete Mosin-Nagant. Simonov was inspired by the design of the Soviet PTRS anti-tank rifle and the continued interest of the Red Army in developing an intermediate rifle cartridge. The SKS would finally come to fruition in 1944 when Simonov chambered his self-loading carbine to fire the now iconic 7.62x39mm cartridge. The SKS would be officially designated as the Red Army’s carbine and was adopted around the same time as the AK-47 and RPD. However, due to a change in Soviet doctrine opting for more Mechanization the SKS found itself overshadowed by the AK-47, not by any fault of the rifle or its design. The Chinese would begin licensing the SKS in the mid-50s, designating it the Type 56 Carbine. Over the course of its service the Type 56 would receive some changes, most notably the Bayonet, which was changed to the Chinese spike bayonet from the Soviet blade style.

In the late 80s and 90s Chinese guns began flooding the US market and began a major arms race between US importers, each trying to outdo the next, even going so far to request Norinco make custom alterations prior to export. Briklee Trading Company, based in California, requested 16.5” barrel with corresponding cutdown spike bayonet for their Paratrooper and Hunter carbines which were sold bundled with a free Briklee SKS-74 muzzle break. Their Hunter model was marketed as their Deluxe offering retailing for almost 3 times the price of the standard Paratrooper and was upgraded with an ambidextrous safety lever and Type-89 scope mount on the left side of the receiver. These short SKS rifles are the most prized commercial configurations as their shorter barrels give them a similar overall length to AKM pattern rifles but with a thinner profile.

This example, serial number 2303787, was produced by Arsenal 116 and comes with its SKS-74 muzzle break, PLA green canvas sling, cleaning rod, oiler, and a PLA SKS bandolier. This carbine is in excellent overall condition retaining 98%+ factory finish on all parts and has a mirror 10/10 bore. These Chinese rifles are only getting harder to find, especially paratrooper models, so don’t miss the chance to add this one to your collection. Have a look at the detailed specifications and pictures below. Thanks for looking!