1959/60 LETTER SERIES
Chinese letter series (also commonly called 'Sino-Soviet' guns): These are identified by their single letter prefix and four or five digit numeral in the S/N along with a /26\ stamp. The original matching S/N stocks all seem to have side swivels, though as with the other early variation rifles, many have been restocked. Here we see marked changes. Original stocks all having side swivels and the first appearance of the lighter color "Chu" wood. Letters B, C, D, E, F, H, R, and W have been observed having a (wide font) stock numbering, and a mix of (wide cut) finger groove. Receivers and bolts have very little QC stamping on them compared to previous series.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-P-O-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y
24 months= 2 years of production= 1959/60 rifles. 5 digit #s have been observed suggesting a possible 15,000 each equaling a possible 360k rifles or 180k per year. Please scroll to the bottom to view an example of each individual letter.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-P-O-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y
24 months= 2 years of production= 1959/60 rifles. 5 digit #s have been observed suggesting a possible 15,000 each equaling a possible 360k rifles or 180k per year. Please scroll to the bottom to view an example of each individual letter.
Individual letters
Below is an example of each letter we currently have a picture of. We are missing letter L, so if you have this letter please contact me. Thanks! (Pictures contributed by Mitch Speth)
Here is a very nice example or an M letter gun. Contributed by Tex
