late m21

Arguably one of China's best efforts, the late M21 marked Type-56 is a sight to behold.  It is built with a combination of mid to late production features.  The metal surfaces show evidence of skillful machining and polishing.  The final metal finish is very deep and lustrous, almost black.  Stocks are fitted with perfection, and the shellac is smooth and evenly applied.

Late M21s have been found from arsenals 0296, and 416.  Both the Jianshe Arsenal 23/24m and 0296 M21 rifles were equipped with a plastic handguard on the gas tube while the 416 has a normal wood handguard.

Utilizing the Chinese SKSGUIDE and SKS-Files dating system, these rifles should date as follows.

​0296 all having a serial starting with 70, that is the year (1970). Inverted takedown lever, short lug threaded barrel, and a 'french tickler' handguard. 

416 all having a serial starting with 23, thats the 23rd year of the sks (1978). Normal takedown lever, pinned barrel, and a standard wood handguard.  
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0296 M21
Rifle contributed by Martin (martin08)

1.  Spike bayonet
2.  Short lug threaded barrel
3.  Late style gas block with the upper squared-off leading edge
4.  No bolt carrier lightening cut
5.  Stamped trigger guard
6.  Roman numeral III stamped rear sight leaf

7.  Bottom rear sling swivel
8.  Short trigger relief cut in the stock
9.  Receiver cover latch relief cut in the stock
10.  Number inside triangle cartouche on the left side stock under the receiver
11.  And the signature ribbed-plastic handguard, commonly referred to as the French Tickler.

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​416 M21
Rifle found on Armslist lol

1.  Spike bayonet
2.  Pressed and pinned barrel
3.  Late style gas block
4.  No bolt carrier lightening cut
5.  Stamped trigger guard

6.  Bottom rear sling swivel
7.  Short trigger relief cut in the stock
8.  No receiver cover latch cutout in stock
9.  Normal wooden handguard