A "Lettered" Russian SKS ...

[dogtag]

Of the three letters, mine has the backwards N.
However, mine is a 1955 therefore not considered a Lettered specimen.
Why is that ? Can anyone enlighten me ?

Incidentally, I understand that most come with undated covers - but not all.

[gwp]

See http://yooperj.com/SKS-24.htm

The lettered Russian SKS does not have a date on the receiver cover but has a Russian D, I ,or K after the serial number. The D indicates 1956, the I indicates 1957, and the K indicates 1958. The backward N is a Russian I. I have a rebuilt 1956 Russian SKS.

http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=17575

cryllic-1.jpg

[Art]

This is not foolproof. I have an early (1949-51) manufactured arsenal refurbished Russian SKS with a 1950 date on the receiver cover with with all the early features, 45 degree strait back slanted cone shaped gas block, spring loaded firing pin and snap catch at the front of the receiver cover. The barrel is not chrome lined and in excellent condition, there is very slight pitting in the gas cylinder tube. The metal is all matching though the stock number is different. Its serial number is the Russian equivalent of "D" and "N" with a four Arabic numerals following. Letter prefixes (or suffixes) are not unusual in firearm serial numbers.