AK47 dates of manufacture

[27hand]

Could someone guide me to information on when Chinese Norinco AK type 56S Sporters were made. (perhaps based on serial # sequencing).

I am assuming it is an import preban with the #'s 66 inside a triangle.

Any idea what this rifle is worth (approximate) in todays market?

Thanks

27AKignoranthand

[PA Rifleman]

Originally Posted by 27hand

Could someone guide me to information on when Chinese Norinco AK type 56S Sporters were made. (perhaps based on serial # sequencing).

I am assuming it is an import preban with the #'s 66 inside a triangle.

Any idea what this rifle is worth (approximate) in todays market?

Thanks

27AKignoranthand

I recall the 56S came into the US as a semi auto rifle around 1985. The earliest ChiCom AKs I'm aware of were the all-black AKs marketed through "Clayco" circa 1983-84 and are so marked.

66 is the plant that made it. Norinco or RPC.

Is this what you have?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=117920388

[27hand]

Originally Posted by PA Rifleman

I recall the 56S came into the US as a semi auto rifle around 1985. The earliest ChiCom AKs I'm aware of were the all-black AKs marketed through "Clayco" circa 1983-84 and are so marked.

66 is the plant that made it. Norinco or RPC.

Is this what you have?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=117920388

Yes, The packaging is identical as are the contents (less the manual).

The rifle was fired a few hundred times and found a home in someones attic.

That gunbroker $$ seems high. I would imagine it is only due to being unfired and low S/N.

I'll visit some AK forums to try to get more info and what this rifle is worth.

I offered up quite a bit less based on what Dunhams sale price on AK's was a few weeks ago and the owner is considering the offer.

I really wasn't looking for an AK but may get it if the deal goes through. It'll then have a home between the 2 Chinese SKS's I have.

Thanks PA.

27hand

[mojo]

Before the election Pre-Ban 56s were going from $900 to about $1300. So it's not that far off.

Go over to theakforum.net, they will definitely be able to help you out.

btw. Got a picture?

[27hand]

Originally Posted by mojo

Before the election Pre-Ban 56s were going from $900 to about $1300. So it's not that far off.

Go over to theakforum.net, they will definitely be able to help you out.

btw. Got a picture?

Thanks Mojo.

I have no pic yet but it is almost identical to the gunbroker pic in the previous link. 2 of the three mags were still in plastic sheath as are all the accessories.
It has a 5 digit S/N

Cardboard box with styrofoam insert is the same except the last pic of the end box panel reads "Made in China" along with caliber and 56S markings.

Thanks again. I'll mosy on over to theakforum

27hand

[RONNIE77]

There was a guy at the Valley Forge Gun Show selling the exact same rifle.
He was asking $1650.

So the gunbroker price is pretty much the ball park for those right now.

[27hand]

Originally Posted by RONNIE77

There was a guy at the Valley Forge Gun Show selling the exact same rifle.
He was asking $1650.

So the gunbroker price is pretty much the ball park for those right now.

I wish I could understand what makes a gun like this worth that kind of cash and what this rifle would be worth with a few hundred rounds through it.

I would be into a Colt 6920 before buying an AK at those bucks.

27hand

[RONNIE77]

Originally Posted by 27hand

I wish I could understand what makes a gun like this worth that kind of cash and what this rifle would be worth with a few hundred rounds through it.

I would be into a Colt 6920 before buying an AK at those bucks.

27hand

Well the fact that Norinco's are no longer allowed to be imported into the US..
This is why: Read "Controversies in the United States"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norinco

And the recent outcome of the Presidential Election did not help either.

[mojo]

Originally Posted by 27hand

I wish I could understand what makes a gun like this worth that kind of cash and what this rifle would be worth with a few hundred rounds through it.

I would be into a Colt 6920 before buying an AK at those bucks.

27hand

There are two reasons.

1. That it's a pre-ban AK. This means that it was 100% made in it's country of origin (China). So not US parts needed and no US company modifying it. So it's basically as close to a real AK as your going to get and not have to worry about NFA stuff.

2. It's chinese and Ronnie said ... they ain't importing any more.