Picked up a Chinese SKS a few days ago..  Has the /26\ arsenal code and 24 million serial # (1981? production).  Anyhow the serial number is prefixed with a "D", D24066xxx.  Anyone know what the significance of the D prefix?  On-line searches can only find talk about suffix codes...

A 24mil factory /26\ would be a 1980 (1956+24).  I'm not sure of the D prefix, but look to see if it appears to be added after the serial was stamped.  It may be stamped lighter or heavier?  Added by the importer?



Also, does it have the plastic French Tickler handguard?  It should.

Yes 1980 is correct.  It has the "upside down" receiver cover lock and screw in barrel.  If I remember correct it should have the plastic type gas tube handguard however the previous owner replaced it with a black plastic commercial one.  I had one of these before, supposed to be the latest updates of factory 26 final years of production.  Anyhow, I remember reading something about the significance of the D serial prefix but I cannot remember where...  I will check the appearance of the D stamp and post pic...

WRONG WRONG WRONG......

What you should have said is THIS POST IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL J/K Martin