Jianshe Arsenal Type 56 SKS Letter-Series E-Prefix 7.62x39, 20.5 in Barrel, Factory /26 (1959–1960)
This early Jianshe Arsenal (Factory /26) Type 56 SKS is a letter-series example with the E-prefix, produced in the 1959–1960 era. It features a milled receiver, matching serial numbers observed on major components, and the distinctive lack of Chinese characters on the receiver. The rifle retains its folding blade bayonet and under-barrel cleaning rod, with original-style hardwood furniture and wood handguard. An importer stamp reading "NORINCO SKS 7.62x39 CHINA ... POMONA, CA" is present.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: There are some scratches and blemishes present. Cosmoline deposits are present on this rifle.
What’s Included
- Folding blade bayonet (installed)
- Under-barrel cleaning rod (installed)
Built at Jianshe Arsenal and marked with the triangle /26 stamp, this Type 56 belongs to the early letter-series run and carries the E-prefix. Consistent with that period, the receiver does not have Chinese characters, a detail sought after by SKS enthusiasts tracking production nuances from 1959–1960.
The rifle uses a semi-automatic, short-stroke gas piston system with a tilting-bolt lockup. It has a milled steel receiver for strength and a fixed 10-round internal magazine, fed via stripper clips. Controls include a right-side charging handle and a manual safety lever.
Original-style furniture is present: a hardwood stock with a steel buttplate, a wooden ventilated upper handguard, and a left-side rear sling swivel. The stock is inlet for the blade bayonet, and this example retains the folding blade bayonet with a bright finish, along with the under-barrel cleaning rod. Length of pull measures 12.5 inches.
The 20.5-inch barrel pairs with iron sights consisting of a hooded front post and a tangent ladder rear sight graduated to 1000 m. Chambered in 7.62x39, this configuration reflects the classic SKS layout as adopted by China during the late 1950s. Importer markings read "NORINCO SKS 7.62x39 CHINA ... POMONA, CA," and matching serial numbers were observed on major components.