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Updated: 1/27/02 OVERVIEW: This page is a tribute to those who craft an ordinary SKS into an object of superior quality and workmanship. To me, this is the stuff of dreams!
"Vietnam War Trophy Edition SKS"by The American Historical Foundation
CLICK ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE
This limited edition SKS was produced by the American Historical Foundation as a Vietnam Special Edition. In its limited edition run in 1994, only 1500 were ever produced. The metal finish is superb with gold dragons etched into the bolt carrier and magazine. The receiver cover has the words "SIMONOV" and "VIETNAM WAR - SKS - TROPHY EDITION" etched in gold. Other gold coated components include the trigger, the safety latch, and the magazine latch. The stock is a black matte finish with a large circular inlaid emblem. This emblem reads, "REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM SERVICE". The current blue book value of this SKS is $995.00 plus $299.00 for the display case.
An interesting note is that the AHF had a tough decision to make. Of course, they want to use the most historically accurate firearm, but in 1994 they couldn't get their hands on enough pre-ban Chinese SKS to do the production run. So the decision was made that it was more important that the display look more historically accurate than anything else. You see, these weapons are Russian Simonov's, not the Chinese Type 56 carbines mostly used in Vietnam.
Parkerized SKS ModelsBy K-Sports (KSI Imports)
A gray parkerized K-Sports SKS
Unfortunately, I remain ignorant on the specific details surrounding these SKS's. These are some of the most beautiful SKS's I've ever seen and it's difficult to capture an accurate description. I don't even have many photos that do this rifle justice.
The parkerization I've seen on these carbines include black, gray, and olive drab green and most have a olive green Butler Creek stock that is no longer manufactured. I've seen and heard of black Butler Creek stocks on those park'ed gray and black. Everything is park'ed: the bolt carrier, the trigger group, the magazine, and even the rear sight leaf. Another constant regarding these mysterious customized weapons is that they're all Chinese and from K-Sports.
David H. sent this photo of his parkerized K-Sports SKS. The green hue depicted in this photo is the most accurate I've seen to date.
I'm telling you, even though the above photo is very accurate, the picture just does not do this carbine justice. The look and feel of this finish is that of satin. It feels good just to touch these variants.
PHOTO: Click to enlarge
I can remember the first time I saw one of these. It was at a gun show in Houston on a table where a man had some of the finest SKS's I've ever seen in one place. While perusing the wares, my eye kept wandering over to this one rifle which was a compelling shade of green. It wasn't an SKS, so dismissed it over and over again. Something in my brain kept telling me that yes, it was an SKS, but I just kept blowing it off. I mean after all, SKS's weren't GREEN and that stock was unlike any other SKS stock I've ever witnessed. Finally, on my second trip past the table I decided to find out what kind of rifle it really was. Sure enough it was an SKS, and it was unbelievably attractive. It broke my heart when the dealer informed me he wanted $500 for it. As a matter of fact, the cheapest I've ever seen one of these sell for is $350 and that one was missing the magazine. Of course, I've heard of people buying them for less, but the neither the seller or the buyer knew what they were holding at the time.
If anybody has any information or good pictures of this rifle, please mail me! Thanks! - Dave
Treebark Camouflage SKSBy (Unknown)
This is a one of a kind rifle that has the same licensed Treebark pattern you have seen on new Beretta's and Benelli's. The company that camouflages the new high dollar shotguns tested their chemical patterning process on this unfired SKS. They wanted to see if they had the right mix for the high dollar shotguns and it was. Assault Technologies asked about having some more made, but the patterning company said they are under permanent contract for a major corporation and that there would be no more SKS's like this one made.
PHOTOS: Click to enlarge.
Also, notice that the muzzle ring was removed from the bayonet so it could co-exist with the compensator. The pattern matches and flows through out the entire weapon. There's even patterning on the bayonet tucked under the barrel, the compensator, the safety lever, and even the cleaning rod! If you can't tell from the pictures, this is an extremely high quality piece with serious attention paid to detail.
I have to add, Assault Technologies was not only helpful in providing these outstanding photos, but they were courteous and eager to assist. If you can't live without this rifle, it is currently for sale on their website along with many other quality firearms. My hat's off to the fine folks at that company, I hope our paths cross again!
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