Updated 12/3/01 - DS

How do I know if my barrel is threaded or pinned?

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The answer to this question lies simply in the shape of the innermost end of the barrel where it fits into the receiver.  Removal of the stock may be necessary the first time you look, but once you know what you're looking for this won't be necessary in the future. 

If the barrel is milled flat on the top and bottom, it is a threaded barrel.  These notches were for the tool which twisted the barrel onto the rifle.  Another clue to the threaded barrel is the alignment marks on the adjoining sides of the receiver and the barrel.  These will allow you to realign your barrel if you were ever possessed by the devil and removed the barrel from your rifle.

A pinned barrel will be completely round where the barrel joins the receiver.  A small recessed pin will also be present low on the receiver.  This pin is unique to this particular configuration. 

Which is better?

There's much controversy over whether a pressed fit is as good as a threaded fit.  In theory, a threaded barrel is a sign of quality workmanship, therefore better.  Those who own one of each rifle will testify that there is no functional difference between the two configurations.  From what I understand, at the factory they 

superheat the receiver to expand the metal then  press and pin the barrel in place.  Ask any mechanic about this process and they will tell you the effectiveness of a heated press fit.  Just think of it as one piece of metal.  One added note:   the Chinese developed press fitted barrels in the later years to save on manufacture time, not to improve the function of the design.  Typically, later production Chinese Type 56 Carbines are of lesser quality than their predecessors.  The press-fitted barrel may not affect accuracy, but low quality craftsmanship most likely will.  A prime example of the lower standards in tooling and finish is blatant when one compares the rear sight block on the two examples on this very page.

The SKS Carbine written by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer, published by North Cape Publications states:

 “Thousands of the pinned versions of the SKS Carbine have been sold and fired.  No reports have been received (of) any problems with this type of installation attributable to the different type fastening.  The jury is still out as to which model is more accurate, the screwed in barrel or the pinned version.  We have received reports favoring both systems, but so far, nothing conclusive has developed.  The screwed in barrel does appear to command a premium, however.”  

Heckler & Koch, makers of supreme firearms such as the MP5 of child Cuban refugee Elian Gonzales fame, has been making firearms with pressed & pinned barrels since the 1950's.  

Perhaps one fine day, some company will tap the wide-open, virgin market of match grade SKS barrels.  That'll be a hard nut to crack because of the gas block, but if they can do it for the AR-15, they can do it for the SKS.  Then, and only then will it make a difference if the barrel is threaded or no.