Two Rare-ish Chinese type 56 triangle 26 (Arsenal 296) SKS carbines

This video reviews ten surplus military rifles renowned for their durability and value, capable of exceeding 10,000 rounds with basic maintenance. It highlights models like the Mosin-Nagant, SKS, M1 Garand, and various Mausers, emphasizing their rugged construction, historical significance, and cost-effectiveness compared to modern firearms. The presenter advises buyers to inspect bores and headspace, and to stock up on ammunition for these long-lasting firearms.

This video discusses the Chinese SKS rifle, specifically a 1961 'letter rifle' model. The presenter explains that while not as iconic as the AK-47 or AK-74, the SKS is historically significant as the predecessor to the AK platform. The primary reason for acquiring this particular SKS was its legality as a semi-automatic rifle in 7.62x39mm during a state ban on other 'assault rifles'.

This video presents five budget-friendly surplus rifles that the narrator argues surpass the AR-15 in reliability, power, and historical significance. Expert insights cover the SKS Type 56, Mosin-Nagant M39, Swedish Mauser M/96, M1 Garand, and Spanish FR8 Carbine, detailing their calibers, actions, and unique features. The presenter emphasizes their ruggedness and value for firearms enthusiasts.

This video provides a critical look at the current market for affordable military surplus rifles in 2026. Instructor Ted from Line 45 details specific models like the Mosin Nagant 91/30, Carcano M91, SKS Type 56, Yugoslav M48, Turkish Mausers, MAS-36, and Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk1, highlighting their pros, cons, and typical pricing. He emphasizes the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections, focusing on bore condition, action smoothness, parts wear, and ammunition availability as key factors in avoiding costly mistakes.

This video compares the SKS carbine (Chinese variant) and the M1 Carbine, highlighting their historical context and performance differences. The M1 Carbine is noted for its lighter weight, less recoil, and ease of manipulation, making it simpler to keep on target. The SKS, while having more recoil and a more powerful rifle round, offers a crisper trigger and a more robust fighting capability with its integral bayonet. Both firearms presented challenges with reloading speed and reliability under stress, offering insights into the evolution of personal defense weapons.

This video from The Gun Dungeon explores the continued relevance of the SKS rifle. The presenter, who admits to liking the SKS despite its design limitations compared to modern rifles, discusses its semi-automatic operation chambered in 7.62x39mm, noting its compact design, smooth recoil, and accuracy. Key downfalls highlighted include the unreliability of aftermarket detachable magazines and the cumbersome last-round bolt hold-open mechanism when using them. The video contrasts factory configurations, specifically mentioning the Chinese Norinco 56 with its 10-round box magazine and lever for emptying, with more specialized variants like the Yugoslavian SKS, which features a grenade launcher attachment, gas shut-off, flip-up sights, and a blade bayonet. The presenter emphasizes the SKS's historical significance as a battlefield rifle, replaced by the AK-47, and showcases a Bosnian War battlefield pickup. While acknowledging the AK-47's advantage in detachable box magazines and higher capacity, the SKS is presented as a viable option for home defense, especially in states with restrictions on features like pistol grips and high-capacity magazines. The video also touches on accuracy improvements with aftermarket sights and discusses the current market value and import status of various SKS models.

This review focuses on a vintage 1980s Smith & Wesson Model 60 'no dash' revolver, identified as a new favorite by the reviewer. The expert firearm collector highlights key vintage features such as the pinned barrel, hammer-mounted firing pin, and original wooden grips. The revolver's history of ownership in Concord, Massachusetts, adds to its provenance.

This review by Cranky Gun Reviews provides a detailed, analytical comparison of three minimalistic .22LR survival rifles: the Chiappa Little Badger, Ruger 10/22 Takedown, and Henry US Survival. The expert reviewer assesses each rifle based on critical survival criteria including deployment speed, portability, weight, capacity, ergonomics, sights, floating ability, and price, offering practical insights for choosing the best option for specific needs.

This review of the Savage Model 301 break-action shotgun highlights its budget-friendly nature, ideal for survival scenarios. The expert demonstrates its simple operation, safety features like the hammer block transfer bar, and easy two-piece takedown for portability. Performance with various .410 bore ammunition types is discussed, along with its value proposition under $200.

This guide details a DIY approach to handloading 410 shotshells, focusing on cost savings and utilizing repurposed tools alongside specific MEC press components. The process involves trimming 3-inch shells to 2.5 inches, depriming, resizing with a dedicated die, and priming. It then covers measuring powder (14 grains of Winchester 296), seating wads, adding shot (half an ounce of #6), and performing both pre-crimping and final crimping using MEC accessories. The presenter emphasizes the challenges of achieving perfect crimps without a full MEC press setup.