Sks help

[Izhmashpotatoes]

I have a 1958 arsenal 26 sks with no import marks. The stock coincides with a handmade Vietnamese stock and all numbers on the gun are matching. The pictures are deceiving there is approx. 10-15% of the bluing remaining and the magazine release lever has been welded possibly to eliminate accidentally bumping it in combat? It appears this was done before the gun was blued. I believe it could be a vet bring back but have no papers to confirm. Any insight would be appreciated

 

[Jdcujo]

Considering most sks don't function very well with aftermarket mag not to mention them looking ridiculous bubbad up.

 

[Raven]

Maybe it came from Yankee-ville, where SKS's are only legal with the original mag. Also maybe somebody filed off the import marks. If it's reblued, welded, etc I wouldn't put it past them to hit it with a file for 5 minutes. Never seen or heard of any NVA, Russian or other country SKS mag being welded

 

[Raven]

eliminate accidentally bumping it in combat

This weld would also prevent field stripping it for cleaning, in combat or otherwise. Also, the same spring that holds the mag closed also controls the trigger