7.62x39mm. 20" barrel length. SN: 23021813. Blued metal finish with chrome lined bore and matte finished bolt carrier set in wood semi-pistol grip stock with buttstock cleaning kit compartment and folding spike bayonet. Short-stroke piston driven gas-operated semi-automatic rifle utilizing the tilting bolt principle and fed by an internal magazine charged with stripper clips. Left receiver shows the 416 and M21 markings indicating this rifle was made for export with these marks intended to conceal its Chinese origins. Left stock struck with the The 23 prefix to the serial number indicates the rifle was most likely made in 1978. Import marked to barrel SKS 7.62 CHINA C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. Item features matching serial numbers to all parts where observable. At present, no conclusive numbers are available to determine how many M21 prefix Type 56 Carbines were manufactured for Export, but it is known that such arms surfaced in numerous conflict zones that received armaments from China, including Vietnam and Nicaragua. This rifle's condition and import markings suggest that, by the time it left China, it was destined for import to the United States. Comes with Chinese marked sling and a cleaning rod. Stock void of toolkit.