Refurbished by skilled gunsmiths, according to the seller, this Norinco Type 56 SKS comes in what is described as attractive arsenal-refurbished condition. Each rifle in the lot was fully refinished and test fired. It is used, chambered in 7.62x39mm, with a 21.5 inch barrel and a five round capacity.

The Type 56 is the Chinese version of the Russian SKS, a design from the 1940s that was licensed to China and built there in huge numbers. It is a gas-operated, semi-automatic carbine with a built-in folding bayonet and a fixed magazine fed from stripper clips.

A refurbished rifle gives you a cleaner look and a more consistent finish than a rifle that has simply been pulled from storage. The refinishing means less chance of rust and of old grease in the action. It also means original finish is gone, so collectors who prize originality may look elsewhere.

For a person who wants to shoot, the SKS is a good place to begin. Ammunition is common, recoil is mild, and the rifle is simple to take apart for cleaning.

It is sold as described, and ships to a licensed dealer of your choice. The background check is done there.