They began production of the Type 56 carbine (the Chinese designation for the SKS) in 1956, and production (for the civil market) continues to the present day.
Very similar, minor differences,
The only SKS carbines currently which require registration are the Chinese-made SKS-M and SKS-D models. Those could not be imported into the state after 1989, and had to be registered by 2000.
This is purely opinion on my part, but the SKS was created in Russia, and made there for a number of years before the Chinese began manufacture. The Russian SKS tends to have better quality machining than the Chinese. Both are good, but the Russian is the original, and the better built rifle. Examine one of each side-by-side, and see what you think.
Up to 10 years in prison. The only country still manufacturing the SKS is China, and they were prohibited from firearms imports in 93 under the Clinton administration, so a Chinese SKS in this country is at least 21 years old.
Various Chinese state-owned factories, and they were marketed by Norinco.
you can find sks rifle at virtually any gun shop but searching for a Chinese version may be a little more difficult.
type 56 sks
Markings.
SKS made by Norinco (chinese)
Value of ANY gun is based on exact make, model, and condition. A well worn Yugo SKS may be $150, while a pristine Russian SKS is $500. An average Chinese SKS is around $250-$275.
Priceless, since a true SKS assault rifle would be a prototype only most likely. The SKS fires semi-automatically and does not have provision for full auto fire. If you have a normal run of the mill Chinese SKS it is worth 100-400 or so depenidng on condition, box, accessories, etc..
The SKS isn't an assault rifle, although some of the Chinese variations (such as the SKS-M and SKS-D) do meet the criteria for the definition of a "civilian assault weapon" by BATFE regulations. Although China was prohibited from further arms sales in the US in 1994, the Type 56 carbine (Chinese designation for the SKS) is still pretty widespread, and can still be found at gun shops, gun shows, pawn shops, online gun auction sites, etc.