SKS rifle, Design and Types of SKS rifles

The SKS rifle is a semi-automatic Soviet/Russian carbine, designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. Its complete designation is “Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova”, 1945 or “Self-loading Carbine of (the) Simonov system, 1945”.

Design of the SKS rifle

The SKS rifle is an internal magazine-fed, gas operated, shoulder fired, detachable magazine, military rifle. It is chambered for the 7.62×39mm round and has a 10-round fixed magazine plus one in the chamber. It was the first rifle to be issued with a detachable magazine, which was a 10-round integral box magazine located in front of the trigger guard.

The SKS has a conventional gas-operated action with a gas piston located under the barrel, which is locked to the bolt carrier by means of two locking lugs. The bolt carrier travels only about half the length of the Receiver cover, meaning that the piston is also the bolt carrier key. The gas piston rod is rigidly attached to the bolt carrier and moves back and forth with it, both while the bolt is cycling, and when the rifle is being cocked or fired.

Types of SKS

The SKS is available in a number of different versions, with the most common being the Chinese Type 56, the Norinco SKS, the North Vietnamese Type 56, the Romanian SKS, the Yugoslavian PAP M59/66, and the Soviet SKS.

The Chinese Type 56 is by far the most common, with over 8 million produced. It is a copy of the original Soviet SKS, with a few minor differences. The most noticeable difference is the addition of a spike bayonet.

The Norinco SKS is a Chinese copy of the Soviet SKS. It is virtually identical to the Type 56, with the exception of the lack of a spike bayonet.

The North Vietnamese Type 56 is a copy of the Chinese Type 56. It is identical to the Type 56, with the exception of the addition of a folding bayonet.

The Romanian SKS is a copy of the Soviet SKS. It is identical to the Soviet SKS, with the exception of the addition of a grenade launcher and a folding bayonet.

The Yugoslavian PAP M59/66 is a copy of the Soviet SKS. It is identical to the Soviet SKS, with the exception of the addition

Uses of SKS rifle

The SKS is a popular hunting rifle in many countries. It is also used as a marksmanship training rifle in the People’s Liberation Army.

Description of SKS

The SKS is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle chambered for the 7.62×39mm round. It has a 10-round fixed magazine plus one in the chamber. It was the first rifle to be issued with a detachable magazine. The SKS has a conventional gas-operated action with a gas piston located under the barrel. The bolt carrier travels only about half the length of the Receiver cover, meaning that the piston is also the bolt carrier key. The gas piston rod is rigidly attached to the bolt carrier and moves back and forth with it, both while the bolt is cycling, and when the rifle is being cocked or fired.

Where to buy SKS rifle

The SKS is available for purchase from a number of different sources such as Firearmssupliers USA. The most common source is gun shows, although the Internet is also a popular source. Prices will vary depending on the source, but expect to pay around $300 for a Norinco SKS, and around $600 for a Chinese Type 56.