Gun Collecting: The SKS (Samozaryadniy Karabin sistemi Simonova)

Few foreign made firearms have made such a big impact on American buyers as the SKS and its variations. The SKS was launched in the U.S. market in the 1980’s and soon became a blockbuster for hunters and casual target shooters alike. The light carbine is cheap, accurate and easy to maintain. When I bought my first SKS in 1992, I could find Chinese and Eastern Bloc ammunition selling retail at 10 cents a round. There were few targets that eluded my aim, even with the open sights.

The SKS was designed for the Soviet Union at the end of WWII by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. SKS stands for the Russian phrase Samozaryadniy Karabin sistemi Simonova (Self-loading Carbine, Simonov’s system, 1945), or SKS 1945. The SKS was quickly replaced by the AK-47, but remained in second-line service in the Soviet Union and other communist countries for decades. Today it is still used as a ceremonial weapon.

The SKS fires the same round as the AK-47, a 7.62 x 39mm. This is one of the world’s first true assault rounds, with the amount of propellant falling between a pistol cartridge and a long-gun cartridge.  Some claim this Soviet round was simply a reply to the Germen 7.92 x 33mm that was developed for the StG44/MP 44, commonly known as the Sturmgewehr. Others say the Soviets were already working on an assault cartridge but set the work aside when Operation Barbarossa interrupted further testing. I haven’t examined either claim in any detail and can’t say which is true.

During WWII, both sides realized that the powerful long-gun cartridges weren’t as effective as desired. While they could fire accurately at distances over 1,000 yards away, most firefights took place between 100 to 300 yards. The larger rounds used in the British Lee Enfield, M1 Garand, German Mauser and Russian Mosin-Nagant hade excessive recoil for battles where two combatants were so close together. The American M1 Carbine used an intermediate-power cartridge, but wasn’t a true assault rifle. The intent of the M1 Carbine was to replace side arms like the M1911 and its variants. The SKS was intended to replace the Mosin-Nagant.

In 1949, the SKS became the main battle rifle of the Soviet Union. It was mass produced up until 1955, when the AK-47 was seen a great leap forward. The AK-47 has a larger magazine, can fire in automatic or semi-automatic mode, is lighter and easier to manufacture. Starting in the mid-1950’s it was relegated to non-infantry security forces and second-line troops.

The Soviet Union licensed other communist countries to build the SKS for their militaries. The Chinese variants included numerous minor changes. Chinese SKSs have partially or fully stamped receivers as opposed to the milled Soviet receivers. Chinese Type 56 models with a serial number below 9 million have the Russian-style blade folding bayonet. Those over 9 million have a spike type folding bayonet.

The Chinese built some models strictly for commercial sale. These have a blonde wood stock instead of dark wood, spike bayonet instead of blade, bayonet retaining bolt replaced with a rivet. Sub-variants include the M21, “Cowboy’s Companion, Hunter, Models D/M, Paratrooper, Sharpshooter and Sporter.

Those versions meant for an Honor Guard will have chromed metal parts. Not all parts will be chromed but most external metal will be chrome shinny.

The Yugoslavian SKS has a NATO spec 22mm grenade launcher which looks a lot like a flash suppressor or muzzle brake. When the grenade sight is raised, the gas system is blocked and the action must be manually cycled. The grenades must be fired with a blank cartridge and this feature makes operation the grenade launcher safer. The stock is typically made with beech wood. Some that were used by the Serbs have the Serbian coat of arms carved into them and have generated much interest among some collectors.

Since it first appeared on the battle field in 1945, the SKS has been used in many wars. At least 35 countries have acquired them for their military and non-military forces, so it is beyond the score of this article to look at all the variations.

The SKS is one of the most mass produced military weapon of all time. Over 20 years, the Chinese alone produced over 8 million. When the Chinese started exporting these to the United States in the early 1990’s it became known as the poor man’s deer rifle. A simple modification to the 10 round clip can modify the SKS for states that only allow a 5 round maximum for deer hunting.

Importations of Chinese SKSs were made illegal in 1994. But Russian and European models are classified by the BATF as “Curio & Relic, allowing them to be sold with features that might otherwise be restricted.

If you are looking for a fun firearm to collect, the SKS may be what you’re looking for. It is sturdy, easy to clean and can be shot without worrying about losing collectability value. And while the cost of ammunition has increased over the years, it is still cheaper than taking your M1 Garand to the range.