SKS Simonov

The SKS carbine, in full “Samozaryadny Karabin Simonova” – the Simonov self-loading carbine – was designed in the Soviet Union by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. It officially entered service with the Red Army in 1945, which is why it is also known as the SKS-45. The carbine fires the 7.62×39 mm intermediate cartridge and is gas-operated, with the piston located above the barrel. It is fed from a fixed 10-round magazine, which can be loaded with single rounds or with stripper clips. The SKS marked the transition between classic military bolt-action rifles and modern assault rifles. It had a relatively short career as the main weapon of the Soviet infantry, being gradually replaced by the AK-47,

Judging by the star-and-arrow marking, the example in the photographs appears to be of Soviet manufacture, produced at the Tula Arsenal. This marking is specific to Tula production, one of the most sought-after SKS variants on the collector's market. The carbine retains its classic military configuration, with a solid wood stock and handguard, fixed magazine, iron sights and folding bayonet.

• Apparent manufacturer: Tula Arsenal, USSR
• Model: SKS-45 Simonov
• Calibre: 7.62×39 mm
• Operating system: semi-automatic, gas-operated
• Locking: tilting bolt
• Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
• Feeding: single rounds or 10-round stripper clips
• Barrel length: approx. 520 mm
• Overall length: approx. 1,020 mm
• Weight: approx. 3.8–3.9 kg
• Stock and handguard: wood
• Sights: iron sights with adjustable rear sight
• Bayonet: folding, permanently attached
• Accessories shown: military sling, stripper clip pouch, stripper clips and metal oil bottle