This Russian SKS was made at Izhevsk in 1954 and is chambered in 7.62x39mm. All numbers
match as originally applied, with no electro-pencil force-matched parts. The rifle
appears to be unfired, with no brass or carbon residue in the bore or on the bolt.
Mechanical condition is excellent, and it comes with its cleaning kit and sling.
The SKS was designed by Sergei Simonov and adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 as the
Samozaryadny Karabin Simonova, or Simonov self-loading carbine, chambered for the
7.62x39mm M1943 cartridge. Soviet production was divided between two plants, identified
by their factory symbols: Tula by an arrow in a star, and Izhevsk by an arrow within a
triangle within a circle, stamped on the top of the dust cover above the year of
production. The two runs were very unequal. Tula built SKS carbines from 1949 to early
1956, roughly seven years, and produced far more of them, while Izhevsk began production
in 1953 and ended in 1954, a run of less than two years. Izhevsk carbines are
consequently encountered far less often than Tula examples. Many Russian SKS carbines
were also factory refurbished before being imported, work that commonly left
non-original details such as a blued bolt or bayonet where these parts were originally
finished in the white, and that often force-matched parts by electro-pencil.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Izhevsk
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Year: 1954
Model: SKS
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Matching: All numbers matching, no electro-pencil force-matched parts
Bore: No brass or carbon residue present
Included: Cleaning kit and sling
Mechanical condition: Excellent
