SKS facts for kids

SKS is a Soviet Union made semi-automatic rifle. It was designed in 1943 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov. In the 1950s it was replaced with the AK-47. The SKS remained in second-line service for decades. It is still used as a ceremonial arm today. The SKS is currently popular in the civilian surplus market in many countries. This includes the United States, Canada and New Zealand. It was one of the first weapons designed to use the M-43 7.62×39mm round, which was also used later in the AK-47.

Images for kids

SKS with the magazine closed (top) and open. The magazine release is circled.
SKS rear sight
An SKS-type bayonet in its closed (folded back) and open positions
Yugoslavian SKS M59/66 with the muzzle formed into a spigot-type grenade launcher, and folded down grenade sight
Soviet AK-47 without magazine (top), and a Simonov SKS (bottom) with bayonet folded back, both 7.62×39mm.
A field-stripped SKS carbine (disassembled into major components for cleaning).
A guerilla of the People's Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam, crouching in an underground tunnel, holding an SKS carbine.
Chinese Type 56 semi-automatic carbine (Chinese SKS).
Norinco SKS-M with Monte Carlo cheek-piece stock and detachable 30-round AK-47 magazine
Yugoslavian M59/66 with the muzzle formed into a spigot-type grenade launcher and a folding ladder grenade sight behind the front sight.
PLAN sailors at Qingdao, North Sea Fleet HQ, parading with Chinese Type 56 carbines.
Soldiers of Vietnam People's Army parading with SKS carbines.
East German Honor Guard in front of the Neue Wache in Berlin on Unter den Linden with SKS carbines.
Chinese Norinco SKS with bayonet removed
A sporterized SKS carbine fitted with an aftermarket composite stock and scope rail.