The SKS is a Soviet semi-automatic carbine chambered in 7.62x39mm, adopted by the Soviet Union in 1949 as the first standard issue infantry arm chambered for the M43 intermediate cartridge. The action operates on a short stroke gas piston system with a tilting bolt that locks into the receiver. The SKS feeds from a fixed 10-round box magazine loaded from the top via stripper clips, with a hinged magazine floorplate that allows the magazine to be dumped for unloading. Standard features include a folding blade bayonet housed beneath the barrel, a hooded post front sight, a tangent rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,000 meters, and a chrome lined barrel. Soviet production was carried out at Tula Arsenal and Izhevsk Arsenal, spanning from approximately 1949 to 1958, after which AK pattern rifles fully supplanted the SKS in Soviet military service. 

This example was manufactured at Tula Arsenal in 1951, as indicated by the Tula triangle marking and "1951r" stamp on the top of the receiver. The rifle is all matching, though it appears to have been rearsenaled. The laminated hardwood stock is force matched to the rifle and has a repair on the right side adjacent to the receiver. Accompanied by a sling, two-cell leather ammo pouch, cleaning kit, oil bottle, additional magazine spring and follower, and Mosin screwdriver. 

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Tula Arsenal
• Model: SKS
• Date of Manufacture: 1951
• Caliber: 7.62x39mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, short stroke gas piston, tilting bolt
• Barrel: 20.4 inches, chrome lined
• Bayonet: Folding blade
• Finish: Blue
• Stock: Laminated hardwood
• Sights: Hooded post front, tangent rear graduated 100 to 1,000 meters
• Safety: Manual safety, forward of trigger guard
• Magazine: Fixed 10-round box magazine, stripper clip fed