SKS

Tula Arms Plant · Carbine · Discontinued · 1945

Weight (empty)3860 g (136.2 oz)
Overall Length1021 mm (40.20")
Barrel Length521 mm (20.51")
Height190 mm (7.48")
Width45 mm (1.77")
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke Piston
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Muzzle Velocity735 m/s (2411 fps)
Muzzle Energy2160 J (1593 ft·lbf)
Effective Range400 m (437 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.62x39mm

The SKS (Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova, or 'Self-loading Carbine of Simonov's system') is a Soviet semi-automatic carbine designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov in 1945. Adopted as the first Soviet weapon chambered for the intermediate 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge, the SKS bridged the gap between traditional full-power rifle cartridges and the emerging assault rifle concept. The SKS features a distinctive tilting bolt locking system actuated by a short-stroke gas piston located above the barr...

Country of Origin: SU

Designer: Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov