An SKS-45
The SKS-45 Simonov, or SKS for short, was a semi-automatic carbine developed during the ending stages of World War II. It was developed in 1944 by Sergei Simonov.
Description[]
It was seen in limited use with Russian troops advancing into Germany. The SKS had a 10 round internal magazine. Each round was loaded individually. The SKS fired the 7.62x39mm M43 Cartridge, which was also seen in later guns like the RPD, AK-47, AKMS, RPK, AK-104, and Type 81 Assault Rifle. It saw extensive use after World War II, however. In the late 1950s the Soviets largely replaced the SKS with the AK-47, although it remained in Soviet service until the late 1960s. It also saw major use by the North Vietnamese. In fact, it was the second most common rifle found in the hands of the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong, next to the AK-47. It also saw major usage by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, as well as some usage by the Iraqi Republican Guard. It was a favorite of many soldiers due to its reliability, accuracy, and powerful cartridge. The SKS also had a folding bayonet attached under its barrel. Contrary to popular belief, the SKS isn't an assault rifle. This is because it doesn't have select fire capability. There was a Chinese copy of the SKS designated the Type 56 and was nearly identical to the original Soviet SKS Simonov, but with a few slight differences. The SKS is a popular collector's rifle, and is now gaining popularity among weapon collectors due to its historical impact & reliability.
References[]
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