Russian SKS better than any AK (Review)
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- Опубликовано: 19 фев 2023
- Hello this is the guy with beard guns and gear today I will be talking about a Russians SKS. I will be reviewing this rifle talking about its history and just some stats about the SKS like its origin it's use in wars and the number of models and the amount manufactured. This video is opinion based video were I give my thought on the feel and use of the SKS during its time and rise of production here.
I love these old Soviet firearms, I love the simplicity of them and the reputation these Milsurp rifles have.
Please subscribe to my channel for more content like this.
#shooting #canada #ww2 #guns #gun
I say this with respect, but as an owner of two Chinese SKS's, I'd like to just say, that while Russia is the country of origin for these firearms, China was the country that perfected them. Notsomuch the design, as it changed very little - only in the last few production years (1978, 1979, and 1980) did the Chinese SKS go through a number of minor design changes (reverse takedown lever with corresponding relief cut, and bakelite handguards) - but in their use and production. They made more than any other country combined, and they really mastered the ability to mass produce these quickly and effectively - with no adverse effect on function. Whereas Russia had already surpassed their need for this type of weapon by the time it was invented, the Chinese used them to great effect on the battlefield over multiple, successive conflicts. For that reason, I often say that the SKS is a Chinese rifle invented by a Russian. To me, the Chinese SKS is far more iconic than the Russian. They inherited an unwanted, discarded design, and transformed an entire country with it, twice over. It's really quite the achievement in small arms.
Additionally, in my opinion, you get far more value out of purchasing a Chinese SKS if you're a prospective buyer/shooter (if you're a collector, that's a different discussion, of course). I say this because the majority of Chinese SKS's are unissued. In fact, if you buy a '78/79/80 Chinese SKS from Arsenal 26, there's a good chance that the gun will throw sparks out of the barrel for the first 40 or so rounds as the chrome lining wears in, because they're *that* unfired. They're also cheaper than the Russian SKS's. But there's no difference in functionality (contrary to some myths of Russian superiority). So, in my opinion, one shouldn't get caught up in the (overrated?) allure of a Russian if they're just looking to buy a cheap, reliable, semi-automatic firearm. Another benefit of Chinese SKS's (particularly those from Arsenal 26) that often goes unrecognized is their practice of stock joinery - eliminating knots in the wood of their stocks - which is not something other factories or countries really cared to do with theirs. They are thus less prone to failure than a non-Chinese with knots (such as my Yugoslavian SKS).
Oh I think you’re 100% correct, the Chinese embraced the SKS it fit their need perfectly and while I wouldn’t say the Russian model is better (functionally) I would say IMHO if you are going to own one, wouldn’t you want the OG complete with Soviet star and markings.
I might buy a Chinese model but it will be to Bubba lol JK I love them all.
If you do decide to buy a Chinese SKS, buy one from the last three production years (78, 79 or 80). They are *all* unissued/unfired, and look like they just came off the assembly line. @@theguywithbeardgunsandgear
You are very right, Chinese SKS are much better due to their quality and their crome barrel, this crome barrel enhance their accuracy and barrel life.
I have Chinese SKS made in arsenal 26 in 1979 with bakelite handgurd.
My SKS is unissued rifle Chinese supplied to Afghan (then) freedom fighters fighting against USSR in Afghanistan 1979 1989 it was not used in war and soled in market, it is in blueish company polish I'm very much satisfied with my 1979 SKS.
Where have all the Sks gone ? I love them and you’re right people have slept on them. Those Sks will eat anything and rarely I mean rarely jam. I could go on and on about this rifle . Thanks for doing a video in this.
I believe they are being slowly put onto the market to get higher prices. So hopefully there’s more to come. The only jam I’ve ever had was an entire lot of Eagle ammo. Extremely underrated rifle glad you enjoyed the video! Grab them when you see them 😂
I have a Chinese Type 56 I bought at a gun show in April, all matching s/n's, for 700USD. I know, more than I should have, but it was a private sale(legal in my state), and I came prepared to pay almost that much. It had the handguard replaced with a cheap plastic cover with a rail on it, which I replaced with a Chinese surplus. Also the bayonet lugs were neutered. It also has had a trigger job done to it, as it is very smooth and breaks at about 4 pounds. It's a joy to shoot, very accurate, and based on my experience of 25 years in oilfield manufacturing, extremely well made. I have fired many different guns in my life, and I believe it's as good as any of them. One of my kids or grandkids will inherit mine. Thanks for the video. Get rid of Trudeau!!
Wow that is crazy how much those SKS rifles are going for now. I felt bad when I paid 450$. I should have bought a hundred of them when I had the chance.
They are a lot of fun at the range and more accurate then they should be.
Thanks for watching.
A few years back a relative of mine purchased a like new SKS rifle with the modified magazine well to accomodate the AK47 magazine. It was a very nice rifle to shoot...accurate and reasonable recoil. He only paid $50 for it at the gun store. Mainly because so many GI's were bringing them back as war trophies. This rifle was immaculate! No rust, clean bore and everything functioned perfectly. He traded it away for a South American 1911A1 pistol. I wish he would have sold it to me...oh well...smh
Unfortunately we all have similar stories. Thanks for watching.
I have two SKS's, one Russian, and the other is Chinese, the Russian is 1954. Love both of these firearms.
Awesome hang on to those the price is going through the roof. They’re great shooters! Thanks for watching.
They were even more fun to shoot when you could get 1750 rounds for $99.00. Man I sure miss those days. If I had to grab one rifle for shtf, it would be a SKS. They are a little slow on the reload and only a 10 round dump mag, but the accuracy and reliability and lighter weight on load out, just give me a warm fuzzy feeling. Or was that just my beard? lol
Yup I missed the boat on that one too. Crates of SKS 179$ including 1000 rds. Hind sight is 20/20 am I right. Thanks for watching!!!
The reload is supposed to be faster than a mag swap isn't it?
@@dabeln1 I think with stripper clips you could be quite efficient loading ten rounds vs a magazine change. I think the mentality of the manufacturers back in those days was less parts to be lost or damaged was better. The average soldier of the 1950s in USSR were peasants.
I agree with them on less parts to be lost/damaged. I doubt shtick but I’m a peasant so I don’t need to screw around with magazines or stamped receivers
Milled receiver and designed like a shrunken anti-tank rifle in its build is perfect for me.
@@Stew-rl9qk right on Stew, they are absolutely perfect in my opinion as they were made and issued.
Thanks for watching
In Austria, you can expect to pay in the region of 800 Euros for a good example. But in my opinion, worth every cent. Hands down, my favorite rifle.
800, wow that’s crazy. I bought mine some 2 years ago at the time I thought it was expensive at 500$ CDN. I guess it has been a solid investment as the prices are steadily climbing. It has become one my favourite Milsurp shooters. I guess you Ozzies can feel our pain with gun ownership becoming more stringent. Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I'm a Brit living in Austria, not Australia. I think Semi auto's are banned in Australia. In England, you're allowed to arm yourself with little more than your finger nails. So as you can imagine, I'm in gun heaven here! 👍
@@ba-ba1193 sorry my mistake. I guess I read your comment and didn’t see it was Austria and not Australia, I guess that explains the Euros lol
I just found your channel. I really like it, feels like a friend talking with me about knowledge in guns. Thank you Sir.
Thanks, really appreciate the support
Kinda what I think I should be doing, just chatting with likeminded friends. 🙂
Decades ago I would buy them cheap. Last month I got a 1951 Tula sks new old stock. I will fire it soon. Great review
Thank you, love the SKS man do I wish you could still find one for cheap 🥲
As civilians, we can debate SKS vs AK all day long. But, on the battlefield, when bullets are flying both ways, the semi-auto SKS is in a real disadvantage against the full-auto AK. It happened to every country that armed its soldiers with the SKS. They all did the same thing: pulled SKS, and issued AK.
I would argue that a little more refinement and development with the SKS and it would have been on par. Larger detachable magazine with a modern stock maybe. I would also argue that fully automatic rifles have a negligible “advantage” at medium to long range. Soldiers rarely use the spray and pray method unless the goal is to suppress the enemy. Full auto is mostly used by squad or platoon support weapons as they carry more ammo.
thanks for watching
Cool video
I dig using blanks and Launching dummy grenades with my Yugo SKS
I use it for hog hunting quite often,10s of thousands of rounds over the last 15 years
Extremely reliable!
Ridiculously reliable I might have to look for Yugo. Another gun why not lol
I’ve always had a place in my heart for the sks. It was my first rifle purchase when I was 19 years old in 1990. I have a lot more appreciation for them now than I did then. Good video 👍
I agree, that was a standard first purchase back when they were dirt cheap.
They are excellent rifles considering what they are and when they were made.
Thanks for the support😄
I know a guy that has an early 80s norinco sks that he has put over 8000 rounds thru with out cleaning . NO MALFUNCTIONS! He uses the cheapest ammo he can get. Deer hunts with it yearly, always successful. I'm in awe.
For the money they were and the abuse they take they are absolute tanks!!!!!
Well they were designed with the typical d u m b a s s in mind... even with a chrome-lined barrel, that corrosive ammo will eventually eat the barrel.. keep it clean and your grandkids will enjoy it.
@@ronalddunne3413 spot on the typical soldier is going to abuse their rifles. These rifles were produced with that in mind.
Thanks for watching
I have owned two of them (no longer legal in NZ) both were the ones that take Ak magazines. Great rifles,,,, accurate, totally reliable... way better than an AK... I've had those too...
That is sad, believe me we can Canada can only hope and pray that we don’t suffer the same fate. Thanks for watching.
I picked up one from a private party in Salt Lake City over 25 years ago. Matching serial numbers. Trask armory marking. Love it.
I bet you didn’t pay $600 for it either. The prices are crazy. Anyone have a Time Machine lol
Thanks for watching.
Very pleasant to shoot. I've only shot a couple, but I feel like the SKS is my kind of rifle.
It is an excellent rifle to shoot very predicable
Thanks for watching
I love my SKSs. I don't have a Russian or a Yugo M59 - one of each in a laminate stock would be fantastic, and I'd like to have one of the late model military Chinese models with the fiberglass upper handguard and the cutout around the takedown lever. They are truly awesome rudimentary carbines.
You got that right. To borrow a line from Glock, “Simply perfect”. The look the feel and the action just fit so well. Thanks for watching.
Love this cartridge and the SKS is very functional and really like it, also have a hunting rifle in that cartridge makes a good deer type rifle or similar game size effective out to about 150-200 yards
People have used the SKS for a cheap hunting setup for decades. I don’t know if we can still consider them cheap for what you get, excluding history. I would almost say the 7.62 x 39 is as popular a cartridge as the .308. What are you running for a hunting rig? Thanks for watching😅
You must be from Texas with that name. Lol.
I have several cousins and an aunt and uncle that live in Terrill and surrounding areas.
My daughter moved to Plano and I asked her if she could have another place but Plano Texas. Lol
She laugh. Uncle Carl asked me several time to come to Texas and I should have taken him up on it instead I move to a SAND PIT DIRECTLY East of you across the big pond.
Love Texas for what they stand for and hope one day they succeed from the Union !!
If they ever did you watch the population explosion then.
Just make a law now dems. To destroy Texas allowed.
Nice rifle. I have shot a Chinese sks, I prefer ak or ar rifles, just my opinion. God bless Canada in your fight to protect your firearm freedoms against your tyrant of a prime minister.
I enjoy the AR platform live how easily they can be personalized. The AK is a reliable platform, battle proven but harder to be precise with. Thanks for watching.
I'm Canadian as well ,I have a Russian sks also a m57 Tokarav. I love them both but have yet to shoot a ak47. I dream of the day when we're finally as free as our American brothers and sisters.
@@markjones2859 I’m in the USA and I’m beginning to that freedom is an illusion.
@@markjones2859 I’ve shot the AK, it was an abused desert warrior that had probably 10,000 rounds through it. I was in Afghanistan at the time and found it ran well but difficult to control over a three round burst.
I to dream of common sense from our elected officials😅
Thanks for watching
@@Bartonfink3434 feelings over facts nowadays 😢
Thanks for watching
Love my 3 SK's. But if I had to buy a rifle, now it would be an AR-10 Partrooper shorty.
Love AR 10s unfortunately those are now prohibited in Canada perhaps that will change someday. AR10 or SCAR.
Thanks for watching.
I totally agree.... SKS are nice looking gun and extremally fun when shooting. Mine it's russian made (with 10 round magazine, in Italy we have others stupid restrictions).
Gotta love the 7.62x39. Russian is the first one to buy.
Absolutely agree
Wish we could still find them in the cheap😊
I think the only pros the SKS has over the 7.62 AK is the gas system and the trigger.
Accuracy as well. Both fine firearms but IMHO the sks has the advantage. Thanks for watching
Just went to a gun show where people are selling SKS and Mosins for $900+! I was lucky enough to find a gross looking SKS for $400 and gladly took it, as well as some trinkets I found like a cleaning kit, some AP ammo, and some stripper clips (all sold separately). I also bought a 30rnd detachable mag, but for some reason I am having trouble with it, maybe it's just crappy.
The prices of those fine USSR firearms have gone insane.
I think even at 900$ there’s still some value there if you’re into the history of the rifles.
I know there is a mod for the sks to take AK mags but I’m not too familiar it’s verboten in Canada.
Have fun with that rifle they will eat anything.
Great video, very entertaining, though I must respectfully disagree with you both on the title and on what you say in the main video. I don't think the SKS is either overrated or underrated. I think on balance, most people who know the SKS appreciate it for what it is. It's got fans and collectors everywhere it's still legal to own. It's an amazingly simple, effective design, and a lot of fun to shoot. I'm certainly not selling mine. But I won't say it's better than an AK, let alone an AR. It's a nearly 80-year old rifle that in its standard form doesn't take box mags and has no effective way to attach a modern optic. That means whatever slight edge it may have on the AK in accuracy is going to be wasted on most shooters. It doesn't matter if my rifle is accurate out to 300 yards if I can't put sights on the target at that range.
Sure, you can modify the SKS to take optics and box mags, but half the accessories available for it are cheap crap. The other half generally require permanent changes to the rifle and/or arduous hand-fitting in order to make them function properly. Why bother with that if you can have an AK, with its very adaptable side rail, or an AR, which generally comes standard now with a Picatinny rail on the upper?
Of course, you're no longer allowed to own those guns in Canada, or buy them in a couple of US states. That's probably the biggest reason to own an SKS in 2023, so that you can have a nice, non-threatening, wood-and-blued-steel firearm that doesn't frighten the politicians as much as those scary black rifles. Good luck, and I hope you can manage to roll back some of the increasingly authoritarian restrictions you have in Canada. Gun laws in the US are currently in a period of widespread libertarian reform, now that the Supreme Court is actually defending that part of the Constitution, but who knows how long this will last?
Hey there, great comments and that’s why I love this aspect of RUclips. My goal has never been to convince people or get them to side with me regarding my opinions on firearms but rather spark conversation and see why people are so loyal to a particular brand.
It’s tough being a firearm enthusiast in Canada as our choices are limited, it’s also very unpopular to speak about, I’m sure you can see some of that where you live.
I loved my AR and if I had my choice would have many set up for all kinds of purposes it is an outstanding platform and so easy to personalize.
Still prefer a SKS over an AK though 😜
Thanks for watching.
Watches? Watches! I thought the Rusky watches were crummy, but the cameras were pretty good.
It sure about the watches but Russian military watches from the 70s were bullet proof and kept great time. I regret not buying a bunch while in Afghanistan and selling them to wanna be communist college students lol.
There is an amazing replacement firing pin that uses a spring and slighty blunted to help prevent slamfire. I highly recommend.
I haven’t experienced an “issue” yet however I haven’t really run it through a bunch of filthy rounds either.
Appreciate the info, does it change the trigger feel at all?
Thanks for watching 🙂
I appreciate you mentioning Soviet watches. I'm very fond of them but I prefer something that just bloody works.
Mid 70s Soviet watches were just like the T-72 tanks. Not so sure now but the plethora of Soviet watches available in Afghanistan were all vintage and cool military artifacts.
Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear From what I've read the quality dropped off dramatically in the late 70s but dang they were good up to then.
New Canuck subscriber.
The SKS is not that innovative, it's just a scaled down version of a previous Simonov design, the SVT-40 in the full power 7.62x54mmR, the same as the Mosin-Nagant. That rifle saw quite a bit of service in WW2, with about 1.6m made. The Soviets had observed the German 8x33mm Kurtz cartridge with the MP-44, and more or less copied it fielding the intermediate 7.62x39 mm. But they had no ready gun in 1945 to take the new cartridge. The Simonov design was readily available and it was easy to scale down and redesign. But I don't agree it was better than the AK as service rifle, primarily due to being longer and having a 10 rounds fixed magazine, instead of 30 round box magazine. That's why it was phased out relatively quickly in favor of the AK-47 and what was produced was mostly surplused right away to allied countries such as China, North Korea and North Vietnam, various other Asian and African countries, and licenses for production there before the AK. Once the AKM that could be made from stampings came out, the production for that could be really ramped up. I don't think 7.62x39 mm is really adequate for large game.
I would love to have a SVT -40. I think when you evaluate post war USSR and their need to be a legit world threat they made it happen in a short period of time. I agree that the 10 round fixed magazine is a huge limiting factor but imagine if they had of kept developing it. There are kits to upgrade the magazine on the SKS. This is why I started this channel for dialogue like this, GREAT comments!!! Thank you.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear there might be also some legal constraints for civilians, ex. some jurisdictions not allowing semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, or guns which were initially manufactured as machineguns, as most AKMs were. Probably that's why the SKS is relatively popular. The SVT-38 and 40 models were made in much lower numbers, and not exported much, so it's probably far rarer. In fact the Soviets mostly stopped production of the SVT-40 in 1942, to concentrate on making as many Mosin-NagantM91/30 as possible.
@@AlexandruNicolin indeed there are not many SVT 40s in Canada and those that have them for sale want a premium. Sadly the days of buying affordable milsurp are long gone. 700$ for a Moisin Nagant?
unless youre able to go full auto
the SKS is right up there as a semi-auto
platform highly practical... interesting how
after seeing the Garand for many yrs the SKS
was considered an advance in practicality
of neither bigger nor smaller than
whats needed almost all the time
for overwhelmingly most people
@@bumpercoach not to mention simple to maintain. Simple mechanism that is nearly flawless in operation.
Thanks for watching
I also like shooting 10 rounds before the first piece of brass hits the ground.
The best we can do here in Canada is 5 rounds lol. Thanks for watching.
Interesting video, thanks for posting, Johnny C... 😜
Been using AKs and SKS for decades here in the States, I gotta say they are probably marginal for larger deer, and would hesitate to take on a polar bear! Those suckers are HUGE and they hunt and eat people. That 7.62x39 isnt a powerful bear round! It'll just p i s s 'em off.. watch the Russian docs filmed in Siberia and the North.. they're generally carrying a Mosin in the far more powerful cartridge..
I have a Russian, 1954 Tula, - Im really glad I snagged it when I did. Was using it for a "trunk gun" until the prices rose and it was just cheaper to keep an AR15 in the trunk.
Also own a Chinese Norinco, made in the early '90's, picked it up when a Chinese SKS and a case of ammo delivered went for like $200 yankee dollars...
While I like my AK's a LOT, but actually like the way the SKS handles (feels) better, it is a more accurate weapon and marginally more powerful due to the 20" barrel vs the 16" on the AK. It is more solid and less clunky due to the forged/milled construction and en bloc magazine vs the stamp sheet steel construction of (most) AK's.
The main issue with the SKS (and the AK) is the sights.. a longer sight radius would help a lot with accuracy, which would have meant mounting the sight on the dust cover. That would have been another can of worms for the designer at the time, altho dust cover mounted rear sights are available today - for a price of course.
I own several Russian designed/made firearms, and they are all a bit, hmmm.. ungainly or unsophisticated, but built to LAST even in harsh conditions... Except for my Makarov pistol, which was a close rip-off of the German PP .380...
Hey Ronald, I agree with you regarding sight picture and yes spreading them out would certainly have helped but like you I appreciate the never fail operation of the SKS. It does feel like a ready to go firearm.
As for the polar bear the reason why the SKS is still being used is to no doubt “annoy” the bear enough that it leaves the area. We Canadians are unfortunately limited as far as firearms we can have, ammunition choices are limited up north as well. Our Canadian rangers just switched from .303 to .308 in a Tikka platform but it’s pretty clear the frozen north presents all kinds of problems.
Thanks for watching, I enjoyed your informed comments and you have some great firearms. Never sell!!!
I have two: one is a Russian 1950 (all matching) and the other is a Chinese "paratrooper" one.
The Paratrooper is SUPER handy.
I wish I could afford a couple more.
Seriously cool firearms!
Thanks for watching.
3:17 - the "TEN ROUND MAGAZINE" is an easy fix.
So simple to make a 50 round detachable with the chassis we have to work with on the SKS.
I have several 30 round mags that work like a charm on this weapon.
I don't understand why he thinks TEN ROUNDS is a problem, when it is easily / has already been overcome?
I'm just sayin'...
...
Here in Canada you cannot modify a firearm to make it capable of a capacity of more than five rounds. I understand that it is a fairly simple modification but you can then be in violation of a criminal offence.
If you’re a purist or collector you would be unlikely to modify a SKS for a greater capacity this makes an AK more appealing to those who believe more rounds = more better.
Thanks for watching.
Have a Chinese SKS I bought in 1992 for $89 USD. Love it. Amazingly accurate. Very little recoil. Cheap ammo. Fun to shoot.
Ah the good old days when you could pick them up for a tenth of todays prices. The Chinese SKS is a solid firearm and often overlooked vs USSR. Great firearm!
Thanks for watching.
You are having an effect upon me lately.
Desiring a Polish made M44 here Post WW2. ;-)
I’m wanting one of each. I’d love to find an SVT 40 that isn’t 2000$ or a Kar 98 or 31. Those old guns are beautiful.
@The Guy with beard Guns and Gear I hear you friend. Three months ago picked up an FR-8. And some years ago bought an ES350b training 22 Mauser. Milsurps rule.
@@Joe3pops I love Milsurp unfortunately the prices have gone crazy lately 😢
I've got the Chinese sks and love it but wow what an awsome grain you have 👍.
Thanks 👍it’s the laminate stock. My experience people love it or hate it.
I love the look
I've sold a couple of dozen++ Russie SKSs back when you could get them for $115 in Commiefornia. They were all unfired. I kept two back that were made in the year I was born, 1953. I put a silly top on one to mount a 4x Russkie scope, and a Williams peep sight on the other, replacing the factory rear sight. They are both equally accurate at 100 yards, go figure?
As a mechanical engineer, i was somewhat disgusted when I started taking the first one down. Halfway thru the takedown I realized the genius in the design. It is crude. Oh, _you bet it is crude._ But it works. And works. And works.
It is an _AMAZING_ weapon. It just runs and runs and runs.
It was Stalin that said something like, "Quantity has a quality of its own." ????
I'm just sayin'...
...
I love the simplicity and the “crude” manufacture of these firearms. As you stated they are fairly accurate, they have no business being as accurate as they are.
They will eat any ammo and just run.
I love these SKS firearms and regret every 150$ rifle I walked past in the gun shops and turned up my nose in my way to the “pretty” firearms.
Thanks for watching and the great comments.
I had a China made SKS. It was a pretty good gun. Never got the chance to shoot the Russian. But mostly I like the 7.62x39 round. That and the $100 price tag. Of course being back later 80s early 90s.
If only we could have seen this coming 🤔
I got mine for 300 and it's one of the most accurate rifles I own. It's crazy since they were going for 800 at the covid time.
@@MattDaniek 300$ would be a steal now😢
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear they were going for 700 when I was offered 300 for mine. Dude said I'm a good customer.
@@MattDaniek you must a very good customer😅
Thank you for your interesting video.
Your SKS has a very nice laminated stock.
The answers to your comments or questions are in the literature.
I especially recommend you the two following books:
- The AK47 story by Edward Clinton Ezell
- the gun that changed the world, by Elena Joly and .... Mikhail Kalashnikov
A few key points:
- By the end of WWII, Mikhail Kalashnikov was the young beginner. Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov, Fedor Vasilievich Tokarev and Degtyarev had far more experience, successes and prestige.
- At the end of WWII, a big competition among the Russian design bureaus was launched in order to use the new M43 7.62x39 cartridge. They had to compete for three separate firearms: a bolt action rifle, a self loading rifle and an automatic rifle.
- The bolt action rifle was never adopted
- Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov won the competition for the self loading rifle. Mikhaïl Kalashnikov lost it. The Russian generals refused his prototype closely inspired by the Garand. They especially refused the use of clips similar to the ones of the Garand.
- Mihaïl Kalashnikov finally won the third competition, the one for the automatic rifle. This is in itself a fascinating story.
- Both were used in parallel until 1958
- In 1958, the Russian army launched a new competition for a consistent system, including all the infantry rifles, up to the light machine gun. They had to use the same cartridge (7.62x39) and to work the same way, so that the training of soldiers could be simplified.
- Mikhaïl Kalashnikov won this new competition with the AKM rifle and the RPK light machine gun.
- Both are extremely close and work the same way. which simplified training
- The stamping of the AKM was significantly improved over the one of the early versions of the AK47. this means that the rifle uses far less material than the SKS and that it can be produced much faster and in much larger numbers. This was absolutely key for the Russians.
- finally the AKM did almost everything the SKS did, even if the SKS is a little bit more accurate and can be fired at slightly longer ranges. So it was very useful for the Russian army to have a single rifle.
- The SKS was thus retired from the frontline, and used in second line units, a bit like the US M1 carbine.
- Prgresseively, they were stored in the Russian arsenals, where they have been refurbished. And .... they waited.
This explains why we can still find SKS rifles in "near new" condition today.
And they are very nice rifles for all of us, in countries where self loading rifles are accessible to civilians.
Wow that is amazing, I will absolutely look into those books you recommend as I find the history in USSR post WW2 very interesting. I guess I can be glad the USSR didn’t adopt the SKS as they would likely not have found their way to our market. Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge on the subject. This is why I love RUclips.
Thank you very much. Yes we are very lucky to find these rifles in near new condition.
I remember when I was a kid, going into local gun shops and seeing barrels of SKS for $99. If I knew then......
I feel your pain, crates and crates of cheap SKSs😭
Like you I think the SKS is under rated. Unlike you, I dont think the AK is over rated. Thanks for the video.
To each his own, admittedly the only AKs I ever shot were beat up Afghanistan relics. Thanks for watching.
If I'm not taking an AK, I rather take the VZ58 over the SKS. Any kind of benefit the SKS has over the AK is vastly surpassed by the VZ58.
Well yes of course but there wasn’t an option C lol
If the neck of the cartridge is breaking off I would think that’s an issue with the ammo.
That is what I suspect as well. Needless to say I haven’t shot any of the cartridges since. I’ve never had any issues with American Eagle but it could have been a bad lot. I’d like to get my hands on a bolt action 7.62x39 to see if it remains an issue.
beautiful stock on that one
Thank you, yeah I got lucky. Thanks for watching.
Nice sks sks are great 👍
We agree!
I have a 1952 refurbished sks and with laminant stock made in the tula plant as well, but no match to my zastava m70 zpap, sorry bud but this would be my choice. Nice video .
We all have our favourites I’ve just always loved the SKS. I love how it shoots the noise when cycling etc.
Thanks for watching
Russian SKS models AFAIK never had chrome lined barrels.
I have had lots of Russian and Chinese SKSs as well as Romanian and one Yugo and all were great guns.
The Chinese models did have chrome lined barrels.
They are a classic rifle.
Are you sure? I mean they’re all great but I was pretty sure the USSR models had chrome lined in certain years. Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear You are correct!
Well it all comes down to what is its intended purpose is. The SKS probably lends itself more to hunting rather than combat though with a scope it could probably be an effective sniping rifle. The AK obviously is a battle rifle designed for that and not so much for distance engagements. This is the same kind of argument with the AR and AK debate - just comes down to taste and purpose. If you're a hunter get an SKS - if a prepper get an AK.
If you can get both DO IT! I guess I just prefer the judicious use of ammo that a semi-auto forces. I’m not room clearing I’m picking a target. Thanks for watching. These old Soviet firearms are awesome.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear Agreed, I have the M44 as well.
@@defenestrationfan I want an SVT 40 ❤
I just got a really nice 1950 Tula Russian SKS which yes has a chrome lined bore.
That’s great Frank! There is something very special about those old Soviet rifles I’d buy all of them if they weren’t so damn expensive 😝.
I just picked up a Moisin Nagant hex breach….stand by for the video on that beauty.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear That's awesome, the Mosin is another one I want, probably the shorter carbine version, I want a Lee Enfield MK3 SMLE but 303 is getting expensive, it used to be cheap to buy 303 ammo, another one I want is the P14 Enfield but in 30-06, I would love an M1 Garand but they're out of reach price wise for me, the M1 Carbine is cool too but hard to find a non restricted version, the coolest thing I've seen videos for is the Winchester model 1895 Russian contract lever action in 7.62x54r! There's so many firearms to choose from that are cool old Army surplus, can't wait to see more videos, keep em coming! Happy holidays! A nice gift from Santa and new years resolution would be the resignation of Turdeau haha!
@@frankyg2384I too have a very long list of firearms I want/need lol. I want an SVT-40 but out of my price range, the other I covet is the M-1 Garand. Milsurp are getting ridiculously expensive, I was able to find a Carcano at a reasonable price but a .303 in decent shape is 1500$ now.
Yes it would be a wonderful Christmas gift if somebody would step down in the new year. Happy holidays and stay safe.
The AK-47 wasn’t intended as a main battle arm. It wasn’t meant to replace the Mosin. It was designed to replace the submachine guns (PPSH-41 and PPS-43). So this why it had a 16” barrel. It really was the Russian interpretation of the STG-44 (not a copy). I mean “interpretation” in the and way 7.62z39 was inspired by 7.92x33Kurz. I mean the ballistics from a 16” barrel is basically the same. Powder capacity and pressure aren’t far off. Man this situation is to darn complicated!!!
Interesting, I had forgotten about the PPSH models, man I wish I could get my hands on one of those.
Maybe they believed the AK was a one rifle fits all.
Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear my understanding is they quickly figured out the AK made way way more sense than doing mass SKS production. I do wonder if they had this idea from the beginning how would the AK be different? I’m definitely thinking an 18-22” barrel and probably some more features (last round bolt hold open)???
Honestly I never could understand the SKS until I understood the AK was designed as a sub machine gun replacement not a battle rifle. This entire story along with the long development period gets lost to most histories on the gun. The AK wasn’t really ready for mass production until 1957-1959. I used to assume they we pumping em out shortly after 1947.
@@danielcurtis1434 I’d love to see and operate a long barrel AK. Maybe that would change my mind lol.
I agree with you, why i also prefer SKS over AK-47.
SKS effective range is 470m more the AK-47, it is more accurate, more simpl and robust more reliable, more quick to reload with or without striper clip.
Due to its less recoil very comfortable.
SKS is it is semi automatic, in this category with intermediate cartridge it the best rifle on the earth.
Yes AK-47 is automatic it has more firing rate it is protable easy to carry.
While I'm watching your video my Chinese factory 26 1979 SKS is standing wit my bed, and AK-47 is resting the cupboard.
HELL YES!!! Love the sks love 😃.
Although we cannot own AK’s here in Canada, I don’t think it would make much difference. SKS all the way😄
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I am Canadian and also love the SKS. I remember decades ago, when we were a free country, we could also own a Galil (milled receiver AK hybrid), which was also an amazing rifle. If we have a more reasonable government in the future, it would be cool to be able to own both an SKS and AK. I would love to see a video comparing the SKS to something like a Galil, or Valmet in the future. Just dreaming, I guess.
@@ziggyz2958 anyone who owns a Galil is probably hiding them lol.
had my 1952 tula for about 10 years. never leaves me hanging. i think i cleaned it once. when i cleaned the cosmoline off when i bought it. she dont want to be cleaned
That’s why I love the SKS it is very simple design rifle, rudimentary tooling used in its production. Truth be told it has no business being a semi-accurate rifle, but there it is running whatever ammo you use and seldom with a letdown moment. They are fantastic!!! Thanks for watching.
The 1951 sks has a spring behind the firing pin, later ones do not. Prevents the dreaded slam-fire. You can purchase a retro kit.Cheers from B.C.
Thanks for the info, I’ve never had an issue but I’m pretty meticulous with cleaning as well. I love those rifles!!!!
Not all 51’s had a spring loaded firing pin only early models.
@@pureblood15 that is what I’ve found as well. I guess there were a few inconsistencies during manufacture years.
The bolt is actually different on the 51’s.
@@colkilgore9973 is there enough of a difference to be easily recognizable.
I kind of prefer the SKS over an AK.
I agree 100% I have shot the AK and while it runs smooth with little issue even when “dirty” it is a spray and pray type firearm IMHO. thanks for watching.
Russian ,Tula 1951 and Chinese.Not sure what the date is for the Chinese.
That is a great year for the Russian made SKS hold onto it I think the value is on the way up. I heard the Chinese shoot very well usually you can pick them up for a decent price …..for now😅
I have 3 paratroopers I'll leave 1 to each of my kids they're like old chevy trucks dependable eat anything you feed it and look better with age.
All milled receivers very accurate and rugged.
That is one heck of a nice inheritance if you ask me. So cool to see so much love for the lowly SKS. thanks for watching.
I like the accuracy of the sks, but I also like the ease of reloading of the a.k., because it takes mags. I've seen a sks modified to take a.k. mags, I thought that was pretty cool.
I think the integral magazine is the biggest downfall of the SKS when compared to modern firearms. There is a kit or mod that is commonly done not sure of the availability. Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I just run the duck bill Pro Mag 33 rounders. With the Fab Defense stock I can reload it faster than my AR or AK.
If you have a Bubba'd SKS you gotta check out the Fab Defense stock. The one handed mag release is a game changer.
Tapco also made a magazine for these critters. Very nice and good solid quality.
Not sure but I think they a defunct now.
Think they came in tan color and 20 / 30 round
@@lynn4205 Yeah I still have the Tapco 20 rounder that came with the gun. Works great. I've heard bad things about Pro mag but mine function flawlessly.
@@foch3 SKSs are getting fewer to find and not cheap. Maybe they’ll find another container in Yugoslavia. 😅
The SKS may not have been used in Russia in battle, but it was their ceremonial and parade rifle for decades.
Yes true, much the same as the M-1 was used in ceremonies for the US decades after the M-16 was the MBR.
THANKS FOR WATCHING
I have a Chinese SKS, and this rifle takes the AK-47 magazine. It is a model M, I had since 1995. I bought it brand that way.
There’s no way that would make its way to the Canadian market right now.
I bet you got it for a good price too. Today you’d be looking at at least 6bills.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I paid $159.00 for it back in the day.
@@JimmyHintonI wish they were still that price. 😂
@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I remembered when the Chinese ones that take the stripper clips were $59.00. I wish they were that price too.
@@JimmyHintonpallets of them at every gun store😢
But the biggest problem with the SKS today is that they are way overpriced. For the price of an SK, one can get an AK-47, AR-15, or AR-10 for less. I'm glad to hear you are not going to butcher that fine rifle by sporterizing it. Thanks for the vid.
The prices have made it difficult to justify the purchase for what it is unless you’re a collector or hoarder lol.
Thanks for watching.
@The Guy with beard Guns and Gear I got my SK for 75 bucks eons ago. I've been kicking myself ever since I didn't just pick up the whole damn crate at the time. It's been an excellent ranch rifle over the years.
@@doghousedon1 we all have those regrets sir. 😢
Thanks.... Your cost for Rus 45 laminated model?.... I seen $650 non-laminated stock in USA.... good day sammy
I paid 450$ for this a couple of years ago, I wish my investments did as well 😝
dig the video!
i think your dog is pissed
Thanks for watching! The dog thinks he gets a treat every 2 minutes😅
There is a third option, the vx58 which is better than both the AK and SKS.
It was a eeny meeny, there was no moe🤣. Goes without saying there are many great choices superior to both aforementioned firearms.
Thanks for watching
1990 era you could buy these by the pallet for $89 a pop. New in grease, with all the Soviet proofs and beautiful laminated stocks.
I know those were the glory days. In the last year and a half the prices have jumped 200$ in Canada.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear I thought they banned semi-auto's in Canada?
@@scottdunn2178 not yet but yes they have tried. They will no doubt try again because they don’t understand what they’re doing 😂
I'm surprised the Russians didn't keep it around for people that needed to be armed, but that you don't necessarily want to arm to *well* (Militsiya, guards, etc etc).
I agree especially as it takes the same cartridge. Bizarre doctrine policies? Thanks for watching.
I bought 2 of these early 50's Russian SKS rifles back in the 90's....maybe early 2000's. Paid a total of $136 ($86 plus fees). They have the milled receiver and threaded barrel, rather than pinned. Should have bought 10 of them. My wife agreed to 2, because we have 2 sons and I said they would eventually go to them. I didn't realize how soon I'd have to give them up though. Wish I had one of my own, but they cost too much now. My philosophy, and what I've taught my boys, 'You can never have too many guns, or too much ammunition'. Just sayin'.
That is a great philosophy to pass on your boys.
I too walked past crates of SKSs when they were 120$ and included 500$ surplus rounds. I had no idea how much I’d regret that.
Thanks for watching
@David Plunkett yep, otherwise no such thing.
@@mapleholler9800 amen to that!!
The little 'r' following the year is the Russian Cyrillic letter equivalent to the English letter 'g', which is in this context the abbreviation for "god" (rhymes with road), which is Russian for year.
Thanks for that gem, I’ll remember that. Thanks for watching and again for sharing your knowledge.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear
Г. год (God) = year
Personally, I wish there was a bigger gap between the invention of the SKS and the AK. The SKS was ahead of its time at the time but since the AK was made just 2 years later, the SKS seemed like a downgrade. I’m glad the AK was invented but I wish the SKS got more recognition.
I absolutely agree!!! That SKS is a special rifle and came around at a time where most militaries were still using bolt actions.
I mean is the SKS really outdated or was it a change in doctrine?
Anyway I’m glad it’s here and mines not going anywhere.
It's a more refined rifle but I think it came down to price and having a detachable magazine.
Imagine if they had just modernized the SKS
thanks for watching
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear A Canadian veteran and gun collector told me that the SKS was every bit as tough and reliable as the AK as well as being more accurate. Also, a buddy's father who was a Vietnam vet used to go down to a creek in their spare time with two captured SKS's each and a crate or two of ammo. They'd shoot until one gun was smoking, throw it in the creek then shoot until the second was hot and then retrieve the first, alternating between guns until out of ammo without a stoppage.
@@kenlansing1216 I have no doubt that those stories are true, the SKS will eat up every bit of ammo you can throw into it and without stoppage. There is beauty in simplicity. 😊
That would be General Kalishnikov........ he deserves the respect.
I guess we know how he got the contract lol
I had up to seven of these rifles at one time and now down to three, but one was Russian. I made a mistake by giving away the Russian (I thought it was one of my Chinese) rifle to my sisters husband and after six months they divorced, I knew I should have waited!
I can’t give guns away, you’re a better man than I am lol. Thanks for watching.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear Don't say things like that, it hurts, LOL!
@@dragdragon23 lol
For hunting, yes the SKS is a better rifle as they tend to be a tad more accurate than the Kalashnikov.
Plus they look cooler IMHO.
Thanks for watching
An intact functioning rifle , a box of ammunition and what appears to be a glass of alcoholic beverage he is sipping . Not a good combination.
Just like a real Russian working on the assembly line in 1949 🤣
🇦🇺😎👍The tyrants had all our semi automatic rifles , shotguns & pump action shotguns confiscated and crushed in 1997 , just in case 😉. For safety 😉👍….great video 🏁
That is so sad, I fear we are headed in a similar direction.
Thanks for watching.
Russian sks 1953 works perfectly, got it with 50 rounds ever fired.
Right on, love these things just plug along like an old train.
the SKS's faults are the wide bulky stock and lack of a hold open switch. With a hold open, then one could use 5 round strippers and be topped off more easily. Additionally this rifle should have been chambered in additional rounds like the 6.5 Grendel and a slightly different magazine (more square at the bottom) Oh, stay away from the Chinese 20 round magazines, they suck, and get a rear scope mount, as the rear cover should have been manufactured with a scope mount...
I would have loved the SKS to have stayed in service and developed to address all these issues. Sadly the AK-47 became the firearms of choice. Still though a fun firearm to shoot all day with.
Thanks for watching.
It’s like saying a pacer is better than a yugo.
Pretty sure there aren’t too many 70 year old pacers or yugos being used today.
🤣
The name's Seamanof.
It’s a tongue twister depending on the number of drinks you’ve had lol
Looks like my Russian!
Nice rifle, you have good taste lol.
There is no changing peoples minds like you. Why bother? But there is a reason Soviets went away from the SKS to the AK. Owning both I can’t understand your opinion. It’s like saying the M1 is a better weapon than a modern AR. But to each their own.
Well I wish I could own both unfortunately we as Canadians do not have a 2nd amendment. I have shot the AK while in Afghanistan and would take an M-4 over the AK everyday. I found the the AK to be a spray and pray and I prefer to know where my shots are going. I would love to try their newer improved versions though. Thanks for watching.
Serial numbers on Everything as I recall. The Viet Cong had lots of these in the early years. The Chinese versions were very junky
From what I understand some production plants weren’t very good at stamping serial numbers thus making it difficult to trace. The Viet Cong used the SKS very well, there are some very fine Chinese SKS or type 56 produced but yes there is also some junk out there. Thanks for watching.
🇦🇺😎👍
slam fire..
Yup, personally it’s never happened to me but I was with a buddy who was shooting off all his surplus 7.62x39 and he was having a few rat a tats. You can fix the floating firing pin if you happen to own a model like that or just make sure you clean it thoroughly.
😛😛😛😛😛❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I knew there were SKS lovers out there ☝🏻. Thanks for watching.
Too bad they cant rechamber sks to .308
I’m sure somebody has tried at some point. 7.62 is a cute round though lol
Thanks for watching.
No russian gun has a stamp part only only later model chinese
I think you’re right in that one although I don’t think it hurts the function.
I just like the thought of some drunk tool operator making firearms in the old USSR.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear my Enfield no.4 mk 3 won't even chamber it or my 1956 tula sks or akm
5?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?
Price?
American cheap ammo never get the case shape, correct.
The American eagle stuff was the only problem I had.
The PMC stuff runs great no issues, it’s a bit of a challenge finding anything here in the north.
@@theguywithbeardgunsandgear Winchester has always been bad at foreign cartridges 303 British is terrible too
@@kevingates503never had any problems with the PMC stuff. Doesn’t seem like it’s picky at all.
"Simonova" means "of Simonov". It's "kalASHnikov", not "kalISHnikov". Just google it if you don't want to learn russian. And next time bring enough whisky to share with the rest of the class. Change your own mind.
Scotch should always be shared
Thanks for watching
At least put more attention to prep your own video, please find out about how to spell easy by 3:23 check out
I read your comment three times and watched the video twice trying to figure out what you are referring to and I’m still not sure. The video is produced by myself and kids, it is my own personal opinions and experience with some statistics and facts that I found interesting or poignant.
Thank you for watching and I will endeavour to do a better job regarding ????? Video prep?
i owned one, its a great gun for the cost... 20 years ago i got mine brand new packed in oil for 100 bux u.s.... cheap.... and the ammo was cheap... then i upgrade to a 3000$ 308 SXAR
I bet you wish you kept it. They’re going for 600$ and up Canadian now.
It’s often a cheap purchase that gets us into an expensive hobby/obsession.
Thanks for watching.
Wish I had kept my two 1954 Russian examples. Both were numbers matching, unissued models, and were both still wrapped in cosmoline soaked paper, and the included field care kits.
Oh, and I paid $85/pc.
Yeah those were the good old days, read through the comments you were not the only one.
If only we could undo those errors of judgement right?
Thanks for watching.