SKS Siminov is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62 x 39. It is basically Russian origin weapon which was produced in huge numbers in mid 1940’s till 1950’s. It was replaced by the famous AK47 somewhere in 1950’s. Later Chinese, East German, Romanian, Yugoslavian, North Korean and Vietnamese versions were produced. These rifles came to Pakistan during the Afghan War in the later 1970’s. Due to their reliability , accuracy and low cost they were a preferred weapon for many gun enthusiasts. Later these were also procured for paramilitary forces in Pakistan. You can still see a few policemen carrying them in Punjab, specially. The SKS is predecessor of the AK47. If you disassenble one, you will notice many similarities between the two of them, except off course that the AK is select fire weapon, whereas the SKS is semi-auto only.
Technical Specs:
- Caliber: 7.62 x39
- Length: 40″
- Weight: 3.8 kg
- Capacity: 10 rounds
- Sights: Adjustable front and rear
- Rate of Fire: 35 to 40 rounds/min
- Safety
- Operation: Gas operated
- Effective range: 400 M
- Barrel length: 20″
The SKS is a gas operated weapon, it is extremely reliable and quite accurate. The muzzle velocity is around 730 m/s (2400 ft/s). It is quite popular weapon amongst gun enthusiasts because of its low price. However, you need a (PB) prohibited bore license to keep one of these, because the caliber 7.62 x 39 is prohibited in Pakistan, although the SKS is a semi-auto weapon. The Chinese variants available in the market are sometimes preferred because they have chrome lined barrels and provide better protection against corrosion. The rifle is very simple to take down, easy to maintain and inexpensive. Generally it is available for around Rs. 35k to 50k depending on the condition. With after market accessories and mounts one can attach a scope or red dot sight on it. I have seen a few modifications made for these rifles, such as attaching a 25 round curved or 50 round drum magazine on these. Because of its low price it is a preferred weapon.
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