Type 63 / SKS

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Summary

Country🇨🇳 China
CategoryAssault rifle
ManufacturerSimonov

Technical specifications

Type 63 / SKS
Fire Rate750 rounds/min.
Caliber7.62 x 39 mm
Magazine20 rounds
Length1029 mm (40.5 in)
Weight3.49 kg (7.7 lb)
Range600 m (1969 ft)

Description

The Samozaryadny karabin sistemy Simonova (SKS) is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov in the 1940s. Developed from earlier Simonov designs dating back to 1941, including prototypes chambered for 7.62x25mm and 7.62x54mmR, the carbine was rechambered for the new 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge in 1944. It was introduced into service with troops of the 1st Belorussian Front during the final months of World War II and recommended for general service in 1945. Mass production began in the Soviet Union at Tula Arsenal (1949–1958) and Izhevsk Arsenal (1953–1954), totaling 2.7 million units. Though quickly superseded in front-line service by the AK-47 in the 1950s, the SKS continued production under license in numerous allied nations and was widely exported, finding popularity due to its ruggedness and relative simplicity.

The SKS is a gas-operated carbine utilizing a tilting bolt and a gas piston operating rod within a conventional wooden stock. It features a permanently attached, hinged, fixed box magazine with a ten-round capacity, loaded either by hand or stripper clip through the bolt carrier. A bolt hold open device retains the bolt to the rear when the magazine is empty. Most variants utilize a free-floating firing pin and have chrome-lined barrels for durability and corrosion resistance. Sighting consists of a hooded post front sight and an open notch rear sight adjustable for elevation from 100 to 1,000 meters, plus an all-purpose "battle" setting. A folding bayonet, either blade or spike style, is attached to the underside of the barrel and helps retain the cleaning rod stored beneath the barrel. The rifle is designed for ease of field stripping and maintenance without specialized tools, with a cleaning kit stored in the buttstock.

Multiple variants and derivatives of the SKS were produced globally. Soviet production included early models with spike bayonets and spring-return firing pins, and variations in gas block design. Prototypes existed for designated marksman, fully automatic (M1950), and detachable magazine (M1951, M1953) roles but were not adopted. Commercial Russian versions like the OP-SKS were hunting rifle conversions, while the VPO-208 was a smoothbore modification for commercial sales. Chinese variants, designated Type 56, were produced for decades, initially assembled with Soviet components, later incorporating changes like spike bayonets, stamped receivers, and fiberglass stocks for tropical environments. Commercial models included the Model 84, Model D (accepting AK magazines), and Model M. Other variants include the Romanian M56, Polish ksS (ceremonial use of Soviet rifles), Yugoslav PAP M59 and M59/66 (with 22mm grenade launcher, non-chrome lined barrels), Albanian Type 56-1 (distinct features, spike bayonet), East German Karabiner-S (K98k style sling slot), North Korean Type 63 (various models including one with grenade launcher), and Vietnamese Type 1 and Viet Cong produced clones.

Entering Soviet service in 1949, the SKS was primarily used by front-line units until the AK-47's widespread adoption rendered it obsolete for this role by the mid-1950s. It remained in service with Border Troops and second-line/reserve units for decades and saw limited use with support units until the 1980s. Internationally, the SKS was a standard issue rifle in numerous Soviet-aligned states. The Chinese Type 56 served extensively with the People's Liberation Army for thirty years, notably during the Sino-Indian and Sino-Vietnamese Wars. Other users included East Germany (Karabiner-S), Romania (M56), and Yugoslavia (M59/66). The SKS was widely distributed to insurgent forces, including the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, various liberation movements in southern Africa (MPLA, UNITA, MK), and factions during the Lebanese Civil War and the Dhofar Rebellion. Captured examples were used by Portuguese colonial units, Israeli forces, and served in the Simba Rebellion. The SKS saw use in post-Soviet conflicts and the Balkan Wars. Though largely superseded by AK-pattern rifles, it remains in reserve inventories of over 50 national armies and continues to be circulated among civilians and non-state actors.

Former users include:

  • Afghanistan

  • Gambia (Type 56)

  • East Germany

  • Grenada

  • Ba'athist Iraq, Poland (ceremonial)

  • Portugal (captured/re-issued)

  • Soviet Union (retired)

  • Ba'athist Syria

  • Yugoslavia (M59/66)

  • Viet Cong

  • North Vietnam

The SKS has also seen significant commercial sales, particularly in North America and Russia.