The trials began in 1947 and the most prominent candidates to become the main weapons of Soviet soldiers for decades ahead were the latest modification of the SKS carbine and the AK-47 assault rifle.

The AK differs from the SKS in several respects, most notably the detachable, curved 30-round magazine that makes reloading quick and easy, and that it was fully automatic, combining the power of ...

The AK quickly proved that, despite being adopted in the guise of a submachine gun, it could do everything the SKS could do, so Simonov’s design was rendered redundant and obsolete. Russian ...

However, the Kalashnikov rifle was not the weapon that gave birth to the 7.62x39mm round; it was the SKS carbine. While not a household name like the AK, the SKS carbine is a very well-known ...

One is the bolt carrier handle, which is more like that of an AK-47 than other SKS rifles. Another is dual storage compartment doors, rather than one—presumably for both the cleaning kit and an ...

Despite the overall positive characteristics, the SKS had a very short life as a service rifle with the Soviet Union. The advent of the iconic and superior AK-47 ended the SKS’ frontline service ...

The AK-47 is perhaps the most widespread firearm in the world. Carried by American enemies and allies alike since 1947, it is the standard infantry weapon for 106 countries. There are an estimated ...