Weapon Identification Sheet Simonov SKS (& close derivatives) Variants and their distinguishing features VARIANTS BARREL DESIGN Simonov SKS (& close derivatives) (Model/manufacturer) Grenade-launching muzzle No grenade launcher • SKS; Russia ■ TYPE: RIFLE ■ ALSO REFERRED TO AS: SKS, SIMONOV • Type 56 ‘carbine’; China • Type 63; China • Type 63; North Korea • M59/66; Yugoslavia (Serbia) The Chinese Type 63 is not exactly a derivative of the SKS, but the M59/66 All other models weapon is sufficiently similar in appearance to include it in this Weapons ID Sheet. North Korean GAS REGULATOR Type 68 rifles are distinguishable from Chinese Type 56 versions Protrusion forward of the because they are stamped with gas regulator No protrusion a proof mark featuring a five- pointed star in a circle. Model illustrated: Simonov SKS, Russia Technical Information The SKS was developed in the Soviet Union Type 63, China All other models Calibre during the Second World War. It is a gas-operated, self-loading rifle. The weapon’s most distinctive 7.62 x 39 mm M1943 MAGAZINE Length features are the tubular appearance of the 20-round detachable box 10-round integral box 1023 mm receiver, which ends abruptly at the neck of the Weight (unloaded) stock, and a folding bayonet, which is permanently 3.8 kg attached to the barrel. Barrel length 524 mm Feed device 10-round internal box magazine Type 63, China All other models PROBABLE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION Sighting systems: Sighting systems Region State forces Non-state/illicit Fore: Post Western Europe BAYONET DESIGN Rear: Tangent, notch Eastern Europe ◗ Triangular ‘spike’ Single-edged ‘knife’ Operating system Middle East & North Africa ◗ ● Gas, self-loading Sub-Saharan Africa ● ● Points to include when recording Muzzle velocity information about the weapon: Central Asia ◗ ◗ 735 m/s 1. Serial number, including all prefix South Asia ◗ ◗ and suffix characters Accessories 2. Characters adjacent to fire East Asia ◗ ◗ Folding bayonet selector Pacific 3. Any other engraved/stamped Type 56 Type 63, North Korea information on weapon North America Type 63, China M59/66 Central America ◗ ◗ Compiled by the Small Arms Survey with the technical assistance of the National Firearms Centre, Royal Armouries, United Kingdom. For further South America ◗ information or if you have identification queries, contact [email protected] or call: +41 22 908 5777. This identification sheet may be downloaded in printable PDF format at www.smallarmssurvey.org/weaponsID ● Expect regular use ◗ Expect occasional use Do not expect use WARNING: Make a full and informed appraisal of the local security situation before conducting any research related to small arms and light weapons. .