Simonov SKS

The SKS is a self-loading weapon. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston with its own return spring and a tilting bolt locking, where a bolt tips down to lock onto the floor of the receiver. The charging handle is attached to the right side of the bolt carrier and moves when the gun is fired. The safety switch is located inside the trigger guard. The early model 50 weapons are shorter and are usually found without a bayonet. In general, the SKS is an excellent all-around weapon that offers a slightly longer range and better accuracy than the Kalashnikov AK-47, but, for military use, it lacks the magazine capacity and selective-fire capabilities. The weapon was in service with several armed forces, both regular and irregular, and it can be found in many countries in Asia and Africa.