Russian SKS - Complete Overview, Disassembly, Reassembly, and Cleaning Tips

I will cover the following in this video.
Brief Overview
How to shoot it - no actual range time in this video though.
Cleaning
Disassembly
Reassembly

[@gabp590]

Best SKS assembly/disassembly and cleaning video I have ever seen on youtube. I disassembled mine a few times and I learned alot in this video. Thank you so much (I'm from Canada and I just ordered a Tula Hardwood stock with a Russian PU Scope for 490$ on westrifle and I have a 1953r Tula that I love, SKS is my favorite gun)

[@PuffAdder8565]

That "r" character is actually a lowercase g in Russian.

[@gob2003]

Agreed! Thanks buddy! THUMBS UP!!!

[@elpelone]

Hopefully it isn't taken from you by our govt

[@MIDiver67]

I'm so glad that this was the first SKS disassemble video that I found! I am now confidently going about maintaining this awesome weapon!

[@tonyhalvorson2841]

I am also a Canadian Sks owner. just got mine a couple weeks ago. watch the video and completely disassembled cleaned and reassembled it no sweat. thanks man.

[@Physics072]

I just bought a unfired Russian 1950 the seller even cleaned out all the cosmoline and oiled it for me. Mine has the newer firing pin with the spring to prevent slam fires. You did a great job on the video. Went fast and hit all the major areas. Other videos never mentioned putting the blade at a 90 degree to get the cleaning rod out, the just forced the rod out.

[@jt6390]

There are so many videos out there to show how to disassemble and reassemble the SKS but this video is, by far, the best. Very clear and very good explanation. Good job Forrest. I ordered my SKS from Cabelas Canada and will be getting it soon.

[@kevinharbottle7400]

Picked up a 1953 Tula Arsenal SKS today and figured I'd better learn how to disassemble/reassemble it. Awesome video. Very clear and concise. Can't wait to give it a good cleaning and a go over and get it out to the range. Thanks for the fantastic video.

[@glorias9125]

Well done Forrest! I bought an SKS from a friend about 8 yr ago and the 10 rd mag and 30 rd mag came with it in a zip lock bag. Never could get the 10 rd mag in position. This gave me a good push to completely dismantle the SKS and clean all the Cosmolene off and reassemble everything properly. Again, thanks, great video!

[@jamesskyway6746]

almost 10y old vid but thank you it was very helpful. I picked up a Russian 1950 SKS yesterday. With your help i managed to take down and reassemble. A few hickups and differences along the way. First the trigger group was a sob to get off. That little push lever was SO tight. Had same problem putting back together. Very tough getting it to snap back in. One difference is the bolt and bolt carrier. They not the same colour. The bolt is black but carrier is silver. Another change is the magazine. Yours had the blocker at bottom of magazine (the 5 shot limiter) Mine has a round bar riveted to bottom of follower. A plus is in a real SHTF event, it would be very easy to cut that bar off. Wasnt too much grease on the gun. Firing pin must have been stuck. As before take down it would not dry fire. After putting it all back together it was working. Going to take it to range soon. Love how cheap the ammo is compared to other rifle ammo (i have a 6.5 creedmore and a 308)

[@smudgepost]

Great video thank you. I got rid of an old Chinese copy I had with a polymer stock and just picked up a Russian one. I didn't realise it had a cleaning kit in the stock. A handy refresher. Be good to see you shoot it

[@esv123]

Just picked my 1954 SKS rifle today and after watching this video I am convinced I can take it apart, give it a through cleaning, put it back together and go have some fun with it! Thanx for this awesome "show & tell". Keep up the good work. :)

[@harryshaffer7442]

By Far the Best KZbin Video I have ever seen on the Disassembly, Reassembly and Cleaning of the SKS 7.62. I just received a 1953r SKS 7.62x39 from a Friend who only shot around 50 rounds through it. This thing is in mint condition. I did not know how to reinsert the Mag Assembly or how to remove the Cleaning Rod however now after watching this Video I can do that and more.Thank you so much for this Video, Again The Best Video by far.

[@TheFlatlander440]

I just purchased a well used 1952r Tula Russian SKS and this vid is the most detailed and comprehensive one on field stripping I've watched here on YT. Thanks for sharing.

[@azdadoman]

Just wanted to say a big thanks for this quick rundown on the Russ SKS! I was stuck one the Gas chamber removal...With your quick guidance, it was a cinch!

[@bigchunk1]

I am sort of spiteful that you got a Russian SKS in that condition for $200. Some guy tried to sell one to me for $750. I got mine for $425 with the sling, bayonet and everything. I guess I can tease you for having a 5 round augmented mag while mine still shoots 10. Very nice video. Lots of information in 12mins and very clear.

[@johnanderson2320]

bigchunk1 well its not a legit russian . Or it doesnt have all original parts on it. Original pre1951s didnt have free float firing pins. The had return springs. Sometime after someones genius idea tapered and free floated them causing them to valcano your bolt face get stuck slam fire and pop primers. Guess it could still be just later model. But to my knowledge the reason you would pay more for an actual all matching russian is because you get a better quality weapon with strong materials. After 1951 other countries got ahold of that patent and fucked that thing up namely using softer metals on the most important parts like your bolt and bolt face aswell as using a tapered freefloat firing pin. I personally dont believe it is an original with all matching parts the bolt firing pin and the cost are a red flag. But he said 1954 atleast on the reciever I believe thats when they stopped using a return spring. Genius i know. Had they not the gun would still be reliable no matter what country got ahold of it. But whoever did this ended up giving this gun a terrible name. It had a great start when it was originally being made in its home country. It was reliable then but not now simply because of that issue. I miss my sks and what i went thru to make it actually reliable"refacing the bolt and installing a firing pin return spring" never skipped a beat after that ever. Before that it was a piece of shit that would slam fire and literally eat the primers. They would be popped and some how get lodged inside the bolt behind the firing pin creating even more problems. Didnt matter how clean and upkept it was would still do sketchy shit. Hahaha

[@rollygibb9737]

I am about to order my first SKS and this is a bookmark I will save for future maintenance on my rifle!

[@langleyj8199]

I just bought my first SKS. 1954 Tula. It's in very good condition like yours. Pleasantly surprised when I got it home to clean it.

[@peterdeduke1962]

Thank you for your video. I also live in Canada just bought an SKS. Now I know how to clean my rifle. Cheers

[@breachclear2183]

After getting my Yugoslavian sks this has really helped me figure what I’m doing when cleaning it. So fare for a first gun the sks has been amazing for me and if anyone if interested in picking one up I would highly recommend it

[@animeborchardt5197]

Got one recently. Love it. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay? I've been told I overpaid since these guns used to be super cheap

[@havingyarr]

​@@animeborchardt5197 i paid 675CAD for my m59/66 in 2018. That was a hot deal though.

[@bobthompson4918]

Great video man ! Very accurate information. Very good for new SKS owners to watch. I bought the same gun, same year from Lever Arms in Vancouver for $200 and have never regretted it for a moment. Shot tons of corrosive mi'lsurp ammo through it and just clean it with "Brakeleen" and lube it with WD40 and 3in 1 oil. No corrosion, no problems. Still working like new don't plan on changing anything about this gun or the way I use it.

[@keith2134]

I bought my sks 2 years ago in the states in great shape with matching #'s. Awesome video. BTW I PAID 400.00. Being in the US I was able to install a tapco 20 round mag.

[@pistolgrip44mag]

Just purchased a Chinese SKS Type 56 Rifle. You made it look so easy. Best video I have seen so far. Looks like a great Rifle.

[@headspace8338]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful for converting my sks back to its original state. Mine is also Russian, produced in 1951 and is in great shape.

[@Jimmyboy5758]

I have the same year SKS, I got it "new" and have enjoyed shooting it just never took it apart to clean it. Great video! Thanks for the help.

[@mmautomotive6647]

This was a very helpful video! It helped me get my new SKS all ripped down (I wasn't able to remove the magazine or the barrel assembly from the stock), and do a restore. From one Canadian to another, thank you!

[@jordanepic]

Just bought one a few days ago, your video was exactly what I needed to watch, thanks!

[@junglejim651119]

Excellent, I just picked up a Tula '53 ($170 from Milarm in Edmonton) and this certainly explained how to take it apart for cleaning. Well done.

[@NRH111]

Thanks brother, you helped me out hardcore got a type 56 sks and it was slathered in cosmoline and I managed to get her apart and clean her and toss her back together in 4 hours

[@jimward1586]

I have a Yugo SKS, I brought back from Viet Nam a Chinese SKS in 1970. The SKS is by far my favorite rifle platform. It is accurate, never misfires and the length is just right. Great video.

[@nickjean9555]

great video, just picked up my SKS last night fired 15 rounds through it and love it, I've been practicing taking it apart and putting it back together, to familiarize myself with the rifle

[@nickjean9555]

PS that damn buttstock cleaning kit bit my finger a couple times lol

[@nebraskapokemon281]

You got yourself a subscriber because you are straight up and not talking about something else

[@ConstableGrey]

Hey, thank you very much for this video. I just picked up a Sino-Soviet SKS and this was a very helpful resource.

[@craigbruce7300]

Great video. I picked up a 52 Russian SKS for $169.99 today, very happy! Can't wait to play with it.

[@theflyingchihuahua7026]

You explained this better than anyone and anything I’ve saw great video

[@Jackofalltrdes]

Thank you!! Just bought one a week ago, can't wait to have it dialed in.

[@derekmorgan2762]

Just shot a nine point buck here in southern Wisconsin with my SKS. Great gun!

[@SolubleSpork]

Great video. Best SKS disassembly/reassembly vid I have seen yet! Very straight forward and clear.

[@tedbreeden4066]

Great video, very clear and concise. Watched this and had no issues taking my SKS apart, cleaning and putting back together. Thanks.

[@nevawoke5148]

Very rare finding sks's in that condition now ! 9/10 condition beautiful example .

[@bledelfan]

Iam going to get one, finally I found a good disassemble video👌 They cost about 750€ here in Austria.

[@kullas924]

American here have Chinese sks (commercial import pre Clinton ban) and m59/66 yugo 1971, you have very nice Russian rifle and are really lucky. thnaks for leaning tips my chinse one is a little dirty and i never really felt like i gave it a proper cleaning.

[@joesbarbecue1]

Slicker’n deer innards on the front porch! Easy Peasy, great quick demo. Thanks!

[@crazycrowoutdoors9770]

bought my 1951 Russian sks for 150$ with tax 5 years ago, love me rifle best weapon i own. also best shooting one to, great video :) cheers from Kingston Ontario.

[@kevinjaques9428]

Just bought one and cleaned er up following this video. Thanks alot.

[@Eddythebandkid]

Yo, I had to come back and watch this video again now that I got my own SKS. You used to do a lot of videos back in the day.

[@scottgriffith7967]

Thank you for this very straightforward and simple video. Nice job!

[@vinzclortho8938]

Thanks for the great video! As a new owner of a 52 Tula, this vid helped me learn a lot.

[@PharoahChromium2010]

awesome video. thank you. i just picked one up today for $225 (Canadian too). your video is very helpful for the cleaning etc.

[@adammcdonald7268]

My first SKS was a nightmare, got it from a random gun shop. I made the mistake of doing research after I bought it. The gas chamber doesn't fit, all the latches are ridiculously stiff. So I said fuck it, went to Cabelas, checked out a new one, looked good. It is night and day compared to the first. Gas chamber slides in and closes like a dream, latches are good. Honestly such a relief. I had to buy it twice, but now I have a spare SKS. The SKS is such value, I don't care at all. Have to say videos like this helped soooo much, many thanks.

[@cannack]

if you get a good one they are WONDERFUL rifles,

[@matthewcrabbe]

Great Video man! I plan to follow your steps later this week. I just picked up a 1956 Tula, a number series, all matching numbers. It blows my mind that 60 year old tech is so reliable and easy to take apart. I don't plan to fire corrosive ammo. And I will be switching it over from the hardwood stock to an aftermarket laminate stock.

[@rubenmiranda2892]

Thank You. This video helped me alot. My first SKS and your video made the cleani g easier.

[@callenmcmanus19]

Good video! Straight to the point and clear instructions. This is how homemade videos should be done

[@HuffDaddyYT]

200 dollars? Gahdamn that's a beauty. I bought a used one with a 20 round mag, had a broken sight picture (got it fixed) and a broken sling swivel (got it fixed) for 300 dollars. (That doesn't include the repair, about an extra 50 bucks). So you got a pretty damn good deal my friend.

[@karent8508]

Excellent video thank you. Just bought one as well, I'm a fellow Canadian. It's covered in axle grease that will have to come off before anything else.

[@ripsterruta4438]

Best cleaning vid I’ve found! Well played 👍🏻

[@millicentdogrago6072]

Very informative. I didnt' realize that was the cleaning rod. I got the brushes with the gun and was planing on getting a cleaning rod till watching this video. Thought that was just something to do with the bayonet attachment.

[@keyup2626]

Thanks for your detailed fantastic explanations of the sks. Very very helpful thanks again, I’m in Canada to.

[@lordnevetsz]

Very well done vid, I have had mine for a month or so and I have to say for the price you just cannot beat a sks...there are a lot of prim donna rifles but this one is a bar room hooker and she just keeps on going.

[@janis_runcis]

Great! Just bought this rifle today! I love it. Hopefully it will be warmer soon and I will go to a range. It $200 CA, now I got it for CA$ 499 + tax minus 5% for being a club member. Didn't get a stripe and nice bags for ammo, but it doesn't matter :) Just one thing to Forrest. I don't use rod to clean the barrel. "Snake" is more gentle for the barrel. And thank you for this great video. I thought it'd be same as Kalashnikov, but it is much simpler. Thanks!

[@stacysid2]

THANKS FOR THAT. GREAT INSTRUCTION AND PLENTY OF LIGHT SO I COULD SEE WHAT YOU WERE DOING

[@willyates55]

Great video man. I'm a Canadian newbie and this is my 3rd gun. This is also the best video I've seen. I always disassemble, clean, and reassemble my surplus before the first shot and I have never enjoyed a better vid for a first look. Happy shooting brother.

[@willmah9557]

Thanks man! Great video. Just got my first SKS and this video was super thorough and helpful!

[@123lard123]

Thank you for a clear and concise video , helped me through my first disassembly.

[@thepunisher31]

From Canada also! Great video man! Thanks so much!

[@codycrossman]

Excellent narration and terrific video, my friend! I love how you get to the point, yet are also specific. Cheers from Winnipeg! ;)

[@khan40A]

Best cleaning and assembly video for SKS on KZbin.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Thanks very much great video. I will use this as a guide to disassemble and reassemble my sks.

[@nojustno1216]

Absolutely superb takedown and reassembly video. Beautiful gun too...

[@ybrik5937]

Very nice condition of this SKS rifle. I'm a Canadian as well. Where's the best place to get one unissued/unused? Is Tula better than Izhevsk?

[@godgunsandtrucks611]

It’s amazing here it is August 2019 now and that gun in the US is valued at $1,100. And it’s gonna go higher

[@godgunsandtrucks611]

I’m talking Russian, mint, all matching #s and original cleaning kit. I’m not talking a Yugoslav fly by nite

[@hinterseerherold]

Still $300 CAD in Ontario.

[@dustythatsme9793]

My brother bought a crate Russian sks last week for 400. He lives in AZ

[@ForeGodofSkin]

Shit I just nabbed one off a guy. Never fired. All matching #s and original cleaning kit. Plus 500 rounds surplus for 450 canadian.

[@andyhuang7526]

2020, in California I think is about $400 -$500 !

[@YllwNinja82]

what a clever self contained design the SKS is :D

[@jeffinmiss1]

Nice video, very informative. I just bought a Russian Sks and am looking forward to shooting it.

[@olegbauer3139]

SKS is an engineering work of art.

[@gobsauce8891]

Soviet engineering is really all a work of art. Try reading up on how Soviet MIGS work, the physics behind them was literally impossible at the time

[@billkrause4585]

A nice Russian SKS, I too have a new 1952 Russian SKS that I paid 380 bucks for here in the states. I later installed a Snipers Scope on this Rifle, which I can zero in from my back porch onto an old oak tree maybe 130 feet or threeabouts by sliding a red lazar cartridge in the barrel. It's nice to do this at early daybreak. First I just mark up a target on the tree. The stock is kind of short, so I installed a rubber butt extension on it (nice) I also have a green lazar on my 9mm Taurus PT92 for home defense I recommend these very nice pistols, which I use 30 round clips in at the firing range to eliminate some reloading. And there's my boy, the Russian Makarov 9X18, I recommend installing rubber grips on these pistols. it enjoys sleeping right next to me at nights. HA-HA! Yeah, stationed In the Dakotas for 8 year working on those Minuteman Missles gave us a new meaning of being a Minuteman, we enjoyed going to the firing range. I married into a Sioux family there, yeah their rough and tough and hard to buff so my mother-in-law use would say. HA! WE liked your video friend, keep up the good filming. Keep that firing pin clean.

[@GaryED44]

Thank you very much my friend Helped me and my recently acquired SKS immeasurably

[@rudypeterson4514]

Thanks for the great video. Very well done and easy to follow. Keep up the great work.

[@brucesmith962]

This is an excellent video. Thank you very much for taking the time to post it.

[@solidsnake4167]

Cool beans. My cousin just got a Chinese Type 56 model now I'll be able to show him some cool things about it

[@airsoftchameleonowen]

Best video i have seen on the sks. Straight forward

[@jumpinjakeflash1]

Dude, kudos to you for an incredibly well-produced and thorough instructional video. Small point of order, though, I was taught in the US military that this is not a gun. It is a rifle. But thanks for posting this. Excellent work.

[@jimf1964]

Thanks. No muss no fuss video. All I wanted was to learn how to take it apart. One comment though is the reason you have no rust issues, is not because you have silica gel packets, but because that's a teflon metal treatment your using. G96 is really good stuff, and leaves an anti rust teflon coating on all your metal parts.

[@skylerburton9903]

Great video, short, sweet, but good info. Thanks!

[@SeekerFor1000]

Excellent. Turning the rifle over to reinstall the carrier block is so much easier.

[@jace2wheel762]

2019. Just got my first sks and this was really helpful. Thanks from Canada!

[@donkeykong384]

very informative. bookmarked this video for future reference. going to be ordering my SKS this week.. last thing i need are slamfires.. will be keeping my rifle squeaky clean.

[@michaellorusso4912]

I’m Michael Lorusso & I approve of this video. Well done Sir...

[@Justin-rq6kf]

Awesome video man! I just got am SKS and this video helps alot

[@ericberube8772]

AMAZING!!!!!! still watching in 2017! thanks pal!

[@CuriousDils]

Tyler I just purchased one for 160 before taxes. Place where I got it from is called lever arms service in Vancouver. It's a Christmas sale jump on it

[@bobburro3642]

I just bought an sks 1955 in good condition here in Canada for $199. Great robust, simple gun. Looking forward to going to the range.(my first gun) Good vid btw.

[@halo117thechief]

planning on buying one when i get my PAL any tips?

[@bobburro3642]

halo117thechief all i did was study various guys on ytube until I knew what points to look for on the gun. I knew more than the sales guy so was confident when i bought the gun over the counter. I looked at 2 guns and as soon as he bought the 55 out i knew this was it. Personally I wouldnt buy mail order, only buy over the counter.

[@MrDeekaph]

Thanks dude, quick and easy. Much appreciated.

[@JS-te4gz]

Best sks video by far....nice work

[@cezmystic]

Excellent video and answered any questions that I had. Thanks.

[@tempo529]

This is a great video.I'm buying my first SKS in a couple of days.

[@mkufel7248]

Great PRO video and great unit, simple but this as good as younger brother of AK 47 thanks so much.

[@robwolfeauhunter8349]

Just got one today same thing have to clean the grease off thanks for the vid good job

[@100alwaysright]

In Canada you can find sks for 199$. Just bought one that is unused and never been sold at retail. Full matching serial numbers, went straight from factory floor into storage and 70 years later into my home. Good ol Canada!!!

[@Qwijebo]

I got a Russian, was a pain to clean it though, I have contact dermatitis so glove are important but after a week it came out great, I refinished the stock too. I paid $280 though and I see that the prices are going up around $400 and above

[@Turnthemwrenches]

Thank You. Very informative videos, helped out a lot

[@gityermudon]

Great video thanks for doing this for us to watch and learn!

[@inakasumi4913]

Thanks I was unsure to disassemble, helped me a lot.

[@Logjam5]

Just pick one of these SKS's up and disassembled it and can't seem to get the trigger mech to snap correct back into its tab. I figured I'd rig it up without the stock and now can't seem to get the parts apart again! The stock seems to be a very tight fit - not easily fits together the way it is shown in most vids; maybe this one was not taken down very much since first assembly. Thanks for posting. Alan

[@andrewowens5254]

I have seen other videos and the lever on the trigger mech that hits the firing pin when firing has to be down to reassemble.hope this helps