History Primer 192: Russian SKS Documentary | C&Rsenal

Othais and Mae delve into the story of this classic. Complete with history, function, and live fire demonstration.
C&Rsenal presents its Primer series; covering the firearms of this historic conflict one at a time in honor of the centennial anniversary. Join us every other Tuesday!
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Ballistol Elsewhere
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Additional reading:
Video
История СКС: рассказывает Руслан Николаевич Чумак
• История СКС: рассказыв...
СКС, который так и не вступил в бой
РУСЛАН ЧУМАК
www.kalashnikov.ru/sks-kotory...
A brief history of the AS-44 Sudaev assault rifle
m9130.info
History of the "constant" rear sight setting on Russian firearms
M9130.info
boosty.to/russianguns
Maxim Popenker (sp?)
Знаменитый Симонов
Николай Аксенов
The Collector's Guide to the SKS
George Layman
Ammunition data thanks to DrakeGmbH
/ drakegmbh
Animations by Bruno!
/ @baanimations3689
Snail Mail/Contact us at:
candrsenal.com/contact/

[@pkt1213]

3:59 "This could take up 8 hours of discussion." Don't threaten me with a good time.

[@wirebrushofenlightenment1545]

Heh! - Is true though. I could listen to Othias and Mae talk about ancient firearms all day long. It's beautiful, almost hypnotic.

[@carlcarlton764]

Nobody expects May and Othias to review such a modern gun. Surprise is their one chief weapon. Surprise and supreme dedication to historical facts are their two chief weapons.

[@herrcobblermachen]

Modern?? :p

[@popuptarget7386]

And an almost fanatical devotion to Balistol.

[@IbogaOfficial]

THREE!, three chief weapons

[@danmenes3143]

@@IbogaOfficialAmongst there chief weapons are...!

[@jannearo328]

Confess!

[@boogybox5000]

I'd just love it if for a future "april fools" episode, they do an hour long video diving into the history of bubba tapco sks stocks

[@rayzabel8789]

Honestly, I'd love to hear Mae's reviews on the available options and the differences with the traditional stocks.

[@georgekaradov1274]

@@rayzabel8789 if you get the polymer version of the regular stock, not the "tactical" ones, you can protect your old school wood stock if you go in the brush. The feel is not different.

[@undercoverhustler37]

lol they used to beg me to buy an SKS with my ammo purchase for only an additional $40

[@boogybox5000]

@georgekaradov1274 totally true, a wood stock also swells and contracts with changes in heat and humidity, so switching to synthetic stocks can improve the accuracy in various environments. There's a reason most every modern military has switched to synthetic stocks, they just make better rifles.

[@ctnke]

they should review a ar15 for april fools

[@linus11vf1j]

It's the best night so far. Snuggling up on the sofa in a blanket and watching the storied history of Canada's unofficial standard issue civilian rifle.

[@hanisk2]

Um.. no not even close. lol

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

Bro it is American civilian's 3rd or 4th line semiautomatic rifle, there are probably still cosmoline soaked crates sitting around forgotten in some old dude's storage container because he paid $100 per crate.

[@Tango4N]

Yup. You can't be a serious Canadian firearms enthusiast without owning at least one! Too bad we are neutered with pinning the mag.

[@DB-jc5ns]

@@Tango4Nwait…10rd mag and it’s still pinned? Brooo

[@Charon-5582]

​@DB-jc5ns semi auto centerfire rifles are limited to 5 rounds. Any hand gun is limited to 10. Semi auto rimfire rifles or any Manually operated rifle or shotgun can have a drum mag... except the 10/22 because the pistol version exists limiting it to 10 rounds.

[@timblack6422]

This is why I support C&Rsenal! The most outstandingly made vids on the net.. anyone can join for a dollar and the discord server is full of knowledgeable people on any weapon made!

[@Life2Lover]

SKS - NOT russian weapon!!! The weapon was designed in a former Soviet Union (USSR)! russia was only a part of the USSR and I must say worst among all participants.

[@pscwplb]

An sks? I've never heard of such a thing. This must be the rarest firearm this channel has covered to date.

[@arctic_shrew_87]

SKS is not real. This is a dream from ten years in the future

[@mcintoshpc]

Yeah, right up there with that weird 1911 pistol thing

[@Trekpanther]

@@arctic_shrew_87SKS really stands for Sike siKe Sike

[@geoffreydunne7422]

Hahaha they are all over Canada. Lol 🤣

[@Chiller11]

@@geoffreydunne7422Yep, 3 are in my basement.

[@johnyricco1220]

After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Chinese assessment of the SKS was that it was game changer. Not so much for being semiautomatic but that the soldiers could carry twice the ammo due to the lower weight of ammunition and rifle. The war was fought over the Himalayas and there was not a lot of trucks moving supplies. They still used mules. On multiple occasions, infantry companies ordered to carry out reconnaissance by force ended up overrunning dug in Indian positions held by a battalion. 10 years earlier during the Korean War this would have been impossible. Even if the defender panicked and broke, the attacking company would run out of ammo and have to withdraw.

[@beibotanov]

Compared to the Indian SMLE's any selfloader is a game changer. On the other hand, both sides in Korea had abundance of automatics and self-loaders, of course no side had an advantage in firearms other than maybe PPSh's in short-range suppressive fire, which Chinese and the North used extensively

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

​@@beibotanovI see your 7.62 tokarev hose, and raise you the M2 carbine with 30 rnd mags.

[@beargillium2369]

What were they using before? This is very interesting may I ask where you get more info on this? Were you there?

[@beibotanov]

@@presidentmerkinmuffley6769 it makes no difference minding Chinese infiltrate and surround tactics of the time, they have a fire advantage anyway. Vets were shrugging hearing the sound of bugle for the rest of their lives - the sound meant that your ditch is already surrounded by a horde of submachinegunmen. I should also mention that the Korean war made the Carbine from WW2's everyone's favorite gun into the one most useless, unable to penetrate even a Chinese padded jacket, reinforcing MOD's faith in the rifle cartridge superiority, which eventually resulted in M14. M14 bad!

[@EldritchMadness]

⁠@@beibotanov30 carbine not being able to penetrate winter coats is a fudd tier myth on par with the M1 Rifle’s clip ejecting giving away that a soldier was out of ammo. It didn’t happen and makes no sense.

[@alexchapman3995]

Weirdly enough the more conservative design of the SKS and the Soviet’s willingness to hand over manufacturing rights to anyone in their sphere of influence has given the SKS a second life as a civilian rifle in Canada. The resemblance to traditional rifles, and the fact that you can import them from a bunch of different countries makes them compatible with Canadian regulations and the intermediate cartridge is nice to shoot.

[@mikespangler98]

Fixed magazine with a ten round capacity makes it still legal in Washington too. Now if I could get those stripper clips to work better...

[@zacharygirgenti3790]

​@@mikespangler98Invest in some quality ones. The guy who runs the Triangle 26 channel sells legit ones for the best price I could find. Grab 20 and your GTG.

[@ryeguy7941]

​@mikespangler98 Unfortunately ours are pinned at 5 rounds now up here in Canada. I can't experience it's full potential 😢

[@Thermopylae2007]

It should come as no surprise that the SKS was sold as a hunting rifle in the former Soviet Union. Aside from the challenges of getting a secure scope mount, it's a really handy rifle. It might be worth installing a Williams peep sight in place of the notch real sight for those of us with aging eyes.

[@Spartan73799]

​@@Thermopylae2007Tech Sights make some nice ones

[@PeterNissen878112]

As a former SKS owner, I have loving/fearing/dreading/longing for this episode! A great, amazing little rifle that I miss.

[@Operator8282]

I sold my Norinco type 56 right before I joined the army, and I curse my father every time I think about it, for "not wanting that commie crap in his house". When I got out, I picked up a Yugo 58/66 to replace it. Better barrel, better wood for the stock, and a knife bayonet. Oh, and a grenade spigot, gas cutoff and sights for if Yugoslavian rifle grenades ever become available. Yeah, the price had quadrupled from when I picked up the Norinco back 1990, but totally worth it, quality wise.

[@patriot17764th]

Owned one myself. Loved it. Zavista made pap.

[@Tunkkis]

​@@Operator8282 I recall the Yugos used a NATO standard 22 mm spigot, so, unless you're looking for clone correctness, you're not limited to one country of origin.

[@Operator8282]

@@Tunkkis I just looked them up on Wikipedia, and you are right. Not like I got that kind of shopping money, but kinda interesting , nonetheless.

[@Operator8282]

@@patriot17764th PAP is Yugo for semi-auto rifle, from what I looked up. guess that's why all those Zastava imports are PAP prefixed, but in the SKS clone, they only ever came that way. Other than an AR, it is my go to intermediate cartridge rifle.

[@w6krg]

Another thing about the SKS is you almost NEVER saw an AK used as a ceremonial/drill/color guard rifle. They invariably used SKSs with the bayonet extended, sometimes the whole thing was chromed.

[@Victoratify]

This is not entirely true. SKS is used in almost all high state ceremonies. But there are many local military ceremonies. For example, an honorary military escort accompanying the funeral of low-ranking military personnel. In this case, the weapons used are those available in the military unit from which the military personnel are allocated for the escort. This could be AKM, AK74 and AK-12.

[@w6krg]

@@Victoratify That could be the case. However, the only ones that WE get to see are the significant events in Moscow. Those local events would rarely warrant international news coverage.

[@rdrrr]

I've heard the SKS called "ugly", which I find strange. I think it's rather pleasing to look at, especially all polished up for parade with the bayonet extended. Perhaps I just have a weakness for carbines with semi-pistol-grip stocks, because I think the M1 Carbine is a beauty too.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

In Soviet times, honour guards standing in front of monuments, for example, frequently held AKs. I have seen several photos like that.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

​@@Victoratify You're debating the poster as if he made an absolute statement but he said "almost never", not always. Reading comprehension is a real rare bird these days. What is an SCS by the way?

[@jimbo1278]

back in the day (2008) i went to the stoor to buy a spam can for my VZ58. buddy at the counter said if i baught a second one they would toss in a Chi-com SKS for free. was a realy happy day and we spent the weekend blasting away on the back of the property. they had the same deal for 2 cans of 7.62X54 and you got a garbage rod of a Mosin. worth it every time.

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

Why did I go to college in 2005? I should have just invested my tuition money in milsurp ammo and garbage rods.

[@jimbo1278]

@@Andrew-jm4tp that sounds like your makeing a joke but with the price of milsurp rifles and how rare some ammo types have goten your practicly telling the truth. had i ever thaught that a russian drain pipe with some wood would sell for 600+ (more for a good one) id have spent everything i had on them and the spam cans back in the days. try to think what these will go for in the next 10-15 years 😅

[@Andrew-jm4tp]

@@jimbo1278 I am 50% serious. 4 years of college from 2005-2009 cost about 130,000. If I would have invested that money in milsurp at that time I would probably have a collection worth 500,000+ assuming no storage costs. These facts are ammo for thought.

[@jimbo1278]

@@Andrew-jm4tp thank you for conferming the fact that i made shit life choices. 😝🤣🤣 had i done like you i too would be well off today. it never crossed my mind that milsurp would go up in value/price. i only ever thaught it would go down 😅

[@bleu_chzst924]

Ill take never happened but i like to boast fake stories for 1000 alex

[@TheOz91]

I certainly can't wait for an episode of non-Russian/non-Soviet SKS rifles, considering that most of the immaculate SKS rifles are Chinese Norinco Type 56 carbines. Interestingly enough, the Chinese kept the SKS as their standard rifle until the 1980s despite the AK being widely produced and certainly available; they learned the lesson that semi-autos with only 10 rounds fed by stripper clips the hard way after the failed invasion of Vietnam in 1979 (and it helps that the Vietnamese had just finished fighting a war against America). Even so, the PLA didn't fully switch to the AK but created the Type 81, a select fire rifle with the SKS's operating system but now with a full auto switch and detachable magazines--some examples made it overseas. It was really a stopgap while China was developing a new cartridge in the 1980s, the 5.8x43mm.

[@Chiller11]

The 1979 Sino Vietnamese War wasn’t an operational failure. The PLA had its way in Vietnam, made the point that China was displeased with Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia, then withdrew back across the border. The war did not achieve the strategic goal of forcing the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia. Vietnam continued its occupation until 1989. A semiautomatic civilian version of the Chinese Type 81 is readily available in Canada for some mysterious reason.

[@TheOz91]

@@Chiller11 Vietnam would have still put one hell of a fight, despite having left basically reservist troops. So, it was a political failure of China more than anything.

[@Barabel22]

You completely skipped the Type 63 rifle, a Chinese full auto magazine SKS like rifle.

[@beibotanov]

@@Barabel22 acceptable, it was a flop

[@AtrociousAK47]

the yugo/serbian examples were also produced until the late 80's, and were known to have been used quite extensively in the series of ethnical conflicts commonly known as either "the Yugoslavian Civil War", "Third Balkan War" or simply "The Yugoslav Wars", which took place in the 90's in the wake of the fall of the USSR, and eventually resulted in the country dissolving into 5 successor states, which in 2006 further dissolved into the 7 countries known today as Bosnia and Herzgovina, Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. the later patterns included integrated rifle grenade launchers with flip up leaf sights and a big rubber butt pad to absorb recoil, the A1 variants even had flip up night sights that were either phosphorus paint or tritium vials, unfortunately most if not all of them have long since lost their glow due to how half lives work. these were probably the 2nd most common variant imported into the US after the norinco ones, and are known to be the only variant for which a complete list of serial number ranges exist, they also did not have chrome lined barrels much like the very early russian examples, so users should avoid using corrosive surplus when possible and make sure to thoroughly clean it immediately afterwards with something like ballistol if they do. there were also known to be two other rare variants made in small numbers likely by unit armorers, one was a "field expediant sniper" version with a side rail to mount an optic, and a version that was converted to be select fire and feed from modified AK mags. forgotton weapons recently made a video on this full auto version, sadly tho the example used in the video is missing it's full auto parts and modfied mags, which were likely removed during the import process, and supposedly the mags are even rarer than the guns themselves.

[@Gamer_1745]

A big departure from what I expected. I will watch with interest.

[@JJW3]

A Russian SKS was the first firearm I bought when I turned 18. It was also the gateway to my obsession with C&R/surplus firearms, so it is a special firearm to me. I still have that SKS, a Tula 1954 example, but I also went on to buy a few Chinese examples. I did experience a runaway a few times with a gummed up firing pin, but I habitually clean the firing pin and channel now and I have not had it happen again.

[@cannonfodder4376]

The definitive SKS documentary in English. This is why I am so happy to support C&Rsenal on Patreon, nobody else can do what they can in such detail.

[@timothyedge6100]

Five years from now I can’t wait for the “Best Smith and Wesson Model 59 Derivative” episode. Comparing the 915 to the 5906 through the lens of “as a highway patrolman in 1990s western America”

[@brianj.841]

I shot and owned a pair of 5906's; and liked them.

[@bebopwing1]

Oh man, I legitimately can't wait for that

[@onkelmicke9670]

I like the original 39.

[@LeeThule]

Legions of @CandRsenal fans for literal years: "Othais and Mae, when will you cover WWII small arms?" Othais: " Time to jump to 'Cold War 1' small arms." Can't wait for the SKS patch you guys are drawing up. 😀

[@Pcm979]

To shake the WW1 reputation, you should cover the Westinghouse M-25 phased plasma rifle in the 40w range.

[@Kasperl88]

That or a Sestra Weapon Systems Phaser Mk.2b

[@kellyalger2394]

Ah yes, the miniature PTRS, a very nice rifle.

[@Ace0Spades17]

This made me think of that one scene from Star Wars where Palpetine goes “a surprise to be sure. But a welcome one”. Feels weird to see such a modern gun in the light box

[@multy622002]

Thanks! SKS so well done

[@Legitpenguins99]

Ive always found the SKS fascinating when I was a teenager and I begged and begged my dad to get one because I knew that one day they would double in price. He always said "I don't want that piece of shit!" I don't think I have to explain anymore, I'm a very sad comrade

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

After years of watching and Othias talk about and shoot old and exotic stuff I’ll never be able to buy let alone shoot up here in Canada, its actually refreshing to to see something on this show I actually own.

[@WalnutandSteel]

Good morning Mae and Othias!

[@Hybris51129]

I am beyond giddy right now. I have been milling over getting a SKS of my own for a while and now I feel better informed when I start looking at these at the local gun shop.

[@shoelessbandit1581]

Good luck, the price skyrocketed on them and they're not worth $600+. Most I'd pay for one would be $400 and it better be in great condition

[@r2crowseye]

Worth the wait for the animation, Bruno did a hell of a job on it. My one comment on it would be a bigger difference in color between the gas and the barrel/gas tube/expansion chamber.

[@luzernerschutze7564]

**looks at SIG 550 cleaning kit** "why can’t you be like this?"

[@rickyokogawa6154]

It’s a GOOD DAY when Othais and Mae drop a new episode! Thanks for making my day!

[@alfredgallo4639]

I really enjoyed this episode. Mae and Othais are terrific. My first of many mil-surp rifles was a 1953 Tula SKS purchased in ‘95 for $150. Sadly I sold it. Keep up the good work you guys and get Bruno on soon. His animations are awesome.

[@beibotanov]

I do not understand, why every other American says he sold his SKS? Why would anyone do this? You do not have to feed it, after all. No need to free a license slot for some other firearm neither, like it is in Russia, no such nonsense.

[@slimjim2584]

​@@beibotanov The flipside of the no license limits is your answer. Anybody else can buy the gun, not even the repressive states have a limit on how many firearms you can own. That gun sitting in the safe can be a few hundred dollars towards a different gun that isn't considered stale. More realistically, it is a relatively stable and valued asset that can be sold off quickly to cover a surprise expense. Many Americans basically live in debt up to their eyeballs and its easy to sometimes come up short in cash on hand.

[@josephbrands6303]

Call me crazy but that is a beautiful gun. Also, I need you guys and Ian to do episodes on all the guns in my collection to make them more valuable!

[@Nam8Macs]

Oh man, I can't wait to see a mosin 91/30 episode, and all the little tiny changes between it and the original m91 mosin

[@mcintoshpc]

Khorosho! I wasn’t expecting this for a long time. Excellent work as always

[@jwv5540]

Just finally became a member. Sorry it took so long. I love everything you guys make, it's awesome. I've watched probably all of em. I can't wait to see the newer stuff and everything you guys make. Thank you guys so much for your hard work!

[@olegkrikunov5218]

Большое человеческое спасибо, всегда интересно узнать мнение людей живущих далеко от тебя, так сказать взгляд со стороны.

[@tacomas9602]

SKS very popular to rural folks everywhere in the USA

[@timkunkel5431]

When I lived in Moscow in the early 90s it was fun to watch the changing of the guard in Red Square. Always wondered what rifle it was the guards were carrying. Mine's Chinese of course, but I love it.

[@Life2Lover]

SKS - NOT a russian weapon!!! The weapon was designed in a former Soviet Union (USSR)! russia was only a part of the USSR and I must say is russia worst among all participants.

[@yesthecrumbs5806]

I love you guys, honestly. You sparked my intrest in firearms development and military history by a huge margin. Now its not just "oh thats just a rack of mausers" thats "ah a yugo 1948 or an argentine xyz" Hearing you sit down and just talk about guns then see you pull them apart in such a way thats similar to Ian McCollum but so much more streched out for an individual firearm and its varients

[@hquiller]

I'm with Mae. I'm a lot better with v notch sights than aperture sights. Maybe because I use bifocal lenses and can't see the aperture sights very well. But v notch sights, I can see them. I use to hit a 4" gong target at a 100 yards with my SKS with ease. Very pleased with this video. The most complete history of the SKS. Hopefully we'll see more videos about the other SKS variants, because the're are a few!

[@mikespangler98]

Interesting. I can't use v notch sights at all any more. Either the notch or the front sight is out of focus. The aperture doesn't need to be in focus. Keep the front sight in the center of the blurred aperture and I can use it.

[@Dominic1962]

I grew up with notch and post/blade sights. I just got something with an aperture a few years back and since then have added a couple more-simply because they were milsurps I didn’t have. Regardless, I think a hooded post/blade with a notch rear is the best combat/shorter range hunting iron sight set up. You won’t plug it with snow or debris and I think it’s easier to quickly acquire. Plus, with the hood it kind of acts like a ghost ring anyway. I have definitely noticed it gets harder for more precise shots the older you get. When I was younger that was no problem at all. At this point, I’m at an age that if I was living back when war were declared, I’d be a reservist at most, more likely one of the guys way behind the lines guarding train depots or something, so it doesn’t matter much anyway. The notch sights still are easy to use for ringing gongs/kill shots, it’s just not as easy to get tighter groups.

[@therideneverends1697]

I have perfect vision and i just do v notch better. Apatures for some reason destract my eye more

[@hquiller]

I tried, but I'm a very bad shot with aperture sights.

[@mrbyamile6973]

@@mikespangler98I find aperture sights work poor in low light conditions. I have a .22 with aperture sight that is my coyote gun, if its early morning or later in the evening I can hardly see anything through the sights which makes it a bad coyote gun. I have shot an AR15 with a aperture sight and had similar issues but it was not as dark outsides. Everyone's eyes are different, I do however like just good old V notch sights.

[@jimsworthow531]

i am one of the dumb ones that did not buy an sks when they were $99 a piece in 2000 year or so; i remember them in a drum, muzzle down at every gun show.

[@johndilday1846]

Me,too! Been regretting it ever since. I want one of the Soviet ones with the laminated stocks.

[@jimsworthow531]

@@johndilday1846 right...; i remember getting bad advice about the spike and flat bayonet and not knowing enough about them; and people telling me they were commie garbage i wish we could turn back time for this item. we learned a valuable lesson to not listen to certain advice and make our own decisions.

[@user-fk9og7ss8s]

Thank you for interesting review! Best regards from Russia!

[@timp3931]

Thanks for all the details about the cleaning kit. "Learn something new everyday". Now I have to find it...

[@madmaxd1]

Very thorough coverage. I truly enjoyed the video since I have a 54' Izhevsk which seems to be refurbished at least one time according to the stock. Thank you

[@DSS-jj2cw]

I'm just amazed that both Simonov and Federov survived the Stalin years and lived to a ripe old age..

[@Victoratify]

99.9% of USSR citizens survived the Stalin years, not counting the military losses of 1941-1945.

[@beibotanov]

The recipe is simple - being respectful to rivals, never letting rivalry become animosity, and do not fuck up badly in your line of work. Generally worked then.

[@therideneverends1697]

Why? Ethnic Russians had an excellent survival rate during the era, its the people in the occupied states who had to suffer the atrocities

[@DSS-jj2cw]

Tell that to the Volga Germans and the Tartars@@beibotanov

[@beibotanov]

@@DSS-jj2cw tell what? Interning unreliable ethnicals was a sound and generally accepted practice then. I think that the US did the right thing interning Japanese Americans during the war too! And, as much as internents go, Jap-Am's got the best possible conditions compared. Tartar is a sauce. Crimean Tatars you mean? They got moved after the brilliant history of first mass deserting , then mass Nazi collaboration. What is more humane: move the whole ethnicity to a sort of exile, where it would thrive and multiply as much as other ethnicities of the Union, or to apply blind unbiased individual justice according to the law, thus executing roughly the third of the ethnicity's male populace? Decide.

[@timothyedge6100]

I almost didn’t even recognize this as this channel! Big change and sure it will be well done !

[@anameofsomesort959]

I am very happy to see C&Rsenal live up to the C&R. So many possibilities for the majority of the 20th century and super excited to see what's next!

[@ProfessionalNoodler]

Ordered some ballistol swag and was sure to send a follow-on email to let them know thanks for supporting the show. :D

[@daniel1987836]

Love you guys. Hi from Australia.

[@user-wd1pd7dd3p]

28:00 П for постоянный. In this case ut means "regular" sight, or battle sight.

[@IpsissimusBoz]

favorite rifle i've ever owned, was not expecting to see it on this channel. thanks for continuing to get us that content we crave!

[@totallynottheatfwinter4491]

Are we gonna get a episode of a TAPCOed out SKS with the drum, bipod and the scope mount with all the set screws?

[@thomasdubbeldeman3864]

Hold up. Wait a minute. Are we finally out of WW1? Are we finally going to cover Firearms from the post world wars period.

[@Airhead0408]

They've been out of WW1 era firearms for some time :-)

[@paleoph6168]

The SKS was first seen in a Minute of Mae video that was posted back in April 23, 2021. For some of us, this is what we have been waiting for.

[@jaredthehawk3870]

This is only their second post WWI weapon, first was the Astra 400. It is, however, the first post WWII firearm.

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

SKS Rifle in after World War 2

[@lieutenantcoloneltanyavond8273]

We've been for over a year now.

[@firestorm8471]

I am one of those odd folks who absolutely loves my SKS. It is kind of a weird one that has never been attacked with a file or saw by a guy named Bubba. But it has a fixed 30 round mag that alters nothing. I have slicked up the mag though and it has honestly never jammed on me. I meticulously fitted that mag in 1988 and have never been able to find another one to fit to my second SKS. There are no markings on the magazine what so ever stating who made it. I really like that Carbine and my hoarde of stripper clips and Norinco ammo await the day when the Martians attack.

[@AtrociousAK47]

interesting, Ive seen chinese 20 round fixed mags for sale on a couple surplus sites, but never a 30 rounder. the only 30 rounders ive ever seen were either those tapco detachable mags or regular AK mags. Also a lover of the SKS, been in love with that gun ever since my days of destroying people with it back in the videogame battlefield 3 and later battlefield 4, where it was equipped with modernized plastic furtniture with a pistol grip, M4-style adjustable stock, and 20 round tapco detachable mags, as well as the capability to mount various kinds of optics from red dots and ACOG style sights to a 7x(default), 8x, and 12x scope. In Bf4 tho it lost the scopes but gained the ability to use a 2x magnifier with the red dots.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

So, you guys and gals now expanding into truly classic fire arms. Being in the UK I can't own such a thing, but it appeals to me just like a car from the fins and chrome era, often stylish, certainly distinctive, and has a charm.

[@Steebles1908]

I own a Yugo example and it's one of my favorite guns. In that model, with the rifle grenade attachments, the locking mechanism for the rifle grenade sight doubles as a gas block stopper. Very elegant.

[@Lakikano]

DUDES! This is probably my favorite firearm and you have made me so happy. Thank you.

[@danschneider9921]

Outstanding...can't wait to see what else they are going to cover

[@bobbyricigliano2799]

I've collected and shot all sorts of C&R guns over the years. The SKS is my favorite of them all. Reliable, relatively affordable, plentiful ammunition, fun to shoot, and would be completely capable as a defensive weapon if need be. The Russians tend to be the most expensive, but the Chinese, Yugos, Romanians, and Albanians are all great rifles too.

[@diestormlie]

It honestly seems like a beautifully elegant rifle, at least in terms of the tear-down and especially the cleaning kit. God, that cleaning kit is beautifully designed.

[@nadams01_65]

Been waiting on this for a long time. SKS SERIES!!!

[@FiveStringCommando]

BTW- I bought Ballistol because of you guys. Love the product!

[@TimPimentel3006]

Same

[@richardturk7162]

I missed the show of shows this time but plan on going to the next one. This was a great concise video. I have what seems to be a 1950 SKS. Its best to put the cap end of the cleaning kit facing to the rear when inserting it in to the stock, same with the AK it will save your finger from getting snagged.

[@CountryRock2k1]

Fantastic episode. One of my favorite surplus firearms. Looking forward to further episodes on it.

[@thezieg]

Well done, once again!! As you work through the client-state use of the SKS, I will be looking to see you cover its use in SE Asia. Most of the images I see online of the SKS are of E German border guards and N Vietnamese troops. It seems to appear as a drill rifle for ceremonial troops in Russia still, as well, similar to our continuing use of the M1.

[@Vostok7789]

I believe American parade/drill rifles are actually M14s

[@thezieg]

@@Vostok7789 depends on the service and detail.

[@user-ws5zu8jt8c]

"It has a lot of benefits that we keep discovering". I hate advertising, but that was amusing.

[@timblack6422]

Thank you, Andy and Wade, and Michael!

[@lankyjeep8432]

Can’t wait for the M1 Garand episode, love that you two are researching interesting guns or guns you just like, can’t wait for more episodes!!

[@SafetyProMalta]

Can't wait for the team to look at the cadillac of SKS's the DDR version.

[@RG001100]

1:13:25 in this regard, “lack of full auto” is a feature since it’d require less training. (In addition to “lack of external magazine is a feature”, which is mentioned in the Maeversation).

[@Chiller11]

She did Maesplain that.

[@mhsmith1234]

Best SKS review I've seen! Thank You for the Deep Dive!

[@kurisudoggie]

Absolutely great ep. I love how the cleaning tool was explained completely. Can't wait for the other nation versions.

[@armedpanda1901]

Bubba’s favorite repeating deer rifle, let’s gooo!!!

[@SamGray]

I bought a Norinco SKS years ago, and many people told me that they were wildly inaccurate and unreliable... But mine shot exceptionally well and was rock solid within the bounds of what it was designed for. I suppose routine cleaning and controlled shooting techniques make the difference.

[@ZeonicZaku1-Zeon_Grunt_Suit]

I thought I heard a girl's name, but that kid looks like a boy!

[@BullMooseFox]

Or how shot out your barrel is. Comblock rifles are a wildcard.

[@paulthompson4367]

At last!!! Thank you for the deep dive into the Self Kontained System!

[@bluefalcon7296]

Wow! I wasn't expecting this episode for at least another 10 years. Y'all did a great job!

[@davidsachs4883]

I’ve always wondered why so many early (19th century) rimmed cartridges had that bevel in the design of the rim. Who thought a documentary on a mid 20th century rifle design would explain that?

[@jank330]

Thanks!

[@stanandrews1741]

Very good video!! I love my SKSsss. Mae looked so good in that Ballistol Cap I ordered a couple😊Love your Channel

[@andredesmo]

Wow, many compliment for everything in this video. Very dateailed history regaring the project, the creation, etc. Very interesting the use of cleaning kit, never read or saw these details.

[@MrVuicho]

Our honour guard in Bulgaria still uses SKSs. They have a certain charm to them. I almost bought one in a FAB defence chassis but it was heavy as rock 🪨. Anemic killing power on my intended target 🐗 no! I got a Bar 2 Safari in 30-06. I really want a Garand but it is unubtanium in Eastern Europe - but SKSs, AKs are plentiful and cheap as dirt here.

[@Fadedglory343]

Ah, the national rifle of Canada.

[@gorbalsboy]

Great episode,would like to comment on something that I've heard quite often when speaking of older service rifles namely the length when fighting in buildings (fibua,cqb,ci) the only thing it really affects is the angles when shooting around cover true their slightly slower handling BUT the most effective way to fighting in confined spaces or any space is communicating and teamwork not rifle length,all the best from sunny Troon 😊

[@liambrooks2330]

I've been waiting for a primer for a long time; worth the wait! Keep up the good work guys!

[@Moondog66602]

Oh hell yeah, one of my favorite rifles, and the origin of the first rifle I ever bought, 1963 factory 26 Chinese SKS.

[@matthewhunter6851]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@Travis_Hackney]

This was a really cool video with the illustrations of weapons, ballistic infographics, practical demonstrations, and conversation-style format to explain the historical context and creation of a very interesting direct-fire weapons platform Good content Thanks bud 👍🏻

[@Urkie1979]

I love my SKS (1952 Tula manufacture). It is my go-to shooter. There are a lot of them here in Canada since AK's are prohibited (these are always in the crosshairs but have survived so far, thankfully). Thank you for uploading this episode. I was actually wondering if it was in the pipeline after the "Minute of Mae" clip that came out a short while back.

[@illegalclown]

A Yugo SKS was my first surplus gun. It was neat, cost under $100, and ammo was cheap and plentiful. It was the gun that got me hooked on collecting and working on surplus guns. I read everything I could on it at the time, but I soon moved on to other more unique guns. The SKS was everywhere back then. Even now I think of it as a boring utilitarian rifle that just works. It's not really special. For that reason I think this is the first video I've ever watched on it.

[@FiveStringCommando]

That’s awesome! My first centerfire rifle was a 59/66A1. I had to sell it years later to help support my family during a hard time. I recently acquired its replacement 59/66A1 Yugo (in better condition, believe it or not) and couldn’t be happier. They’re awesome rifles and tons of fun at the range. As boring as they seem, it has a fascinating history full of significance to firearms development in general.

[@GeneralJackRipper]

I tenderly held my own SKS while watching this.

[@mikepj67]

SKS support yes found one in 93’ I still shelter to this day.

[@simonjones6128]

I love Mae.s presentation her point of view is honest and refreshing ❤

[@brianking9446]

Thank you so much for this episode. I have a 52 Tula in near new condition. The blade type bayonet is a beautiful blued color. Everything else is black phosphate(?) including both bolt and carrier. Has no spring on safety nor extra disconnect.

[@robviousobviously5757]

SKS - Origins.... so many to follow

[@loetzcollector466]

I remember when these could be had for $80..and no-one wanted them!

[@vhfgamer]

We used to deal in SKS parts when they first hit the US market. There are a LOT of variations of parts. I used to keep a book handy just so I could identify the half dozen or so variations in firing pins. Our main importer dude was Warren Sessler. Also, would Andy Wade happen to be an asian guy? We used to do a lot of business with an Andy in southern california, in the Crossroads of the West Gunshows. I just don't remember his last name for sure.

[@FractAlkemist]

Excellent viddie - worth downloading and saving, even at 900MB. I have several SKS, including the short barrel carbines, and a YUGO. Bought in the '90's, military new, unissued, packed in original cosmo and paper. All for 130-150; today you get a used piece of junk for no less than 600, IF you can even find any! Second best battle rifle ever made!

[@jaredthehawk3870]

At last, something I actually own. Great job, guys. Brandon Herrera's going to love this. And yes I do use Ballistol to clean it.

[@zaitcev0]

PALPATINE: A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@tinymud3324]

As a Northern Ontarian, born in 1948, I was brought up with guns (My Dad was WWII RCAF) mainly Lee Infields, Browning Auto A5's and P35 Hi-Powers - I got to say the SKS was a Great Deer Rifle although felt like a BRICK in the bush compared to the BB Gun weight of the EXPENSIVE Winchester 30:30. ($90 Vs $800 - Could buy a good Lee Enfield Jungle Carbine for $50 ) At 76 still I admire the Russian SKS 45 and Tito's M57 Tokarev pistol for the Bush. Give me a 1920's Browning A5 16 Gauge 18" Barrel loaded with Imperial CIL ammo and a P35 side arm for the BUSH any day ;o) Yes! I had to modify plastic crimped rounds for my A5 16 but she could fire 5 rounds before the first ejected shell hit the ground (Slugs, #2 my favorite, Double Ought or any bird shot - Could hit a cigarette pkg at 75 yards with a slug with that Sweet 16). I killed more Ducks and Geese with that A5 16 with an 18" barrel then any 12 Gauge with #2 shot up to 100 yards ;o) The SKS can't compete to the accuracy or the range of a Lee Infield but good enough at 300 meters .

[@blanktm228]

Thank you, once again, as every two weeks, you absolute legends!

[@KrazyKomradeKong]

When you do get to the AK, i would suggest contacting Brandon Herrera, he’s got a fantastic example of a type 1

[@remko1238]

What happened to “war where declared 2” ?

[@GeneralJackRipper]

I agree about the trigger pull. It's a very strange mechanical ballet going on under your finger that feels to me more like firing a crossbow than a rifle.

[@barry7608]

Thanks, great review and love the animation. Take care