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CKC
(SKS)
CARBINE

The Soviet gas-operated carbine that preceded the AK-47. Millions were produced and deployed across the Eastern Bloc — shooting one is a genuine piece of Cold War history.

7.62×39
Caliber
10
Stripper-clip
1945
Designed
15M+
Total produced
Book this firearm→
€4 / shot · 5 rounds min.
Catalog · CKC (SKS) CARBINECKC (SKS) CARBINE// 7.62×39mm · Šautene
Origin
USSR
Designer
Sergei Simonov
Action
Short-stroke piston
Caliber
7.62×39mm
Feature
Folding bayonet
Stock
Wood
The Story

SKS Carbine

The Самозарядный карабин системы Симонова (SKS) is one of the most historically important rifles ever made. Designed by Sergei Simonov in the closing months of WWII, it was the first rifle to use the new 7.62×39mm intermediate cartridge that would later define the AK-47.

The SKS served as the standard Soviet infantry rifle from 1945 until the AK-47 fully replaced it in the late 1950s — and it's still used as a ceremonial / honor-guard rifle in Russia, China, and dozens of other former Eastern Bloc states.

That beautiful wooden stock, the iconic folding bayonet, and the satisfying clack of stripper-clip loading. It's living Cold War history — a rifle that carries a story in its silhouette.

It's also the most produced semi-automatic rifle in human history, with over 15 million units made in the USSR, China (Type 56), Yugoslavia (M59/66), Romania, East Germany, North Korea, and Vietnam.

Development · History · Heritage

SKS Carbine — Timeline

The history behind this firearm, from conception to the present day.

Intermediate Cartridge Adopted

The Soviet Army adopts the 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge — less powerful than a rifle round but more effective than a pistol round.

1943
1945
Simonov Completes the SKS

Sergei Simonov finalises the Samozaryadny Karabin Simonova — a self-loading carbine chambered in the new M43 round.

Mass Production

The SKS enters mass production just as the AK-47 is also being adopted — both weapons serve side by side in Soviet forces.

1949
1955
Warsaw Pact Distribution

The SKS is distributed to Soviet allies worldwide — China alone produces over 15 million under the Type 56 designation.

Replaced but Not Retired

As the AK-47 takes over frontline service, the SKS remains as a second-line weapon, honour guard rifle, and export product.

1960s
Today
Available at GunRange.lv

Fire the Soviet carbine that preceded the AK-47 at our Riga range — €4 per round, 5 rounds minimum.

In service · in cinema · in history

In the wild.

Where you've seen this firearm — on screen, in service, or making history.

Cinema
Vietnam War films
Various

Iconic in films set during the Vietnam conflict.

Game
Call of Duty / Battlefield
2000s–

A staple weapon across major military shooter franchises.

Ceremony
Soviet honor guards
1945–

Carried by honor guards at Lenin's tomb for decades.

From the range

What our visitors say.

Real feedback from guests who fired this weapon at our Riga range.

★★★★★

“There's something profound about holding a rifle that was in service before my grandparents were born. The SKS is smooth, accurate, and genuinely historic — a must-shoot for Cold War history enthusiasts.”

Paul K. · Warsaw
★★★★★

“The SKS surprised me with how pleasant it is to shoot. I expected something clunky and military, but the action is smooth and the recoil very manageable. The instructor's history lesson made it even better.”

Julia S. · Vilnius
★★★★★

“Fired the SKS back-to-back with the AK-47. The differences in action and recoil were fascinating — you can feel the direct lineage but also exactly why the AK won the adoption race.”

Andrew M. · London
Available today

Pull the
trigger.

5 shots from the SKS Carbine. €4 each. No experience required — just bring an ID and your curiosity.

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