The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I don't know why I like Russian gun designs. But when I review the contents of the collection, it seems like the six dozen Mosins, SKS's, and a token AK-47 would tell that I do have a focus - for whatever reason.

Today, I'll introduce the beginning of the SKS model run, a 1949 Samozaryadniy Karabin sistemi Simonova (Самозарядный карабин системы Симонова). These are found in three basic configurations here in the US. There are a handful or less of the original configuration guns with the spike bayonet, a few more with blade bayonet and early features, and some with blade bayonet and upgraded features. All are refurbished to my knowledge, and are considered extremely rare in any condition.

Mine is the blade bayonet model with the early features of a reinforced bayo groove on the front stock ferrule, 90deg gas block, spring loaded firing pin, tabbed bolt/bolt carrier system (pics are representative, from my '50 Tula) , open looped takedown lever, scrolled receiver cover logo, and friction held (vs. springed) safety lever. But enough talk. Here are a few pics. Enjoy, and thanks for looking.

Very nice early example. I'm very happy with my 54' Tula. A fine rifle.

Very nice '49, mine is a '50 Tula I picked up back in the 90's when we first started to see them on the market, thanks for sharing it with us

Nice. I have been wanting one of these since that dude, (member here) that lives up in the hills, posted a picture of his. Very nice.

Very nice

Sweet!

VERY NICE! Sold my '49 for a small fortune and it didn't have the 90 degree gas block. I still regret it.

Great pics and a beautiful SKS. The Russian SKS is the smoothest that I have had experience with, the fit and finish are miles above the other SKS's that I have fired. Does having some of the early features add value to the gun? Just curious.

Ban-One wrote:Does having some of the early features add value to the gun? Just curious.

Big time.

The year and rarity of the gun do make it valuable, as Hlavinka has alluded. Far less than 1% of SKS's in the US are first year issue guns. The early features add a bit more value, and if one can find a non-refurbished with the spike bayonet, well, make sure you buy a lottery ticket or two!

Well...no lottery winner here but I still love my Russian SKS. One more question, I thought that the SKS's all used chrome lined barrels. I have a Russian SKS without a chrome lined barrel and was wondering why this was.

The '49 and '50 were originally all non-chromed barrels. Some early 51's also had non-chrome and the early style bolt and carrier, but are not common. Late '51 to '56 were all chrome lined.

And examples from the early ones can be found with chromed bores from a barrel replacement during the refurb process.