The Soviet SKS 45 Technical Review

Published on September 2, 2018
Duration: 18:42

This technical review of the Soviet SKS 45 provides a detailed look at its design, history, and functionality. It highlights the SKS 45 as the first rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, its short service life in the Soviet Army due to the AK-47's development, and its significant production by China. The review covers its reliability, accuracy, the unique issue of potential slam-firing with sensitive primers, its fixed 10-round magazine loaded via stripper clips, and differences between Russian and Chinese variants, including bayonet types and finish.

Quick Summary

The Soviet SKS 45 is historically significant as the first rifle chambered in the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It features a 10-round fixed magazine loaded via stripper clips and operates on a short-stroke gas system. While reliable, it can be prone to slam-firing with sensitive primers. Chinese variants often differ in bayonet type and finish.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to the SKS 45
  2. 00:25Background and Designer: Sergei Simonov
  3. 00:41Significance: First 7.62x39mm Rifle
  4. 01:06Political and Military Adoption
  5. 01:26Short Service Life and AK-47
  6. 01:35Role in Vietnam War
  7. 01:51Production Numbers: China vs. Russia
  8. 02:09AK-47 Adoption Timeline
  9. 02:22Durability, Reliability, and Accuracy
  10. 02:32US Importation and Affordability
  11. 02:52Chinese Modifications
  12. 03:09Other Manufacturing Countries
  13. 03:22Test Firing: Potential Slam-Fire Issue
  14. 04:45Ammunition Ignition and Primer Sensitivity
  15. 05:00Magazine System: 10-Round Fixed Box
  16. 05:05Loading with Stripper Clips
  17. 05:21Gas System: Short Stroke Capping
  18. 05:27Safety Mechanism
  19. 05:34Bayonet: Blade vs. Spike
  20. 05:52Finish and Parade Grade Rifles
  21. 06:14Wood Furniture and Serial Numbers
  22. 06:39Disassembly: Receiver Cover and Bolt Carrier
  23. 07:04Bolt Actuation Mechanism
  24. 07:38Comparison to Sturmgewehr 44 Bolt
  25. 08:01Machining Quality and Soviet Focus
  26. 08:26Proof Marks on Russian Variants
  27. 08:37Gas System Details
  28. 09:00Short Stroke vs. Long Stroke Gas Systems
  29. 09:59Comparison to FAL Rifle Operation
  30. 10:02Reliability and Recoil
  31. 10:23Rear Sight and Front Sight Post
  32. 10:44Trigger Mechanism
  33. 10:53Cleaning Rod Location
  34. 11:08Detailed Disassembly Overview
  35. 11:18Barrel Chrome Plating
  36. 11:37Yugoslavian Modifications (Grenade Launcher)
  37. 11:51Production in the 80s and 90s
  38. 12:02Commercial Market in China
  39. 12:07Clinton Import Ban
  40. 12:20Chinese Ammunition Affordability
  41. 12:31Russian Ammunition Market Entry
  42. 12:38Quality Comparison: Russian vs. Chinese Ammo
  43. 12:51Reassembly Process
  44. 14:30Current Popularity and Price
  45. 14:53Import Ban Status: Bayonet and Fixed Magazine
  46. 15:14Range Test and Loading Methods
  47. 15:22Loading with Stripper Clips Demonstration
  48. 15:58Individual Round Loading Demonstration
  49. 18:31Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the SKS 45 significant in firearms history?

The SKS 45 holds historical significance as the first rifle adopted by the Soviet Union chambered in the intermediate 7.62x39mm cartridge. Despite its early adoption in 1945, its service life was relatively short due to the rapid development of more advanced firearms like the AK-47.

What is the primary method for loading an SKS 45 rifle?

The SKS 45 is primarily loaded using stripper clips. These clips hold multiple rounds and are inserted into a guide on top of the receiver, allowing the rounds to be pushed directly into the fixed 10-round magazine.

Are there differences between Russian and Chinese SKS rifles?

Yes, there are notable differences. Russian SKS models typically feature a blade-type bayonet and a more polished finish, sometimes referred to as 'parade grade.' Chinese variants often have a spike bayonet and may exhibit different machining and finishing characteristics.

Can the SKS 45 fire automatically?

The standard SKS 45 is a semi-automatic rifle and does not have selective fire capabilities. However, a rare issue known as 'slam-firing' can occur with sensitive primers, where the firing pin's inertia causes a discharge as the bolt closes, mimicking automatic fire.

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