The unique function and design of the SKS makes it easy to disassemble and operate. Its milled receiver is quite simple, attached to the 20-inch barrel via a cross pin. The barreled action rests in the wooden stock, secured by the snap-in trigger group.

The trigger group snaps into the wooden stock.

Cartridges feed from a 10-round magazine, which is fixed to the rifle but can be opened by releasing the hinged floorplate. There are other magazine options for the SKS, but this is the original design. The magazine can be loaded by hand or via stripper clips that fit into the notch of the bolt carrier.

The gas tube resembles the AK-47 design but operates quite differently. A long piston rides tightly in the gas tube. When a shot is fired, it pushes back a spring-loaded tappet, which contacts the front of the bolt carrier. Brass is ejected out the top of the open action, before the bolt scoops another cartridge from the magazine.

The charging handle is fixed to the square-shaped bolt carrier, and you want to make sure all appendages are out of the way when it reciprocates.

The SKS incorporates a strange bolt design that is square in shape and tilts into a locked position when in battery. The charging handle is fixed to the bolt carrier, and it certainly reciprocates and will damage any body parts it contacts.

Note the receiver cover, which houses the operating spring, and the latch to remove it.

Norinco SKS 7.62x39mm