Original 1953 Russian Tula Model SKS 7.62x39mm Caliber Rifle
SKU: 594
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-Stock
Manufacturer: Tula Arsenal
Date Manufactured: 1953
Model: SKS
Serial Number: RH202149-407
Caliber: 7.62x39.
Magazine: 10 Round
Action Type: Semi Auto
Barrel Length: 20.5 inches
Bore Condition: 9.5/10, Good Rifling
Bayonet: 11.5" fullered blade folding
Condition: Excellent 98%
Mechanically: Excellent
Price: $1175.00
Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: CA- 791
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This all original and all-matching Tula Arsenal SKS made in 1953, is a post-WW2 Russian semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, with a 20.5-inch barrel, adjustable sights, and a folding bayonet.
Russian Tula Model SKS 7.62x39mm caliber semi-automatic rifle. Import stamped KBI. Serial numbers match on receiver, bolt, bolt cover, magazine well, trigger guard and stock. Hooded front sight. Adjustable rear sight. Folding bayonet. Compartment in stock. Cleaning rod. Canvas sling. Wood stock. Caliber / Gauge: 7.62x39mm Barrel Length: 20.5" Serial Number: RH202149-407 Classification: C&R / FFL Condition: Barrel: Light finish loss. Bore: Moderate wear with good rifling. Receiver: Light wear. Stock: Light wear. Mechanically very good.
History:
The Soviet SKS (Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova) is one of the most iconic military rifles of the early Cold War era. Designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov, the SKS was officially adopted by the Soviet Union in 1945 and served as a transitional infantry rifle bridging the gap between traditional bolt-action rifles and the emerging generation of fully automatic assault rifles.
Development & Historical Context
Following the Second World War, Soviet military doctrine shifted toward lighter, semi-automatic and selective-fire weapons chambered in the newly developed 7.62×39mm M43 intermediate cartridge. Simonov’s SKS design was among the first rifles to utilize this cartridge, offering improved firepower, reduced recoil, and greater mobility compared to earlier full-power rifle cartridges.
1953 Tula Arsenal Production
This example is a 1953-dated SKS manufactured at the Tula Arsenal, one of the Soviet Union’s premier state arsenals. Rifles produced at Tula are highly sought after by collectors and are easily identified by the Tula star arsenal mark stamped on the receiver cover along with the production year.
The year 1953 represents an important period in SKS production:
- It falls within the early, high-quality Soviet manufacturing era
- Rifles were built with excellent machining and durable finishes
- Hardwood stocks and milled components reflect traditional Soviet craftsmanship
Technical Features
- Caliber: 7.62×39mm
- Operation: Semi-automatic, gas-operated with a tilting bolt
- Magazine: Fixed 10-round internal magazine, loaded via stripper clips
- Barrel Length: Approximately 20.5 inches
- Sights: Hooded front post with tangent rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters
- Bayonet: Integral folding blade bayonet (standard for Soviet production)
Service Use & Legacy
While quickly overshadowed by the AK-47, the SKS proved to be an exceptionally reliable and accurate platform. It saw service across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and remains in use with ceremonial units and reserve forces in some regions.
Soviet-produced SKS rifles—especially early Tula examples from the early 1950s—are widely regarded as the finest SKS variants ever made. Their historical significance, quality of manufacture, and Cold War provenance make them highly desirable among military surplus collectors.
