SKS
Historic semi-auto · Deer and hog hunting · Military surplus
| Manufacturer | Various |
|---|---|
| Category | Rifles |
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm |
| Action | Semi-automatic (gas-operated) |
| Barrel length | 20.0 in |
| Capacity | 10+1 |
| Weight | 8.5 lb |
| Introduced | 1945 |
About the SKS
The SKS carbine was designed near the end of World War II and adopted across the Eastern Bloc before the AK pattern displaced it, but its civilian afterlife has lasted even longer. The gas-operated action feeds a fixed ten-round magazine from stripper clips, and a 20-inch barrel lets the 7.62x39 round stretch its useful range for hunting inside 200 yards. Civilian imports wear a wide range of stocks, from original hardwood to synthetic assemblies, and some variants accept detachable magazines. Many military-pattern bores are chrome-lined for corrosion resistance, which helps when shooting cheap steel-cased ammunition.
Best ammo for the SKS
Live picks from Top Ammo Supply — in-stock 7.62x39mm ammunition, sorted by price per round. Prices and stock refresh throughout the day.
7.62x39mm training & range ammo
Full metal jacket and lead loads — the cheapest way to train.
MaxxTechMAXXTECH NFR 7.62X39MM AMMO 123GR FMJ STEEL CASE 50RD BOX 1000rd$669.38$0.669/rdMaxxTechMAXXTECH NFR 7.62X39MM AMMO 123GR FMJ STEEL CASE 50RD BOX 500rd$361.79$0.724/rdMaxxTechMAXXTECH NFR 7.62X39MM AMMO 123GR FMJ STEEL CASE 50RD BOX 50rd$37.79$0.756/rd
Sellier & BellotSELLIER&BELLOT 7.62X39 AMMO 124GR FMJ BRASS CASED 20RD BOX 20rd$16.19$0.810/rd7.62x39mm hunting loads
Soft point and expanding bullets for field use.
Prvi PartizanPPU 7.62X39 AMMO SP SOFT POINT 123GR BRASS CASED 20rd box 20rd$18.35$0.918/rdFull selection: Browse all 7.62x39mm ammunition at Top Ammo Supply →
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Related firearms
Specifications are approximate and can vary by variant and production year. Verify with the manufacturer before purchase. Ammunition purchase and shipping restrictions vary by jurisdiction — Top Ammo Supply enforces shipping rules at checkout.