Tula Russian SKS-45 7.62×39 20.5” Semi-Auto Rifle, Tula Arsenal Marks
SOLD FOR: $760
WOA#: WY230106RP004
Our Assessment: The SKS (Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova, or Simonov Self-loading Carbine) is a semi-automatic rifle that was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1940s. It was designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov and was produced in the Tula Arms Plant in Tula, Russia. The SKS was intended to replace the Mosin-Nagant, a bolt-action rifle that had been in use since the late 1800s, as the standard infantry rifle of the Soviet Union.
The SKS was produced in several different countries, including China, Yugoslavia, and Romania. It saw widespread use in various conflicts around the world, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and various civil wars.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the SKS was gradually phased out of service in the Soviet Union in favor of the AK-47, a more advanced and reliable assault rifle. However, the SKS remains popular with collectors and shooters due to its historical significance and low cost.
Tula manufactured SKS rifles are the peak of quality and precision manufacturing in the niche and saturated world of the SKS and this rifle is no different. The parts are tight and boast the quality only the original Russian manufacturers can deliver. In 1949 Tula began producing the SKS but with a spike bayonet configuration called the SKS-45. Although the spike bayonet is missing, this SKS is still very collectable. The SKS is one of the most popular and trending platforms on the market so don’t miss your chance to get an original Tula SKS before it’s gone! Good Luck!
Make: Tula Arsenal (Russian)
Model: SKS-45
Serial Number: RH219767 / 1215
Year of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: 7.62 x 39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of the receiver marked a Russian Proof, Russian Cyrillic and “1215 / RUSSIA SKS-45 7.62X39 KBI , INC HBG, PA RH219767”. The left and right side of the barrel chamber have several proof marks, see pictures for reference. Left side of the wooden buttstock is marked with a matching serial number with Russian Cyrillic, “1215” along with the Tula Arrow in Star and manufacture date “1951r”. The right and left sides of the buttstock has the Tula factory marker along with a proof mark underneath and one on top just behind the receiver. The top cover has been replaced with an aftermarket top cover with picatinny Scope Rails and is unmarked. Rear sights marked with numbers “1-10 n” and the matching serial number is marked in eclectic pencil underneath. Top of the bolt, trigger guard, and bottom of the attached magazine are marked with original matching serial numbers. There are proof marks under the traditional pistol grip. The left side of the upper handguard is marked, “1215”.
Barrel Length: 20.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. The rear sight is a leaf “U” tangent notch marked from “1 – 10” and “n”. The receiver scope rails are mounted with a Red Star 4×20 Scope made in China. The sight picture is clear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The arctic birch stock is in Fine condition and has Tula markings original to the receiver. The combination of condition and matching original numbers makes this a rare find. There are scattered impression marks and scratches throughout as well as some nicks, but they remain light and few. The spike bayonet is removed. There is a cleaning rod underneath barrel. There is no cleaning kit inside the buttstock. The buttstock typically houses a cleaning kit. The LOP measures 12.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Fixed 10 round SKS magazine with hinge release to allow for easy cleaning.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is some minor corrosion especially in the chamber. A thorough cleaning is required to meet all your maintenance requirements.
Overall Condition: On original parts, this rifle retains about 95% of its refurbished finish. The balance of the finish shows little wear around the muzzle and buttplate. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition for a classic Russian SKS with matching stock and parts excluding the missing spike spring bayonet. There is a dried cosmoline smear on the left side of the magazine.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Canvas Sling