Transitional 49-50 Russian SKS (Pic Heavy)

[Fragger]

Had a few request for this.
Repost and made a sticky.

Comments and thoughts directly related to the topic are encouraged.





The '49 is a unique SKS in not only the date but many of the features.
As the second half of the century began (1950) transitions were being made to the Russian SKS.
We see these transitions on this 1950 Russian SKS.

This pic heavy thread shows a very early 1950 Russian SKS that has been factory refurbed and that retains most of the 1949 features.
One very interesting feature that looks like it may have been modified to meet the "1950" standard is the front stock ferrule.
I've always found this SKS to be interesting.

[terry1369]

great photos & info.

[banjaboy]

I want to buy it!!!

[martin08]

What a superb specimen, Fragger.  Thank you for posting your observations.

Is it possible for you to take photos of the rear of your mag while it is out of the gun?  I have been looking for confirmation of features on a mag that came in my 1949 Russian.  The numbers on my mag were partially scrubbed an not legible. Your follower arm spring cup and lower cover shape are an exact match to mine, and I have found no other mags with these features.

Here are some pics of the mag that came in my '49.  Left to right - 1. Mag in question - 2.  Sino Soviet - 3. '52 Tula - 4. '53 Tula


Lower Covers.



Follower arms and spring cups



Rear fixed body configuration



I have no other mags where the fixed body (in the area where the trigger group slides underneath) has this configuration as pictured on the left above.  Any help would be appreciated.

[martin08]

Just to add a few tidbits regarding design differences, I have some photos of a 1950 bolt and carrier that I was planning to post in a similar topic, but Fragger beat me to it!  So here they are.

The early bolts ('49, '50 transitional, and '50 late) have a milled area on the top left side that isn't present on all models that were built subsequent to 1950.




To mate with the milled slot, the early carriers also were designed with an additional tab on the bottom left side.  This tab is also eliminated in post-1950 designs.




I can provide no solid evidence as to why the slot and tab were eliminated from the early Simonov design.  Only to observe that extra material on the carrier and extra machining on the bolt are obviously not needed to provide efficient and safe operation of the SKS, considering that all later Russian, Chinese, Romanian, Yugo, etc. production proceeded with a non-slotted bolt such as pictured below.

[Fragger]

That is a fantastic observation and one which I completely overlooked.

[full auto]

woww, nice sks!!!

[RED GREEN]

Thanks for the info

[Kazbek]

With permission to complete your message.



Picture not mine, she boards a Russian amateur SKS.

[martin08]

Excellent reference pictur, Kazbec.

Notice the larger cavity for clearance of the rear of the firing pin on the 1950 carrier.

[Kazbek]

I drew attention to the quality of finishing. As told my friend ''SKS is a hymn to milling machines''

Large cavity, possibly for a circular firing pin.

[Fragger]

Thanks Kazbek for posting the pic and your thoughts as well.

The pic of the underside of the bolt carrier showing a side by side view shows much difference.

[Smallchange]

i have a 1950 russian :D

they are very nice guns and i would like to have that one!

[ilovemysksrifles]

Now then- that there is the stuff that dreams are made of!!!

[leadslinger45]

Beautiful rifle!