SKS from around the world today (updated regularly)...

[Serellan]

Chinese paramilitary police march at Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, China, 15 November 2007.

[bumthum]

I wonder what type of wood those blond Russian stocks are.  They dont look a thing like artic birch.  They look more like the blond Yugoslavian stocks.

[Serellan]

Members of the Revolutionaries of Adhamiya patrol the streets of their neighborhood in Baghdad. The group took control of Adhamiya, a Sunni and insurgent stronghold, a week ago, fighting and expelling members of the insurgent group Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia.
Photo: Agence France-Presse — ***** Images

Cuban soldiers attend the funeral service of Gen. Sergio del Valle Jimenez at the Colon cemetery in Havana, 17 November 2007. Del Valle, who died 17 November 2007, was a former Interior Minister in the Country, General during the Bahia Cochinos Invasion (1961) and a heroe at Castro's revolution against dictator Fulgencio Batista in the fifties. Also acting President Raul Castro attended the service

Syrian President Bashar Assad (L) and Jordan's King Abdullah II reviewing honor guard at People's Palace in Damascus, 18 November 2007. Abdullah II arrived in Syria on a previously unannounced trip, his first to the Syrian capital in nearly four years. Jordan's chief government spokesman Nasser Judeh described the visit as "important."

[GlenM]

This is an old photo I believe it's from the Beslan Massacre September 2004.  I too would be there lending whatever assistance I can if something like that happens here in America.

[jblomenberg16]

That's an odd stock...some sort of wood aftermarket sporter maybe?  No bayo lug either...

[bumthum]

Most Soviet era sporting arms were based on military weapons, the Medved (Bear) was based on the SVD, the KS/KSU (1970s vintage for Khazakstan) and Saiga of course based on the AK, so on so forth.  I guess maybe they may have made a hunting version of the SKS as well.  Clearly the stock is not the only difference on that SKS.  The stock ferrul and front sight base are also different.  Either it is a nice gunsmith built hunting rifle or a factory product.  It would be interesting to know the history and origins of a factory Russian SKS hunting rifle if it exist.  I know Zastava makes one as well, a shame that it is not imported into the US for some reason.

[Sabre]

                                                                                                                   

[RussianRedneck]

i thought that firearms are restricted to civilians in russia.

[bumthum]

There was some civilian ownership in the former Soviet Union, I think mostly professional hunters (game, like Saiga antelope, was harvested to provide protein to the people) and VIPs, but some normal people as well.  Last I heard on recent Russian gun laws is that you have to own a smoothbore (shotgun), which can include a pistol grip Saiga with 20 rd drum magazine if thats what you are into, for a certain period of time without any serious issues.  If you go like 4 years with the shotgun then you can apply to own a rifle.  I am not sure how it works with handguns, but I know they are treated differently from long arms in Russian law.  I dont think you are allowed full-autos or anything, but semis are allowed.  Again that is the last that I heard a few years ago, I apologize for not having any real specifics.

[Serellan]

Iraqi soldiers look at confiscated weapons displayed at an Iraqi military base in the shrine city of Karbala, central Iraq, 28 November 2007. The shells were confiscated yesterday during a military raid on the outskirts of Karbala. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED SAWAF (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED SAWAF/AFP/***** Images)

Bulgarian mariners during the review by Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski during his official welcome ceremony in Sofia, Bulgaria, 28 November 2007. Macedonian Prime Minister arrived on a two-day official visit in Bulgaria

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy honour guard stand at attention during a welcoming ceremony for French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing 26 November 2007. Sarkozy is in China for his first state visit that is expected to focus on trade, the environment, and key international issues including Iran. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/***** Images)

[Lafayettegregory]

A participants of a military parade of 1941 takes part in a wreath- laying ceremony prior a historic parade in Moscow, 07 November 2007. The historic parade on 07 November is devoted to the real military parade of 1941 in the days of the heroic defense of Moscow from German troops. Participants of this parade departed from the Red square straight to the front line outside the city

A couple years ago I mentioned I had a Russian in a light colored stock. There was a lot or debate about they never made Russians in Lite colored hardwood stocks. this pic kinda vindicates what I said.
 And Thanks serellan for all the great pics. I don't care what marbike said about you I think you a nice guy

[illuminatus90]

[Capt.Marion]

that's definitely the bastard child of an AK variant and a Russian SKS...

[alwayscloudy]

im drooling over that sks. looks like we need to find out what bubba  made that stock and get us some ordered up.

[jblomenberg16]

I'm figuring that's an AK folder and pistol grip "agro-engineered" to fit on the sks reciever.  Interesting stock cut out for the AK mags, too.

Its hard to tell from the angle, but almost looks like the stock is cut for a spike bayo and has a blade on it.