SKS rifles were the primary rifles of the Soviet army in the 1950s. They have since become one of the most popular surplus rifles used by American shooters. The rifles are relatively inexpensive, accurate and simple to use. The rifle features an internal magazine and a safety mechanism on the trigger guard. The rifle is similar to contemporary American rifles of the time, such as the M1 rifle, in that the bolt of the SKS rifle is designed to lock in the rear position after it runs out of ammunition.
Engage the safety and pull back on the magazine release located in front of the trigger guard; the magazine will swing forward. Remove any ammunition from the magazine and lock it back into position.
Point the rifle in a safe direction and pull the operating handle to the full rear position; if there is a cartridge in the chamber, it will eject as the bolt retracts.
Release the operating handle. The bolt will remain locked in the open position.
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Peter Timm has been writing since 2002 for both print and online publications. Timm earned a Bachelor of Arts from the New York Institute of Technology in 2008 and emerged a technically astute writer.
