Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $930.00
Manufactured at the Tula Arsenal in the Soviet Union between 1955 and 1956, this Russian SKS-45 represents one of the most recognizable military rifles of the early Cold War period. Designed by Sergei Simonov, the SKS combined a gas operated semi automatic action with the 7.62×39mm intermediate cartridge, a fixed magazine, and an integral folding bayonet. This late production Tula example features a 20.5 inch barrel, refinished hardwood stock, and matching numbered components, with the stock and gas tube force matched during refurbishment. Retaining approximately 97 percent of its refinished metal finish, it remains in Very Good Plus to Fine condition with a strong bore and original military style accessories.
Identification
MMA#: 260612DT052
Make: Tula Arsenal, Soviet Union
Model: SKS-45
Original Serial Number: Appears to be T6 5861A
Importer Applied Serial Number: CCP14637
Year of Manufacture: 1955–1956
Caliber: 7.62×39mm
Action Type: Gas Operated Semi Automatic Rifle with Fixed Magazine
Operating System: Short Stroke Gas Piston
Barrel Length: 20.5 Inches
Finish: Blue, Refinished
Classification: Curio & Relic
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a hooded post adjustable for elevation and windage.
The rear sight is a U notched sliding tangent sight mounted on the barrel, with an adjustable elevation setting.
This traditional military sight configuration is characteristic of Soviet SKS rifles.
Stock Configuration & Condition
The rifle features a refinished hardwood stock with a pistol grip, finger grooves, safety recess, ventilated upper handguard, and metal nosecaps.
Additional features include a cleaning rod channel, folding bayonet recess, sling mounting points, reinforcing pin, through bolt, and steel buttplate with a hinged storage compartment.
The wood exhibits scattered scrapes and scratches consistent with previous handling and use.
The buttplate has been refinished with black paint. Light tool marks and previously cleaned surface erosion remain visible beneath the new finish, producing some discoloration.
Length of Pull: 12.5 Inches
The stock markings exhibit some fading.
Overall stock condition: Very Good Plus as refinished.
Markings & Serial Numbers
The rifle retains Soviet military markings, including a small Tula Arsenal star on the receiver.
The original serial number appears to be T6 5861A, while CCP14637 was subsequently applied by the importer.
Matching numbers are reported on the receiver, top cover, bolt carrier, trigger guard, magazine, gas tube, and stock.
Importantly, the stock and gas tube are force matched, meaning their serial markings were altered or reapplied to correspond with the rifle during refurbishment rather than necessarily representing original factory matching components.
The metal markings remain well defined, although some markings on the stock are faded.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
This rifle retains approximately 97 percent of its refinished metal finish.
The barrel exhibits small scratches, dings, and light tool marks visible beneath the newer finish.
The receiver cover shows evidence of previously cleaned surface erosion, with some residual discoloration.
Additional scattered light scrapes and scratches are present across the metal surfaces.
The action exhibits light operational wear.
The screw heads remain sharp, and the metal markings are generally well defined.
Overall condition: Very Good Plus to Fine as refinished.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, becoming semi bright near the muzzle, with deep, well defined rifling.
Some erosion is present near the muzzle.
In the original evaluator's opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly during mechanical evaluation.
The rifle was not test fired.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included with the rifle are:
Attached canvas military style sling
Integral folding bayonet
Cleaning rod
Metal cleaning kit tube containing cleaning equipment, stored in the buttstock compartment
The folding bayonet extends and mounts properly.
Our Assessment
The SKS-45, formally known as the Samozaryadny Karabin sistemy Simonova, was developed by Soviet firearms designer Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov during the final years of World War II and formally adopted by the Soviet military in 1949. Chambered in the then relatively new 7.62×39mm intermediate cartridge, the SKS represented an important transition between traditional full power military rifles and the intermediate cartridge weapons that would dominate much of the Cold War.
Unlike the Soviet Union's earlier bolt action service rifles, the SKS employed a short stroke gas piston system, a self loading action, and a fixed magazine. Its traditional hardwood furniture, relatively compact proportions, and integral folding bayonet reflected Soviet military requirements during the period immediately following World War II. Although eventually overshadowed in Soviet frontline service by the AK series, the SKS remained widely used by military and security forces around the world.
This example was manufactured at the Tula Arsenal between 1955 and 1956, placing it near the end of Soviet SKS production. It retains the characteristic Tula star marking and numerous numbered components. While the receiver, bolt carrier, trigger guard, magazine, and other parts bear matching serial markings, the stock and gas tube are specifically identified as force matched, consistent with refurbishment practices rather than confirmed original factory assembly.
Both the metal and wood have been refinished, with approximately 97 percent of the renewed metal finish remaining. The bore retains deep rifling and rates 8.5 out of 10, although erosion is visible near the muzzle. The accompanying folding bayonet, cleaning rod, sling, and buttstock cleaning kit preserve much of the rifle's traditional military configuration.
For collectors of Soviet military firearms, this late production Tula SKS-45 provides an informative example of Cold War era small arms manufacturing and subsequent refurbishment. Its arsenal markings, documented alterations, military accessories, and surviving condition illustrate the service and preservation history commonly encountered among imported Soviet SKS rifles.
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Every firearm featured in the Mt. McCoy Auctions Vault is professionally photographed, carefully cataloged, and thoroughly documented to preserve its history and condition. Our archival records provide collectors with detailed information regarding originality, condition, mechanical function, and historical significance, creating a lasting resource long after each auction has concluded.
