The SKS Carbine, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition (Biotechniques Books) (For collectors only) [Paperback]

Steve Kehaya (Author), Joe Poyer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1882391144 | ISBN-13: 978-1882391141 | Publication Date: September 15, 2008 | Edition: 4

The SKS Carbine $19.95, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer.

A complete analysis of the Communist Bloc's SKS Carbine the first detailed study of this fine, collectible carbine in twenty-five years. Every part analyzed to tell you how to determine its country of origin and whether or not those parts are compatible between SKS carbines of different Nation s manufacture.

This famed Soviet-designed shoulder arm, which together with the AK-47, armed hundreds of thousands of National Liberation Front fighters from Vietnam to Angola. It was manufactured in six countries and its total production ran into the tens of millions. Since 1986, over 1,000,000 of those Albanian, Russian, East German, Chinese, North Vietnamese, North Korean, Romanian and Yugoslav SKS Carbines were imported into the United States. That vast number not only provides a fertile field for collectors, but helps keep prices low enough to make the SKS carbine a fine plinking and hunting rifle.

The SKS Carbine examines the firearm on a part-by-part basis so that you can determine 1) which parts are original on a particular SKS carbine, 2) in which country they were produced, 3) which of those parts are interchangeable between different manufacturers and which are not, 4) how to read serial numbers to determine date of manufacture and country of origin, and 5) what the inspection markings stamped on metal and wood parts mean.

Since the vast majority of SKS Carbines in the U.S. are military surplus, you will learn how to examine and select a fine, shootable SKS Carbine. You are also provided with complete assembly/disassembly instructions, how to manufacture most parts if you cannot find a commercial source, and ammunition characteristics, and ballistic information.

An expanded list of factory codes for the Chinese SKS carbines has been made available to the authors by collector Howard Bearse. That information and more has also been included in this 4th revised and expanded edition of The SKS Carbine. K. Stewart;Bookwyrm's review below is not quite correct. The 4th edition has been updated to include information on the Romanian SKS Carbines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The SKS Carbine covers it subject in great detail, from its early development to detailed descriptions of variations in the most minor parts. Whether you consider yourself a collector or not, if you are the owner of some of the one million SKS carbines that have been imported into the United States, you need this book. --Guns & Ammo Magazine

In this book, Steve Kehaya has teamed with Joe Poyer to give us the first definitive study if the [SKS] and its history, along with the various modifications and origins of manufacture.

Each component of the SKS, from stock to bayonet lug, or lack thereof, is covered, indicating assembly point and year of manufacture. Accessories and their origin are covered along with maintenance procedures . . . Those who like to reload will want to read the SAAMI specifications to achieve maximum reliability.

The SKS Carbine is profusely illustrated, articulately researched and covers all aspects of its development. You might find that you own one of the most sought-after SKS. --Glen Voorhees, Jr., Gun Week

The SKS was Soviet Russia's answer to the [submachine] gun that the Germans were using on the Russian front during the Second World War.

The book, The SKS Carbine authored by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer is a treasure trove of practical information on the lineage, history, maintenance and use of this arm.

As a for instance, [this book] can . . . tell you which parts are interchangeable with parts from rifles made in different countries.

For the SKS owner, the bok contains relevant information on choosing one for personal use [and] is a valuable reference . . . [it] details not only troubleshooting . . . but has detailed repair instructions, is well written and easy to understand. --Red Meinecke

The SKS Carbine covers its subject in great detail, from its early development to detailed descriptions of variations in the most minor parts. Whether you consider yourself a collector or not, if you are an owner of the some one million SKS carbines that have been imported into the United States, you need this book. --Bill O'Brien, Guns & Ammo

The SKS was Soviet Russia's answer to the [submachine] gun that the Germans were using on the Russian front during the Second World War.

The book, The SKS Carbine authored by Steve Kehaya and Joe Poyer is a treasure trove of practical information on the lineage, history, maintenance and use of this arm.

As a for instance, [this book] can . . . tell you which parts are interchangeable with parts from rifles made in different countries.

For the SKS owner, the bok contains relevant information on choosing one for personal use [and] is a valuable reference . . . [it] details not only troubleshooting . . . but has detailed repair instructions, is well written and easy to understand. --Red Meinecke

From the Publisher

This is the first book to describe all models from all countries, including Romania, of the SKS Carbine on a part-by-part basis. A must for both collectors and shooters.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: North Cape Publications, Inc.; 4 edition (September 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882391144
• ISBN-13: 978-1882391141
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another must-have for the serious SKS owner, February 28, 2000

By 

Splatt (Utah) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The SKS Carbine, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition (Biotechniques Books) (For collectors only) (Paperback)

While it contains information that has been covered countless times elsewhere (weapon breakdown, cleaning, etc.) this book also contains a wealth of information I have not seen anywhere else: information on how to determine where your SKS came from, information on the various parts and the different versions of parts, what's interchangeable, what's not, etc.

One of the best sections tells you how to inspect an SKS before buying it. I got lucky when I bought my SKS -- I gave it a rather cosmetic going over and later on when I knew what I was doing I realized that I got one in A-1 shape. With this book I would have known for sure long before I put my money down.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good choice to learn about your SKS, February 19, 2001

By 

K. Stewart "Bookwyrm" (Oregon City, Or) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The SKS Carbine, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition (Biotechniques Books) (For collectors only) (Paperback)

Although the usefulness of this book cannot be over stated for the SKS owner, it is in need of revision! With the import of the Romanian SKS variants there is a need to add to this book. Granted most of the information can be infered by reading the Russian sections, there are some differences that could benefit from a new revision. One area this book needs more of is parts compatiblity between models. Not all SKS parts are created equal, and some of the more dangerous examples cry out to be covered. For instance there are at least 4 different types of firing pins, and some of them are not interchangable. I found this book especially helpful with identification, and history of this facinating and occasionally misunderstood firearm. If you have an interest in the SKS you will not regret this purchase. I haven't!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good information on how to identify, select, and maintenance, October 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The SKS Carbine, 4th Revised and Expanded Edition (Biotechniques Books) (For collectors only) (Paperback)

Hihgly recommended for SKS collectors, and someone who is intersted in using the SKS rifle.

The book gives history of the SKS Carbine and how to identify the manufacturers of your rifle. There are detail description of each of the components of the carbine in detail and if they are compatible among different manufacturers.

Since many of these carbine are military surplus, one of the most useful part is how to check to make sure the carbine is safe and how properly maintenance your rifle.