Rifleman Q&A: An Albanian SKS?

Although the Albanian SKS is, at its heart, a pretty straightforward SKS rifle, it does have some interesting features that set it apart.

by
posted on July 22, 2021
Albaniansks

Q. I’m a collector of military rifles and keep a close eye on the Internet for unique deals. I was looking at Aim Surplus’ website, aimsurplus.com, and noticed it had an SKS variant of which I am totally unfamiliar—an Albanian SKS. Could you tell me anything about it?

rifle top silver bolt brown wood black metal gun parts

A. The Albanian SKS is a rather rare variant of the SKS rifle. Very little is known about its background, as compared to other versions. Although the Albanian SKS is, at its heart, a pretty straightforward SKS rifle, it does have some interesting features that set it apart.

wood number stamping metal sling swivel gun parts

The most obvious visual difference is the Albanian’s full-length wooden upper handguard. Unlike other SKS rifles, this handguard extends the full length of the gas tube. The profile of the rifle also reveals an oddly shaped magazine body extending below the rifle. Unlike the gentle upward sweep of other SKS magazine bodies, this one has an abrupt, upward angle on its forward face.

A closer look at the rifle reveals three more unique features. One is the bolt carrier handle, which is more like that of an AK-47 than other SKS rifles. Another is dual storage compartment doors, rather than one—presumably for both the cleaning kit and an oiler bottle. And the final is a rear sling swivel mounted on the left side of the stock; a feature nice for lefties but quite unpleasant for a right-hand cheek weld.

wooden buttstock rifle black metal plate rear butt gun parts

This variant of the Simonov design, offered by Aim Surplus, would represent an interesting addition to any SKS collection.

—Michael O. Humphries


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.