M59/66A1 (SKS) Semi Automatic Rifle

The Yugoslavian M59/61 carbine is a gas operated, magazine fed, self loading weapon. It utilizes a short stroke gas piston with its own return spring and a tilting bolt. A charging handle is attached to the right side of the bolt carrier and moves when gun is fired. The receiver is machined from steel. The rifle has an integral 10 round, staggered box magazine. A safety switch is located inside the trigger guard. The rifle has a single piece wooden stock. There is a hooded post front sight and a range adjustable open rear sight are attached to the barrel. A rifle grenade launcher is attached to the muzzle. A grenade launcher sights and a gas cut off is attached to the barrel. The rifle has a blued finish. The folding underslung bayonet has been removed. Markings - 0-00022 on bolt, and 404839 on both receiver and magazine.

The M59/61 was a limited issue rifle issued to the Iraqi Army. It is an almost identical copy of the Soviet Simonov SKS45 self loading carbine. This weapon was confiscated by Australian forces serving in Iraq in 2006.