Zastava Yugoslavian produced SKS Model 1959/66 Rifle also known as the papovka. 7.62x39mm

After the end of World War II Yugoslavia began planning the development of a new semi-automatic rifle. This would be the replacement to their former service rifle the Zastava M48 Mauser style bolt action rifle. In 1959 Yugoslavia acquired the rights to produce the Soviet Union’s SKS Semi-automatic carbine. This was early on before the fallout of Yugoslavia and the USSR. In 1961 limited production began at Preduzece 44 (Factory 44), the successor to Yugoslavia’s military technical institute in Kragujevac. Later the Kragujevac facility began production again until 1964 until the SKS went into serialized mass production. Zastava designated these models as M59 and differed a bit from the Soviet original. This continued as the Yugoslav’s did not chrome line their barrels and in 1966 redesigned the front end to use a 22mm rifle grenade launcher. This would also incorporate a ladder style grenade sight and a gas shut off. The final models would even include flip up white painted night sights.

Many of the former Yugoslavian nations still carry this model but it is typically used by reserves or ceremonial purposes. Zambia and Bangladesh still use the rifle in their military.

This SKS is in good condition, not all serial numbers appear to be matching and the rifle is missing a cleaning rod.
The stock is in very good condition and retains most of its original finish. The bluing is also strong and even throughout the rifle

We noted there is some cosmoline in this rifle so you may want to clean the moving parts if you intend to shoot this rifle as cosmoline is thick.

Bore had good solid lands and grooves for rifling however we noted some dark pitting.

E series serial number