In the early 1950s , the Soviets took the SKS carbine out of front - line service .
In the early 1950s , the Soviets replaced it with the AK - 47 ; however , the SKS remained in second - line service for decades .
In the early 1950s , the Soviets took the SKS carbine out of front - line service and replaced it with the AK - 47 ; however , the SKS remained in second - line service for decades .