Post by btswanfury on Dec 2, 2009 19:40:45 GMT -5
I've never seen a photo either, and my understanding is that Hackworth's book is the only reference to them being carried by the Norks during the war. However, Hackworth also served in Vietnam where the SKS was very common, so some of us have theorized that he's confusing or misremembering the conflict.
Now, the war museum in Seoul which my gf has been to has a display case with weapons of the Korean war, and in it alongside Mosins and Arisakas are are two SKSs. However, I am suspicious, as there were no details on the weapons, no info on how they were captured, and so on.
Also, included in the case was an RPD, which was only just making its way to Soviet front-line units in 1953. As such, I wouldn't be surprised if those guns in the case were weapons which had been captured in the 1960s or 70s.
So, while it is conceivable the SKS may have been present in very limited numbers in the North Korean army in the early stages of the war, I kinda doubt it. I wouldn't have a problem with Nork OPFOR carrying one or two in order to make up for inferior numbers at events and the like, but I'd have to say its authenticity is highly dubious.
Now, the war museum in Seoul which my gf has been to has a display case with weapons of the Korean war, and in it alongside Mosins and Arisakas are are two SKSs. However, I am suspicious, as there were no details on the weapons, no info on how they were captured, and so on.
Also, included in the case was an RPD, which was only just making its way to Soviet front-line units in 1953. As such, I wouldn't be surprised if those guns in the case were weapons which had been captured in the 1960s or 70s.
So, while it is conceivable the SKS may have been present in very limited numbers in the North Korean army in the early stages of the war, I kinda doubt it. I wouldn't have a problem with Nork OPFOR carrying one or two in order to make up for inferior numbers at events and the like, but I'd have to say its authenticity is highly dubious.
