Introduced in the early 1940s, the SKS played a role in the later years of World War II and went on to become the standard issue rifle for the Soviet Union and many other Eastern Bloc nations. Its 7.62x39mm cartridge provided a balance of power and controllability, making it a reliable and effective firearm in the hands of soldiers. The SKS found itself on the front lines of global conflicts, from the Korean War to the Vietnam War.