I saw that article and there is some truth in it.
I have used the SKS under stressful conditions and it was my definite weapon of choice for a lot of GOOD reasons.
For full disclosure, I had the option to choose from several different battle rifles. There weren't any available chambered in 5.56 at the time. Several in 7.62x51 and a few other similar cartridges and of course diminutive smg rounds such as 9x19, 7,62x25 and 45acp. The 45acp would have been a poor choice because ammo was scarce.
The SKS WORKED, FIRST TIME, EVERY TIME. That's it in a nutshell. Ammo was lighter and I could carry as much as I needed as well as enough drinkable water at the same time. That may not seem like a big deal but unless you've been there and done that, you just have no idea of how thirsty you get while in the field during stressful conditions. I would have loved to have had one of the new Camel packs 45 years ago. We did have something similar but it was very awkward and tasted like the skins it was made from.
The biggest drawback in the field for an SKS is corrosive ammo but if that is kept on top of it really isn't an issue. There was a solvent available at that time made exclusively for this ammo and no it wasn't perfect but usually there would be some down time available to clean the rifle properly over a couple of days. Biggest issue with that was maintaining the rifle before catching the much needed ZZZZZZZZs which was our next priority after water and before food. Food always seemed tasteless when fired up on Adrenalin or coming down from that high and becoming tired to the bone.
The SKS is light, handy, carries enough ammo to be effective. NOT a spray and pray weapon. It's accurate enough for reliable minute of chest shots out to 250m if the shooter is familiar with the weapon. The fold down bayonet can even be used as a monopod if such accuracy is required or you're trying to keep muzzle jump down to a minimum while maintaining covering fire. I have been toying with a muzzle brake/blast deflector just for the heck of it on a mixmaster I like to play with. There are some definite possibilities that really improve the control aspects and in certain situations eliminate a dust storm when shooting from the prone position. That's another thing.... You don't have to hold your head up to use an SKS from the prone position or shoot it from an awkward angle that could potentially cause jamming issues. The list goes on.
