(see previous post, it was an AK-74), however, SKS are commonly modified. Stock they come with fixed magazines, but it takes about 20 minutes to put an aftermarket stock on it that accepts traditional magazines. I've bubbaed a couple of those like that.
The ten round magazine is the 'traditional' magazine for the SKS. They can be modified to accept AK magazines, but most folks would just go and buy an AK if that was what they wanted. There is a 'paratrooper' variant that has detachable magazines, but they are unwieldy.
Commonly, the method of reloading a conventionally configured SKS involves taking a stripper clip with ten rounds on it, placing it at the front of the bolt (which locks open when the rifle runs 'dry'), and pressing with the thumb on the top round to push the ten rounds off the stripper clip into the magazine, then removing the stripper clip. With a little practice, this can be done as fast as a magazine change on an AK.
About 15 years ago, these rifles were common, either new in the box or arsenal refitted, depending on nation of origin for anywhere from 95 to about 180 dollars (Chinese to East German). The current price is around $300, and those tend to be Yugoslavian variants.
