WWII Russian SVT-40 Tokarev Tula 7.62x54R SVT40 Semi-Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 230414TY002
Make: Tula Arsenal, Russia
Model: SVT 40 (Tokarev)
Serial Number: T14659 added by the importer. The original serial is ??1761
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 7.62x54R (7.62x54mm Rimmed)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 26 3/4 inches to the end of the muzzle device.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable, hooded post. The rear sight is a U notched sliding escalator. The top edges of the receiver are slotted to accept a scope base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, ventilated handguard, ventilated metal nose caps, through bolt, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows light to moderate wear, it is partially painted black. The ventilation holes are dirty. The wood shows light to moderate handling and storage marks. There are scattered scuffs, scrapes and scratches. There are a few arsenal repairs. One on the left side of the stock near the receiver, another on the right side of the stock near the receiver, and on the underside of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This stock rates in about Very Good overall condition, as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish as refinished. The bolt body and handle have a plum color to them. The balance of the finish shows light to moderate wear from handling and storage. The metal shows scrapes and small scratches. Many of the markings are well defined. There is light surface oxidation in a few places. The action shows operational wear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a cleaning rod and a 10 round magazine that appears to function correctly.
Our Assessment: The SVT-40 is a semi-automatic rifle that was used by the Soviet Union during World War II and in the post-war years. The SVT-40, also known as the Tokarev self-loading rifle, was designed by Fedor Tokarev and developed in the late 1930s. It was intended to replace the bolt-action Mosin-Nagant rifles used by the Soviet military at the time. The SVT-40 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses a short-stroke gas piston system, where gas from fired cartridges is tapped off through a port in the barrel to cycle the action. The rifle fires from a detachable 10-round box magazine and chambers the 7.62x54mmR cartridge.
The SVT-40 was officially adopted by the Soviet Union in 1938 and saw extensive use during World War II. However, it was gradually replaced by the more reliable and simpler-to-produce AK-47 in the 1950s. The total production numbers for the SVT-40 are estimated to be around 1.6 million rifles. The SVT-40 played a role in the early stages of World War II, but it had some reliability issues in combat conditions. It was considered more complex and less rugged than its German counterpart, the Karabiner 98k. As a result, the Soviets eventually phased out the SVT-40 in favor of the AK-47, which became their primary infantry rifle.
This Russian SVT 40 was made in 1940 at the Tula Arsenal, it is in Very Good overall condition. This rifle was imported by CDI. This semi automatic rifle has since been rebuilt and looks great for a WWII era service rifle. Many of the markings on the metal are well defined and the bore can still put rounds down range as fast as you can pull the trigger. The markings include matching numbers on the receiver, trigger guard, bolt handle and stock. Some of the matching numbers are in electric pencil. The SVT-40 has a unique design, distinct appearance and rich history, this soviet era rifle would go great in any WWII, Russian, or Historical Collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
-Robert
