Russian Izhevsk SVT-40 Semi-Auto Rifle 7.62x54r WWII Soviet Union 1941 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,900.00

LSB#:  LSB250604CM019

Make: Izhevsk, Russia

Model:  SVT-40

Serial Number: T19173  Original Serial Number: Cyrillic “L E 934”

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: 7.62x54R

Action Type: Semi-Auto

Markings: Left side of the receiver at the barrel chamber is marked Cyrillic “L E 934”.  Top of the receiver at the chamber is marked with “1941”, and several proof marks, one of which partially obscures the Izhevsk mark.  See pictures for full proofing. The right side of the receiver at the barrel chamber is adorned with 6 proof marks. There is Cyrillic “L E 934” on the trigger guard.  Please see our photos for a better understanding of the proofs.  The left side of the buttstock is marked, Cyrillic “L E 934” with several proofs all around including on the right, top, bottom, heel, and around the traditional grip.  The bottom of the receiver and charging handle are marked Cyrillic “L E 934” in electric pencil.

Barrel Length: 24” before muzzle brake, 26.75” after muzzle brake

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1-15”.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is solid wood throughout, with some scratches and pressure dents throughout.  There is a ½” vertical crack below the ejector port. The stock rates a Very Good condition.   

 Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 10rd Magazine in Very Good condition 

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality: Factory Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is minimal erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear along the handguard and buttstock and blueing loss on the edges.  The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Total of one magazine and a sling. 

Our Assessment:   The Tokarev Self-Loading Rifle (Abbreviated SVT) number 38 was accepted for production in 1938.  Production began at the Tula Arsenal in 1939 and was used in Finland during the Winter War.  Important flaws were discovered, including poor accuracy and an unfortunate tendency for the magazine to fall out while shooting.  With the cessation of the Winter War, SVT-38 production was halted after a production run of only 150,000.  

This rifle is an example of the improved design.  The new SVT-40 was lighter and had a magazine release that would hold on to that important magazine.  Production of the ‘40 began in the summer of 1940 at three different arsenals.  The early models were issued to elite units while the M1891/30 continued.

When Germany attacked the Soviet Union in 1941, production of the SVT-40 was slowed to allow for massive production of the much simpler to produce M1891/30.  The SVT-40 would sporadically equip Soviet troops throughout World War II before being superseded by newer rifles like the SKS and AK-47. It would also serve in Finnish hands, and was dispersed in limited numbers to other Warsaw Pact countries. 

Here is a real piece of Soviet history, one that intersected with US history after captured examples were issued to German troops in WWII and again when it was issued to North Korean troops just before the Korean Conflict began in 1950.  This would be an important addition to nearly any collection of 20th Century Military firearms.  Please enjoy our photos.  -C.B.