Russian Tula SVT-40 Semi-Auto Rifle 7.62x54r WWII Soviet Union 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,600.00
LSB#: LSB250729OS009
Make: Tula Arsenal, Russia
Model: SVT-40
Serial Number: SB3218
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 7.62x54r
Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver at the barrel chamber is marked with Cyrillic “SB” and “3218”. The top of the receiver at the chamber is marked with “1941” and several proof marks including the Tula factory star, the Soviet Arsenal refurbishment marker, and other proof marks. The stock is serial matched to the receiver, however most other parts are not. There are various Tula and Ishevsk stampings throughout. The stock has a “34” rack mark. The magazine is non-matched and has Finnish capture marks.
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 a two-piece wood set with a metal vented handguard cap, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, steel buttplate, and two sling loops. There are pressure dents, scratches, chips, and some moderate chunks missing throughout. The forend has a large crack and the wrist has two cracks. Overall the stock rates in Fair to Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd magazine in Fair condition. This mag has several spots of thinning and cleaned out pitting.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 and is outstanding considering the condition of the rest of the rifle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light spots of thinning, scratches, and small nicks throughout. There are light rust freckles throughout. The action has light to moderate The screw heads are lightly tooled and pins are mostly unmarred. The markings are worn and blurry in spots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions mostly correctly as the bolt will be out of battery every time it cycles unless the bolt is tapped forward. 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: This rifle comes with an installed cleaning rod under the barrel and into the forend, and one 10rd magazine.
Our Assessment: This is a WWII-era Russian Tula SVT-40, manufactured in 1941 at the height of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Designed by Fedor Tokarev, the SVT-40 was intended to modernize the Red Army’s rifle corps with a semi-automatic battle rifle that could match the firepower of its contemporaries. Chambered in 7.62x54R, the SVT-40 saw widespread use on the Eastern Front, especially among Soviet naval infantry and elite units. Though eventually overshadowed by the simpler and more rugged Mosin-Nagant and later the SKS and AK platforms, the SVT remains a highly collectible and historically significant firearm from WWII. This rifle was arsenal refurbished and shows a mix of parts from Tula and Izhevsk, with a non-matching magazine marked with Finnish capture stamps-a common and desirable trait among Eastern Front bringbacks and surplus imports. The stock is serial-matched to the receiver but has seen considerable use, with cracks at the wrist and forend, and pressure dents and loss areas throughout, rating it in Fair to Good condition. Mechanically, the rifle is sound, and the action functions properly. The metal retains about 90% of its factory-refurbished blued finish, with scattered wear and light rust freckles.
Despite its external wear, the bore is a standout feature-very bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, earning a remarkable 10/10 rating. For collectors of Soviet arms or WWII battle rifles, this SVT-40 represents a rare opportunity to own one of the Red Army’s most ambitious firearm designs. With its battlefield wear, Finn-capture provenance, and excellent bore, it’s both a shooter and a strong historical piece. -R.E.
