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

SOLD FOR: $2,100.00

LSB#: 241207AA167

Make: Tula, Russia

Model:  SVT-40

Serial Number: 2670

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: 7.62x54r

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: Left side of the receiver at the barrel chamber is marked with Cyrillic GP and “2670”. 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. See pictures for full proofing. The right side of the receiver at the barrel chamber is adorned with 4 proof marks. There is a proof on the magazine release. There are proofs on the left side of the trigger guard and an Izvevsk Arrow on the rear of the trigger guard. The bolt and stock are serial matched to the receiver. The magazine is not. There is an import mark on the receiver.

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 and scratches throughout. There is a repair at the receiver and a small crack in the forend. There are small chips throughout. Overall the stock rates in Good condition.

 Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Factory Refurbished

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion and light pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operation wear, thinning on the leading edges, and general spots of light rust throughout. The action has light wear.  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: This rifle comes with an installed cleaning rod under the barrel and into the forend, one 10rd magazine, cotton Mosin sling.

Our Assessment:  The SVT-40 was one of the Russian breadwinners of World War II. With over a million made, it was the Soviet Union’s first major foray into repeating rifle armaments after the long and storied career of the Mosin line of rifles, and would serve as an extra level of firepower for many soviet rifleman squads.  This particular rifle was made at the Tula Arsenal in 1941, while the Soviet Union was still reeling from Operation Barbarossa. Working round the clock under the slogan “Everything for the front, Everything For Victory”, the Tula plant would produce this rifle, amongst others, before it was evacuated eastward to avoid the advance of the German 2nd Panzer Division. The SVT-40 would 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. The other major conflict to see usage of the SVT-40 was the Korean War, where SVTs were sent to help equip the North Korean army.  -R.E.