Make: Tula, Russia

Model: SVT-40

Serial Number: ch g 3886

Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R

Caliber: 7.62x54R

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Short stroke Tilting Bolt

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 tangent sight marked from “1-15”.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece set with a vented top handguard, finger grooved forend, semi-pistol grip, sloped comb and steel buttplate. The buttplate is worn throughout. There are scratches, scuffs, pressure dents, and small chips throughout the wood. The left side of the stock and receiver have 3 holes drilled all the way through for what appears to have been a scope mount. The threads in the receiver are sharp. There is a small crack in the front of the forend at the metal handguard. Overall, the stock is in Good Condition.

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

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original to various refurbishments. The bolt does not match the receiver.

Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined. There is modest erosion in the bore, concentrated toward the muzzle end. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is thinning, scratches, and nicks throughout the finish. The leading edges are worn. There are light spots of rust and patina throughout. The bolt was left in the white from the factory. There is general erosion on the top cover. There is intermittent oxidation. The markings are clear. There is a mix of Tula and Izhevsk proof marks. The screw heads are tool marked but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 1 magazine.

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 1943. By 1943, the factory had already endured siege conditions, evacuation threats, partial relocation, and rapid wartime reorganization. This rifle was most likely issued in mid-to-late 1943 to a Soviet infantryman on the Karelian Front, lost during trench fighting or a failed assault, and recovered by Finnish forces where it was inspected, refurbished and then property marked as a serviceable firearm.