TOKAREV M1938 & M1940 (SVT) SEMI-AUTO Description
7.62x54R cal., SVT-38 was the first Russian military semi-auto in large scale service, supplanting the select-fire AVS-36. Produced from 1939-1940, it was replaced by the SVT-40. The SVT-38 is distinguishable by its cleaning rod inserted into the right side of the stock. The SVT-40 is the more common variation, while the SVT-38 is rarer. The SVT-40 was produced from 1940-1945, with sniper variants being produced in 1941 and 1942. Beware of fake snipers, which are far more common than legitimate examples. Both rifles utilized a 10 shot magazine and were intended to be loaded via stripper clips. Both rifles were produced by Tula, Izhevsk, and Podolsk. Large quantities were manufactured during World War II but original surviving specimens in excellent condition are now very scarce. Examples are typically found either refurbished and imported by CDI Swan, or earlier non-marked imports with Finnish property marks. Veteran bring back examples exist but are nearly impossible to verify without paperwork.