WWII Russian SVT-40 Tokarev — 7.62×54R Semi-Automatic Rifle (1941)
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,625.00
Developed on the eve of World War II, the Soviet SVT-40 represents one of the most ambitious infantry rifle programs of the era. Designed by Fedor Tokarev, the SVT-40 was intended to modernize Red Army small arms with a semi-automatic, detachable-magazine service rifle chambered for the powerful 7.62×54R cartridge. While ultimately overshadowed by simpler designs, surviving SVT-40 rifles remain historically significant and increasingly scarce, particularly wartime examples produced at Tula Arsenal.
Identification
MMA#: 251128SN009
Make: Tula Arsenal, Russia
Model: SVT-40 (Tokarev)
Serial Number: T03010 (import-applied); original Cyrillic serial resembles “nn6400”
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 7.62×54R (7.62×54mm Rimmed)
Action Type: Semi-automatic rifle, detachable magazine
Barrel Length: 26.75 inches (to end of muzzle device)
Sights / Optics
The front sight is an adjustable hooded post mounted on a raised base. The rear sight is a U-notched sliding escalator type. The receiver sides are machined with grooves designed to accept a period scope base.
Stock Configuration & Condition
The two-piece wood stock features a semi-pistol grip with finger grooves, ventilated handguard, ventilated metal nose caps with sling bar, through-bolt construction, cleaning rod channel, sling loop under the butt, and a metal buttplate. The handguard is darker than the main stock body. Refinished metal nose caps show light scrapes and minor surface erosion visible through the finish. The left side of the stock shows a long scratch above the trigger guard, with additional light scrapes and handling marks throughout. The length of pull measures approximately 13.25 inches. The buttplate shows moderate wear and has been touched up with black paint. Overall stock condition: Very Good Plus to Fine, refinished.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to rebuild
The rifle retains approximately 96% of its metal finish. Cleaned surface erosion is visible beneath the finish in several areas. The bolt carrier shows a plumb coloration. The rear of the receiver has been touched up with black paint, with some discoloration and surface erosion visible where the paint has worn. The metal shows scuffs, light scrapes, areas of dried oil residue, and moderate operational wear. Markings remain well defined. Overall condition: Very Good Plus.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Gray grooves with light gray lands, deep rifling, and erosion primarily in the grooves. Rated 6/10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly on inspection. This rifle has not been test-fired. As with all previously owned firearms, professional inspection and routine cleaning are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included is a leather sling and a refinished 10-round detachable magazine showing cleaned surface erosion beneath the finish. The magazine appears to function correctly.
Our Assessment
The SVT-40 was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1938 as an effort to field a modern semi-automatic infantry rifle. Chambered in the long-serving 7.62×54R cartridge and utilizing a short-stroke gas piston system, the SVT-40 offered increased firepower over bolt-action rifles but proved sensitive to dirt, fouling, and inconsistent maintenance under wartime conditions. Although production reached an estimated 1.6 million rifles, combat experience ultimately led the Soviets back toward simpler designs, paving the way for later developments like the AK-47.
This example was manufactured at Tula Arsenal in 1941 and later rebuilt. It retains matching numbers on the barrel shank, bolt handle, bolt body, and bottom metal, with a replacement magazine and a small import mark on the right rear of the receiver. In Very Good Plus overall condition for a wartime SVT-40, this rifle remains an impressive and historically important artifact of early semi-automatic military rifle development and would make a strong addition to a World War II or Soviet-era collection.
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