Looking to buy SVT40, need advice.

S

statixstorm

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
8   0   0
Location
At the gettin' place.
Hello CGN!

Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for when choosing an SVT40? Anything to avoid?

I was hoping someone could shed some light on this for me, I have google'd a bit and haven't found that much information with regards to what you should be looking for.

This rifle will not be a safe queen/wall hanger, I plan to shoot the rifle and shoot it often, but there seems to be so many different SVT40s, 2 port, 4 port etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Get lots of ammo and good ear protection. You will love shooting it. Also , make a good print of the manual, you will need it the first time.
 
What can we say about a surplus semi-auto that's as popular as the SVT40 seems to be?

Clean it well, REALLY well. All that cosmoline has to come out, especially out of the gas system, or the rifle won't function properly.
Buy yourself a $25 SVT gas adjustment tool (makes it soooo much easier to adjust the gas flow at the regulator).
If you find one with grooves cut in the receiver and a notch in the action cover, it's a sniper version. Snap it up!
Get your hands on some stripper clips (the Mosin-Nagant ones are what you need), as the prices for extra magazines will make you cry.
I've heard that SVT's don't like the Chinese-made surplus ammo, but I've never tried it so I can't say first hand. My SVT loves the Russian surplus though.
Buy ammo and shoot it!!

Oh yeah, check out the stickies on top of this forum, lots of great info there.
 
statixstorm said:
Hello CGN!

Is there anything in particular that I should be looking for when choosing an SVT40? Anything to avoid?

I was hoping someone could shed some light on this for me, I have google'd a bit and haven't found that much information with regards to what you should be looking for.

This rifle will not be a safe queen/wall hanger, I plan to shoot the rifle and shoot it often, but there seems to be so many different SVT40s, 2 port, 4 port etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Any SVT 40 on the market now have been refurb so they should all function perfect. The most important thing you want is one with the best bore you can find, somes are pitted and frosted and others are virtually like new. 2 ports brake are easier to clean. Stocks can show arsenal repairs but that's not a big deal. Manys SVT have AVT 40 stock on them, there,s 2 cut for the safety and stock are thicker too,they feel good in hand in my opinion. Its a good idea to get the adjustement tool for the gas system but you can do without. Hope that help.

Joce
 
I'd suggest looking hard for one with a truly excellent bore (they're out there). I've found that estimates of bore condition from private sellers are usually somewhat optimistic about these (probably because there are many well worn ones being sold). The ones I've bought from commercial sellers have tended to have very accurate bore descriptions. I've also found amongst the silly number I've bought that the action-stock fit on these refurbs is all over the page. I have some that are tight as a drum and some that are literally loose in the stock (and these are right out of the crate with grease all over- makes you wonder a bit about the standards applied at the arsenals where the re-furb was done). If you want to scope it buy one with the side-rails and a great bore and make your own "sniper notch" as many of the original snipers I've seen have well worn bores. These SVT 40's are a lot of fun and pretty good value- good luck finding one.
 
shredder said:
Clean it well, REALLY well. All that cosmoline has to come out, especially out of the gas system, or the rifle won't function properly.
Click to expand...

Definitely...

Make sure to watch these videos several times...

SVT-40 Complete Disassembly / СВТ-40 Полная Разборка

http://youtu.be/yYiKIHMAeD8

SVT-40 Complete Reassembly / СВТ-40 Полная Сборка

http://youtu.be/6F3RybJN-Mg

shredder said:
Buy yourself a $25 SVT gas adjustment tool (makes it soooo much easier to adjust the gas flow at the regulator).
Click to expand...

And don't forget the tool for removing the stock bolt.

Corwin has both... as well as a mag pouch !!

http://www.corwin-arms.com/product/svt-40-tool-set-and-svt-40-two-magazine-leather-ammo-pouch

shredder said:
Get your hands on some stripper clips (the Mosin-Nagant ones are what you need), as the prices for extra magazines will make you cry.
Click to expand...

The least expensive mags are at Westrifle. I ordered a pair and I'll be testing them on Feb. 15 when I go to the range.

http://westrifle.com/wrstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=1289

shredder said:
I've heard that SVT's don't like the Chinese-made surplus ammo, but I've never tried it so I can't say first hand.
Click to expand...

Sorry but you heard wrong. :)

Mine loves the Chinese milsurp ammo. SFRC often has it for less than $100 for 400 rounds.

http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_108_112&products_id=2970

shredder said:
Oh yeah, check out the stickies on top of this forum, lots of great info there.
Click to expand...

Definitely... there is also a ton of info here...

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/774636-The-SVT-40-Tokarev-***updated-feb-19th***

http://www.mosinnagant.net/ussr/Svt-Photos85.asp

Now get out there and SHOOT !!!
 
Hey dont want to hijack but I just bought a 1940 dated tula. Are these very common? How can you tell if it was a svt38? the receiver bridge is not the longer bridged style you see on them but I dont think all svt 38's have this?
So many questions.....
 
My advice is not to buy svt 40, they are way to addicting, you can't just have one :) joking you should get one one of the best bang for your buck, i find them so much more fun then a sks. It doesn't really matter what year you buy or port just look for a good bore.

im up to 4 svt 40 right now just need to get a 1942 and 45 this finsh off my collection and i guess i also need a svt 38 haha
 
The other thing about SVT-40s is that they are VERY finicky. Mine for example I have tried three types of ammo with. It only works with one that I tried. It likes modern 7.62x54r ammo (it was some hunting ammo). It did not like my Czech or Chinese surplus (as in every second shot would not fire). Mind you I haven't had much range time with it mainly due to the fact it only likes the modern ammo and my bolt actions will feed with pretty much anything.
 
themouser said:
Hey dont want to hijack but I just bought a 1940 dated tula. Are these very common? How can you tell if it was a svt38? the receiver bridge is not the longer bridged style you see on them but I dont think all svt 38's have this?
So many questions.....
Click to expand...
All the SVT 38 have the long bridge. I didnt see much Tula 1940 dated, i saw more Izhevsk 1940 date.

Joce
 
You can buy SVT tools or you can make your own for nothing.
For the gas regulator, drill a 3/16 hole in a piece of mild steel and file to the required shape (pentagonal) with a needle file. It doesn't have to be perfect because you rarely need to adjust the regulator while at the range.
For the cross bolt, cut a slot in a small (3/16, 3.5 mm) 1/4" drive socket. Alternatively, cut a slot in a suitable sized allen key - everybody has a bunch of these mismatched lying around. They make excellent raw stock for all kinds of tools for your guns.
Money saved....spent on ammo.
 
Eaglelord17 said:
The other thing about SVT-40s is that they are VERY finicky. Mine for example I have tried three types of ammo with. It only works with one that I tried. It likes modern 7.62x54r ammo (it was some hunting ammo). It did not like my Czech or Chinese surplus (as in every second shot would not fire). Mind you I haven't had much range time with it mainly due to the fact it only likes the modern ammo and my bolt actions will feed with pretty much anything.
Click to expand...

I agree. Mine shoot either vertical strings or big round groups. I haven't found a gun/ammo combo that is reliably accurate yet - but I haven't tried very hard either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom