1939 dated SVT-40

[bp2626]

Is the general consensus that these are a very desireable collectible? I noticed they didn't make the cut on Horilka's collectible chart in the sticky. Sorry about the necro!!

Depends on the collector. They only make up a small percentage of all refurbished SVT-40s and are definitely more rare. They are still heavily refurbished mixmasters, however.

 

[Horilka]

Is the general consensus that these are a very desireable collectible? I noticed they didn't make the cut on Horilka's collectible chart in the sticky. Sorry about the necro!!

The reason I didn't put ex-38 on chart is that they were never produced like that, but a product of rework of 38 rifles into 40 specs during postwar refurbishing (at least all we saw as for now). In my chart I outlined rifles with their features as they were manufactured originally, so ex-38 I classify separately as curio. Really scarce one. I personally handled three of them in the last three years and saw maybe another two posted either for sale or for our viewing pleasure.

 

[Longshot84]

Ahh, I see. So a 1939 stamped SVT-38 is a postwar assembly of leftover components, but still holds collectible value due to the fact that it's a rare assembly of parts and pieces?

 

[Horilka]

Ahh, I see. So a 1939 stamped SVT-38 is a postwar assembly of leftover components, but still holds collectible value due to the fact that it's a rare assembly of parts and pieces?

Not exactly, it is not post-war assembly of leftover components. There were some complete SVT-38s that survived the war and they were rebuilt into '40 configuration during the SVT-40 refurbishing process in 1950x-1960x. Basically receivers, barrels, rear sights, magazines and trigger units are the only components that were salvaged. Such reworks in my opinion holds collectible value, as they are very uncommon and are interesting part of rifle history.

 

[philhut]

I can see why they replaced the hinge on the front of the barrel for the shoulder strap with one solid piece
1- cheaper and simpler to machine
2- one less moving part to make noise and draw the attention of the holder to the enemy