SVT 40 early vs. late production quality

[Lebel]

Is there any difference in the quality between the early vs. late production SVT 40's. I've seen some 91/30 Nagant's that had some war-time production shortcuts, like receiver contours incomplete with areas of rough casting visible and a really rough tool mark finish on the barrel. Could one expect the same levels of finish and function as the early production SVT 40's ?

 

[corwin-arms]

My observation from going through few create of rifles, most 1943 and 1944 have way better barrels then early rifles. I guess they did not get used as much

 

[mkrnel]

I have seen ones out of the crate with real rough wood and early manufacture but with new barrels. I guess if the barrels were real bad they got a new one at re-furb time.

 

[Horilka]

Early SVTs have better finish quality. Late - more rough. Same for most of soviet guns. Quality control was insane even during the darkest hours of wartime, so no trades in quality of barrel, internal components and reliability. Now after refurb everything was mixed inspected/repalce/misxed. Still barrels manufactured later during the war seen less action (and one can find even unissued).

 

[DJdeadlyDALEK]

Out of all of mine, a Tula from 1942 is the best shooter. I have a Tula from '41 with a '45 stock that is the ###IEST, though

 

[svt1940]

My 42,43,44,45 have pristine bore, like they weren't fired a lot.

Joce

 

[DJdeadlyDALEK]

And I bet you won't ever fire that '45, eh Joce?

 

[wojnar]

Get the best barrel the later the batter. I bought 1944 mint barrel with irons it shoots 3 inch groups

 

[gunsaholic]

My 42,43,44,45 have pristine bore, like they weren't fired a lot.

Joce

How come you don't have a 40, 41, lol ??