SVT-40 Help

[Fourluckyspades]

Hey, here I am again with some gun problems.

I recently bought an SVT-40 from Ontario. It came with the classic oil bottle, sling, and metal tools. Magazine loads well, and the stock is in great condition. The receiver seems alright.

Then I took it to the range to shoot (Don't criticize me too much). It didn't come with a manual, and I assumed I could shoot it straight out of the box.

It didn't explode, don't worry, and it actually shot quite well. No jams or misfires. The second time I took it out though, it would fail to fully #### (this was fixed by a nice ex-chek soldier at the range who showed how to do it properly) and it would fail to eject the surplus ammunition after the round was fired. The bolt goes back with the bullet about halfway, (can't tell at those speeds), and just brings the empty brass back into the chamber where it gets stuck. With the hunting ammunition the bolt goes almost all the way back, but it doesn't go all the way and the neck of the empty brass sticks in the chamber.

If that didn't make sense, here is the simpler version: either the brass doesn't eject or it gets stuck halfway.

Now, if you could understand that, how can I fix this? I would rather not have a seventy year old gun blow up in my face. Does anyone have a manual?
Do I have to clean the piston?

Please help if you can.

 

[rchmontreal]

I would highly recommend that when buying a new rifle, you familiarize yourself with the care and maintenance of it first, before loading a round in the chamber to see if it works.

Please don't be offended by what I have said.

I wouldn't consider jumping into the saddle of a new motorcycle and riding away without checking the tire pressure and condition, fuel and oil levels, brake condition, etc. This would apply to any new machine which could seriously harm my health. Firearms fall into that category.

http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/svt_on.asp has a step by step tutorial on how to strip and assemble the Tokarev self loading rifle. Furthermore, there is information on the history and development on this rifle: http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/SVTsection.asp

Now you need to thoroughly clean the entire rifle of storage grease and oils.

The problem you describe indicates a lack of gas in the system to cycle the action (short cycle). The gas system uses a plug with 5 settings. 1.1 is the smallest and 1.7 is the largest. The plug can be turned and adjusted with a special tool, or set during reassembly of the piston. There is a small index mark at the top of the gas block, so align the plug setting correctly. Don't attempt to adjust the plug with a civilian spanner or wrench. The plug is 5 sided, and it will be damaged unless a proper tool is used.

Set the plug to 1.2, attempt to fire several rounds. If short cycling still occurs, move the plug to 1.3, etc. until it functions flawlessly.

Remember these rifles were designed to be used with Soviet 7.62x54mm 147gr military ball ammunition. Your gas system has to be set for the ammunition you use. Commercial hunting ammuntion can operate at different pressures to service ammo.

I own 2 SVT's. One is set at 1.3, the other 1.5. Both function absolutely flawlessly, and are great SLR's. If you are using suplus corrosive ammunition, it is important you completely disassemble the gas system after each range session. Try using Windex with ammonia to neutralize the corrosive salts.

Now enjoy your new rifle.

 

[Drachenblut]

I found the same issue with my SVT 40, and found that a dissasembly and cleaning of the gas piston chamber, as well as a gas adjustment to 1.5 setting works flawlessly. I use PRIVI PARTISAN ammo for factory loadings (I prefer not to have to dissasemble my rifle all the time so I avoid corrosive surplus). Great accuracy. There IS an issue that someone might be able to help me with.... I have been having issues with the magazine loading the rounds into the chamber. The rifle will fire and extract the first and second rounds, but on the bolt closing on the third round, it repeatedly grabs the outter rim of the back of the bullet and shoves the whole round against the space between the magazine and the chamber socket.... I'm really worried as I am under the understanding the bullets are suppose to slope upwards, whereas mine seem to lay flat, though the magazine is fitted snugly home to the stock? Any clues?

- D

 

[cantom]

Surplus ammo eh? Corrosive as hell it is...

I'm hoping your gas piston isn't hooped after not cleaning it. Not to mention the bore...these have to be done right after shooting.

Windex with Ammonia, soapy water, either works.

Follow those directions, clean it up good.

Taking it apart is not easy the first time. Follow the directions, keep the parts straight, don't lose anything. It gets easier the second time.

 

[bas]

http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/svt_on.asp has a step by step tutorial on how to strip and assemble the Tokarev self loading rifle. Furthermore, there is information on the history and development on this rifle: http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/SVTsection.asp

Isn't the internet a wonderful thing? When I got my first SVT-40 these kinds of resources weren't available, and it was learn by trial and error. Now you get a new gun, go to the web and if there isn't a tutorial there'll be a forum where someone can talk you through it.