What to look for in an SVT-40

Be thorough when you clean the cosmoline out of your gas system. Mine had hardened cosmoline in the port adjustment lug which took some careful picking with a pin or needle to clear it all, also, there is a metal tab under the gas port that can slip during shooting and shut off the gas system. Other than that, it's a great gun.
 
Make sure it has a long axis groove on each side of the receiver to accept a scope base. Some have it and some don't.
 
The ones without the grooves are more rare. There is alot to look for and it depends on what exactly your looking for. Do you want a sniper?, early/late, 6port/2port, naval stock ect ect. Read the SVT-40 sticky it may help a bit.
 
skookumchuck said:
This will be the next addition to my Russian collection and I want to know if there's anything I should look for or avoid?
Thanks in advance.
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If possible, the condition of the bore is important. Frosty to shiny is preferred with strong rifling.

I used a $20 steam blaster to clean any cosmoline off. If you can find one it could help in getting the cosmo out of those hard to reach areas.
 
Bore condition! The SVT was a lot more complicated to a pilgrim conscript than the Mosin. They seem to have a higher number of rifles that were neglected during the war. They were difficult to maintain on the battlefield so I suspect a lot of those issued SVTs avoided it as much as possible. Or maybe every SVT I pick up at local stores is f**ked. The first one I bought looked like it had meth mouth. More rot than 'ol Mary Jane rotten crotch. The pits were massive, I heard Russian music coming out of one. That's what I get for buying it with a bore full of cosmo. Usually whoever cleans them at the store runs a couple patches through, just enough to get a glimpse of the rifling. Have a good look before you buy is a good idea.
 
supernova said:
Bore condition! The SVT was a lot more complicated to a pilgrim conscript than the Mosin. They seem to have a higher number of rifles that were neglected during the war. They were difficult to maintain on the battlefield so I suspect a lot of those issued SVTs avoided it as much as possible. Or maybe every SVT I pick up at local stores is f**ked. The first one I bought looked like it had meth mouth. More rot than 'ol Mary Jane rotten crotch. The pits were massive, I heard Russian music coming out of one. That's what I get for buying it with a bore full of cosmo. Usually whoever cleans them at the store runs a couple patches through, just enough to get a glimpse of the rifling. Have a good look before you buy is a good idea.
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I always wondered how those Canadian Tire finds fare in the bore category. Notched or not is there a way to check the bore in a crate? Assuming the store wont let you disassemble.
 
Most gunshops have a bore light they'll let you use if you ask or you can bring your own. Even a good flashlight held in the breech works but if the bore is full of cosmoline you won't be able to see much. If you ask nice they may run a couple patches through but then again they may not. Also check the metalwork for pitting. If you can remove the dust cover and steel handguard check for pitting on the inside. Its cosmetic but if you're paying for the rifle you might as well get the nicest one you can find.

SteelCap said:
I always wondered how those Canadian Tire finds fare in the bore category. Notched or not is there a way to check the bore in a crate? Assuming the store wont let you disassemble.
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Try Trade-Ex (site sponsor) for one, just ask for one with a nice bore, they have about a dozen or so put aside with very-good to excellent bores.
 
svt1940 said:
True:D I had a strange idea last night, put a WTT on the EE, my Garand for a SVT 38 but considering the low number of SVT 38 in canada, i am not sure would work:confused:

Joce
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You could give it a shot, for sure, but there's only one other guy on CGN that I know has another SVT-38 and he paid over three grand for his and will not trade it for anything. You could get lucky, though
 
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