got my SVT40 in the mail today
i bot it from wolverine for $425 +tax + $40 for ship and handling , total $488.
first impression . looks long but the butt length fits better , no need to attach a pad. covered in light grease, easily removed with a cloth. metal still black , very little wear on the metal , wood in good shape . i noticed a small repair at the right side near the grip .
disassembling. not as easy as the SKS , far more small parts , require tools to remove the gas piston and the stock.
barrel still have strong rifling . bolt and carrier is coated in bronze color.
matching numbers. by pencil etching on trigger group , bolt and gas piston parts. stock was stamped, mag etching didnt matched.
like the SKS45 , the receiver and trigger group are milled.
refurb workmenship overall very good , better than the SKS on the metal but the SKS45 laminated stock is the best. my biggest beef with the refurb SKS russian is the paint over blue .
IMHO. i now see why it cost more, cost more to make, not just in quality but more complicated to make. eg: SVT40 has a cleaning rod lock .