SVT-40: how to obtain a non-butchered gun?

[Old Scratch]

Many years ago I saw an SVT-40 that had real matching numbers (not scrawled by hand with an engraving pen) and without the "Made in Russia" stamps. I have recently been looking for something similar, but it seems everything for sale out there is in the same sorry shape. I consider myself a modest, but serious military collector. The parts guns with mangled markings just aren't the ticket. Any ideas?

 

[GBExpat]

You really consider the re-arsed, electro-penciled SVT-40s to be "butchered"?



To find one in original, stamped-matching condition you are probably just going to have to keep looking ... and when you find The One, pay LOTS of money.

I wish you the best of luck with your search!

BTW, I still have 5 of the re-arsed versions (2 with pristine bores) and one that I built-up from parts. I really like/enjoy the SVT-40!

 

[Ash]

They are very, very, very rare. The closest you will get will be a Finnish capture, but it will have the SA box and will probably be a mix-master.

 

[Old Scratch]

Perhaps "butchered" was too strong a word, but the importation requirement that they be stamped "Made in Russia" doesn't seem to serve any legitimate government regulatory objective. Not to put too fine a point on it, but these rifles were made in the Soviet Union; Russia did not exist at the time. That printing doesn't make the piece any more safe or regulated, just less authentic and in my opinion, less collectable as an artifact of historical significance.

I will continue my search and report back if enjoy any success...searching for a real museum piece. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[fpgt72]

Yea that is going to be a pretty tough find. REAL hard. I have one SVT-40 and enjoy it quite a bit. Shame is they can't give the things away in other parts of the world while here a nice example is around $1000.

I think it is going to be a very long search....And I do understand those....took me over 2 years to find the right Type 99.

If you want to enjoy the rifle I would say pick up the first nice one you come across, then keep looking for that perfect example....when the time comes to sell you will have made money on the deal.

 

[GBExpat]

Perhaps "butchered" was too strong a word, but the importation requirement that they be stamped "Made in Russia" doesn't seem to serve any legitimate government regulatory objective. Not to put too fine a point on it, but these rifles were made in the Soviet Union; Russia did not exist at the time. That printing doesn't make the piece any more safe or regulated, just less authentic and in my opinion, less collectable as an artifact of historical significance.

The good thing about almost all of the re-arsed SVT-40s in this country is that the stamp to which you refer is so tiny that many folks do not know it is even there unless directed to look at that specific location (right-rear side of the rail). Heck, even the replacement non-Cyrillic SN is small, legible and cleanly done.

If these rifles sported the newer-style "billboard" markings I would heartily agree with you.

 

[Old Scratch]

In response to fpgt72, I did buy what I consider a shooting-grade SVT. Its a great rifle and serves me well, but the freehand-scratched "matching numbers" offend the eye as much as the intellect. Its a parts gun.

I will continue to look for my museum piece.

 

[Ian]

They're around, but pretty rare. FWIW, the electro-pencil is historically correct; that was done by the Russian depots that overhauled the guns after WWII.

An un-refurbed one will also have a bolt in the white, rather than the plum-colored finish you usually see.

 

[fpgt72]

They're around, but pretty rare. FWIW, the electro-pencil is historically correct; that was done by the Russian depots that overhauled the guns after WWII.

An un-refurbed one will also have a bolt in the white, rather than the plum-colored finish you usually see.

Yes....they are there, but you just don't see them over here.

Canada you would have a better chance....I would shake to think what it is going to cost....I am betting in the G41 range of price...~ $4k was one I passed on about 4 months ago.