tokarev or 03-A3?

[bnolsen]

My grandfather died a few years ago and now my uncles have been divvying up his collection. My father doesn't want any of them but would like myself and my brother to have some of them. I haven't yet talked to my uncle, but apparently I have the choice of two weapons.

- Russian Tokarev (don't know yet what year)
- 03-A3 (original stock)

Now I currently have my father's old 03-A3, which he sporterized about 40 years ago by packing it in cut down wood stock with fibre glass. It weighs in at about 5lbs or so. I've only shot it like 10 times.

I'm told the tokarev has been fired a lot, I'm not sure what that means yet. And I know nothing about tokarevs.

I asked my dad directly about the 03-A3 stock, but I could just as easily put the 03-A3 I have right now into an original stock if I wanted. I guess I could consider having one of them drilled & tapped for a scope.

Any questions I should ask about these two rifles? And what kind of value would they hold?

 

[jefnvk]

They won't hold much value if you drill and tap them, that is for sure.

03A3's are still available from CMP for $400 each, that is something to keep in mind. Tokarevs aren't the most common guns.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

Now I currently have my father's old 03-A3, which he sporterized about 40 years ago by packing it in cut down wood stock with fibre glass. It weighs in at about 5lbs or so. I've only shot it like 10 times.

now's your chance to restore it to military condition!

 

[Skofnung]

Just to be clear...

We are talking about the Tokarev Rifle right? Not the pistol? You did not say.

Assuming it is the rifle, I would opt for it unless the 03-A3 is in very good shape. As stated above, you can get an 03 without much looking, Tok rifles are harder to come by, at least in my area.

See if you can talk your father into letting you restore his 03-A3.

 

[DMK]

I'd choose the Tokarev, but only to enjoy and shoot in orginal condition, not if you're going to sporterize it. :banghead:

If you are, I'm sure the '03 would not only be easier to scope, but would shoot much more common ammo for hunting and target shooting and is much more likely be the most accurate of the two.

 

[bnolsen]

Sorry, yes the tokarev is an SVT, not sure which model.

I already have my father's 03A3, this would add another.

I'm not sure, it may be that my brother could get the 03A3 and he lives about 5 miles away from me.

Sounds like the tokarev will join my 4 AK's and single russian sks.

 

[Commissar Gribb]

Sounds like the tokarev will join my 4 AK's and single russian sks.

get pics! a "family shot" with an AK, an SKS and a Tokarev.

then go by a mosin - nagant and a 5.45 model AK to complete the collection ;D

 

[mustanger98]

My opinion... get the 03A3.

 

[MaMa PyCb]

Svt Svt Svt Svt !!!!!!:d :d :d :d

 

[cracked butt]

03A3s are still a dime a dozen, a SVT-40 isn't something you see all that often.

 

[mustanger98]

If 03A3's are still a dime a dozen, why aren't there more around my part of the country?

What caliber is an 03A3? That's right- .30-06. What caliber is the SVT? Probably something corrosive and Russian that you can't find just anywhere.

Get the 03A3.

 

[Gib]

SVT Ammo

If it is an SVT38 or 40 the caliber is 7.62x54r. Both surplus and new factory ammo is plentiful. And yes the surplus is corrosive but that should make no difference as long as you clean it properly. New factory is noncorrosive. The surplus is a bargin right now. SVT40's are becoming scarce as time goes on. SVT38's are even less common. Prices have climbed considerably for both.

 

[mustanger98]

Aren't SVT's gas operated? That means you have to clean the gas system along with the rest of the rifle real quick after the session. I know Garand shooters don't like corrosive ammo because of that. Also, when I said you probably can't get the ammo just anywhere, I said that knowing you can buy bulk online and you can find hunting ammo in some sporting goods stores that cater to people who shoot communist-manufactured guns. For instance, one store here has 7.62x54R, but the others don't. But, compared to .30-30, .30-06, and other American stuff like that, it don't seem to be everywhere after all. I've had to look elsewhere for 8mm too.

I guess it just depends on what an individual wants to do with the rifle.

 

[Gib]

Svt40

Yes. SVT's are gas operated. I have an SVT40 and I think (IMHO) that they are a little easier to clean than an M1 as far as corrosive ammo is concerned. Also you don't have to clean immediately after firing. You can at least wait until you get home from the range or even the next day for that matter. Corrosive ammo isn't as bad as it's been made out to be. It just adds a few extra minutes to your cleaning time.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

From www.gunsamerica.com

Tokarev M1938 or 1940 Sporter
GA# 976437437
$995.00
Remarkable and unique Model 1938 or 1940 Tokarev Sporting Rifle built by "Schwarzberg" in Kassa, Hungary (now Kosice, Slovakia), probably during the 1940’s from a captured Tokarev rifle. Completely reworked with new, checkered Mannlicher style stock, revised bolt handle, and upper gas tube extended to muzzle. Lightly engraved. Condition is vg-exc w
Seller: BOB ADAMS (ADAMSGUNS )
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 505

SVT 40 Russian Tokarev
GA# 976629867
$810.00
1940 & 1941, in very good condition $810 each
Seller: AR GUNS & MFG. CORP.
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 352

The first example is unusual, a sporter. The two others are stock. I'd say the asking price for Toks is around $800 these days.

 

[cracked butt]

There are probably warehouses full of SVTs in Russia, but who knows if they will ever be or even be allowed to be imported.

If 03A3's are still a dime a dozen, why aren't there more around my part of the country?

I see plenty of them at gun shows, and occasionally in shops around my area. CMP still has them. If one wanted to find a 03A3, its still a whole lot easier than finding a SVT-40- I can probably count the number of SVT-40s I've seen in person that were for sale on one hand.

 

[jefnvk]

If 03A3's are still a dime a dozen, why aren't there more around my part of the country?

What caliber is an 03A3? That's right- .30-06. What caliber is the SVT? Probably something corrosive and Russian that you can't find just anywhere.

Get the 03A3.

They aren't a dime a dozen, they are about $400-500 each. About half the price of a decent SVT. They are all over, plus CMP has them still in great condition. Meaning that no one near you has to have one, as CMP is the best, and likely the cheapest, in the business.

SVT is 7.62x54. Corrosive is not a problem, as that is probably the only thing that gun has ever had shot through it. 7.62x54 is about the cheapest milsurp ammo available right now, second only to 8mm Mauser at the cheap price of under $30 for a 440 round can.

Honestly, I'd get the SVT, unless there is sone sort of sentimental tie to the 03A3.