tokarev svt-40 variant ???

[trk454]

I have been viewing this forum for quite some time and finally signed up hoping for some input. I have burned up the net looking for any information on my recent addition to the family. I have owned and viewed several SVT-40's over the years and this one is either unusual or this configuration has just eluded me over the years. I recently acquired what looks like a standard SVT-40 in every way except it has a short barrel, The muzzle gas chamber, 5 position regulator, and front sight assembly ends at the metal hand guard. it does not have a muzzle brake It has some finnish (SA) markings and a Izhevsk (arsenal mark) 1941 production date code, no cleaning rod or bayonet lug provisions. Any input is welcome

 

[SDC]

The Russians did make a carbine version of the SVT (it would've been called the SKT, according to their method nomenclature at the time), but the picture I have shows it having a muzzle brake and bayonet lug. Perhaps this one was damaged, and the Finns cut it down rather than scrap it?

 

[Snow Dog]

As SDC said, there was a carbine version made. Have a look here: http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/Svt-Photos1.asp
Does yours look like that? Have any pictures of yours? Battle damage is another possibility. Also, years ago there was a company here in Canada (named Globco) that imported quite a number of SVT's from Finland. They sold some as is and butchered a number by sporterizing them to fire .303 British ammo (search for Mohawk 555 rifles). They also took a bunch of SVT's and just lobbed off the last few inches of barrel and putting a Lyman front sight blade on top of the gas block. If you can post a few pics of yours maybe we can narrow things down for you.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Can you post some pics? It would be pretty cool if it was an unusual variant, but you've also got to consider the possibility that somebody bubba'd it.

 

[trk454]

Thank you for your input(s). I will take some pictures when I get back in town. My thoughts have been a repair or parts monstrosity as well If someone at a arsenal cut down and rebuilt the barrell they did one heck of a job. For some reason I am attracted to odd weapons.............

 

[zoom6zoom]

Since it has Finnish markings, I think this is what you may have:
Soviet/Finnish SVT-40 Tokarev Ski Carbine

This original SVT-40 Tokarev semi-auto ski carbine was manufactured by the Soviets in 1941, before being captured by Finland and marked with the SA stamp. The barrel was cut down by the Finns to make it easier to use while on skis. Very rare carbine of the winter war and WWII. Caliber: 7.62x54r.

 

[canadianz]

sweet

That is exactly what I just bought!
I was trying to figure out if someone had butchered it or what was going on.
I prefer the look of it with a muzzle brake but now that I know how rare it is I am pleased and it will stay in original condition.

 

[mustangman]

I have a copy of the Standard Catalog of Military Firearms, and under SVTs' it says "CAUTION: All Tokarev SVT carbines (18.5" barrel) encountered with "SA" (Finnish) markings were altered to carbine configuration by their importer and have little collector value. It is believed that few, perhaps 2,000 SVT 40 carbines were ever made by the USSR."

 

[canadianz]

so the finns didnt modify it then?

if so that means I could refinish the stock and not feel bad about it.

 

[Snow Dog]

Take a close look at the front sight blade. When I had a similiar rifle I found the blade was stamped "Lyman". I don't think the Finns would have put commercial sights on guns they were reworking. I suspect it is one of the Globco chop jobs. You can get a muzzle brake assembly and put it on for ascetics if you so desire, however, your barrel is still going to be a bit shorter than original. As for refinishing the stock, normally I'd say don't refinish a mil-surp but seeing as the gun has already been modified I don't think it will make much difference one way or another.

 

[canadianz]

with the shortened barrel, would it still be safe to shoot with the muzzle extension installed?

 

[Snow Dog]

My understanding from a fellow that did it is that it works fine. Your mileage my vary!

 

[canadianz]

thx man.
i think I will restore it to original glory and it will still have ww2 history via the SA capture marks. Good enough for me.

 

[canadianz]

where does the 5 round SA marked magazine come into play?

Why manufacture your own smaller magazine?

 

[SDC]

The magazine was doubtless a result of mag-capacity or game laws, since many countries either prohibit the original 10-rounders in semi-autos, or say they can't be used for hunting.

 

[canadianz]

yes i know about that but why do I have an unaltered SA stamped 5 round magazine.

 

[SDC]

It may have been stamped as Finnish property beforehand, or the Finns may even have made some for sniping use (though I doubt that their use in the sniping role turned out any better than they did in Russian use).

 

[Snow Dog]

Actually, what Globco did was to cut down the stock 10 round magazine and reinstall the original floor plate. That's why there are no numbers stamped on the magazine body - any numbers would be placed on the side of the mag towards the bottom and this is the area that was cut off. This was to make the gun handier to carry while hunting. There were no magazine restrictions at the time they were in business and doing this. . Also, all the rifles that they imported were from Finland (captured stock from the Winter War). Importing from Russia was a no-no as this was the Cold War era.

 

[canadianz]

i see. good to know. I am still happy that i have something from WWII.