Hello, Does anyone know what a date stamp that reads "1940r" signifies on an SVT-40? I tried researching it, but can't find anything. The date stamp is in the proper position, but just has the "r" at the end. Most of the photos I have seen of 1940 SVTs just have "1940" or "40" stamped on. The few that do show the "r" marking don't say what it means. The particular gun that has this stamp was made at the Izhevsk Arsenal, and has an inspector's stamp reading "41" (I believe this means it was accepted for service in 1941). Thanks for the help.
I usually don't "bump" threads this fast, but I'll likely be deciding whether to buy the rifle that has this marking on it late today, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Patton, As I posted in the Nagant Revolver thread, the "r" is actually a small Russian Г, or G. It's an abbreviation that Russians use at the end of the numerical written year to show that something was done/made in the "Xth Year" or "of the Xth Year." (года) Hope this helps!
