I'm really interested in this weapon. It is the basis of the G43 and bar the M1 Garand, probably the best semi-auto weapon in the war. But has anyone got more information on them? How did they stack-up compared to the M44 (Mosin-Nagant BOLT-ACTION) in terms of deployment (ie: how many of them where on the battle field compared to the M44 and who had them) and also in terms of performance, such as: range, accuracy, stopping power, etc.
The BAR and the Garand both pre-date the SVT-40 so it was definately not the basis for them. It may have had some influence on the G43 having similar gas systems, and I know some Germans used acquired SVT-40s. The SVT used the same cartidge as the M44 so I would assume they had similar range and stopping power.
As DAVEB47" says, the others pre-dated the SVT-40 so it owes them not the other way round. As to the German's semi-automatic rifles, it wasn't until the Germans dropped their own Bang system (that is the inventer's name) of gas reloading, and adopted the system from captured Soviet semi-auto rifles that they fielded a workable semi-auto. So the SVT-40 is the basis for the German semi, that actually worked where their own semi didn't do well. As to the number I think I have a source somewhere, give me some time to look around. There were quite a few toward the end of the war, but nowhere near in the numbers of the Garand. This site is from the ru., and it contains this portion: Overall, the SVT-40 was in general no worse than American M1 Garand (and have some advantages over it, especially in the reloading procedures), and obviously better than earlier German Gew.41 semi-automatic rifles. It was the matter of training and education, and quality of the service of in the Soviet troops, that lead to the low popularity (in general) of this basically good rifle. See: http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl06-e.htm I thought that site had production numbers, but it doesn't. I know I've seen them somewhere. This site has sub-links you might wish to explore for more discussions on the weapon. Goto: http://www.surplusrifle.com/svt40/index.asp
The M1 Garand dates from 1936, the BAR from 1918. But it DID inspire the German G-43 rifle, and it was highly prized as a "trophy weapon" as DAVEB47 has shown. I've heard that most Soviet soldiers who used them loved them.
The Garand was around a lot earlier than '36. It was initially produced in another caliber in the '20s. The SVT was used by Germans to help offset the lack of firepower they experienced during Barbarosa. Lack of spare parts and the knowledge to maintain "inferior" weapons led to most being discarded within a year.
I own the SVT40 and I own several M1 Garands. I am not going to get in to a debate here, but, in my opinion the M1 Garand, by far, easily wins the contest as to which rifle is better. I have used all types of ammo in my SVT40 and everytime, without fail, I usually get a broken shell casing. The problem with the SVT40 is that the chamber is fluted. I have cleaned mine over and over, polished it and have used over sized bore brushes to brush the hell out of it. I have it now as a safe queen. I will say that the influence it has also impacted the FN 49 with the adjustable gas system. The Garand is truly a treat to shoot. The sights are easier and are far more superior, breaking the rifle down to field strip for cleaning is very easy. I will say as far as accuracy, that really is on the shooter. I think that the M1 is far more solid of a rifle and can also take more punishment than the SVT40. Just my .02 cents- Mike
The flutes aren't to blame. A fluted chamber helps eliminate torn case rims and ease extraction. They were to be included in MG42s but the war ended before production could begin. Since then, H&K uses them in most of their weapons. It doesn't leave you with pretty brass but reloaded cases from my MP5K-PDW work just fine in my Sig P226/228 and Colt 633.
SF- I stand corrected by posting that the fluted chamber is to blame. I meant that this was the case on my rifle. All in all, in my opinion, the SVT40 is not as reliable as the Garand. I have actually read reports that a lot of Russian snipers would actually revert back to using the Mosin-Nagant 91/30 sniper variant. The SVT40 has a nasty blast that would tend to give the shooters posistion away, and I read that they also had a tendancy to malfuntion in the field. OT- SF, I served in the 12th SF 1988-1992 Mike
The SVT had two chief draw backs. The weapon has a large vertical dispersion making accurate shots beyond 300 meters difficult. The other was that, while not an overly complex machine, it was not simple enough for Russia's conscripts. The M1 Garand was both accurate and simple. However, I agree with the author that the unfortunate fate of the SVT was due to Soviet training and production in war time conditions rather than mechanical inadequacy. In spite of its problems, SVT was a popular rifle among German and Finnish troops. It was also a greatly feared weapon in the hands of a Russian marksman when equipped with optics. The German Army had a saying: "A sniper with a semiautomatic rifle could pin down one platoon".
LTC, I think the best that can be said of the SVT-40 is that it isn't the AVS-38! It's great to meet another SFer. What was your MOS? I transferred to the 20th (FL & MD) until my retirement.
SF- I was 11B and 43E (parachute rigger). I was not SF qualified. I served in the 12th SVC Co., 12th SF GRP (ABN) primarily as a rigger. Great job, I loved it. MIke The M1 Garand was both accurate and simple. However, I agree with the author that the unfortunate fate of the SVT was due to Soviet training and production in war time conditions rather than mechanical inadequacy. Triple C- The SVT40 still was not the most reliable weapon out there. It did have it's bugs, probably due to the conditions in which it was manufactured...rushed. MIke
Ahh, a candy striper. Were you HALO qualified? Huachuca was a lot of fun. So was Ft. Sam (I was an 18D first).
Never made it to HALO. I did have 138 jumps, did one out of a hot air balloon in Korea. That was pretty cool. I got to jump a lot when I was active and when I went to the reserves, suprisingly we got to jump often there too. MIke
When the SVT-40 was deployed to the field, does anyone know how many shipped per crate and approx what the dimensions of the crates were? (photos much appreciated if anyone happens to have any of the crates they were packed in)
I have one in very good condition. I am actually thinking of getting rid of it. Don't shoot it anymore and I am out of room in my safe. Am primarily collecting US Martial arms now. Mike
