SVT-40

Go Back to Infantry Rifle

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: SVT-40 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: USSR Caliber: 7.62x54mmR Action: Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic

The SVT-40 rifle was developed in the Soviet Union by Fedor Tokarev in 1940 as an improvement over the earlier SVT-38. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, it was a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle with a 10-round detachable magazine, intended to provide Soviet infantry with greater firepower than the standard-issue Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle. The SVT-40 featured an adjustable gas system, lightweight design, and was one of the more advanced infantry rifles of its time, reflecting the Soviet Union's early interest in semi-automatic service rifles.

Production of the SVT-40 began in 1940 and continued until around 1945, with roughly 1.6 million units manufactured during that period. The rifle was widely issued to Soviet troops, especially non-commissioned officers, in the early years of World War II. However, its complex design made it difficult to maintain in harsh battlefield conditions, and many were phased out in favor of the simpler Mosin-Nagant as the war progressed. Despite these challenges, the SVT-40 remained in service until the end of the war and saw extensive action on the Eastern Front.

The SVT-40 is notable for its advanced design and is often regarded as a precursor to later semi-automatic and select-fire infantry rifles. While it had mixed reviews due to its sensitivity to dirt and the complexities of its gas system, it became a symbol of Soviet innovation in infantry armament. Today, the SVT-40 is popular among collectors for its historical significance and advanced design features, standing as an example of the Soviet Union's ambition to modernize its small arms during World War II.