Tokarev SVT-40
Technical data
| Manufacturer | Tula Arsenal, USSR (*) |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 54mmR |
| Action | Semi-Automatic. Gas-operated, tilting bolt. |
| Barrel length | 26 3/4", 68 cm |
| Total length | 47 7/8", 121.6 cm |
| Capacity | 10 rounds detachable magazine |
| Reloading | 5 rounds stripper clips |
| Weight | 9 pounds, 4 Kg |
| Wikipedia page | |
(*) The rifle I have access to. Other manufacturers produced this rifle.
Bolt operation
The SVT-40 is a gas-operated weapon using a short-stroke, spring-loaded piston.
Note: the springs, bolt cover and handguard have been removed to show the action.
When a round is fired (red arrow), gas is redirected through the gas port (blue arrow), to the gas piston which pushes on the gas cylinder, on the piston rod, on the piston rod extension and finaly on the bolt face (green arrows). The bolt cycles to the back, ejects the spent casing, rearms the hammer, collects another round from the magazine on it's way forward and closes, ready to fire again.
The bolt remains in the back position when the magazine is empty.
If your SVT-40 refuses to cycle (like mine when I got it), you should verify:
- Ammunition quality.
- Some poor quality ammunition will not generate enough presure.
- Other ammuntion is too large and gets jammed in the chamber.
- My SVT-40 had not been properly cleaned by the previous owner. The entire piston system was jammed in carbon.
- The amount of gas can be adjusted by rotating the gas regulator (image on the right). It protudes in front of the gas port (left and lower image). It is possible to completly shut off the gas port.
Safety and magazine
The safety (1) is on the safe position if it is rotated down. It simply blocks the trigger from operating.
The picture also shows the magazine release (2). It can be folded flat with the receiver. To operated it, rotated it at a 90° angle with the rifle and push it towards the muzzle. To remove the magazine, rotate it forward.
Sight picture
Typical Russian sights.
Rear sight
The rear sight is a ladder, with graduations from 100 up to 1500 meters.
Front sight
The front sight is a fixed post.
Fun feature
The trigger release is protected by the trigger release cover. Once rotated it also allows you to line up your cleaning rod with the barrel. You need a long one however. Mine is 36" long and is just long enough.
