Video: Soviet SVT-40 Rifle

by
posted on September 17, 2015
Until Tokarev developed the SVT-40 rifle for Russia, no combatant military had succeeded in coming up with a gas system for a semi-automatic service rifle that was both light enough and simple enough to warrant adoption for use during World War II. While the U.S. had the M1 Garand, the Germans and the French were far behind. And although Tokarev's SVT showed great promise and was unique to the time—its gas system is still widely copied today—the rifle itself was not considered a success, and during the course of the war the Russians decided to continue using its bolt-action Moisin-Nagant. Thus SVT production throttled down and in 1945 was discontinued altogether. So while the idea of semi-automatic and selective-fire firearms in the hands of Soviet infantrymen was new, ultimately, it was the AK-47 that later fully realized what the idea of the Tokarev could have been.

Learn more in this “I Have This Old Gun” video segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.

Latest

The Armed Citizen
The Armed Citizen

The Armed Citizen® April 4, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Gun Of The Week: FightLite Herring Model 2024

Join American Rifleman staff on the range with one of the most unique lever-action rifles we’ve seen to date. Meet the Herring Model 2024 from FightLite Industries.

Rossi Rio Bravo Tactical: A Tactically Practical Rimfire

Announced during "The Year Of The Lever-Action," Rossi's latest tactically themed lever-action rimfire rifle does not disappoint, offering up practical features front to back.

Online Safety Resources On Water & Fire Damage Released By SAAMI

“These important documents add to SAAMI’s technical library of firearm safety resources that provide guidance to both industry professionals and the firearm-owning community.”

Rifleman Review: Taurus TX22 Compact

A downsized version of Taurus USA's TX22 is available, giving folks a smaller, handier version of the full-size TX22 rimfire pistol that's become one of the company's most popular offerings.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9 mm Pistol

Recently, Springfield Armory added a large-format pistol variant of its Saint Victor 9 mm carbine, giving enthusiasts a compact PCC that feeds from Colt-pattern magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.