When were SVT-40's Discontinued?

Hello,

I have heard and read different versions of when the Russian SVT-40 7.62x54 Semi-auto rifle ceased production. I was told by the person that sold me my 1943 model that 1943 was the last year of production and only 20,000 were made that year. I have read on the net that they were made until sometime in 1945, but I have never seen or heard about one that had a date stamped on the receiver of 1944 or 1945.

Can anyone answer this question with any certainty? I am fairly sure production started about July 1940. Thanks for reading.

Tom, from West Chester, PA

I have personnally seen and handled a 1945 dated one, but very few made and 45 was the last year of production.