Whats a Russin SVT-40 Worth?

[Ridolpho]

I like the SVT, finding them to be very straight forward and simple. The prices I've payed (here in Canada) range from $200.00 to $750.00. The $750.00 was for a probable non-refurbed example in a private sale while the $200.00 was for a nice re-furbed '41 Tula that has proven to be an excellent shooter. Typical refurbs run $300.00, including the odd Podolsk, and display quite variable quality in bore condition and fitment of the repacement stock. It appears that upon arrival at "the plant" each gun was stripped of easily removed parts (not barrels) which were then sanded or linished to remove stamped numbers. It also appears that bolts and carriers were blued in the refurb process, resulting in shades of purple to red or even bronze due to the composition of special steel used in them. Bolts/carriers/triggerguards, etc were electropencilled to match the rceeiver number during refurb. The important bolt locking insert in the receiver is similar composition and usually matches bolt/ carrier in colour. The inserts in mine vary from new looking to obviously worn but I have yet to have a headspace problem so the factories seem to have done a good job matching bolts (which have slightly different lengths) to inserts. Less satisfactory is the fit in the stock which ranges from excellent to very sloppy. Occasionally a stock may still be attached to it's original rifle but most are re-stamped or quite obviously brand new replacements. Original sniper versions received the same treatment and usually the only thing left to distinguish them is the characteristic "notch" as machined at Tula.
Judging from what I see on Gunbroker, original or non-refurbs (and Finn captures) are rarer up here than in the US and I suspect they would easily get $1,500+ if placed for sale in the open market.

Comrade Ridolpho