This SVT-38 semi-automatic rifle was manufactured by Izhevsk arsenal in 1939. The Tokarev rifles were manufactured throughout World War II by both the Tula and Izhevsk arsenals, although these earlier SVT-38 models are less commonly encountered today than the SVT-40 that superseded it. Approximately 150,000 SVT-38s were reportedly manufactured before April of 1940 as opposed to 1,600,000 SVT-40s manufactured. The SVT-38 rifles were rushed into service to see their initial combat use in the Winter War (November 30th, 1939-March 13th, 1940) in which the Soviet Union attempted to invade Finland. The short-lived SVT-38 was used with limited success, with many dropped on the snow covered battlefield and many others captured by Finland; in part due to its tendency to jam as well as issues with the magazine falling out during live fire, which was corrected in the SVT-40. The top of the receiver has the Izhevsk triangle and arrow over "1939" date. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the original Cyrillic prefix serial number (transliterated: ChU283) below an "SA" Finnish capture mark. It has the standard military hooded front sight and a tangent rear sight graduated 1-15 (100-1500 meters). It is correctly fitted with the standard Russian hardwood stock, ventilated handguard, and short perforated metal forend. The end of the barrel is fitted with six slotted muzzle brake and the stock has the right side mounted cleaning rod. The bolt and trigger guard are serial numbered to match and the ten-round magazine is unnumbered. Includes canvas web sling.

Very good, retains strong traces of original blue finish on the receiver and trigger guard, half of the arsenal refinished blue finish on the remaining components with some scattered patches of light pitting and a few patches of corrosion indicative of period use in snow. Stock is also very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scattered light scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent.