Although the SVT 40 proved extremely effective in World War II, the skill level of the Russian peasant soldier was not sufficient to effectively operate and maintain such a complex piece of equipment. The Germans, on the other hand, were impressed with versatility and firepower of the SVT 40, and with their highly skilled professional soldiers, they were able to employ the use of captured rifles more effectively than the Russians. In fact, the SVT 40 was so widely used by the Wermacht, that the German High Command issued identification numbers to them: SIG.259(r), and also printed directives on use and maintenance.

Tokarev pioneered many innovative features in his SVT 40 design which were later applied to military rifles developed by other nations. Some of these features included: a short-stroke gas piston system and a tipping bolt, which reduced weight and helped increase the rate of fire; a low bore line, which helped stabilize the weapon during rapid fire; a gas regulating valve, which allowed the rifleman to control the flow of gas into the operating system, thus compensating for ammunition or temperature variances. All of these features can be found on the widely-used FN FAL series rifles. Another unique SVT 40 feature was the fluted chamber, which assisted extraction of the spent case. This concept was later incorporated in the famous G3 rifle manufactured by the German firm of Heckler and Koch. The SVT 40 was phased out of Russian service by 1955 and the last reported combat use of the rifle was by the Castro forces in Cuba in the late 1950's.

During that same time period, Soviet officials became aware of the need for a lightweight battle rifle and ammunition similar to the German Schmeisser assault rifle, which fired the 7.92x33mm 'Kurz' cartridge. By 1943 the Russians had developed and adopted a shortened high-powered cartridge designated M1943, 7.62x39mm. Immediately, Sergei Simonov engaged in the development of a short rifle, which was principally based on his AVS36 and would chamber the new M1943 cartridge. His design was enthusiastically accepted by the Russian Government and a pre-production run of the SKS was completed in the spring of 1944. Soon, a large number of these rifles were sent to combat troops fighting on the Byelorussian front for field evaluation. The rifle was an instant success, and with only minor changes, it was quickly adopted by the Russian Army. The war with Germany ended for the Russians in May of 1945 and production of the SKS 45 ceased shortly thereafter. However, in 1949, the Russians resumed mass production of the SKS 45 due to the "Cold War" and their growing interests throughout the world. In 1955, "official" production ceased and the SKS 45 was slowly phased out of active service in favor of the AK 47 assault rifle. Eventually, over 21 nations had adopted the SKS 45 design and a number of Soviet-aligned countries, such as Yugoslavia, China, East Germany and North Korea, produced their own version of the SKS 45. Currently thousands of SKS 45 and SKS type rifles are in active military use all over the world. Today, although primarily relegated to ceremonial and affairs-of-state use, the venerable SKS 45 is still an "issue" weapon in Russia and SKS type rifles are the most widely-used military style sporting rifle in the United States.

Russian SVT 40 'Tokarev' with NRA good bore with strong rifling,
includes:  front sight adjustment tool, manual, ammo pouch, oiler, 100 rounds of 7.62x54 ammunition, sling, ten stripper clips, bore brush, gas regulator tool, gas port cleaning pin, Russian style pine crate

Russian SKS 45 'Simonov' with NRA excellent bore, includes:  front sight adjustment tool, manual, ammo pouch, oiler, 100 rounds of 7.62x39 ammunition, sling, ten stripper clips, bore brush, tool holder/container, Russian style pine crate.

Complete Package....... $2,995.00  plus $95.00 for shipping, handling and insurance