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My SVT40 is not import marked, but it does have a Finn SA stamp on it. How does that impact the value?
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Most Finnish Capture SVT 40 rifles are “mix-masters”, meaning that very few to none of the serial numbers match. The Finns used and abused the SVT 40 rifles in their fighting against the Soviets, and would cannibalize parts from unserviceable rifles to keep other rifles shooting. The Finn SVT 40 rifles typically have very worn and often corroded bores.
The good thing is that the Finn SVT 40 rifles were imported into the U.S. prior to GCA ‘68, and therefore do not have import marks. Also, the Finns didn’t usually refinish these rifles, so even though the rifle isn’t original, its metal and wood finish often is.
The value of a Finn SVT 40 is usually similar to a Soviet refurb’ed rifle. While both rifles will be mismatched serial numbers, the Soviet refurbs will have electro pencilled “matching” numbers, not original stamped matching numbers. The bore condition of a Soviet refurb will usually be significantly better than a Finn, and the metal and wood on the refurbs will be re-arsenaled to look new-ish.
Both the Finn Capture and Soviet refurb rifles have their own pro’s and con’s. They fill the void for most people who want an SVT 40 but don’t want to spend $5,000 for an exceedingly rare, matching-numbered original specimen.