This SVT-38 semi-automatic rifle was manufactured by Tula arsenal in 1940. The Tokarev rifles were manufactured throughout World War II by both the Tula and Izhevsk arsenals, although these earlier SVT-38 models are far less commonly encountered today than the SVT-40 that superseded it.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 lost 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 and right of the stock both have the Tula arsenal star above "1940" date. Features a six slot muzzle brake, bayonet lug, standard military hooded front sight and tangent rear sight graduated 1-15 (100-1,500 meters), birchwood stock with ventilated handguard and right side mounted cleaning rod, and short perforated metal forend. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the original Cyrillic prefix serial number (transliterated: DM1965). The bolt, charging handle/bolt carrier, trigger guard and stock are factory stamped and matching serial numbered, and the correct 10-round replacement magazine is numbered "CB990.1" (transliterated: SV990.1). Includes a brown leather sling.

Fine, retains 60% original blue finish with brown and gray patina on the balance and some scattered areas of light pitting indicative of period use in snow, 20% arsenal applied plum blue finish on the bolt and bolt carrier, and 60% arsenal refurbished blue finish on the replacement magazine. Stock is very good with general mild wear, and some scattered light scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent.