AVT-40 - an impossible dream?

[zekes]

Probably getting my hopes up, but I've always wanted to have an automatic version of the STV-40 - the AVT-40 - and while I know it would be illegal to own in california (I plan on moving out of state eventually), If I were to look for one in the future, would anyone know of a good place to look for an origional, or failing that, finding a way to convert a semi-auto to full auto?





It's a pipe dream coming from a californian, but I want to believe!

[flatbedtruckin]

[Steve G]

Watch a video of these in full auto. Not so good

[wilit]

My Google-fu has failed me, as I wasn't able to find a listing or current value for one. Given it's rarity, I'd imagine finding a transferable AVT-40 would probably cost something in the $20k-$25k range.

As for building one, you'd have to get your 07 FFL and SOT to be able to legally build one.

[zekes]

Yeah, I know it's impossible in California. I'm just hoping, if I do move out of state (which I'd actually do if I could find an AVT-40) - could I say, get a gunsmith to do the conversion for me?

Looking at past auctions (out of all of google, I've found maybe three), they go for 500-750 apiece. If I can find an auction at the right time.

[Quiet]

Yeah, I know it's impossible in California. I'm just hoping, if I do move out of state (which I'd actually do if I could find an AVT-40) - could I say, get a gunsmith to do the conversion for me?

No.

Under Federal laws...
Any MG made after 05-19-1986 can only be legally owned by a FFL/SOT or Gov/Mil/LE agency.

[zekes]

Well that's good to know then... I'll have to find a real one.

[Quiet]

Well that's good to know then... I'll have to find a real one.

They are extremely rare.
Depending on condition and accessories, expect to pay between $20,000-$40,000 for one.

[pterrell]

Good luck OP. I wish I had your kind of funding!

[MosinVirus]

They are extremely rare.
Depending on condition and accessories, expect to pay between $20,000-$40,000 for one.

If looking for a unicorn and having to pay that kind of money, I would try to find original SVDs instead (yes 2 of them). Last I saw one it was 11K, or maybe 14K... Can't remember.

[louie]

You could get lucky and find the trigger group. This is what makes the AVT from an SVT. A friend of mine in AZ did, so it's not impossible. It has to be ATF taxed just like anything else, and registered. I have shot it, and yes, not that much fun to be honest. It feels sort of like the full auto m-14, also not that much fun. They must be on a bipod, or you must have a build like the Hulk, or after the first 3 rounds you are shooting birds, and then planes.

[grossekatz]

Funny thing about the svt 40. They all have a "safety sear"
That keeps the hammer from falling until the bolt is locked. So yes the trigger pack is the only thing keeping it semi.

[81turbota]

Awesome historical piece, little practicality. I won't deter you from your dream!

BTW, have you seen this? It's a Soviet report about the AVT-40's performance.

http://www.forgottenweapons.com/avt-40-testing-report/

When shooting at targets, only the first bullet hits.
3.The ability to aim is limited to 50 shots over the span of one minute. After that, the barrel overheats, and a mirage effect is achieved, which impedes aiming.
4.The automatic rifle jams: 1.With thick grease: 2-4% of the time
2.With dry parts: 12-14%
3.In dusty conditions: 14-50%
4.While aiming up or down: 8-12%

5.The barrel life is 6000 rounds when firing 50 rounds per minute, after which the rifle was allowed to cool. Continuous fire brings the life down to 150-200 rounds.
As a result of trials, it was concluded that:

1.Is is not viable to create an automatic rifle from a semi-automatic one by modifying the trigger group.
2.It is only possible to aim with such an automatic rifle when using a thickened barrel and lightened bipod.
3.When converting a semi-automatic rifle to fully automatic by only modifying the trigger group, its combat usefulness decreases to less than that of a submachine gun.

Conclusions
1.Due to the decreased combat usefulness, conversion of a semi-automatic rifle to a fully automatic one is not rational.
2.In order to reach required density of fire with a high probability of hitting the target, it is better to use submachineguns, which have the advantages of simpler production, higher reliability, compactness, high magazine capacity, larger stocks of ammunition, etc.

[CSACANNONEER]

Yeah, I know it's impossible in California. I'm just hoping, if I do move out of state (which I'd actually do if I could find an AVT-40) - could I say, get a gunsmith to do the conversion for me?

Looking at past auctions (out of all of google, I've found maybe three), they go for 500-750 apiece. If I can find an auction at the right time.

Actually, it is not impossible in CA. There are certain requirements and permits that you would need to meet. It is improbably that you would meet those but not impossible.

[Spyder]

If I could find good functional SVT-40s for 500 bucks apiece, I'd grab a few today.