The Professor fires a real SVT-40

[Professor]

As most of you know, the rifle used in Subsistence is a Russian SVT-40 from WWII days. Last weekend I had the opprotunity to actually fire a real life SVT-40 at the range. The first thing that I noticed is that this thing has a kick on it like a mule. My shoulder was actually sore after just firing off ten rounds. The balance of the rifle seemed off to me - too far forward. This makes establishing an accurate sight picture somewhat of a chore. The rifle takes the same cartridges as the Mosin Nagant (7.62 × 54mmR) so getting ammo for this thing is not a problem. Overall, this is a fun rifle to shoot. I found it accurate out to about 50 yards but beyond that things get less accurate - most likely due to my own inexperience with the rifle.

A few points regarding the SVT-40 in the game:

(1) The bolt action locks to the back when a magazine is empty. This is not shown in the rifle's animation.

(2) That little lever behind the magazine is the magazine lock. The magazine snaps into the mag-port nicely and will stay secured if firing while standing still. However, if you're running, the magazine may come lose and cause jambs when firing. That lever needs to be flipped backwards to lock in the magazine. This animation is not in the game yet.

(3) The animation for engaging the first round after reloading seems off to me. Pulling back on the bolt action with the left hand ought to be changed to the right hand if possible. Using the left hand forces you to re-establish one's sight picture and sight allignment. Better to use the left arm to press the butt of the rifle against your shoulder and engage the bolt with the right hand while maintaining the sights.

(4) This baby can be equipped with a bayonet! So, if crafting a bayonet becomes a thing in the game, perhaps we can use the SVT-40 as a melee weapon? That would be very cool.

(5) The SVT-40 has a rail on the top, so it is possible to mount a scope for longer range activities.

Well, that's about it. Hope some of you find this interesting.

[John Raeder]

I do, thank you.

[DanGerous]

Bayonets would be cool!!

[ice_freezer]

Nice