Editing SVT-40 (section)

=== AVT-40 automatic rifle ===
To supplement the Red Army's shortage of [[machine gun]]s, an SVT version capable of full-automatic fire (designated the ''AVT-40'') was ordered into production on 20 May 1942; the first batches reached the troops in July.<ref name="Bolotin1995_111" /> It was externally similar to the SVT, but its modified safety also acted as a fire selector allowing for both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. When fired automatically the rifle had a rate of fire of approximately 750 RPM, faster than the [[DP machine gun]] which fired the same cartridge at 550 RPM. To better resist the stress of automatic fire, the AVT featured a slightly stouter stock made of hardwood usually distinguished with a large “A” engraved in it; surplus AVT stocks were later used on refurbished SVTs. The automatic fire was largely uncontrollable, and the rifles often suffered breakages under the increased strain. Documents discovered after the war indicated that during testing, under continuous automatic fire, an AVT-40's barrel would be "shot out", meaning the rifling in the barrel would be completely worn down, in as little as 200-250 rounds.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The use of the AVT's automatic fire mode was subsequently prohibited, and production of the rifle was relatively brief; none were made after the summer of 1943.<ref name="Bolotin1995_111">{{cite book|first=David Naumovich |last=Bolotin |others=trans. Igor F. Naftul'eff |editor1-first=John |editor1-last=Walter |editor2-first=Heikki |editor2-last=Pohjolainen] |title=Soviet Small-arms and Ammunition |year=1995 |publisher=Finnish Arms Museum Foundation (Suomen asemuseosäätiö) |location=Hyvinkää |isbn=9519718419|page=111}}</ref>