Probably should post at Military semi's but I feel this is my family here. Too tired to post here last night and frankly still groggy now after 5 hours of mountain thunder storms and downpours, traffic, and accidents. I went to sleep around Midnight and could still sleep more but the York Gun show which I set up at was really good to me. I sold everything I went with and snagged a rifle I have only seen 4 of in all the years of collecting and missed one because of the stupidity of a dealer awhile ago which makes this one extra special. I got a nice Finn captured SVT38 with bayonet scabbard and a nice Russian belt for the waist. I spotted it 5 minutes before the public got into the show and later heard rumors that it past between two dealers earlier in the show set-up. It is in a great looking stock with no cracks or major dents and Finn graffiti on it. A fine period correct sling in great shape with an SA marked SVT40 magazine is also present. Nothing matches including the patina covered bare metal bolt which bears the Tula star and 1939 date. I am not too excited about nothing matching as everyone of these things I have managed to look at in the last 15 years or so was totally unmatched so I am guessing that this is just a fact of life because of age and usage. It comes with the proper bayonet in a painted like olive drab scabbard with leather loop on a canvas belt for the waist with lots of leather re-enforcement and loops on it. The sling on the rifle is the best one I have ever seen as far as shape goes and is proper. Both Alsky and Mawkie looked it over and told me I did well on the price for today's market and availability. It was sitting behind the table and drew much attention to the wares of the dealer who was holding it and was much disappointed that I left early after buying it. What did I pay well lets just say I honestly turned down an offer of $6200 and a car with a women who would do anything I wanted! The thing that scared me most was I believe the dealer was honestly offering that and I retreated rapidly to the table. Pictures are not going to happen unless Chuck and I can get together or someone close can take and post them I am afraid. I am now shell shocked to even see one of these or much less own it now. Equals or exceeds the M27RV in many ways although I still love that baby a lot. Time to try and get the normal life together again and try and figure out how to pay bills this month? Ramen noodle donations are excepted plus I will breath for food! Ahh life is good to old zeebill! Bill