here is chatgpt answer cause i was lazy
For the SVT-38, the standard issue to Soviet soldiers was two detachable 10-round magazines.
Key context (important for accuracy):
- Although the SVT-38 used detachable magazines, Soviet doctrine did not treat them as expendable or numerous items the way later Western armies did.
- Soldiers were expected to reload the magazines using 5-round Mosin-Nagant stripper clips while the magazine remained in the rifle.
- Extra magazines beyond the two issued were rare in frontline service, especially in 1939–1941.
Why only two magazines?
- Magazines were relatively expensive and seen as semi-permanent components.
- Logistical shortages and conservative doctrine favored clip loading.
- This practice carried over from Mosin-Nagant training.
Comparison for clarity:
- SVT-38: typically 2 magazines
- SVT-40: also usually 2 magazines (occasionally 3 in later or guard units, but not standard)
So, while the SVT-38 was technically a detachable-magazine rifle, in practice it functioned more like a clip-loaded rifle with a removable magazine, and soldiers were not issued large numbers of magazines.
sources for it
https://media.wfyi.org/fireandice/history/weaponry_soviet_sa.htm
here is non direct evidence from soviet equipment :
AVS-36 and SVT-38/40 pouches.
With the acceptance of AVS-36, the first self loading rifle in service with the RKKA , special pouches were designed to hold the 15 round magazines. Each pouch could hold two magazines and were bigger than the later introduced SVT-38 &40 10 round magazine pouches.
In 1939 the new self loading rifle SVT-38, and in 1940 SVT-40 entered service respectively. Internally, the pouch was split with horizontal divider for two SVT magazines. Early SVT pouches,1939- early 1941 had D ring. In summer 1941, production of SVT pouches was stopped, and a new simplified model was introduced that could be be used either for SVT magazines or Mosin clips. Internally, there were two folding leather dividers i.e. horizontal for two SVT magazine and vertical for four Mosin clips. Pouches were made in leather, canvas and kirza material with Y closure strap, solid closure strap and differing hardware construction (riveting, stitching etc).
Below: Left , AVS-36 pouch. Centre, SVT-38/40 pouch. Right, SVT-38/40 pouch showing interior magazine divider.
Below: Top. Interior of of a 1941 simplified SVT-40 pouch.Left to Right, showing horizontal and vertical folding leather dividers, vertical divider folded to hold two SVT magazines and horizontal divider folded to hold four 5 round Mosin clips.
Bottom. A 1941 SVT pouch and magazine and 5 round clip. An economy SVT-40 pouch, similarly produced in canvas and kirza material.
In 1941, the WW1 chest pouch (bandoleer) was reintroduced. 1941 bandoleers mostly had six pockets only for ammunition in clips, but some also had a pocket for a SVT magazine. Versions with the SVT magazine pocket were only produced in 1941-1945.
search forum suggestions and you will see people quote high ROF documents
Japanese swords are bigger we don’t need to overcompensate with body armor for the lack of sword size 
