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SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle)
SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle)
The SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle) is a Soviet self-loading sniper rifle developed by Evgeny Dragunov in 1958-1963 and adopted in 1963. It uses a powerful 7.62×54mm R cartridge (the same as the PK machine gun), providing an effective range of up to 800 meters. The SVD operates on the basis of gas-operated automation with a short piston stroke, allowing for accurate semi-automatic fire without reloading. The rifle is equipped with a 10-round magazine and has a total length of 1,225 mm (with a barrel length of 620 mm), which makes it maneuverable for sniper weapons. Its main feature is the PSO-1 (4×24) optical sight, which is the first in the world to be equipped with a rangefinder grid and an infrared filter. The SVD is highly reliable and can operate in sandstorms, temperatures as low as -50°C, and can withstand up to 1,000 rounds without cleaning. It became the first mass-produced army sniper rifle (not for special forces), and was issued to every Soviet infantry platoon. The SVD has been used in all conflicts since the 1960s, from Afghanistan and Chechnya to Syria, where it has been praised for its effectiveness and field-reparable nature. It has been modified into the SVD-S (folding stock for десантников), SVU (shortened), and the Tiger (civilian version).
The model is not available yet.
Photo of the constructor:
Main Features:
Caliber: 7.62×54 mm R
Barrel length: 620 mm (4 grooves)
Overall length: 1225 mm
Weight: 4.3 kg (without ammunition and optics), 4.68 kg (with an empty magazine), ~5.0 kg (with a PSO-1 and a full magazine)
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (box magazine, sectoral)
Rate of fire: up to 30 rounds per minute (practical)
Sighting range:
With optics: 800-1300 m (effective – 600-800 m)
With a mechanical sight: 1200 m
Type of automation: gas-operated, rotating bolt
Shooting mode: single fire only
Other features:
Gas system: Short gas piston stroke with regulator
Breech group: 3 firing pins, massive bolt
Stock: Wooden (early models) or polymer (SVDS) with a cutout for ease of shooting
Muzzle device: Slotted flash suppressor
Sights:
Optical sight PS-1 (4×24) with illuminated reticle
Reserve open sights
Produced: more than 1.5-2 million units
Advantages:
High accuracy (1-1.5 MOA with high-quality ammunition)
Works in a temperature range from -50°C to +50°C
Comfortable pistol grip and adjustable stock (for the SVDS)
Retains its killing power at distances up to 1000 m
Easy disassembly without special tools
Disadvantages:
7.62×54 mm R is not a sniper rifle by modern standards
No free-floating barrel, which reduces potential accuracy
Longer and heavier than modern counterparts
Cannot be quickly equipped with modern accessories
Interesting facts:
The tests were conducted by the Dragunov (SVD) and Konstantinov (SVK prototype) teams. The SVD won due to its superior accuracy.
It uses the 1891 rifle cartridge, but with special 7N1 and 7N14 ammunition for sniper shooting.
The standard PS-1 scope allows for confident target acquisition at 600-800 meters. Experienced shooters have achieved hits at 1,000+ meters.
It was supplied to the GDR, Poland, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and even Iraq (under Saddam Hussein).
Despite the introduction of the SVL and Chukavin, the SVD remains in service with the Russian army and special forces.
Photo:
Hungarian soldier with an SVD, 1996
Ukrainian Marine with an SVD, 2003
Sniper of the 4th Separate Tank Brigade with an SVD, 2011
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