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by Max R. Popenker
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Dragunov SVD (USSR/Russia)

Original SVD with wooden stock


Latest variant of SVD, with polymer stock and handguards, and new polymer magazine


SVD-S - SVD with shortened barrel and folding metal buttstock

Caliber: Russian 7.62x54mm Rimmed
Operation: gas operated, short stroke, rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine
Weight: 4.31kg empty with telescope
Length: 1225 mm
Barrel Length: 620 mm
Max Rate of Fire: 30 RPM
Aimed Rate of Fire: 3-5 RPM
Scope Type: PSO-1 with illuminated reticle
Accuracy: less than 2MOA at 600m

SVD was designed not as a standart sniper rifle. In fact, main role of the SVD ir Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective range of fire of every infantry squad up to 600 meters and to provide special fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class) rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of standart 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet. Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.
SVD is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed for heavy battles. It has backup ajustable iron sights as a standart option, as well as a bayonet mount (standart AK-47 bayonet type).
Latest modernisation incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, for mounted and airborne troops developed variant with folding buttsock and shortened barrel (590 mm). New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.
All modifications of SVD passed many real battle tests during Afghan war as well as many other local conflicts, including latest Chechen wars. SVD was widely used and copied across the former Warshaw pact countries and still in service with Russian Army and many Russian Law Enforcement agencies (as well in oter CIS countries).