Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM

Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) / Sniper Rifle

Russia | 2018

"Optional Iron Front and Rear; Various Optics."

Image from official Rosoboronexport marketing materials.

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

2,600 ft/sec
792 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Physical
The physical qualities of the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

Semi-Automatic; Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt System.
Action

7.62x54mmR
Caliber(s)

10-round Detachable Box Magazine.
Feed

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) / Sniper Rifle family line.

SVDM - Base Series Designation.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/20/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The SVDM is an all-modern evolution of the classic Soviet-era SVD semi-automatic sniper rifle. With the widely-accepted use of the "Designated Marksman" in platoon / squad arrangements, the weapon has been categorized as a "Designated Marksman Rifle" (DMR) in modern military-speak. It retains much of the form-and-function of the original - including its rifle-caliber chambering, gas operation, and semi-automatic internal action - but has been evolved by way of various tactical finishes including broadened accessories support.

The SVDM is an offshoot of the earlier SVDS which was a version of the SVD rifle reworked to better suit airborne troopers requiring a more compact, lighter weight solution. As such, the stock was redesigned in skeletal / tubular form as a weight-savings measure and this entire assembly could now fold over the rifle's body along a hinge for improved transport. A heavy-duty barrel assembly was also introduced while being capped by a new, shortened flash hider.

As with the SVD before it, the SVDS was chambered in the proven 7.62x54mmR full-power rifle cartridge. The SVDM continues this chambering and brings along with it all of the changes introduced with the SVDS model. It has a heavy-duty barrel assembly of 21.7" length (supporting a suppressor over the muzzle as needed) and a 1P88-4 telescopic sighting device as standard for daytime operations.

This incarnation of the classic SVD/SVDS rifle retains the general design lines save for it being completed in an all-black matte finish. The frame houses all pertinent operating functions including the charging handle and ejection port set to the right side. The magazine well is ahead of the more ergonomic pistol grip in the traditional way, accepting a curved, 10-round detachable form (the magazine release located just aft of the well). The pistol grip and trigger unit are set in their usual place with the trigger ring being oversized to accommodate a gloved hand. The forend is lightly slotted and shrouds most of the length of the gas assembly which sits over the barrel. The forward sight is positioned at the end of the gas cylinder and works in conjunction with a rear "iron" sighting device. The barrel protrudes a distance ahead and is capped by a slotted muzzle brake. A hinged, folding bipod (removable) can be affixed under the forend as a forward support.

At the rear of the frame is a skeletal, adjustable, and padded shoulder stock. As it is hinged, the assembly can be folded over the frame of the rifle for a more compact end-product (useful for when operating in confined spaces or for when "on-the-march"). Over the frame is a long-running section of Picatinny rail for the mounting of various optics, magnifiers, and aimers which can serve to enhance accuracy / precision at-range.

Overall length of the weapon system is 44.7" and this is brought down to 38.4" with the stock folded. Weight is 12lb.

Altogether, the SVDM can be a potent ranged weapon in the right hands. Changes have been implemented to make a Soviet-era product better suited to the rigors of the modern battlefield and broaden its tactical appeal.

The rifle entered service with Russian forces in June of 2018 and has been actively used by Russia in their ongoing invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Captured systems have been re-fielded by the Ukrainians in their valiant fight to defend home soil.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Rosoboronexport (Kalashnikov; Dragunov) - Russia

[ Russia; Ukraine (captured) ]

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Image of the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM

Image from official Rosoboronexport marketing materials.

Similar
Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) / Sniper Rifle Specifications and Pictures.

Dragunov SVD

Going Further...
The Kalashnikov (Dragunov) SVDM Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) / Sniper Rifle appears in the following collections:

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