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Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)


Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle / Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) [ 1963 ]



The Dragunov SVD was the standard Soviet and Warsaw Pact sniper rifle during a bulk of the Cold War years and remains in service today with a plethora of global operators.



Authored By: Dan Alex | Last Edited: 02/09/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

GO TO SPECIFICATIONS [+]
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For a good duration of the Cold War period, the Dragunov "SVD" ("Snayperskaya Vintovka sistem'y Dragunova") series of semi-automatic rifles stood as the standard-issue sniper rifle of Soviet troops, allied Warsaw Pact nations and Soviet export customers. The rifle was introduced in 1963 and quickly became respected for its reliability and accuracy with its actions based in the highly successful Kalashnikov series of automatic assault weapons (namely the AK-47). As a semi-automatic rifle, the Dragunov SVD was more akin to a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), terminology used today to differentiate a squad-level precision rifle over that of a traditional accuracy-minded sniper rifle (which typically uses a manual bolt-action system).

The Soviets had always been keen on using large powerful, man-stopping cartridges so it was no surprise that the SVD continued chambering for the ubiquitous 7.62x54mmR Soviet cartridge, this feeding from a 10-round detachable box magazine. The result was a precise and accurate weapon system capable of engaging targets out as far as 875 yards.

While it was largely based on the Kalashnikov system, the Dragunov SVD became a whole new rifle design all its own. Internally, the action was slightly reworked from its long-stroke piston form to a short-stroke arrangement providing a lighter, reduced movement which was required to maintain accuracy. Coupled with a slightly reworked trigger offering a smoother response and the SVD became the weapon of choice for "headhunters" requiring range and effectiveness as well as ease-of-use and general reliability. The base optics set became the "PSO-1" series daytime scope (with some limited Infra-Red capability built-in) and this was backed by traditional iron sights (including an adjustable rear notch). The 1PN51 / 1PN58 series night vision scopes were later supported. A wooden stock and related furniture became hallmarks of the SVD series (as well as other Soviet weapons of the day).

Overall weight of the rifle was 9.5 kilograms with an unloaded magazine and the scope fitted. Overall length was 48.2 inches with the barrel measuring 24.4 inches long. A trainer shooter could manage to fire off about 30 rounds-per-minute if need be, compliments of the semi-automatic action.

An airborne infantry version was made as the "SVDS" and this model featured a folding tubular metal stock to allow for a compact footprint. The night vision-equipped version of this rifle became the "SVDSN". The "SVU" was a specialized model sporting a shortened barrel and arranged in a "bullpup" configuration which seated the action and feed aft of the trigger unit. It offered specialist troops (like Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs operators) better accuracy through additional measures instituted to help combat recoil. A selective-fire version of this weapon became the "SVU-A" and this model fed from a 20-round box magazine. The "SVDK" was an offshoot of the SVD line chambered in 9.3x64mm. A commercial version of the SVD was manufactured as the "Medved" ("Bear") and chambered in 9x54R cartridge (then later in 7.62x51mm NATO).

Poland was a key operator of the SVD series throughout its time as part of the Soviet Union and ultimately developed a modernized form under the designation of "SWD-M". This offering involved the addition of a bipod assembly under the forend, use of a more powerful 6x42 magnification scope and a heavy-duty barrel assembly to fall more in line with a traditional sniper weapon. Romania developed their PSL rifle from the SVD framework as did Iraq with through their "Tabuk" and "Al-Gadissiya" sniper rifles.

Beyond the aforementioned global operators were users ranging from Algeria and Argentina to Vietnam and Venezuela. Some took to local manufacture of the rifle product (both licensed and unlicensed) like NORINCO of China and their "Type 79". Finland knew the SVD as the "7.62 TKIV Dragunov" and Iran managed a local version as the "Nakhjir 3 Sniper Rifle".

Its global proliferation meant that the SVD series went on to see considerable combat action during the course of its long-running service career. This has included the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Gulf War (1990-1991), the Yugoslav Wars (1991-1999), both Chechen Wars (1994-1996, 1999-2000), the wars in Afghanistan (2001-2014) and Iraq (2003-2011), South Ossetia (2008), the Libyan Civil War (2011) and the ongoing War in Donbass (2014-Present) and Syrian Civil War (2011-Present).

Despite its age, the SVD continues to be a favorite amongst trained military personnel, guerilla fighters, rebels and sport shooters alike and will undoubtedly be one of those rare firearms to see the century mark in terms of consecutive years in service.©MilitaryFactory.com
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
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Specifications



Service Year
1963

Origin
Soviet Union national flag graphic
Soviet Union

Classification


Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle / Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)


Izhmash - Soviet Union/Russia; NORINCO - China; Zastava Arms - Serbia
(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)
National flag of Afghanistan National flag of Albania National flag of Algeria National flag of Armenia National flag of Azerbaijan National flag of Bangladesh National flag of Belarus National flag of Bulgaria National flag of China National flag of Cuba National flag of Czechia National flag of Egypt National flag of Ethiopia National flag of Finland National flag of Georgia National flag of Hungary National flag of India National flag of Iraq National flag of Iran National flag of Kazakhstan National flag of Lebanon National flag of Macedonia National flag of Nicaragua National flag of North Korea National flag of Pakistan National flag of the Philippines National flag of Poland National flag of Russia National flag of Serbia National flag of Slovakia National flag of the Soviet Union National flag of Sri Lanka National flag of Sudan National flag of Turkey National flag of Ukraine National flag of Uzbekistan National flag of Vietnam National flag of Venezuela National flag of Yemen National flag of Zimbabwe Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Bulgaria; Cambodia; China; Cuba; Czech Republic; Czechoslovakia; Egypt; Ethiopia; Finland; Georgia; Hungary; India; Iran; Iraq; Kazakhstan; Lebanon; Republic of Macedonia; Moldova; Mongolia; Nicaragua; North Korea; Pakistan; Palestine; Philippines; Poland; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Sudan; Soviet Union; Sri Lanka; Turkey; Uzbekistan; Ukraine; Venezuela; Vietnam; Yemen; Zimbabwe
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.
Accuracy / Precision
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.


Overall Length
1,225 mm
48.23 in
Barrel Length
620 mm
24.41 in
Empty Wgt
9.50 lb
4.31 kg
Sights


Mechanically-adjusted iron sights (backup rear); sliding tangent rear; optional optics


Action


Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Semi-Automatic

Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)


Caliber(s)*


7.62x54mmR Soviet; 9x54mm; 9.3x64mm Brenneke; .308 Winchester (model dependent).

Sample Visuals**


Graphical image of a 7.62x51mm / .308 Winchester rifle cartridge
Rounds / Feed


10-Round Detachable Box Magazine
Cartridge relative size chart
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
4,265 ft
(1,300 m | 1,422 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
30
rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
2,723 ft/sec
(830 m/sec)


SVD - Base Series Designation
SVDS - Folding tubular metal stock; cone-shaped flash-hider; synthetic pistol grip; fixed cheekpiece; synthetic shoulder pad; revised barrel; improved gas cylinder.
SVDSN - Night-Capable SVDS variant.
SVDN - Night-Equipped SVD rifle; adaptable to several types of night optic telescopic sights.
SVD Medved - Sport rifle
SVU - Assault sniper rifle; shortened barrel; PSO-1 telescopic sight; bullpup layout; triple-baffle muzzle brake; improved recoil reduction; folding iron sights.
SVU-A - Selective fire capability; based on the SVU model; 20-round magazine.
SWD-M - Modernized SVD; heavier barrel; LD-6 (6x42) telescopic sight capable.
"Nakhjir" - Iranian license-production copy of the SVD


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Images Gallery



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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
Right side view of the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle in the hands of an Iraqi soldier.
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
Left side profile view of a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle on display
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
A US soldier takes aim with his Dragunov SVD sniper rifle
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
Close-up detail view of the Dragunov SVD optic sight
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
Close-up detail view of the buttstock, scope and triger group of the Dragunov SVD
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
Left side view of a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle with shoulder strap
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Image of the Dragunov SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka sistemy Dragunova)
A soldier takes aim through the scope of his Dragunov SVD sniper rifle

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