Dragunov
Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova (Снайперская винтовка Драгунова), which translates into English as 'Dragunov's Sniper Rifle', often abbreviated as SVD (СВД) and informally known as the Dragunov, is a semiautomatic rifle designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1963. The SVD was the world's first purpose-built military precision marksman's rifle, and is common (along with several variants) throughout the former Eastern Bloc.
The need for a new precision platoon-level, semi-automatic rifle became apparent to Soviet military leadership in the 1950s, and in 1958 a contest among Soviet arms designers was opened for the creation of such a rifle. The winner of the contest was a rifle designed by a team headed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov. In 1963, the Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova was accepted into the arsenal of the Soviet Army.
It is less a "sniper" rifle than what the U.S. military terms a "designated-marksman" rifle or the Israelis term a "squad-sniper" rifle, and used in that role instead of as a sniper rifle. This role involves a scoped, accurized, semiauto rifle used at ranges substantially beyond normal infantry rifles, but at ranges substantially shorter than bolt-action sniper rifles are capable of. Such rifles are often used in support of an actual sniper with an actual sniper rifle.
Ballistics
The SVD is chambered for the 7.62 x 54R rimmed cartridge, with a muzzle velocity of about 830 meters per second. The rifle can accept the older M1898/30 cartridge, but a more accurate 7N14 round was designed specifically for it. However, the Soviet Union never offered this ammunition for export, and it is very rare outside of Russia. Although the rifle is lethal at ranges above 1000 m, it is not really intended or designed for ultimate accuracy and can only reasonably engage targets at up to 600 m with standard ammuniton, achieving 2 Minutes of arc at that distance. Primairly due to the effects of the semiautomatic action of the SVD on the barrel harmonics, the accuracy of the rifle suffers at greater ranges. However, the weapon handles easily for its size, and is designed to be very durable; the gas system and bore are chrome lined to resist against corrosion and it is easy to clean. The rifle also has a bayonet socket for close-quarters combat, although the mounting of a bayonet will cause a slight change in center of gravity, affecting the handling qualities of the rifle, and possibly accuracy.
Technical data
- Caliber: 7.62×54R mm
- Length: 1225 mm
- Barrel: 610 mm
- Mass: 4.31 kg (unloaded with scope)
- Magazine: 10 rounds detachable box
- Operation: Gas-Operated; semi-automatic fire
- Range: 800+ m (1200+ m with scope)
- Muzzle velocity: 830 m/s
- Rifling: 4 grooves, right hand turn
Equipment
The SVD comes standard with a PSO-1 scope, a 4×24 device which includes a battery-operated reticule and a passive infrared filter. Many other conventional and night-vision optics are available. In case of scope failure, the rifle has non-detatchable iron sights, a feature that does not exist on most sniper rifles. The SVD also comes with a bayonet identical to that of the AK-47, a cheek rest, a carrying strap, magazine pouch and basic cleaning utensils and maintenance tools.
Battlefield Use
While the Soviet army was in operation each squad was issued one SVD. Soldiers issued an SVD typically are specially trained for the weapon. They move with their squad and are intended to increase the range of their infantry squad up to and above 600m (without an SVD, the effective range of a squad when the rifle began production would have been 300m due to the limitations of the AK-47). As such, it is not a sniper's rifle in the sense used by, among others, the US military, but the first example of what is today known as a designated marksman's weapon.
Designed with the simple purpose of extending a squad's range, the weapon is rugged and durable. This shows in the fact that it is designed to have a mounted bayonet and has backup iron sights in case the scope fails. The rifle's reliability is still recognized, and the weapon is still fielded by the Russian army and Russian law enforcement agencies.
Modernization
In the 1980s, Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov developed the SVDS, a version of the SVD with a folding metal stock, shortened (590mm) barrel and a shortened flash suppressor, intended for paratroopers and motorized infantry.
Initial versions of the SVD were manufactured with wooden furniture (stock, pistol grip and handguard). Today the SVD is made with polymer furniture to decrease weight and manufacturing costs.
Versions
- USSR/Russian: SVD, SVDS, SVU (a bullpup version of the SVD with an even shorter (520mm) barrel, bipod and a flash/sound suppressor), SVU-A (SVU with selective fire capability).
- Chinese: Norinco NDM-86
- Civilian version of the rifle is called Tigr (Tiger). It is also available in .308 Winchester.