SVD Dragunov
Summary
| Country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | Dragunov |
Technical specifications
| SVD Dragunov | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 30 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 54 mm |
| Magazine | 10 rounds |
| Length | 1225 mm (48.2 in) |
| Weight | 4.31 kg (9.5 lb) |
| Range | 800 m (2625 ft) |
Description
The SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, GRAU index 6V1) is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62×54mmR, developed in the Soviet Union. Designed to augment infantry squads with long-range capability after the adoption of intermediate cartridges and assault rifles by Warsaw Pact forces, it countered the range advantage of NATO battle rifles at the time. Development took place between 1958 and 1963, culminating in Yevgeny Dragunov's design being selected after field testing against prototypes from Sergei Simonov and Aleksandr Konstantinov. Dragunov's design was accepted into service in July 1963, with serial production commencing in 1964 by Izhmash (later Kalashnikov Concern). The SVD became a standard squad support weapon in several countries, including those of the former Warsaw Pact. China reverse-engineered captured examples during the Sino-Vietnamese War to produce the Type 79 and 85. Iran produced a clone called the Nakhjir 3, based on the Chinese Type 79. In Russian service, the SVD is slated for replacement by the Chukavin SVCh, which uses SVD-compatible magazines when chambered in 7.62×54mmR and began mass production in February 2023. Ukrainian forces have largely replaced the SVD in the dedicated sniping role with Western and domestically produced rifles, though it remains in service in the designated marksman role.
The SVD features a rotating bolt with three locking lugs engaging the barrel extension and a hammer-type striking mechanism with a manual lever safety. A secondary disconnector prevents the hammer from falling until the bolt is closed. The firing pin is free-floating. The firearm uses a short-stroke gas piston system with a two-position gas regulator, adjustable using a cartridge rim. It is fed from a detachable 10-round double-stacked box magazine and has a bolt catch. The receiver is machined for increased torsional strength. The chrome-lined barrel features four right-hand grooves; the original 320 mm twist rate was changed to 240 mm in 1975 to accommodate standard ammunition. The barrel has a front sight assembly, a bayonet lug, and a fixed long-slotted flash hider. Factory standards required specific precision with 7N1 ammunition.
Several variants of the SVD have been developed, including:
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SVDN series: Equipped with night vision optics.
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SVDS: Adopted in 1995, with a right-folding metal stock, separate pistol grip, shortened, heavier barrel, strengthened receiver, improved gas cylinder block, and a shorter conical flash suppressor.
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SVDSN: Added night vision capability to the SVDS.
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SVD-1990: Featured black polymer furniture.
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SVDM: A modernised SVDS variant entering service in 2018 with a thicker barrel (550 mm), new furniture, a hinged dust cover with a Picatinny rail, and a variable power 1P88-4 day optic. It also features a simplified rear sight above the gas block and accepts a detachable bipod and suppressor.
Prototypes included the SSV-58, the TKB-0172 bullpup design, the V-70 automatic rifle prototype, the AF automatic rifle prototype chambered in 5.45x39mm, the SVDG smoothbore variant, and the SSV-6 chambered in an experimental 6mm cartridge. Civilian variants include the Tigr, produced with various barrel lengths, stocks, and calibers including .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield, and the Kalashnikov TG3, a civilian oval-bore variant in 9.6×53mm Lancaster. Foreign military variants include the Polish SWD-M with a heavy barrel, bipod, and LD-6 sight, the Iraqi Al-Kadesih with dimensional and design differences, and the Chinese Type 79/85 with slightly different dimensions, including .308 export models (NDM-86/EM-351). A modernized Chinese variant is the CS/LR19 or NSG-85.
The SVD was adopted in the Soviet Army for designated marksmen within motorized infantry rifle platoons. Its design prioritised a lighter weight and employed a semi-automatic action to enhance the volume of fire. Marksmen armed with the 7.62×54mmR SVD were intended to engage priority targets at extended ranges. Within the Warsaw Pact, each infantry platoon was planned to include at least one SVD-equipped marksman. The rifle has seen extensive operational use in conflicts dating from the 1970s through the 2020s, including the Vietnam War, Soviet-Afghan War, Gulf War, Yugoslav Wars, both Chechen Wars, the Iraq War, the Syrian Civil War, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. Former users include the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Artsakh, and the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Non-state users include the Islamic State and the Lord's Resistance Army.