SVD Dragunov
The Dragunov sniper rifle, commonly called a Dragunov (Russian: Драгунов) or SVD (Russian: СВД (Снайперская винтовка Драгунова)—Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova literally meaning Dragunov Sniper Rifle) is a rifle of Russian origin (but has been reproduced in numerous other countries.
Based on the Kalashnikov rifle family (AK-47 and variants), the design for the Dragunov was requested in 1958 and delivered in 1963 by 7.62×54 R Russian "rimmed" cartridge from the early Mosin-Nagant bolt action design, using the semi-automatic gas actuated design of the AK-47. The weapon was commisioned to be cheap, rugged and effective at its intended job and showcases its success with the number of rifles that have been produced.
The Dragunov SVD
Ballistics
The Dragunov SVD features Russian 7.62×54 mm 'Rimmed' cartridge, firing at approximately 830 metres/second. The effective range is generally up to 800 m but the rifle is designed only to increase the infantryman's range up to 600 m (and the scope's reticule is designed for ranges past 1000 m). The weapon handles nearly as well as an AK-47 and is designed to be very durable.
| Weapon:
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| Caliber: | 7.62×54 mm rimmed
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| Length: | 1,225 mm (Barrel: 620 mm)
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| Weight: | 4.310 kg unloaded with scope;
4.550 kg loaded
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| Magazine: | 10 round detachable box magazine
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| Operation: | Gas operated; semi-automatic fire
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| Projectile:
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| Fire-rate: | 30 rounds per minute
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| Effective Fire-Rate: | 3–6 rounds per minute
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| Range: | 800+ m (1,200+ m with a zeroed scope)
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| Velocity: | 830 m/s
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Equipment
The SVD comes standard with a PSO-1 (4×24) scope. Others are available, increasing the optical power to about 9×. The SVD also comes with a bayonet, which is mounted in a similar fashion to the AK-47. There is also a chin rest, a carrying strap and magazine pouch.
This weapon features non-detatchable iron sights for when the scope fails, a feature that doesnt exist on most sniper rifles.
The weapon also comes with basic cleaning utensils and maintenence tools.
Battlefield Use
While the Soviet Russian army was in operation each squad was issued one man with an SVD. Soldiers issued a Dragunov typically are specially trained for the weapon. They move with their squad and are intended only to increase the range of their infantry squad up to and above 600 m (without a Dragunov, the effective range of a squad when the rifle began production would have been 300 m with AK-47s). As such, it is not a sniper rifle in the general sense.
Designed with the simple purpose of extending a squad's range, the gun is rugged and durable. This shows in the fact the gun is designed to have a mounted bayonet and has backup iron sights in case the scope fails. The guns reliability is still recognized, because the weapon is still fielded by the Russian army and Russian law enforcement agencies.
Modernization
Initial versions of the Dragunov SVD featured wooden stocks and rifle butts; but have now developed into polymer stocks to aid reliability and prevent corrosion. The weapon also generally has a chinrest mounted for use when looking through the scope.
There are also numerous carbine versions with shortened barrels for paratroopers and a folding stock to shorten the rifle further for carrying.
Versions
- USSR/Russian: SVD (also featuring carbine versions); SVU
- Chinese: Norinco NDM-86
- Romanian: PSL (military version); Romak-3 (sporting version)
- Yugoslavian: M76 (which resembles an SVD, but its inner workings are more like an AK-47
Sources
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See Also
