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The Dragunov SVD is a soviet semi-automatic sniper rifle used by almost all comunist countries during the Cold War.

DescriptionEdit

Dragunov SVD was designed not as a "standard" sniper rifle in its Western meaning of the term. In fact, main role of the SVD in Soviet/Russian Army is to extend effective range of fire of every infantry squad up to about 600 meters and to provide special fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class) rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet. Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.

SVD rifle is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed for heavy use. It has backup adjustable iron sights as a standard option, as well as a bayonet mount (standard AK-47 bayonet type). Latest modernization incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, for mounted and airborne troops a special variant was developed with folding buttsock and shortened barrel (590 mm). New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.

It must be noted that several countries produced SVD copies or look-alikes. Of those, the "true" clones (rifles that have similar internal design) are Iraqui Al Kadesih rifle and Chinese Type 85 (in 7,62x54R) and NDM-86 (in 7,62x51 NATO). Others, such as Romanian Romak FPK or Yugoslavian Zastava M76, are only look-alikes as their internal design is different and usually based on Kalsshnikov AK assault rifle. Russia also produces a civilan version of the SVD, known as "Tigr" (Tiger), in 7,62x54R and 7,62x51 (.308 Win). This usually has shorter barrel, although it is available in several different versions. Older hunting version of the SVD, the "Medved" (Bear) is no longer produced and is quite scarce.

Dragunov SVD is gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses short-stroke gas piston, and gas chamber has a two-position manual gas regulator. Barrel is locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Receiver is machined from steel block. The safety is somewhat reminiscent in its appearance to that of Kalashnikov AK assault rifle, although internal design of the trigger unit is different, and there's no provisions for full automatic fire. Trigger unit is assembled on a separate removable base that also incorporates a trigger guard. The second, smaller lever, located o

n the right side of receiver behind the safety, is a receiver cover catch, and is sued to disassemble the gun. Standard furniture includes a skeletonized wooden butt and a removable wooden handguard. Late production models may feature polymer handguards and, sometimes, polymer skeletonized butt. The short SVD-S rifle is fitted with separate pistol grip, made of plastic, and a side-folding metallic butt. All SVD rifles are fitted with adjustable open sights, as well as proprietary side rail mount, which will accept telescopic or IR sights on quick-detachable mounts. Standard telescope sight is the 4X fixed magnification PSO-1 with range-finding reticle. SVD rifles also are issued with carrying sling, cleaning kit and other accessories. A standard AK-type bayonet can be installed on the barrel.

OperatorsEdit

Afghanistan
Albania
Azerbaijan: The Azerbaijani Armed Forces own a major amount of Dragunov Snipers, inherited from the USSR, that is mostly used by Azeri sharpshooters in the Azerbaijan-Nagorno Karabagh and Azerbaijan-Armenia frontline where live ammunition fire from both sides are used. Azerbaijan officials say that these powerful versions of the original snipers including Dragunov is only used for self-defence, since Armenia has broken many ceasfire promises, and had many failed attempts which targeted on invading Azeri territory.
Bangladesh: Uses Chinese Type 85 copy.
Belarus
Bulgaria
China: Norinco-made copy of the SVD, known as the Type 79. Equipped with a 4x magnification optical sight which is a copy of the PSO-1. The rifle has a slightly shorter butt. Also produced a modified Type 85 and several other commercial copies of the SVD.
Czech Republic
Finland: Known as the 7.62 TKIV Dragunov, which stands for tarkkuuskivääri henkilömaaleja vastaan (precision rifle, anti-personnel purpose).
U.S soldier showing a captured Iraqi golden dragunov
Added by Cypher3
Georgia
Hungary
India: Used by "Designated Marksmen" in the Indian Army, built in India under license.
Iran: Locally produced variant called the Nakhjir Sniper Rifle.
Iraq: Al Kadesiah, made based on SVD and PSL. Official Iraqi designation is either Al-Qadissiya or Al-Gadissiya.
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Nicaragua
North Korea
Poland
Romania: Built under license^.
Russian Federation
Slovakia
Soviet Union: Entered service with the Soviet Army in 1967.
Tajikistan
Turkey: Used by Gendarmerie units of the Turkish Army.
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Venezuela: Currently being bought for the Army of Venezuela
Vietnam: Having been used since the Vietnam War.

SpecificationsEdit

Caliber: 7.62x54R
Operation: gas operated, short stroke, rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Weight: 4.31 kg empty with telescope
Length: 1225 mm
Barrel Length: 620 mm
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine

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Dragunov SVD

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