11th of April : Dragunov Sniper Rifle

Name     :   Dragunov Sniper Rifle


AKA       :   SVD, Dragunov

7.62x54 Rimmed Surplus Rounds

Caliber   :   7.62x54mm Rimmed


Capacity :   10 Rounds


Weight   :   9.51lb or 4.32kg


Length    :   47.3in or 1201mm


Action     :   Semi Automatic, Gas operated  


Origin     :   U.S.S.R., Russia


Beginning it's long career in Russian service in 1963, Evgeniy Dragunov's semi automatic rifle would be one of the most numerous of sniper rifles in the world. Referred to as the SVD, an abbreviation of Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, which translates to Dragunov's sniper rifle.  Through the eyes of NATO the Dragunov was never seen as a true sniper rifle, but more of a designated marksman's rifle the reasons being :
1. It isn't capable of extreme precision accuracy
2. It is a squad level weapon rather than a dedicated sniper's team weapon
3. The short range scope fitted as standard


The outward appearance of the SVD may resemble the AK series of firearms but it is in fact very different internally.  When a shot is fired through the SVD, a small amount of gas from the round going of is tapped off through a hole in the barrel and up into a tube with a small piston that travels backward a short distance pushing on a thin steel rod that in turn pushed on the bolt carrier sending it backward which rotates and unlocks the bolt from the chamber. As it continues back it ejects the spent case, re-cocks the hammer, reaches the rear and under spring power moves forward again, stripping a fresh round from the magazine and chamber-ring the round and locks the action closed ready for the next shot.  The difference between this and the AK action relates to the piston and bolt carrier, on the AK the heavy piston rod is attached permanently to bolt carrier, causing a larger shift in weight that disturbs the point of aim.


The 120 year old 7.62x54mm Rimmed cartridge is still going strong, first used in the Mosin Nagant series of rifles it has become a main stay of the Russian military, used in machineguns and sniper rifles it continues to be used.  When used in the SVD it achieves a respectable muzzle velocity of 2,723 feet per second (830m per second) and has an effective range of 874 yards (800m).


Commonly seen on the SVD is the PSO-1 scope, with a 4x telescopic lens. This hard wearing scope can handle temperatures ranging from -50 degrees to 50 above.   Looking through the scope you will find a reticule on the left hand side that allows the firer to range estimate his intended target, Calibrated for a 5.7ft man.  You simply aim at a standing target and place him in the height field and where he fits in perfectly between the top and bottom is your range, then place the correct chevron over your target and make your windage adjustments.

INTERESTING FACT :  When a field strip is performed on the rifle for maintenance and cleaning the scope needs to be removed from the rifle to in order to inspect and get to the internal components, whilst this traditionally is a big "no-no" the Russians claim the scope mounting clamp on this rifle is so good, you can take it off and put it back on without disturbing the point of aim and point of impact between the scope and the rifle.


PRO's  :  Lightweight, Powerful, Fast follow up shots, Absolutely reliable


CON's  :  Some rifles are only capable of 2"MOA accuracy


COOL FACTOR :  7/10