The Dragunov, officially designated the SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) or Sniper Rifle Dragunov, is a semi‑automatic, bolt‑action hybrid sniper rifle developed in the Soviet Union during the early 1960s. Designed by Sergei Dragunov and produced by the GzhDT (Gzhdovskaya Kalivnaya Trebovkaya Factory), the weapon was intended to provide a cost‑effective, mobile precision platform for infantry units. It has seen widespread service in the armed forces of the former Soviet Union and its satellite states, and remains in use by various militaries and security forces worldwide.
Introduction
The Dragunov rifle is notable for its balanced combination of precision, range, and semi‑automatic operation. Unlike fully automatic marksman rifles, it provides a stable platform for target acquisition while enabling rapid follow‑up shots without manual cycling. Its standard 7.62×54mmR cartridge and 10‑round detachable magazine allow for sustained engagement of targets at intermediate distances, typically from 300 to 800 metres. Over the decades, numerous upgrades and derivatives have been introduced, reflecting changing tactical doctrines and technological advances.
History and Development
Origin
In the late 1950s, the Soviet military recognized the need for a dedicated marksman rifle that could bridge the performance gap between standard service rifles and fully automatic machine guns. Existing rifles such as the Mosin‑Nagant and the later AK series lacked the range and stability required for precision shooting at extended distances. Sergei Dragunov, a prominent Soviet firearms designer, proposed a semi‑automatic platform that retained the familiarity of the Mosin‑Nagant's ergonomics while incorporating modern bolt‑action features.
Prototype Phase
Dragunov's initial prototype was unveiled in 1960 under the designation SVT‑70. The rifle incorporated a short‑stroke gas piston system, a detachable 10‑round magazine, and a 4‑to‑1 adjustable rear sight. Early trials focused on evaluating the balance between bolt weight, recoil management, and overall accuracy. Feedback from field exercises highlighted the importance of a robust stock and effective muzzle brake design, leading to iterative modifications.
Production and Standardization
After successful trials, the Soviet government authorized mass production in 1964. The rifle entered service as the SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova). The production facilities at GzhDT were upgraded to accommodate the new manufacturing processes, including precision machining of the bolt and gas piston assemblies. By the early 1970s, the SVD had become a standard issue for Soviet infantry units, especially within mechanized and motorized formations.
Design and Technical Characteristics
Caliber and Ammunition
The SVD fires the 7.62×54mmR cartridge, a rimmed rifle round originally developed in 1891 for the Mosin‑Nagant. This ammunition provides a muzzle velocity of approximately 830 metres per second when using standard full‑metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, with effective range extending beyond 800 metres for experienced shooters. The cartridge's rimmed design facilitates feeding into a detachable box magazine.
Action and Operation
The rifle employs a semi‑automatic, short‑stroke gas piston system that drives the bolt carrier rearward after each shot. The bolt locks in the rearward position, ejects the spent cartridge case, and cycles the next round into the chamber as the bolt returns forward. This mechanism reduces manual effort compared to bolt‑action rifles while maintaining a relatively low recoil impulse. The bolt is equipped with a rearward locking lugs and a rearward‑moving cam to ensure reliable locking and unlocking during operation.
Magazine and Feeding
The standard magazine is a 10‑round detachable box feeding from the right side of the stock. The magazine features a self‑pulling spring that assists in feeding rounds into the chamber. Later variants introduced a 15‑round magazine, increasing sustained fire capability. The magazine's design ensures minimal drop and high reliability under adverse conditions.
Sights and Optics
Early SVDs were equipped with a 4‑to‑1 adjustable rear sight and a 4‑to‑1 front sight, allowing shooters to set ranges from 400 to 800 metres. The sight radius measured approximately 400 mm. The standard optics for the rifle is the PSO‑1 4×24 telescopic sight, which offers a 4× magnification and a 24 mm objective lens. The sight includes a rangefinder reticle and a windage and elevation adjustment ring. Modern variants have incorporated newer optical systems, such as the 3×28 PSO‑1M and the digital “Eagle” sight, to improve target acquisition under varying lighting conditions.
Stock and Ergonomics
The stock is made of walnut, providing durability and a natural grip. The stock is adjustable for length of pull and cheek rest height, allowing personalization for individual shooters. The buttstock includes a rearward‑sliding buffer that absorbs recoil and contributes to a smoother shooting experience. The rifle's overall length measures 1100 mm, with a barrel length of 620 mm.
Barrel and Muzzle Brake
The barrel is forged and heat‑treated to ensure longevity and accurate barrel harmonics. The muzzle brake is a two‑stage design that redirects propellant gases to reduce muzzle rise and recoil. This feature improves shooter follow‑up and helps maintain accuracy during rapid firing sequences.
Weight
Depending on configuration, the SVD typically weighs between 7.4 and 7.9 kilograms when loaded with a 10‑round magazine. This weight allows for effective shoulder support and is within the carrying capacity of standard infantry equipment packs.
Operational Use and Variants
Service in the Soviet Armed Forces
The SVD was deployed across various branches of the Soviet military, including the Army, Navy, and Airborne units. Infantry units employed it as a designated marksman rifle, providing precision fire support for squads. In the Soviet Ground Forces, the SVD was mounted on vehicles such as the BTR series, enabling mobile long‑range engagement. Airborne troops carried the rifle in a collapsible configuration, emphasizing the need for lightweight and compact weapons.
Combat Deployments
The rifle saw action in numerous conflicts, notably the Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989), where its range and precision proved advantageous in mountainous terrain. The SVD was also used by Soviet forces during the 1990s conflicts in the Caucasus and by Russian units during the Second Chechen War. In these engagements, the rifle was employed for target suppression, reconnaissance, and engagement of high‑value personnel.
Modern Variants
Over the years, several upgraded versions of the SVD have been introduced to enhance performance and adapt to evolving battlefield requirements. Key variants include:
- SVD-12 – Introduced in the early 1990s, this variant features a longer barrel, improved stock ergonomics, and a redesigned muzzle brake for reduced recoil. It also incorporates a 15‑round magazine.
- SVD-75 – A compact, lightweight version intended for special forces and airborne troops, featuring a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock.
- SVDK – The “K” stands for “Krymsky” and refers to a specialized variant equipped with a detachable optic and a folding stock designed for rapid deployment in urban environments.
- SVD-2000 – Modernized with polymer components, a new sight radius, and a redesigned bolt system for improved cycling speed.
Export and Foreign Service
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, former Soviet republics and allied nations continued to adopt the SVD platform. Countries such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan maintain active service units equipped with the rifle. Additionally, several Middle Eastern and African nations have imported or locally manufactured versions, including Iran, Iraq, and Egypt.
Impact and Legacy
Influence on Sniper Rifle Design
The Dragunov's semi‑automatic bolt‑action system influenced the development of subsequent marksman rifles worldwide. Its design philosophy - balancing precision with rapid follow‑up - served as a template for modern designated marksman rifles (DMRs). Several countries, including China and India, incorporated Dragunov principles into their own DMR programs.
Doctrine and Tactics
The introduction of the SVD reshaped infantry tactics in the Soviet military. Squads incorporated a designated marksman equipped with the rifle to provide long‑range suppression, enabling maneuver units to operate with greater flexibility. This concept of a dedicated marksman was later adopted by NATO forces and has become standard practice in many modern armies.
Current Status
Despite the availability of newer precision rifles, the Dragunov remains in active service due to its reliability, ease of maintenance, and cost effectiveness. Many units have updated optics and other accessories to keep the platform relevant. The rifle is also used by law enforcement agencies in various countries for specialized sniper roles.
Technical Specifications
- Caliber – 7.62×54mmR
- Effective Range – 300–800 metres
- Maximum Range – 1,200 metres
- Barrel Length – 620 mm (standard), 510 mm (compact variants)
- Overall Length – 1100 mm (standard)
- Weight (loaded) – 7.4–7.9 kg
- Magazine Capacity – 10 rounds (standard), 15 rounds (upgraded)
- Sights – PSO‑1 4×24 or PSO‑1M 3×28
- Action – Semi‑automatic, short‑stroke gas piston
- Stock Material – Walnut (standard), polymer (modern variants)
- Magazine Type – Detachable box
- Muzzle Brake – Two‑stage, gas‑redirecting
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