



| Name | Dragunov SVD |
| Weapon Type | Sniper / Designated Marksman Rifle |
| Manufacturer | Izhevsk Mechanical Plant |
| Country of Origin | Russia |
| Year Introduced | 1963 |
| Designer | Yevgeny Dragunov |
| Service Status | In Service |
| Users | Russia, former USSR states |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s |
| Effective Range | 800 m |
| Maximum Range | 1,300 m |
| Rate of Fire | Semi-automatic |
| Accuracy | High |
| Reliability | High |
| Overall Length | 1,225 mm |
| Barrel Length | 620 mm |
| Height | 200 mm |
| Width | 80 mm |
| Weight (Empty) | 4.3 kg |
| Weight (Loaded) | 4.6 kg |
| Caliber | 7.62×54mmR |
| Cartridge Type | Rimmed rifle cartridge |
| Feed System | 10-round detachable magazine |
| Fire Modes | Semi-auto |
| Operating Mechanism | Gas-operated, short-stroke piston |
| Construction | Steel and wood |
| Durability | High |
| Ergonomics | Basic but functional |
| Standard Sights | PSO-1 optical |
| Optics Compatibility | Picatinny rails |
| Accessory Mounts | Limited |
| Optional Attachments | Bipod, modern scopes, suppressors |
| Variants | SVD Dragunov Standard semi-auto sniper rifle - SVDM Modernized with improved stock & rails |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
| Notable Conflicts | Afghanistan, Chechnya, Middle East |
| Military Adoption | Russia, Ukraine, former USSR states |
| Special Features | Reliable semi-auto sniper with optics |
| Modern Upgrades | Rail mounts, synthetic stocks, optics |
| Legal Notice | Information is for educational purposes only. TheDefenseWatch.com does not sell, trade, or promote illegal acquisition of firearms. |
Manufactured by Izhevsk Mechanical Plant in Russia, the SVD is chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge. Its semi-automatic operation allows for rapid follow-up shots, and it is optimized for engagements up to 800 meters, with a maximum effective range of approximately 1,300 meters in skilled hands. The rifle features a gas-operated system with a short-stroke piston, ensuring reliability under harsh conditions.
The Dragunov comes standard with a PSO-1 optical sight, offering 4× magnification and rangefinding reticle, but it can also support modern optics via rail mounts. Its skeletonized wooden stock and semi-pistol grip improve handling, while the robust construction allows it to endure extreme climates. Primarily adopted by Russian and former Soviet-aligned armed forces, the SVD has seen service in conflicts worldwide, from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Despite its age, the SVD remains relevant due to continuous upgrades, including modern optics, improved stocks, and enhanced ergonomics. It provides infantry units with the ability to engage targets at distances beyond typical assault rifles without relying on heavier bolt-action sniper systems.
The Dragunov SVD is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle that has earned a reputation as a reliable and effective long-range weapon. Developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, the SVD was designed to give infantry units precision firepower beyond standard assault rifles. It balances accuracy, range, and durability, making it a key tool in modern and historical conflicts.
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