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  4. Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle

Manufacturer: Izhevsk Mechanical Plant
Category: Small Arms & Infantry Weapons
  • Caliber 7.62×54mmR
  • Effective Range 800 meters effective
  • Rate of Fire Semi-automatic
  • Weight 4.3 kg (empty)

Full Specifications

1. General Information

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

2. Performance

Muzzle Velocity 830 m/s
Effective Range 800 m
Maximum Range 1,300 m
Rate of Fire Semi-automatic
Accuracy High
Reliability High

3. Dimensions

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

4. Ammunition & Firepower

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

5. Build & Materials

Construction Steel and wood
Durability High
Ergonomics Basic but functional

6. Sights & Accessories

Standard Sights PSO-1 optical
Optics Compatibility Picatinny rails
Accessory Mounts Limited
Optional Attachments Bipod, modern scopes, suppressors

7. Variants

Variants SVD Dragunov Standard semi-auto sniper rifle - SVDM Modernized with improved stock & rails

8. Operational History

Combat Proven Yes
Notable Conflicts Afghanistan, Chechnya, Middle East
Military Adoption Russia, Ukraine, former USSR states

9. Additional Notes

Special Features Reliable semi-auto sniper with optics
Modern Upgrades Rail mounts, synthetic stocks, optics

10. Disclaimer

Legal Notice Information is for educational purposes only. TheDefenseWatch.com does not sell, trade, or promote illegal acquisition of firearms.

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8
  • Reliability 9 / 10
  • Firepower / Lethality 7 / 10
  • Accuracy 8 / 10
  • Versatility / Modernization 7 / 10

PROS

  1. Reliable in harsh conditions
  2. Effective long-range performance
  3. Semi-automatic for faster follow-up shots
  4. Lightweight for a sniper rifle
  5. Compatible with modern optics and accessories

CONS

  1. Limited stopping power compared to larger caliber sniper rifles
  2. Older design with dated ergonomics
  3. PSO-1 sight is basic by modern standards
  4. Magazine capacity is relatively low (10 rounds)
  5. Requires regular maintenance for peak performance

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle – Full Specifications

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.

Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle Price

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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