Encyclopaedic reference on the SVD Dragunov designated marksman rifle. Public doctrinal information only: role, nomenclature, variants, calibre, distribution. No operational, zeroing, firing, internal maintenance or modification instruction.
Role
Semi-automatic designated marksman rifle (DMR) designed by Yevgeny Dragunov, adopted by the USSR in 1963. Not a precision sniper rifle in the Western sense, but a squad-level weapon intended to extend the effective range of the platoon to 600-800 m. Every Soviet/Russian infantry squad is doctrinally equipped with at least one SVD.
General characteristics
- Short-stroke gas piston (opposite of the AK)
- 620 mm barrel with multi-function muzzle brake
- Calibre 7.62×54R, 10-round magazine
- Wooden (original) or polymer stock, pistol grip separate from stock
- Standard PSO-1 4×24 optic with stadiametric reticle for range estimation
- Iron sights as backup
- Weight ~4.3 kg with optic and empty magazine
- Practical rate of fire ~30 rpm (semi-auto)
Main variants
| Variant | Calibre | Era | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVD (Dragunov) | 7.62×54R | 1963 | Versione originale, canna 620 mm, ottica PSO-1 4×24. In dotazione URSS dal 1963. |
| SVDS | 7.62×54R | 1991 | Versione paracadutisti/airborne, calcio ripiegabile a destra, canna leggermente più corta. |
| SVDM | 7.62×54R | 2015 | Modernizzata, canna heavy 24", picatinny, calcio regolabile. Russia. |
| SVDK | 9.3×64 Brenneke | 2006 | Variante in calibro maggiorato per ingaggi anti-materiel leggeri / contro avversari corazzati leggeri. |
| Tigr (civile) | 7.62×54R / .308 | 1990s | Versione commerciale Izhmash della SVD, mercato cacciatori. |
| PSL / FPK | 7.62×54R | 1974 | DMR rumena (Românian), simile esteticamente alla SVD ma meccanicamente derivata dall'AKM. |
| Type 79 / 85 | 7.62×54R | 1979 / 1985 | Cloni cinesi Norinco della SVD. |
| Zastava M76 | 8×57 Mauser | 1976 | Variante jugoslava in calibro Mauser, base concettualmente simile. |
Calibre and ammunition
7.62×54R. For DMR role, sniper-grade ammunition is used: 7N1 (developed specifically for SVD in 1967), 7N14 (modernised, steel-lead core). Standard LPS, B-32 armour-piercing, and T-46 tracer are also serviceable. Practical effective range 600-800 m with match ammunition, beyond with experienced shooters.
Distribution in Ukraine
SVD is ubiquitous on both sides. Ukrainian units keep it in service pending progressive replacement with NATO DMRs (Mk 12, HK417, Bren 2 in 7.62). Russia fields SVD, SVDS, SVDM and SV-98 precision rifle. International volunteers routinely face hostile SVD shooters and friendly squads using it. It is the iconic post-Soviet marksman weapon.
Advantages (doctrinal)
- Extends squad effective range to 600-800 m
- Semi-automatic — more reactive than bolt-action on multiple targets
- Standard 7.62×54R ammunition widespread across ex-USSR stocks
- Reliable in dirt and freeze (AK heritage)
- PSO-1 optic with built-in stadia for range estimation
Limits (doctrinal)
- Accuracy inferior to modern bolt-action sniper rifles (~1.5-2 MOA typical)
- Magazine limited to 10 rounds
- PSO-1 dated vs modern FFP/SFP optics
- Original skeleton stock not ergonomic for sustained prone support
- Sensitive to ammunition lot variation
Manual limits
This entry is encyclopaedic. It does not describe zeroing, firing, tactical employment, wind handling, disassembly or internal maintenance. Those skills require certified marksman training.