The Dragunov sniper rifle, officially known as the Snaiperskaja Vintovka Dragunova (SVD), is one of the most well-known and widely used sniper rifles in the world. Developed in the Soviet Union under the leadership of Evgeny Dragunov and officially introduced in 1963, the Dragunov was specifically designed to meet the needs of the Soviet armed forces to improve shooting accuracy at medium ranges and enhance the effectiveness of infantry units.

Development History

In the late 1950s, the Soviet Union launched a program to develop a new sniper rifle to replace the older Mosin-Nagant and Tokarev rifles. The goal was to create a rifle that combined high precision with the reliability and robustness for which Soviet weapons are known. Evgeny Dragunov, a talented weapon designer, was tasked with this job and developed the SVD, which was officially put into service in 1963.

Technical Features

• Caliber: The Dragunov is manufactured in the caliber 7.62×54mmR, one of the oldest cartridge calibers still in use, originally developed for the Russian Mosin-Nagant rifle.
• Weight: Approximately 4.3 kg (without scope and ammunition).
• Length: 1,220 mm with a 620 mm long barrel.
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds.
• Effective Range: Up to 800 meters, with experienced shooters able to hit targets at greater distances under ideal conditions.
• Fire Mode: Semi-automatic, meaning that after each shot, a new round is automatically chambered without the shooter needing to manually cycle the action.

Design and Features

The Dragunov is characterized by several distinctive design features that set it apart from other sniper rifles of its time. It features a gas-operated short-stroke piston system that ensures high reliability under various environmental conditions. The rifle is equipped with a fixed wooden stock, and many models come with a PSO-1 scope, specifically designed for the SVD, which includes an integrated rangefinder and reticle illumination.

Usage

The Dragunov SVD was designed to provide infantry units with greater range and precision without the need for specialized sniper training. It quickly became a standard piece of equipment in the Soviet Army and later in the armed forces of many former Warsaw Pact countries as well as numerous other states worldwide. The SVD has served in many conflicts since the 1960s and remains in use today.

Legacy and Evolution

The Dragunov SVD has influenced the design and conception of sniper rifles worldwide. Its simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness have made it one of the longest-serving and most widely used sniper rifles. Despite the development of newer models and technologies, the Dragunov remains a valued tool in the arsenals of armies and security forces around the globe.