There was a time when Russian military polymer stock sets were so rare in the USA people were paying up to $500 to get their hands on one. All that changed when a collector of Russian uniforms and unique rifle parts named Pvt Pyle arranged for the import of a number of these stocks directly from Russia.

Those that had claim to one of those sets learned the meaning of patience as they waited for weeks then months for the shipment. Ultimately the shipment was seized by US Customs and it was determined the SVD parts of military configuration didn't fall under the "Sporting Purpose" definition imposed on weapon parts importation laws.

Soon afterward, a few Russian retailers found out there was a market for military SVD parts in the USA that was very strong. To their delight they could enjoy a huge profit from parts they can order directly from Izhmash for about a tenth of what they resold them for to US buyers.

Though technically still illegal to import into the USA, the internet has made it vastly easier to put a US buyer in touch with a Russian seller. There have been only few cases of Russian parts not clearing Russian or US customs, making the transaction a good gamble in many minds.

The benefits of fitting your Dragunov with the modern polymer stocks are very clear. Ergonomics are improved, with the pistol grip having a right-handed cant for great gripping comfort.

The buttplate is both larger in surface area and sits higher which absorbs recoil more effectively.