Russian SVD sniper kit from the Izhmash factory in Izhevsk. In addition to the five magazines and pouch, there is a cleaning kit with sectioned rods and a remote scope battery compartment plus an amber polarizing filter.

Fully accessorized modern SVD with 1P21 scope, updated polymer stock set, and S-1 bipod.

The sling is a standard Kalashnikov canvas type.

What the SVD is: A semi-automatic (one shot per pull of the trigger) rifle designed for reliable operation in extreme environments. Its main purpose is to extend the reach of an infrantryman beyond the limitations of their standard rifle's caliber and sighting system. Accurate aimed fire at fleeting targets is possible due to the 4 power scope's wide field of view and lead correction markings on the reticle. One-ragged-hole groups are not necessary with this type of rifle, though it is capable of excellent accuracy with the proper ammunition.

What the SVD isn't: A traditional sniper's rifle capable of extreme accuracy at great distances. Comparing the SVD to a Remington 700, Sako TRG, or similar rifle is like comparing a Jeep to a M1 Abrams tank.

The Russian SVD (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) was intriduced in 1963 as a replacement of the Mosin Nagant M91/30 and SVT Tokarev sniper rifles. The designer, Evgeniy Dragunov, had the complex task of designing a sniper rifle that was both accurate and reliable in a wide variety of condtions. From Valery Shilin's excellent biography of E. Dragunov, he describes the complicated task of obtaining this goal.

Since the Dragunov SVD is more expensive to manufacture than the ubiquitous Kalashnikov, only a few countries have been able to produce the rifle themselves.

Izhmash arsenal cartouche (arrow with feathers in a triangle).

Early SVDs were hand numbered and the arsenal cartouche marking was likely also applied by hand.

Note the SVD from 1971 has a letter prefix and a 3 digit serial number (the last number is digitally obscured).

An update to the SVD featured black polyamid plastic hand guards with a ribbed gripping area.

This aided the sniper in keeping hold of the SVD while seated in a vehicle or helicopter.

After 1990 a new receiver was developed that eliminated the lightening cut out on the sides. This gave added strength to the receiver and allowed Izhmash to offer the SVD in other calibers.

A new black polyamid butt stock was also added.

This Russian sniper demonstrates the proper aiming position of the SVD. Note the support hand is holding the magazine and not the hand guards. The sling is allowed to hang free as it would induce pressure on the barrel.

A magazine hold also eliminates the upward pressure of the hand guards against the barrel, which interferes with barrel harmonics. This is also why a bipod can not be effectively mounted below the hand guards. (Photo by RomanS of militaryphotos.net)

A soldier stationed in Iraq emailed this photo of a personal trophy liberated in the field. This Russian SVD has seen heavy use.

Note the modified Romanian ten round PSL magazine inserted instead of the proper Russian version.

The Dragunov design was further updated in 1994 with the model SVDS (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, Skladnaya).

The differences between the SVD rifle and the SVDS carbine are:

1) folding buttstock
2) separate pistol grip
3) shorter heavier barrel
4) shorter flash hider
5) thicker receiver
6) no bayonet lug

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The lightening cut is barely visible above the magazine well.

For more info on these cuts click here.

The latest incarnation of the Dragunov is this SVU bullpup. The short barrel has an integral sound supressor.

7,62мм снайперская винтовка ОЦ-03

The OTS 03 version of the SVU has a new hand guard with a bipod rail and lacks iron sights. Optics are also mounted on top of the hand guards instead of the side rail.

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