How does svd work? Description of the Dragunov-SVD sniper rifle

SVD stands for Dragunov Sniper Rifle. In the armies of the USSR and the Russian Federation it is designated GAU-6V1. The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x54R mm cartridge and has automatic gas operation. The development of the rifle from 1958 to 1963 was carried out by the team of the Izhevsk Design Bureau “Target Sports Weapons” under the leadership of Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov. The rifle was adopted by the Soviet Army on July 3, 1963.

After WWII, tactics and combat operations became different, which required new weapons for snipers. In connection with this, the Main Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense gave the task to create a self-loading rifle chambered for 7.62x54 mm. E.F. presented samples of his rifles. Dragunov, S.G. Simonov, M.T. Kalashnikov and A.S. Konstantinov. The new rifle was supposed to replace the sniper versions of the SVT-40 and Mosin rifles, as they did not have a sufficient rate of fire and accuracy of combat. SVD it also had to replace the SKS carbine with an intermediate cartridge, since the carbine could not fully replace the sniper rifle, and the AK-47 had already replaced the melee weapon. The problem with all rifles was the creation sniper rifle with automatics, since automatics negatively affect many characteristics when shooting, as there is recoil from the bolt, loss of power when part of the powder gases is removed. After competitive testing at the range in 1959 for accuracy, a sample of the SSV-58 rifle designed by E.F. Dragunov was sent for further improvement. In 1963, Dragunov presented a modified version of his OSV-61 rifle. After comparative tests with the Konstantinov rifle, the rifle “ 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle -SVD. In fact, the army received an intermediate version of the rifle, between a “sniper” and a “combat” rifle.

Ammunition

To fire from SVD 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridges are used. The range of cartridges for SVD is quite wide: tracer, armor-piercing, armor-piercing incendiary, expansive, simple, etc. Shooting from SVD provides only single fire; a 10-round box magazine is used to supply cartridges. The advantage of this ammunition during battle is its prevalence, since every tank or armored personnel carrier or PKM machine gunner has it.

Automation

Dragunov sniper rifle has automatic gas outlet. During a shot, part of the powder gases from the barrel enters the gas chamber in which the piston is located. Powder gases press on the piston, as a result of which the bolt frame is pushed to the rear position and compresses the return spring, cocks the hammer, and when returning to the firing position, the bolt snatches a new cartridge and sends it into the chamber. After shooting all the cartridges from the magazine, the bolt stops in the rear position, which makes it clear to the fighter that he needs to reload the rifle. The end of the barrel has a muzzle brake/flash suppressor to reduce recoil, reduce recoil and keep the bore free of dirt. You can also connect a bayonet knife to the rifle for hand-to-hand combat. Most likely, the bayonet-knife became an attribute after the Second World War from the Mosin rifle with its bayonet; it is doubtful that it will be used in battle SVD as a bladed weapon.
Often automatic SVD compared with the AK-47 automatic, since both have gas-operated automatics, rotary locking of the cartridge in the barrel, a similar bolt shape, and a UDS mechanism. But SVD designed to perform other tasks, for this reason automation SVD compared to the AK-47 has more long cycles reloading, which reduces recoil and increases the smooth operation of the mechanism. The piston and bolt are not a single unit. The gas outlet unit has a regulator for the removal of powder gases to adjust the operation of the bolt depending on the ammunition and the contamination of the barrel. The safety of the rifle is ensured by a safety lever with right side.

Sighting range.
The standard sight for the Dragunov sniper rifle is the PSO-1 sight, which is designed for shooting up to 1300 meters. It is generally accepted that shooting at such a distance is possible at group targets or for intimidating fire. With the POS-1 sight in Afghanistan, Vladimir Ilyin managed to hit the enemy at a distance of 1350 meters, which for SVD is a record, as well as rifles with a caliber of 7.62 mm. In reality, a rifle can fire effectively at 600-700 meters.
Accuracy standard for SVD there was shooting at a target at a distance of 100 meters with four cartridges with a steel core, if the spread of hits was 8 cm, then the accuracy was considered normal. In 1967, while shooting from a rifle SVD began to use the 7N1 sniper cartridge. When shooting at 300 meters, the holes from the 7N1 cartridge were placed in a circle of 10-12 cm.
First SVD were produced with a 320 mm barrel rifling, like those of sporting rifles, which ensured excellent shooting accuracy. But with the same rifling pitch, the B-32 armor-piercing incendiary cartridges had poor accuracy and therefore in 1975 it was decided to produce rifles SVD with a rifling pitch of 240 mm to increase the accuracy of B-32 cartridges, which negatively affected the accuracy of simple cartridges, the accuracy increased from 8 cm to 10 cm when firing at 100 meters.
There is a mechanical sight for firing. It is possible to install NSPUM and NSPU-3 night sights with the ability to conduct targeted fire at night at a distance of 300 meters. There is an opinion that SVD morally outdated, but this can be refuted by the fact that the rifle is intended for company snipers “the first step of a sniper”, these snipers are not trained to shoot at long distances, and when shooting at long distances there are other rifles for such tasks, the second point is the weak PSO-1 for such distances.

Direct shot range:

according to the head figure, target size 30 cm-350 meters,
according to the chest figure, target size 50 cm - 430 meters,
according to the running figure, the size of the target is 150 cm - 640 meters.

To improve convenience SVD It has an orthopedic butt with a handle in a wooden stock; later, butts began to be made of anti-nuclear plastic.

Based on the SVD rifle the following were created:

SVDS is a variant of the SVD with a folding stock and a shortened barrel, the rifle is intended for airborne troops, created in 1991, and in 1995 it was adopted by the Russian Army.
-SVU-version of the SVD bullpup, the bolt mechanism with the magazine is located up to the handle with the trigger.
-SVDK-SVD developed for the 9.3x64 mm cartridge
-TSV-1-SVD “Melkashka” chambered for 5.6x15.6 mm
-SVDM is a modified version of SVD. Added picatinny rail and removable bipod.
-SVU-AS-short, automatic, with bipod. Appeared in the early 1990s

The rifle is in service not only in the countries of the former USSR, but also in many countries in Europe and Asia. Produced in Yugoslavia, China, Romania, and India.

SVD fully fulfills its tasks for army units, when shooting can be carried out by soldiers of average training and are almost always included in reconnaissance units or DRGs. High reliability and simplicity explain its popularity throughout the world and practical use during major military conflicts. Among the shortcomings of the rifle, one can highlight its PSO-1 sight, since it has only a 4x magnification.

TTX Sniper Rifle Dragunov-SVD

Number of shots	10 rounds
Barrel caliber	7.62x54 mm
Combat rate of fire	30 rounds per minute
Maximum rate of fire	no data
Sighting range	1300 meters
Maximum firing range	3800 meters
Effective shooting	600 meters
starting speed departure	830 m/s
Automation	gas outlet
Weight	4.5 kg-dry+0.6 kg-sight+0.2 kg-magazine with cartridges
Bullet energy	3500 J
Dimensions	1225 mm

Purpose, completeness and combat properties of a sniper rifle. The main parts and mechanisms of the rifle, their operation when shooting. Disassembly and assembly.

Purpose, completeness and combat properties of a sniper rifle

The 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle is a sniper weapon and is designed to destroy various emerging, moving, open and camouflaged single targets.

The sniper rifle kit includes:

1. optical sniper sight 1 PC.	2. bayonet 1 PC.	3. bag for scope and magazines 1 PC.


4. bag for spare parts 1 PC.	5. belt for carrying small arms 1 PC.	6. case for optical sight 1 PC.

7. belonging
The accessory is used to disassemble, assemble, clean and lubricate a sniper rifle and is carried in a bag for a scope and magazines.
Accessories include: cheek piece, cleaning rod, wiper, brush, screwdriver, drift, pencil case and oiler.
Cheek used when shooting from a rifle with an optical sight. In this case, it is put on the butt of the rifle and secured to it with a lock.
Ramrod used for cleaning and lubricating the bore, channels and cavities of other parts of the rifle. It consists of three links that are screwed together.
Rubbing designed for cleaning and lubricating the bore, as well as channels and cavities of other parts of the rifle.
Ruff serves for cleaning the barrel bore with a radiofrequency solution.
Screwdriver used when disassembling and assembling a rifle, cleaning the gas chamber and gas tube, and also as a key when adjusting the position of the front sight in height.
Punch used for pushing out axles and pins.
Pencil case Used to store cleaning cloths, brushes, screwdrivers and drifts. It consists of two components: pencil case-key and pencil case cover.
Pencil-key used as a cleaning rod handle when cleaning and lubricating the rifle, as a screwdriver handle when disassembling and assembling a rifle, and as a key when separating the gas tube and assembling the cleaning rod.
Pencil case cover used as a muzzle pad when cleaning the barrel.
Oil can serves to store lubricant.

For shooting from a sniper rifle, rifle cartridges with ordinary, tracer and armor-piercing incendiary bullets or rifle sniper cartridges are used.
Fire from a sniper rifle is carried out in single shots.
When firing, cartridges are supplied from a box magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds.

Tactico - specifications

Characteristic name	Nominal value
1. Caliber, mm	7,62
2. Number of grooves	4
3. Sighting range, m: with optical sight with open sight	1300 1200
4. Initial bullet speed, m/s	830
5. Bullet range, up to which its lethal effect is maintained, m	3800
6. Weight of the rifle without bayonet with optical sight, unloaded magazine and cheek, kg	4,3
7. Magazine capacity, cartridges	10
8. Rifle length, mm: without bayonet with attached bayonet	1220 1370
9. Cartridge mass, g	21,8
10. Mass of an ordinary bullet with steel core, g	9,6
11. Mass of powder charge, g	3,1
12. Magnification of the optical sight, times.	4
13. Field of view of the sight, degree	6
14. Exit pupil diameter, mm	6
15. Eye relief, mm	68,2
16. Resolution, second,	12
17. Sight length with eyecup and extended lens hood, mm	375
18. Sight width, mm	70
19. Sight height, mm	132
20. Sight weight, g	616
21. Weight of the sight with a set of spare parts and a cover, g	926

The main parts and mechanisms of a sniper rifle, design, operation of parts and mechanisms when shooting

A sniper rifle consists of the following main parts and mechanisms:

barrel with receiver, open sight and butt
receiver covers
return mechanism
bolt carrier
shutter
gas tube with regulator, gas piston and pusher with its spring
barrel linings
firing mechanism
fuse
store
butt cheeks

Rifle device

1 - frame; 2 - drummer; 3 - cover; 4 - guide rod; 5 - guide bushing; 6 - shutter; 7 - ejector axis; 8 - striker pin; 9 - ejector spring; 10 - ejector; 11 - return spring; 12 - sighting bar clamp; 13 - sighting bar; 14 - left trim assembly; 15 - pusher spring; 16 - gas tube latch; 17 - gas chamber; 18 - gas piston; 19 - gas tube; 20 - gas regulator; 21 - front sight body; 22 - front sight; 23 - pusher; 24 - front sight base; 25 - barrel; 26 - upper ring assembly; 27 - ring pin; 28 - oil seal assembly; 29 - right overlay assembly; 30 - lower ring with a spring; 31 - store body; 32 - magazine spring; 33 - magazine cover; 34 - assembled strip; 35 - feeder; 36 - box; 37 - shield assembly; 38- trigger mechanism; 39 - cover pin; 40 - butt

Shock trigger mechanism

The sniper rifle is a self-loading weapon. Reloading a rifle is based on the use of the energy of powder gases removed from the barrel bore to the gas piston.
When fired, part of the powder gases following the bullet rushes through the gas outlet hole in the barrel wall into the gas chamber, presses on the front wall of the gas piston and throws the piston with the pusher, and with them the bolt frame, to the rear position. When the bolt frame moves back, the bolt opens the barrel, removes the cartridge case from the chamber and throws it out of the receiver, and the bolt frame compresses the return springs and cocks the hammer (puts it on the self-timer).

The bolt frame with the bolt returns to the forward position under the action of the return mechanism, while the bolt sends the next cartridge from the magazine into the chamber and closes the barrel, and the bolt frame removes the self-timer sear from under the cocking of the self-timer trigger. The trigger is cocked. The bolt is locked by turning it to the left and inserting the bolt lugs into the cutouts of the receiver.
To fire the next shot, you must release the trigger and press it again. After releasing the trigger, the rod moves forward and its hook jumps behind the sear, and when you press the trigger, the rod hook turns the sear and disconnects it from the cocking of the hammer.

When firing the last cartridge, when the bolt moves back, the magazine feeder raises the bolt stop, the bolt rests on it and the bolt frame stops in the rear position. This is a signal that you need to load the rifle again.

Gas regulator

The SVD design includes a gas regulator, which has two settings, designated by numbers 1 and 2. It is necessary to adjust the bullet’s flight trajectory in height in winter and summer time. In summer, the gas regulator position is open. In winter, at low temperatures, when part of the energy of the powder charge is spent on additional heating of the barrel, the gas regulator position is closed. In the summer position (No. 1), the side hole in the gas tube is open, and therefore the pressure of the powder gases in the barrel drops slightly. Accordingly, the trajectory of the bullet decreases.
If in the summer you put the gas regulator in the winter, closed, position (No. 2), then the side hole in the gas tube is closed, the pressure in the barrel increases and, accordingly, the trajectory of the bullet increases. At a temperature of 25°C, the excess of the bullet’s flight path at a distance of 100 m with the regulator closed will be 4 cm higher than with the regulator open; at a temperature of 30°C - 5 cm higher. In winter, at minus 20°C, with the gas regulator open at the same firing distance, the bullet trajectory will be 7-8 cm lower than with the regulator closed (winter) position.
The gas regulator is closed even when, due to excessive contamination of the gas outlet unit in combat conditions, when it is impossible to disassemble and clean the weapon, the automatic rifle begins to fail, and incomplete waste of moving parts occurs. Rearranging the gas regulator is done as follows: insert the edge of the sleeve or cartridge into the regulator hooks and turn the regulator.

Disassembling and assembling the rifle

Disassembling a sniper rifle can be incomplete or complete:
Incomplete- for cleaning, lubricating and inspecting the rifle
Full- for cleaning when the rifle is heavily soiled, after leaving it in the rain or snow, when switching to a new lubricant and during repairs. Frequent disassembly of the rifle is not allowed, as it accelerates the wear of parts and mechanisms.

Disassembling and assembling the rifle should be done on a table or clean mat, parts and mechanisms should be placed in the order of disassembly, handle them carefully, do not place one part on top of another, and do not use excessive force or sharp blows. When assembling a rifle, compare the numbers on its parts: the number on the receiver must correspond to the numbers on the bolt frame, bolt, trigger mechanism, receiver cover, optical sight and other parts of the rifle.

Training in disassembly and assembly on combat rifles is permitted only in exceptional cases, subject to special care in handling parts and mechanisms.

The procedure for incomplete disassembly of a sniper rifle.

1) Separate the store. Grab the magazine with your right hand while pressing thumb latch, submit bottom part store forward and separate it. After this, check is there a cartridge in the chamber, why lower the safety down, move the charging handle back, inspect the chamber and release the handle.


2) Separate the optical sight. Lift the handle of the clamping screw and turn it towards the eyecup until it stops, move the sight back and separate it from the receiver.


3) Separate the butt cheek.


4) Separate the receiver cover with the return mechanism. Turn the receiver cover lock back until it is locked into place; lift up the rear part of the receiver cover and separate the cover with the return mechanism.


5) Separate the bolt carrier with the bolt. Pull the bolt carrier back as far as it will go, lift it and separate it from the receiver


6) Separate the bolt from the bolt frame. Pull the shutter back; turn it so that the leading protrusion of the bolt comes out of the figured cutout of the bolt frame, and move the bolt forward


7) Separate the trigger mechanism. Turn the safety up to a vertical position, move it to the right and separate it from the receiver, holding the trigger guard and moving it downward to separate the trigger mechanism from the receiver.


8) Separate the barrel linings. Press the contactor of the upper thrust ring against the gas tube until the bend of the contactor comes out of the cutout of the ring and turn the contactor to the right until it stops; move the moving part of the upper thrust ring forward, pressing the barrel lining down and moving it to the side, to separate it from the barrel. If it is difficult to separate the barrel linings, insert the cutout of the pencil case key into the window of the lining and move downwards and to the side to separate the barrel linings




9) Separate the gas piston and pusher with spring. Pull the pusher back, remove its front end from the piston socket and separate the piston from the gas tube, insert the front end of the pusher into the gas tube, press the pusher spring until it leaves the channel of the aiming block and separate the pusher with the spring, and then separate the spring from the pusher.

The procedure for assembling a sniper rifle after partial disassembly.

1) Attach the gas piston and pusher with spring. Place the spring on the rear end of the pusher; insert the front end of the pusher into the gas tube, tighten the spring and insert the rear end of the pusher with the spring into the channel of the aiming block; pull the pusher back and move its front end out of the gas tube to the side; insert the gas piston into the gas tube and the front end of the pusher into the piston socket.
2) Attach the barrel linings. Insert the rear (widened) end of the right (left) barrel lining into the lower thrust ring with the cutout of the lining towards the sight and, pressing the lining down, attach it to the barrel; push the moving part of the upper thrust ring onto the tips of the linings and turn the closure of the upper thrust ring towards the gas tube until its bend enters the cutout on the ring.
3) Attach the trigger mechanism. Place the cutouts of the trigger mechanism housing behind the axis of the receiver jumper and press the trigger mechanism to the receiver; insert the fuse axis into the hole in the receiver; turn the fuse to vertical position, press tightly to the receiver and turn down until the protrusion of the shield enters the lower fixing recess of the receiver.
4) Attach the bolt to the bolt carrier. Insert the bolt with the cylindrical part into the channel of the bolt frame; turn the bolt so that its leading protrusion fits into the figured cutout of the bolt frame, and push the bolt forward as far as it will go.
5) Attach the bolt carrier to the bolt. While holding the bolt in the forward position, insert the guide protrusions of the bolt frame into the cutouts of the receiver bends, press the bolt frame against the receiver with a slight force and push it forward.
6) Attach the receiver cover with the return mechanism. Insert the return mechanism into the bolt frame channel; compressing the return springs, insert the protrusions on the front end of the cover into the cutouts on the lower thrust ring; press the rear end of the cover until it is completely adjacent to the receiver; Turn the receiver cover lock forward until it engages the lock.
7) Attach the butt cheek. Place your cheek on top part butt clasp to the right against the cutout for it; put the loop on the hook of the clip and turn the clasp up.
8) Attach the optical sight. Align the grooves on the sight bracket with the protrusions on the left wall of the receiver; push the sight forward as far as it will go and turn the clamping screw handle toward the lens until its bend fits into the cutout on the bracket.
9) Attach a magazine. Insert the magazine hook into the receiver window and turn the magazine towards you so that the latch jumps over the magazine support ledge.

The procedure for completely disassembling a sniper rifle

do partial disassembly
disassemble the store. Having sunk the protrusion of the locking bar into the hole on the magazine cover, slide the cover forward; holding the locking bar, remove the cover from the housing; gradually releasing the spring, remove it together with the locking bar from the magazine body; separate the feeder
disassemble the return mechanism. Remove the front return spring from the guide bushing; compress the rear return spring and, holding the guide rod, move it downwards and towards you from the earring hole; separate the rear recoil spring and guide rod from the guide bushing
disassemble the shutter. Using a punch, push out the firing pin and remove the firing pin from the bolt hole; remove the ejector with the spring in the same way
disassemble the trigger mechanism. Press the self-timer lever and disconnect the self-timer sear from the trigger, holding the trigger, press the trigger and smoothly release the hammer; remove the ends of the trigger spring from under the bends of the trigger mechanism housing; using a screwdriver, align the protrusions of the axes of the trigger, sear and self-timer with the cutouts for them on the right wall of the trigger mechanism housing: by pushing out the axes of the trigger, sear and self-timer, separate these parts; by pushing out the hammer axis, separate the hammer from the mainspring, and then remove the mainspring
separate the gas tube from the gas regulator. Having turned the regulator until the cutout on its front end aligns with the latch of the gas pipe, press the latch and, using a pencil case, unscrew the gas pipe and remove the regulator from it

The procedure for assembling a sniper rifle after complete disassembly

connect the gas pipe with the gas regulator. Having placed the regulator on the gas tube, press the gas tube latch and screw the gas tube using a pencil case key until the cutout on the end of the tube matches the latch; Having pressed the latch into the cutout of the tube, set the regulator to the required division
assemble the firing mechanism. Insert the trigger with its spring into the housing, insert the axle, align its protrusion with the cutout on the right wall of the case and turn the axle using a screwdriver. Place the mainspring on the hammer pins and insert the hammer into the housing. Insert the sear into the body so that its tail goes behind the loop of the long end of the mainspring; insert axle; align its protrusion with the cutout on the right wall of the case and turn the axis using a screwdriver. Insert the self-timer into the body so that its tail goes behind the loop of the short end of the mainspring; insert the axle, aligning its protrusion with the cutout on the right wall of the case and turn the axle using a screwdriver; insert the trigger axle and place the ends of the trigger spring on the bends of the body
assemble the shutter. Having inserted the ejector with the spring into the bolt socket, press the ejector and insert the ejector axis, inserting the firing pin into the bolt hole, from the side of the leading protrusion, insert the firing pin into the bolt hole and push it to the end
assemble the return mechanism. Having inserted the guide rod into the guide sleeve from the side of the large diameter hole (flat side forward), put the return spring on the guide sleeve from the side of the rod and compress it so that the end of the guide rod with the flats comes out from under the spring; holding the guide rod in this position, insert it together with the spring and bushing into the lower hole of the earring, and then push the rod along the edges of the flats into the upper hole; release the spring - its end should enter the cup of the earring. Place the second return spring onto the guide bushing
assemble a store. Having inserted the feeder and the spring into the magazine body, compress the spring until the locking bar enters the body and, holding it in this position, put the magazine cover on the body so that the protrusion of the locking bar slides into the hole in the cover

With this material we begin a series of articles devoted to sniper business. The following articles will tell you about the 9 mm VSK-94 sniper rifle, the PSO-1 sight, and the cartridges used for shooting from 7.62 mm SVD and 9 mm VSK-94.

Dragunov sniper rifle with a plastic butt and fore-end Photo (c) KardeN

The 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD, GRAU Index - 6B1) was developed in 1957-1963. a group of designers led by Evgeniy Dragunov. In the Western space, the SVD is considered an improved combat rifle, and not a sniper rifle (a high-precision rifle for professional snipers), that is, a Marksman rifle - a weapon of an infantry sniper (“Marksman”), occupying intermediate position between the usual small arms and heavier precision bolt-action sniper rifles.

In the mid-1960s, the technical processes for the production of a sniper rifle Dragunov SVD changes were made: gunsmiths I. A. Samoilov and V. Nikitin developed new technology barrel manufacturing. In the 1990s, the rifle began to be equipped with a plastic forend. In addition, the production of a conversion version of the rifle was mastered - the Tiger self-loading carbine (structurally distinguished by a shorter barrel, the absence of a flash suppressor, a gas regulator and a lug for attaching a bayonet, and modified fittings).

The SVD uses 7.62×54 mm R rifle cartridges with ordinary, tracer and armor-piercing incendiary bullets, as well as sniper cartridges (7N1, 7N14); it can also fire cartridges with JHP and JSP expansion bullets.

The Dragunov SVD sniper rifle fires in single shots. When firing, cartridges are supplied from a box magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds. A flash suppressor with five longitudinal slots is attached to the muzzle of the barrel, which also masks the shot during night operations and protects the barrel from contamination. The presence of a gas regulator for changing the recoil speed of moving parts ensures the reliability of the rifle in operation. The rifle is equipped with a PSO-1M2 optical sight; it is possible to install NSPUM or NSPU-3 night sights.

The automation of the SVD rifle is based on the use of the energy of powder gases diverted from the barrel bore to the gas piston. When fired, part of the powder gases following the bullet rushes through the gas outlet hole in the barrel wall into the gas chamber, presses on the front wall of the gas piston and throws the piston with the pusher, and with them the bolt frame, to the rear position.

When the bolt frame moves back, the bolt opens the barrel, removes the cartridge case from the chamber and throws it out of the receiver, and the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the hammer (puts it on the self-timer).

To fire the next shot, you must release the trigger and press it again. After releasing the trigger, the rod moves forward and its hook jumps behind the sear, and when you press the trigger, the rod hook turns the sear and disconnects it from the cocking of the hammer. The trigger, turning on its axis under the action of the mainspring, strikes the firing pin, and the latter moves forward and punctures the igniter primer of the cartridge. A shot occurs.

In 1991, the SVDS rifle was adopted for the airborne troops, which was an SVD with a barrel shortened by 5.5 cm and a folding butt.

Firing accuracy

In accordance with the “Manual on Shooting,” the accuracy of a rifle is considered normal if, when firing four shots from a prone position at a distance of 100 m, all four holes fit into a circle with a diameter of 8 cm. Shooting is carried out with cartridges taken from a hermetically sealed container from the same batch with ordinary bullets with steel core.

Initially, the SVD was produced with a rifling pitch of 320 mm, similar to sporting weapons and ensuring high accuracy of fire, however, when the Dragunov sniper rifle was put into service, it turned out that with this pitch the dispersion of the B-32 armor-piercing incendiary bullets doubles. As a result, it was decided to change the rifling pitch to 240 mm, which led to an increase in the dispersion standard at a distance of 100 m from 8 cm to 10 cm (which, however, was not reflected in the NSD). When firing with a 7N1 sniper cartridge, the dispersion is (depending on the rifling pitch) no more than 10-12 cm at a distance of 300 m.

The direct shot range of the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle is:

according to the head figure, height 30 cm - 350 m,
according to the chest figure, height 50 cm - 430 m,
according to a running figure, height 150 cm - 640 m.

The PSO-1 sight is designed for shooting up to 1300 meters, but at such a range you can only effectively shoot at a group target, or conduct harassing fire.

The main difficulty when shooting at long ranges is the errors in preparing the initial data for shooting (this is true for all sniper rifles). At a range of 600 meters, the median error in height (in determining the range equal to 0.1% of the range) is 63 cm, the median error in the lateral direction (determining crosswind speed equal to 1.5 m/s) is 43 cm. For comparison, median deviation of bullet dispersion for best snipers for 600 m - height 9.4 cm, side 8.8 cm.

Good sniper training allows you to conduct targeted fire even at targets such as helicopters and low-speed aircraft. For example, there is a known case when a fighter of the FMLN partisan detachment managed to shoot down a jet attack aircraft of the El Salvadoran Air Force with a shot from an SVD. This happened on November 12, 1989 near the village of San Miguel. The Cessna A-37B aircraft coming into the attack successfully fit into the sight and was hit (later the successful sniper said that he was aiming at the cockpit). The bullet hit the pilot, after which the plane lost control and crashed. Iraqi militants used SVD in a similar way, claiming to have destroyed RQ-11 Raven small reconnaissance UAVs with sniper rifle fire.

Characteristics of the Dragunov sniper rifle

Caliber: 7.62×54R
Weapon length: 1225 mm
Barrel length: 547 mm
Weapon width: 88 mm
Weapon height: 230 mm
Weight without cartridges: 4.3 kg.
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

Sniper rifles

The 7.62 caliber SVD was developed in 1958-1963 by Soviet designers under the leadership of E. F. Dragunov. It is a self-loading weapon, its automation is based on the use of the energy of powder gases diverted to the gas piston from the barrel bore.

Snipers are specially trained shooters who are fluent in the art of camouflage, observation and marksmanship; able to hit targets with the first shot. Officially, the first snipers appeared in the British army during the First World War. The main task of such fighters is to destroy important moving, open, camouflaged and emerging single targets. These could be enemy snipers, observers, officers, messengers, etc. The shooter is armed with a rifle equipped with a special sight. For shooting, he selects and equips a hidden position. During the Second World War, all participants in the armed conflict widely deployed sniper training; for this purpose, special schools were created, training camps and courses were held. In the USSR, the mass mastery of this art was called the sniper movement. In addition, this concept became a household word, as a result it began to be used to refer to accurate shooters of aviation, artillery and tank forces.

Sniper rifles are equipped with optical sights that improve aiming accuracy and provide good observation in any conditions. To fire at night, an optical reticle is installed or turned on on the weapon. Until the early 60s of the last century, the Soviet Army did not have specialized sniper rifles in service, but Mosin carbines of the 1891/30 model were used. However, methods of warfare changed, and the experience of past local conflicts set a number of requirements for sniper business. Yes, it has arrived new stage in the development of this type of weapon. Now all elements, from the cartridge and optical sight to the rifle, were developed and manufactured according to special orders.

In 1958, the USSR Ministry of Defense issued a tactical and technical specification for the development of a self-loading sniper weapon of 7.62 caliber. The main competitors in this competition were the Izhevsk designer E. F. Dragunov and the Kovrov designer A. S. Konstantinov, in addition, S. G. Simonov and the M. T. Kalashnikov design team presented their samples. The version of the experimental SSV-58 rifle presented by Dragunov was able to was the first to “meet” the strict requirements imposed by the military, after which the modified SSV-61 model appeared. After comparative tests of the Konstantinov and Dragunov prototypes, a decision was made to adopt the Dragunov project. Thus, the SVD, a rifle whose characteristics met all the requirements, entered service with the troops already in 1963, under the designation 6B1.

With the world on a thread...

The development of ammunition for the new rifle was carried out by employees of the research institute No. 61 V. M. Sabelnikov, P. F. Sazonov and V. N. Dvoryaninov. This cartridge with a bullet having a steel core was adopted for service four years after the rifle itself ( in 1967) and received the index 7H1. Soviet engineers I. and L. A. Glyzov were responsible for the development of the PSO-1 optical sight. The technology for producing a high-precision barrel for this rifle was developed by I. A. Samoilov. Evil tongues often mention the similarity of the SVD and AK systems; they note that they are almost identical automatic with removal of powder gases from the barrel through a side hole, locking the channel by turning the bolt and a double-action non-automatic safety lever. In addition, the hammer strike mechanism has a similar form of mainspring. There is no doubt that certain elements were borrowed from the AK, but the SVD rifle is not a copy of the machine gun, it is an independent system, and the proof of this is the features of this weapon, which we present below.

Interesting differences in the Dragunov rifle related to “sniper” tasks

Let's look at what differences make this weapon an independent system. The SVD rifle has a bolt frame that is not combined with a gas piston, which (like the pusher) is made as a separate part with its own return spring. They occupy initial position after discarding the frame. The movement of automation is decomposed into successive movements of individual parts. Accordingly, this leads to an increase in the response time of the mechanism and a decrease in the total mass of jointly moving parts. This principle increases the smooth operation of the automation and smoothes out the impulse load. In addition, the gas outlet unit has a gas regulator, which is necessary to adapt the self-loading mechanism to work in difficult operating conditions.

Bolt mechanism

The SVD rifle is equipped with a bolt device that has three symmetrical lugs. This makes the locking process more reliable and also reduces the rotation angle of the mechanism. The reloading handle is located on the right side and is made as a single unit with the bolt frame. The combination of this massive design with a lightweight bolt can provide very reliable operation.

Trigger mechanism

The trigger of this sniper rifle is assembled in a separate housing; it is capable of providing only single fire. The original feature of the mechanism under consideration is the use of the trigger (in addition to its main function) as a disconnector between the sear and the trigger rod. When turned on, the non-automatic safety lever blocks the rod and trigger, and also blocks the cutout near the receiver.

SVD stock and butt

The SVD rifle has a characteristic cutout in the butt, which forms a pistol grip with its front edge. The frame shape allows you to hold the weapon with your left hand, shooting from a rest. A non-adjustable, removable cheekpiece and butt pad can be attached to the buttstock. The forend is formed by two symmetrical barrel linings, which have slots for better cooling of the rifle. The linings are equipped with a spring-loaded mount, so that the fulcrum of the stock is on the axis of the barrel. As a result, the force created by the hand supporting the rifle does not affect the shooting results. In addition, when the barrel lengthens, caused by its heating during firing, the forend moves slightly forward; Since the engagement conditions do not change, there is no displacement of the so-called midpoint of impact. Since the beginning of its existence, the SVD (the photos given in this article demonstrate the weapon we are considering) has undergone several stages of modernization. As a result, the wooden butt and fore-end were replaced with a plywood board, and the modern modification is available with a plastic butt and black glass-filled polyamide linings. Thanks to these changes, the weight of the SVD decreased.

Ammunition

As mentioned earlier, the caliber of the SVD is 7.62x53. The rifle is fed from a double-row metal box-shaped detachable sector-shaped clip, the capacity of which is ten rounds. The designers provided for the location of the magazine in such a way that the center of gravity of the weapon was located above it. As a result, cartridge consumption has virtually no effect on the balance of the rifle, and therefore on the displacement of the average point of impact. For shooting from the Dragunov sniper rifle, in addition to the special 7N1 cartridge, they also use the 57-N-223 rifle cartridge with a lightweight bullet, 7T2 with and 7B3 with an armor-piercing incendiary charge, etc.

Optical instruments

SVD PSO-1 has a fourfold magnification in the field. It is equipped with a retractable protective hood and a rubber eyecup. The sighting reticle has a main square designed for shooting at a range of up to one kilometer, as well as additional ones - at 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 km - and a lateral correction scale. In addition, PSO-1 provides a rangefinder scale, when used, the SVD sighting range provides a target with a height of 1.7 m (a human figure in full height) accuracy up to 50 m. The reticle illumination device is powered by one battery inserted into a special compartment in the housing. A luminescent plate is introduced into the field of view of the optics, which makes it possible to detect sources of infrared radiation. A mechanical device is used as an auxiliary device - a sector sight designed for a range of up to 1.2 km, as well as an adjustable front sight. The PSO-1 optics served as the basis for the creation of a whole family of sights, including the PSO-1 M2. The target range of the SVD with this model is in the range from 0.1 to 1.3 km. In 1989, new 1P21 devices appeared. This SVD optics has a variable magnification factor from 3 to 9, its field of view is 6°11" - 2°23", respectively. In addition, the device allows you to use the illumination of the aiming reticle with the ability to adjust the brightness.

SVD rifle: weapon characteristics

The total length of the weapon without bayonet is 1225 mm, and the barrel length is 620 mm. Weight with loaded magazine and optical sight - 4.52 kg. Cartridge - 7.62x53. The initial speed of the bullet is 830 m/s. The combat rate of fire is 30 rounds per minute (a pretty good result, considering only the single-fire mode of the SVD rifle). The firing range with an optical sight is 1300 meters, and with a mechanical device - 1200 meters. Magazine capacity - 10 rounds.

Principle of operation

Weapon automation operates on the principle of using the removal of combustible powder gases through a special hole in the barrel bore. Locking is accomplished by turning the bolt mechanism counterclockwise. The main difference from the Kalashnikov scheme is that the cartridge rammer is also used as an additional combat stop (the third in a row). This made it possible, without changing the transverse dimensions of the bolt and the angle of rotation, to increase the area of the lugs by approximately one and a half times. As a result, three support points provide a very stable position of the mechanism, which could not but affect the increase in shooting accuracy. When firing, part of the powder gases that follow the bullet rushes through the gas outlet channel in the barrel wall into the gas chamber and presses on the front wall of the piston. As a result, the piston, along with the pusher and bolt carrier, are thrown to the rear position.

At this moment, the bore opens, the bolt removes the cartridge case from the chamber and throws it out of the receiver. After this, the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the hammer, that is, cocks the automatic release. Then, under the action of the return mechanism, all structural elements return to their original forward position. In this case, the bolt sends the next cartridge from the clip into the chamber and locks the barrel, the bolt frame removes the self-timer sear from cocking the hammer and cocks it. The barrel bore is locked by the bolt by turning it to the left and placing the lugs in the cutouts of the receiver.

In order to fire another shot, you must release and press the trigger again. After it is released, the rod moves to the forward position and with its hook jumps behind the sear. When you press the hook, the hook turns the sear, thereby separating it and the cocking of the hammer. The latter, under the action of the mainspring, rotates along its axis and hits the firing pin, which moves to the forward position and pierces the primer. The powder mixture of the cartridge ignites and a shot is fired. When the last shot is fired, the bolt moves back, and the clip feeder raises the bolt stop up. It pushes and the frame stops in the rear position. This serves as a signal to the shooter to reload the weapon.

Concept of use

For hand-to-hand combat, a standard type bayonet (6X4) can be attached to the SVD. Although this attribute on a sniper rifle is very rare and hardly necessary. Nevertheless, we should not forget that this weapon was created as equipment for small sabotage units, and this obliged to provide for its use even in close combat.

In general, the design of the SVD, the characteristics of which turned out to be quite impressive, was a very successful compromise between general combat and sniper requirements. In addition, it should be noted that this rifle became the first army weapon, the design of which clearly showed the features of sports equipment. For the 60-70s of the last century, the SVD had very high accuracy. Experience suggested that with the help of this sniper rifle it was possible to hit low-visibility targets at a distance of up to 800 meters. The range of the SVD against a target of the “chest figure” type (50x50 cm) reaches 600 meters, and against a “head figure” (25x30 cm) - 300 meters.

Battle glory

This sniper rifle gained quite high popularity during military conflicts in Afghanistan and Chechnya. This is explained by the high power of the SVD, the characteristics of which made it possible to conduct accurate fire in mountainous conditions. It can be noted that not a single type of combat is complete without the active participation of snipers, so this type of weapon has been and will always be in demand.

Today various SVD modifications are in service with the armies of more than a dozen countries. Various options were produced in China, Iraq, Romania. In addition, the fate of the model we are considering showed the mutual influence of sniper, hunting and sporting weapons. After all, designed using experience sports shooting The SVD rifle had a serious influence and served as the basis for the creation of a series of hunting carbines such as "Bear", "Tiger" and OTs-18.

SVD sniper rifle: price

Beginning hunters often wonder if they can purchase an SVD rifle in particular as a hunting rifle. However, Russian law prohibits the sale of SVDs to private ownership. And yet, there is a way out: the Izhevsk plant is reworking the original combat copies of the Dragunov rifle, which were removed from conservation. As a result, anyone can purchase this copy, produced in accordance with the requirements of criminologists of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation according to the restrictions established for the circulation of service and civilian weapons. However, we will immediately reassure the reader - these changes in no way affect the operation and technical characteristics of this rifle. The prefix KO is added to its name, which means “hunting carbine”. The cost of SVD CO is 62 thousand rubles. If the hunter is not put off by the high price, then he will receive a reliable, powerful, time-tested great weapon, which will serve him faithfully for a single year.

Finally

The Dragunov sniper rifle has established itself as a powerful and reliable weapon, remaining for many years the best combined arms model. However, the change, complexity and expansion of military tasks solved by a sniper in modern conflicts required the development of new shooting systems with significantly better shooting clarity, as well as a sight with greater magnification. In fact, the SVD was not a sniper rifle in the modern sense of the term; its main task was to increase the effective fire range of motorized rifle squad soldiers (up to 600 meters in total). It was also called upon to provide the necessary fire support (suppress firing points). In this regard, the SVD is not required to have the range and accuracy of modern sniper weapons. Therefore, despite the adoption of new rifle systems of greater power, the military is in no hurry to abandon the battle-tested classics. Yes, squads special purpose receive sniper rifles chambered for 8.61 mm, and motorized rifle units continue to use SVD.

1 – barrel with receiver, open sight and butt;

2 – receiver cover; 3 – return mechanism; 4 – bolt frame;

5 – shutter; 6 – gas tube with regulator; 7 – gas piston;

8 – pusher with spring; 9 – barrel linings; 10 – trigger mechanism; 11 – fuse; 12 – store; 13 – butt cheek;

14 – optical sight; 15 – bayonet

The rifle kit includes: accessories, a belt, a case for an optical sight, a bag for carrying an optical sight and magazines, a bag for carrying a winter reticle lighting device, spare batteries and an oil can.

Barrel with receiver form an inseparable unit. The barrel contains: the base of the front sight, the gas chamber, the sight block and the swivel for attaching the belt. At the base of the front sight there is a slotted flash suppressor and a stop for a bayonet-knife. The receiver serves to connect all parts and mechanisms of the rifle. The trigger mechanism is located inside. A butt with a cutout forming a handle is attached to the rear of the receiver.

Receiver cover protects it from harmful environmental influences. It is attached to the receiver using a locking mechanism. The receiver cover houses return mechanism.

Bolt carrier activates the bolt and trigger mechanism.

Gate consists of a frame, firing pin and ejector, and is fundamentally different from the bolt AKS74 the fact that when closing the barrel bore it turns to the left, and not to the right.

Gas pipe with regulator placed on the gas chamber. By turning the regulator using a sleeve or cartridge, the hole in the gas tube is closed to increase the pressure of the powder gases on the piston.

Gas piston is placed in a gas tube and transmits gas pressure to the pusher.

Pusher acts on the bolt frame and moves it to the rear position.

Pusher spring serves to return the pusher and gas piston to the forward position.

Barrel linings designed for ease of operation when shooting, and to protect the sniper’s hands from burns.

Trigger mechanism ensures that the trigger is released from cocking, single fire is fired, firing is stopped and the safety is engaged. It consists of: a body, a trigger with a mainspring, a self-timer and a trigger with a spring.

Fuse serves to lock the sear, trigger and at the same time limit the movement of the bolt frame backwards, thereby eliminating the possibility accidental shot. And also for securing the trigger mechanism in the receiver. The lower position of the fuse corresponds to its installation for firing, and the upper position corresponds to the safety.

Butt cheek used only when shooting with an optical sight and is intended for the convenience of the sniper. It is attached to the butt with a lock, which has a clip with a hook and a clasp with a loop.

Affiliation serves for disassembling, assembling, cleaning and lubricating a sniper rifle and includes: a cleaning rod, a pencil case with a wiper, a brush, a screwdriver, a drift and an oil can. Accessories, except for the oil can, are carried in a bag for the optical sight.

SIDS(Fig. 31) differs only in that it has a butt, similar in shape and folding principle to a special machine gun AS "Val".

The length with the stock folded is 875 mm, that is, 350 mm shorter SVD.

The barrel is made with thicker walls, which increased its strength and stability of the rifle. The gas regulator was excluded from the gas outlet unit, which simplified the design.

General form SIDS
SVU-AS (Fig. 32) – a shortened sniper rifle – has automatic mechanisms arranged in a “bullpup” pattern. The trigger mechanism and magazine are located in the butt, behind the pistol grip. This made it possible to reduce the overall length of the weapon. While maintaining a sufficiently long barrel (only 20 mm shorter than the barrel SVD), rifle length - 900 mm instead of 1225 mm SVD.

General view of SVU-AS

Second feature SVU-AS, resulting from the use of the “bullpup” scheme, the location of the butt along the axis of the barrel. This improves the weapon's combat stability, but increases the impact of recoil on the shooter. To reduce this impact when shooting, the rifle barrel has a three-chamber muzzle device. As a muzzle brake, it absorbs up to 40% of the recoil energy, partially reduces flash formation as a flash suppressor, and also reduces the sound level of the shot.

The open sight has been changed to a diopter sight with settings up to 1300 m. The front sight is located on a folding post; for shooting with open sights, the front sight post and sight are placed perpendicular to the axis of the barrel and are at a height convenient for aiming with a straight butt.

The fire selector allows single and automatic fire. The rifle can be equipped with magazines for 10 and 20 rounds.

The action of the automatic rifle is based on the use of the energy of powder gases removed from the barrel bore

When fired, part of the powder gases following the bullet rushes through the gas outlet hole in the barrel wall into the gas chamber, puts pressure on the piston and pusher and throws them back together with the bolt frame. The pusher, having reached the stop with its rim in the aiming block, under the action of the spring, together with the gas piston, returns to the forward position.

The bolt carrier and bolt continue to move backward by inertia, while compressing the return springs. The cartridge case is thrown out, the trigger at the end of the turn disconnects the trigger rod from the sear and sets the self-timer to cock.

To fire the next shot, you need to release the trigger (in this case, the hook of the trigger rod will jump behind the sear) and press it again.

When performing special tasks, a reconnaissance sniper can be armed with a special sniper rifle VSS "Vintorez"(Fig. 33), which is designed to covertly defeat enemy personnel at ranges of up to 400 m.

Rifle as well as machine gun AC, can be equipped with optical day and night sights, can be used with a night sighting system NPK-1.

General view of VSS "Vintorez"

The main type of rifle shooting is single fire mode; although the design of the rifle provides for the possibility of automatic firing. Special cartridges are used for rifle shooting SP-5 and SP-6, which, when fired, are fed from a box magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds. Unlike a machine gun, the rifle has a wooden butt of the skeletal type (similar to the butt of SVD), which is attached to the receiver and held in place by a stopper. When you press the stopper head, the stock is separated by moving backwards.

9-mm special sniper rifle VSS "Vintorez" consists of the following main parts and mechanisms (Fig. 34):

Barrel with receiver;

Butt;

Muffler with sights;

Receiver covers;

Bolt frame with gas piston;

Shutter;

Return mechanism;

Impact mechanism;

Trigger;

Gas tube;

Store.

The kit includes: accessories, belt, bag for optical sight and magazines, bag for carrying the rifle.

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