The Dragunov sniper rifle was designed to fill a specific gap in infantry firepower.

Wars & Conflicts · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Developed between 1958 and 1963, the SVD was not intended as a traditional sniper rifle but as a squad support weapon. It provided Soviet infantry with long-range engagement capabilities that their standard assault rifles lacked, effectively bridging the gap between standard infantry units and specialized long-range marksmen.

The SVD, or Dragunov sniper rifle, emerged from a Soviet competition won by Yevgeny Dragunov in 1963. Its creation was a direct response to the tactical disparity between Warsaw Pact forces, which utilized the 7.62x39mm intermediate cartridge, and NATO forces, which relied on the more powerful 7.62x51mm cartridge. By chambering the SVD in the 7.62x54mmR, Soviet designers ensured their infantry squads could engage targets at ranges where standard assault rifles were ineffective.

Mechanically, the SVD utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt with three locking lugs. While it shares a visual resemblance to the AK family of rifles to standardize training, its internal operation is distinct. The rifle features a machined receiver for torsional strength and a chrome-lined barrel. Interestingly, the twist rate was modified in 1975 from 320 mm to 240 mm to accommodate standard light ball ammunition, a change that slightly reduced precision with specialized sniper cartridges but increased the rifle's versatility in the field.

The SVD's precision is supported by the PSO-1 optical sight, which includes bullet drop compensation calibrated for specific ballistic trajectories. Despite its age, the platform has seen numerous iterations, including the SVDS with a folding stock for paratroopers and the modernized SVDM introduced in 2018. While newer systems like the Chukavin SVCh are beginning to replace it in Russian service, the SVD remains a significant example of a designated marksman rifle designed to balance durability, reliability, and effective range within a standard infantry squad structure.

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