DFX TECHNOLOGY SVD The Sniper Rifle Dragunov (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova - SVD) was designed by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union between 1958 and 1963. The SVD was the world's first purpose-built military precision marksman's rifle. It entered service in 1967 and is the standard Soviet sniper weapon. One squad in each motorized rifle platoon has an SVD; selected riflemen receive regular, centralized sniper training on it. Largely due to its open buttstock, the SVD is lighter than older sniper rifles. The SVD is a gas-operated, semiautomatic weapon. It fires the Soviet 7.62 x 54R cartridge and uses a detachable 10-round box magazine. Its overall length is 1,225 millimeters, and its empty weight is 4.3 kilograms. (Its loaded weight with bayonet is 4.78 kilograms.) Its bolt mechanism and gas recovery system are similar to those of the AK and AKM; but, because of the difference in cartridges used, parts are not interchangable with the assualt rifles. The most distinguishing features of the SVD are the open buttstock, which has a cheek pad for ease in sighting, and telescopic sight mounted over the receiver. It has a combination flash supressor/compensator. The Soviets issue it with four magazines, a cleaning kit, and an extra battery and lamp for the telescopic sight. The SVD can fire approximately 30 rounds per minute in semiautomatic mode. It has a maximum effective range of 1,300 meters with the 4-power telescope or 800 meters without it. The PSO-1 optical sight has a 6-degree field of view. It contains an integral, infrared detection aid and an illuminated rangefinder recticle. Thus, the SVD is effective in daylight against point targets or at night against active infrared emitters, such as night driving aids and weapon sights. It can fire light ball, heavy ball, steel core, tracer and anti-tank incendiary ammunition. The SVD can fire only light and heavy ball-type ammunition with accuracy. Even though it is equiped with a bayonet, the SVD is not an ideal weapon for close combat because it can fire only in the semiautomatic mode. Its weight and length also limit its maneuverability. The 7.62 x 54-mm rimmed cartridge of the SVD is not interchangable with the 7.62 x 39-mm rimless round of the AKM. Links Manufacturer