The SVD Dragunov sniper rifle is one of the best domestic inventions in armament. During the hostilities in Afghanistan and Chechnya, it gained great popularity, its range and high lethal force were very useful in mountainous conditions. Specially trained snipers were present on each mission, constantly covering the backs of their comrades.
The rifle got its world famous name thanks to the designer Dragunov. The created model was adopted by the Soviet Army.
The Dragunov rifle is a type of self-loading rifle equipped with gas automatic control. In its structure, it slightly resembles a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Automation also involves the removal of powder gases. The main difference is the shutter frame, although the shutter itself is very similar in shape. The smoothness of the shot and the charge is ensured by two springs located in the return mechanism of the bolt carrier.
The shape of the mainspring on the percussion mechanism is the same as that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The Dragunov rifle is equipped with a slotted arrester. Attached to the muzzle of the barrel, the cylinder has five longitudinal slots that absorb the energy of the shot, reducing its recoil. In addition, the arrester at night allows the sniper to go unnoticed.
The forearm of the weapon consists of several barrel linings equipped with longitudinal slots that serve to constantly cool this sniper ammunition. The Dragunov rifle is equipped with a wooden butt and the same pistol grip. The cheek mount is located on the butt itself and is not independently adjustable.
A small difference between modern rifles is that all the wooden parts of the weapon have long been made of plastic. This improves efficiency and reduces overall weight.
The double-row metal magazine has a capacity of 10 rounds. For shooting, several varieties of ammunition are used. Usually ordinary ones are used, but tracer and armor-piercing incendiary bullets can also be fired.
The Dragoons rifle has an optical sight with a four-fold increase. Sighting nets allow firing at a range of up to 1300 meters. Lighting at night helps to fire at night, the battery located in the body of the weapon serves as power.
Thus, the "Dragoons" - a sniper rifle, which was created for small sniper units. Therefore, the requirements for conducting combat by means of fire destruction included the possibility of using weapons in close combat. A bayonet-knife of standard sizes was attached to the rifle.
Throughout its entire existence, the SVD has established itself as a reliable and high-quality sniper rifle that has served for many years in all military units of the Soviet Union. However, the global arms race is increasingly complicating the tasks for modern weapons. Minor improvements to the optical sight improved the magnification and firing accuracy.