Dragunov SVDS
Overview
SVDS
Right side view of SVDS marksman rifle. Note the folding stock, polymer forearm and short muzzle brake.
Source: Japanese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Russia
Russian for “Dragunov sniper rifle with folding stock”
Description
Introduction
The SVDS is a sniper rifle of Russian origin. The SVDS is a shortened SVD intended for use by troops requiring a more compact rifle.
Design
The SVDS is a slightly shortened SVD. The SVDS has a folding stock that is shorter than the original and a shorter and heavier barrel with shorter flash hider. It still uses the side-mounted 4x PSO-1 scope. Unlike the SVD it is not possible to fit the SVDS with a bayonet. Since the SVDS is a newer design it is only available with plastic furniture.
Firepower
The SVDS fires the 7.62x54mm round from a 10 round magazine. Normally 7N1 sniper grade ammunition is used, but regular machine gun rounds can be fired as well. The SVDS is a gas operated semi-automatic weapon. Maximum effective range is about 800 meters.
Users
The SVDS is in use with Russian forces, most notably airborne troops and special forces units. The SVDS is available for export and in use with several nations with close ties to Russia. However, it isn’t nearly as widespread as the full size SVD.
Details
Media
SVDS
Left side view of SVDS marksman rifle. Note the folding stock, polymer forearm and short muzzle brake.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
SVDS
Left side view of SVDS marksman rifle. Note the folding stock, polymer forearm and short muzzle brake.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SVDS
Left side view of SVDS marksman rifle. Note the folding stock, polymer forearm and short muzzle brake.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SVDS
SVDS marksman rifle with stock in folded position.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SVDS
SVDS marksman rifle with stock in folded position.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SVDS
SVDS marksman rifle with stock in folded position.
Source: KardeN
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Dragunov SVD
The SVDS is based on the earlier and widely used Dragunov SVD.
Zastava M91
The black furniture of the Zastava M91 makes it look similar to the SVDS. It can be distinguished by having a thumbhole stock and full size barrel and flash hider.