Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

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

Origin
Russia
Type
Marksman rifle
Entered service
1995
Status
In service
Development
Late 1980’s - early 1990’s
Developer
Soviet Union
Russia
Production
1991 - present
Producer
Russia - Izhmash
Designations
SVDS / Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova Skladnaya
Russian for “Dragunov sniper rifle with folding stock”
Notable users
Russia

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


Facts SVDS
General
Origin
Russia
Type
Sniper rifle
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x54mm Russian
Feed system
10 round detachable box
Barrel length
565 mm
Rifling
4 grooves, right hand 240 mm twist
Muzzle velocity
810 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, short stroke gas piston
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Stock type
Side folding, with cheekpiece
Length
1.135 mm stock extended
815 mm stock folded
Width
88 mm
Height
230 mm without scope
Weight
4.68 kg with scope and empty magazine
Sights
Optics
PSO-1 4x scope
Mechanical
Iron sights, 0 to 1200 m adjustable
Sight radius
0.5 m
Accessories
Bipod
Optional

Media


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.