Dragunov SVD (USSR/Russia)
Caliber: Russian 7.62x54mm, Rimmed Operation:
gas, semi-automatic, Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine, Weight:
9lbs(4.31kg)empty with telescope, Length: 48in(1225 mm)Barrel Length: 24in(620 mm)Max.Rate of Fire: 30 RPM, Aimed Rate of Fire: 3-5 RPM Scope Type: PSO-1 with
illuminated reticle Accuracy: less than 2 MOA at 600m
SVD was designed not as a standard sniper rifle.
In fact, main role of the SVD in Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective
range of fire of every infantry squad up to 600 meters and to provide special
fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class)
rifle, capable of semi auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was
issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov
Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of
standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD
sniper grade cartridge with steel core bullet. Every infantry squad in
the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.