How good is the SVD rifle?

[Squeaky 135]

Howdy:

I know nothing about the Russian SVD rifle. I've noticed Kalashnikov is marketing modern versions of it, but .... assuming it's a sniper rifle, I don't know how it compares to Western sniper rifles.

If it uses the same 7.62x39 cartridge as the AK-47, I don't see how they can get a whole lot more accuracy with it even with a longer barrel. I'd think a different cartridge with a better B.C. would be better. Anyway ... I do think it's a really cool looking rifle, but does it shoot well?

Just wondering. I thought I'd defer to the experts here on this forum.

 

[tatonic 159]

I thought the SVD used the x54 cartridge, but may be wrong. Anyway I too have thought they were cool but heavy.

I have a Dragonov stock on my .410. That's the closest ive got to a SVD.

[Squeaky 135]

I have yet to look-up "SVD" in Wikipedia.

[saltydecimator 482]

They expeeeeeeeeensive. Russian ones from early 90s like $2800-4k at Tulsa gun show. Or maybe I thinking the “tiger” don’t remeber if that’s the same or not

[forsaken352 235]

Oh, they're more than that.. The Tiger is a little less than the SVD, being the 'civilian' version of its military counterpart.  Last I checked, an SVD usually comes in around $7-8k, I believe it was.  It all depends heavily, of course, on condition and what's included.  The Chinese NDM-86, being a very good copy, isn't far off from that either.

And yes, they're all X54R.  To the OP, the Russians fielded one SVD rifleman in a squad with the intent of being a 'marksman', and the rifle being more so a 'DMR' rather than a 'sniper rifle', but with the ability to quickly remove the optic and run with their squad in closer quarters.