SVD (Kanas)

SVD (Russian: Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova) is a semi-automatic, gas-operated sniper rifle designed by the Soviet Union and chambered for 7.62x54mmR ammunition. In Türkiye, it is also commonly referred to by the abbreviation KNS, derived from "Keskin Nişancı Silahı", or by the Arabic word "kanas", meaning "sniper". Although the rifle shares mechanical similarities with the AK (Kalashnikov) series of firearms, it differs significantly in design and purpose. It is particularly distinguished by its skeleton-type stock and long, slender profile.

History and Development

Developed between 1958 and 1963 by Evgeniy Fedorovich Dragunov in the Soviet Union to address the inability of light machine guns and standard infantry rifles to meet long-range requirements. During the design phase, it competed against projects by Sergey Simonov and Aleksandr Konstantinov; after rigorous testing under harsh environmental conditions, Dragunov’s design was selected and entered serial production in 1963. Like AK-class rifles, it was optimized to function reliably under all natural conditions.

An SVD used in marksmanship training (pexels)

Technical Specifications

The Dragunov SVD is equipped with technical parameters that combine high accuracy and durability:

• Weight: The empty weight is approximately 4.3 kg.
• Length: The standard model is 1225 mm long.
• Barrel: The barrel is 620 mm long and contains four lands and grooves.
• Ammunition: It uses 7.62x54mmR (rimmed) cartridges. The specially designed 7N1 ammunition, with a steel core and high muzzle velocity (830 m/s), provides enhanced performance.
• Capacity: It is fed by a detachable 10-round box magazine with a double-stack zig-zag arrangement.
• Range: It has an effective range of 800 metres with mechanical sights and 1300 metres with optical sights. The maximum range reaches up to 3800 metres.

Design and Mechanical Structure

The rifle operates on a gas-operated semi-automatic system. The receiver structure and barrel length are configured to support precise shooting. The rifle’s distinctive skeleton-type stock features a removable cheek rest that allows the shooter to maintain proper sight alignment while firing. Additionally, the rifle has a two-position gas regulator that adjusts gas pressure according to environmental and weather conditions: position "1" is for normal conditions, while position "2" is used in cold weather or when the rifle is dirty.

Sighting Systems

The Dragunov SVD incorporates both mechanical and optical sighting systems:

• Optical Sight (PSO-1): This 4x magnification system features a specialized reticle for estimating range without a rangefinder. It includes a battery-powered illumination system to facilitate aiming in low-light conditions. It also has adjustment turrets for elevation (range) and windage (lateral).
• Mechanical Sights: The rear sight is graduated in 100-metre increments from 100 to 1200 metres. The section marked with the letter "P" represents the continuous combat sight setting.

Variants and Regional Distribution

Several variants have been developed to meet different operational needs:

• SVDS: A version with a folding metal stock.
• SVU: A "bullpup" configuration with the magazine located behind the trigger mechanism.
• SVDK: A modified model chambered for a larger caliber such as 9.3x64mm.
• FPK (PSL): A Romanian-made variant based on the RPK receiver but closely resembling the SVD.
• Al-Kadesih: An Iraqi variant featuring a palm tree emblem on the magazine.

The SVD and its derivatives are actively used by numerous military forces and non-state groups worldwide, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia.