Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

SVD Dragunov

jimkane
I am thinking of purchasing an SVD Dragunov sniper rifle. Is this a good idea. How is the rifle as far as accuracy, reliability and ammo? What would be a good price to purchase one at? Does anyone have any experience with these rifles that they could share?

Thanks

If you didn't vote you can't complain...But if you did vote.. RAISE HELL!
0

Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • familyguy
    Can't give any info on the rifle, but I have an SVT40 in 7.62X54R, same round yours takes, same round as the millions of mosins out there. The ammo is both cheap and plentiful, HOWEVER, since it is semiauto, I'd take a good hard look at the extractor (or have a 'smith do it) before using the steel case stuff. No problem so far in mine![:D]




    Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?
    0
  • boeboe
    They are not up to US standards for accuracy, they were really intended to extend the effective range of the typical Soviet Block infantry squad out to around 500 meters, or a bit better. They are reasonably accurate, but really can't compete with Garand based rifles, such as the M14 or BM59. You won't see any of them on the firing line in any matches. I remember reading a write-up on them in SGN some time back. In the article, a Soviet sniper indicated that at extended ranges, the human target would usually freeze when he heard the first shot whiz by, and then get nailed with the second.

    I recently saw some parts kits available for these at around $295.00, with receivers available for quite a bit less than $200. These were preban kits (post ban receivers) but I am thinking about getting one and putting it together when I see whether or not the ban sunsets this September. Provided the ban does sunset, it would be possible to put one together for less than the current wholesale price.

    Might look at this:

    http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=148052&highlight=SVD*


    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
    0
  • Cobray 9mm
    What kind is it? Chinese or Romanian? The Romanian ROMAK-III is chambered for the aforementioned 7.62x54R and is an excellent rifle. I am not too sure if Century Int'nl is till importing them, but they can be found for around $600-700. Very sturdy rifle.
    0
  • BorgCube
    I have a Chinese version. It's basically just a tuned up stock and a slighlty longer barrel. It's not too accurate for long range but because ammo is plentiful and inexpensive it's fun to shoot. I usually only shoot on the 100yd range so I don't have to walk so far to replace my targets!!!

    It looks a lot meaner than its bite
    __________________

    "I can think of dozens of reasons not to have hi-cap mags, but it's the one reason I can't think of that I need them!"
    0
  • leeblackman
    I recall reading an article on the Dragunov in a shotgun news a year or so ago. It explained that there is a special soviet cartridge designed for use in the dragunov of a different bullet weight and design than the common 7.62x54 round imported for the nagants. Apparently according to the article the rifle was capable of shooting 3" at 300 meters with the specific ammunition.

    I imagine that thru handloading you could probably duplicate a similar load, maybe even improve on accuracy.
    0
  • stevek
    quote:Originally posted by leeblackman
    I recall reading an article on the Dragunov in a shotgun news a year or so ago. It explained that there is a special soviet cartridge designed for use in the dragunov of a different bullet weight and design than the common 7.62x54 round imported for the nagants. Apparently according to the article the rifle was capable of shooting 3" at 300 meters with the specific ammunition.

    I imagine that thru handloading you could probably duplicate a similar load, maybe even improve on accuracy.

    i have tried the russian wolf ammunition, 4.95/box. 3 inch groups @200 m very possible. hornady sst bullets feed great and shoot great if you do handload. i have used the 165/150 grain bullets w/ imr4895 w/ good sucess.
    0
  • HKman
    jimkane, I would have to agree with BOEBOE. If you're looking for really tight accuracy, this probably would not be the perfect rifle especially from a parts kit. If you want superior accuracy and firepower I would suggest the civilian model of the M-14. The springfield armory M1A. It comes in 7.62x51 (.308.) With the right shooter will achieve sub MOA groups at 100 yds.

    AC Tactical
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity