Dragunov

The Dragunov rifle, also known as the Dragunov SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova), is of Russian design. From the family of the Kalashnikov rifles (AK-47 and variants), the design for the Dragunov was requested in 1958 and delivered in 1963. More of an "area effect" sniper rifle, it is not terrifically accurate, but exceptionally rugged and capable of delivering accurate fire under a broad variety of conditions. Utilizing the 7.62 x 54R Russian "rimmed" cartridge, this gas-operated semi-automatic rifle is over 4 feet in length. The rifle has been duplicated by Norinco (China), and some less reliable versions have been produced by Romania, Yugoslavia, and other Soviet bloc countries. The best accuracy is provided using match-grade ammunition, rather than surplus 7.62 x 54R, but that is very difficult to get outside of Russia.