Dragunov SVDS

Kalashnikov Concern · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1995

Also known as: SVDS, SVD-S, Dragunov Skladnaya

Overview

The Dragunov SVDS (Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova Skladnaya, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle Folding) is a paratrooper variant of the legendary SVD designated marksman rifle, featuring a right-folding metal skeleton stock designed specifically for Russian airborne forces (VDV) and special operations units. Adopted in 1995, the SVDS retains the core semi-automatic gas-operated mechanism of the original SVD but incorporates a shortened 565mm barrel (55mm shorter than the standard SVD's 620mm) and replaces the wooden furniture with a polymer pistol grip and lightweight folding metal stock with a rubber shoulder pad and cheek riser. The shorter barrel results in slightly reduced muzzle velocity and effective range compared to the full-length SVD, but the folded profile of 875mm makes the weapon significantly more practical for airborne insertion, vehicle transport, and close-quarters urban operations.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	4200 g (148.2 oz)
Weight (loaded)	4680 g (165.1 oz)
Overall Length	1135 mm (44.69")
Folded Length	875 mm (34.45")
Barrel Length	565 mm (22.24")
Action Type	Gas Operated Short Stroke
Firing Mechanism	Striker Fired
Trigger Type	Single Stage
Trigger Pull	27 N (6.1 lbf)
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	810 m/s (2657 fps)
Muzzle Energy	3145 J (2320 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	700 m (766 yd)
Maximum Range	1200 m (1312 yd)
Rate of Fire	30 rpm
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Rifling Twist	240 mm (9.45")
Number of Grooves	4
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Chrome Lined Steel
Stock Material	Polymer Metal
Finish	Matte Black

Calibers

7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62 Mosin-Nagant

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Lever Safety, Disconnector, Free Floating Firing Pin
Features: Folding Stock, Pso 1 Scope Compatible, Chrome Lined Barrel, Flash Hider, Polymer Pistol Grip, Rotating Bolt, Machined Receiver, Bipod Compatible, Rubber Shoulder Pad, Cheek Riser

Variants

SVDSN — Night Vision

Base model

Dragunov-Svd

Service history

Operators

Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) · adopted 1995 · as SVDS
Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz) · adopted 1995 · as SVDS
Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1995 · as SVDS
Indian Armed Forces

Conflicts

Second Chechen War (1999-2009)
Russo-Georgian War (2008)
Syrian Civil War (2015-present)
Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)

Production

Production years: 1995-present

Produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) primarily for Russian airborne and special forces units. Exact production numbers not publicly available.

Origin

Country of origin: Russia

Designer: Yevgeny Dragunov

Notes

The SVDS stock folds to the right side to avoid interference with the scope mounting rail on the left of the receiver. When folded, the weapon measures 875mm, a reduction of 260mm from its extended length. The polymer pistol grip replaces the standard SVD's wooden thumbhole stock, improving ergonomics for use with body armor and tactical gear. The SVDSN night-vision variant adds a side rail mount optimized for night optics. Despite the shorter barrel, the SVDS maintains adequate accuracy for its intended role as a squad-level designated marksman weapon, with the trade-off in ballistic performance considered acceptable given the tactical advantages of portability. The rifle uses the same 10-round magazines and PSO-series optics as the standard SVD.

Background

The SVDS was born from the Soviet and Russian airborne forces' need for a compact precision rifle that could survive parachute drops and fit within the confined spaces of BMD infantry fighting vehicles. The folding stock was specifically designed to fold right instead of left, ensuring the soldier could still operate the charging handle and access the scope with the stock folded in emergencies.