SVCh (Chukavin)
Kalashnikov Concern · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: SVCh, Chukavin, Snayperskaya Vintovka Chukavin
Overview
The SVCh (Snayperskaya Vintovka Chukavin, or Chukavin Sniper Rifle) is a modern Russian semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by Andrey Chukavin at Kalashnikov Concern as the intended replacement for the venerable Dragunov SVD. First unveiled in 2017 and entering service with the Russian Armed Forces in 2021, the SVCh features a modern modular design with aluminum receiver, free-floating barrel, and multi-caliber capability. The rifle represents a significant modernization of Russia's designated marksman capabilities, offering improved accuracy, ergonomics, and accessory compatibility compared to the 1960s-era SVD.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1125 mm (44.29") |
| Folded Length | 880 mm (34.65") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3304 J (2437 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 30 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62 Mosin-Nagant
- .338 Lapua Magnum — also known as 8.6x70mm, 8.58x70mm, .338 Lapua Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Picatinny Rail, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Buttpad, Suppressor Ready, Modular Design, Multi Caliber Capability, Ambidextrous Controls, Short Stroke Gas Piston
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2021 · as SVCh
- Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya)
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Production ramping up at Kalashnikov Concern. Intended to gradually replace the SVD in Russian service but adoption has been slow.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Andrey Chukavin
Notes
The SVCh uses a short-stroke gas piston system similar to the SVD but with significant improvements to accuracy and reliability. The aluminum receiver significantly reduces weight compared to the SVD's machined steel receiver. The rifle features a full-length Picatinny rail and M-LOK handguard for modern optics and accessories. The .338 Lapua Magnum variant (SVCh-338) extends the effective range to 1500+ meters, giving Russian marksmen a semi-automatic long-range capability. Early reports from the Russo-Ukrainian War suggest the SVCh has seen limited deployment, with the SVD still being the primary Russian DMR platform due to the SVCh's relatively recent adoption and limited production numbers.
Background
The SVCh represents Russia's first clean-sheet semi-automatic sniper rifle design in over half a century. Named after its designer Andrey Chukavin, it was developed under the 'Ugolyok' program to finally retire the legendary but aging Dragunov SVD from frontline service, though the SVD has proven stubbornly difficult to replace.