Kalashnikov SVK
Kalashnikov Concern · Battle Rifle · Prototype · 2016
Also known as: SVK, Kalashnikov SVK
Overview
The Kalashnikov SVK is a Russian gas-operated, semi-automatic battle rifle and designated marksman rifle unveiled in prototype form by Kalashnikov Concern at the Army-2016 exposition. Built around an inverted U-shaped steel receiver, it uses a short-stroke gas piston with a three-lug rotating bolt and a manually adjustable gas regulator. Offered in both 7.62x51mm NATO and 7.62x54mmR chamberings, it makes heavy use of polymers to keep weight down and features ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rails, a side-folding adjustable stock, a detachable bipod, and a quick-detach suppressor. The SVK was developed as a candidate replacement for the long-serving Dragunov SVD and evolved into the production SVCh (Chukavin) rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1015 mm (39.96") |
| Folded Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Barrel Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Ambidextrous Controls, Side Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Rest, Picatinny Rail, Detachable Bipod, Quick Detach Suppressor
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · as SVK (trials)
Production
Production years: 2016 (prototype)
Shown as a prototype at Army-2016; did not enter mass production under the SVK name, which gave way to the SVCh
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Kalashnikov Concern
Notes
The SVK was an early prototype designation; the design was refined into the production SVCh / Chukavin rifle. The 7.62x54mmR variant accepts SVD-pattern magazines while the 7.62x51mm NATO version uses proprietary magazines. Sources vary on barrel length, citing a 410 mm short-barrel configuration and a longer 530 mm variant.
Background
First displayed at the Army-2016 military expo in September 2016, the SVK was presented as Kalashnikov's modern semi-automatic answer to the aging Dragunov SVD, with design input from Russian special-forces snipers.