Type 79 Sniper Rifle

China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) · Sniper-Rifle · Discontinued · 1979

Weight (empty)4400 g (155.2 oz)
Overall Length1225 mm (48.23")
Barrel Length620 mm (24.41")
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Muzzle Velocity830 m/s (2723 fps)
Muzzle Energy3304 J (2437 ft·lbf)
Effective Range800 m (875 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.62x54mmR

The Type 79 Sniper Rifle is a Chinese-manufactured copy of the Soviet Dragunov SVD, produced by Norinco beginning in 1979 for the People's Liberation Army. The rifle is functionally identical to the original SVD, utilizing the same short-stroke gas piston operating system and rotating bolt, chambered in 7.62x54mmR. The Type 79 was China's first dedicated sniper rifle and was produced in response to the PLA's need for a designated marksman capability identified during the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1...

Country of Origin: China