The 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle has been the only semi-automatic marksman rifle of the Russian infantry and other military units since 1963.
The SVD is designed to engage enemy personnel and other unarmored targets at ranges up to 800 m.
It features reliable gas-operated action with a short-stroke piston and gas regulator.
Any type of 7,62x54R rounds can be used for firing the SVD, but the best accuracy is achieved with special sniper cartridges.
The skeletonized buttstock is fitted with a removable cheek riser, making it easier to use scopes or night-vision sights mounted on a side rail on the receiver.
The rifle has backup iron sights and a bayonet mount.