SVD Dragunov

[StringTwelve]

For several years now I have been attracted to the Dragunov rifle. I'm hoping in the near future I'll have enough money to pursue owning one of these rifles but I'm still in the research phase at this point.
What I am looking for is any advice on this particular gun, such as websites, etc. on finding and purchasing a "true" Dragunov. I know there are many knock-offs that people are advertising but I want to find the real deal. So, I would appreciate any advice or pointers on this... even if your advice is to steer clear.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[noob_shooter]

if i am correct, the true dragunov can cost you $3,000+ which in my opinion is not worth it considering you can probably get a more accurate rifle for that price... just me though..

 

[[Pb]]

The price of real Dragunovs is artificially high in the USA because of stupid import regulations brought about some years ago. So unless you absolutely have to have a Dragunov, there are a lot of other rifles out there that will suit your needs for less money.

The "Tigr" SVD is a little bit cheaper carbine version, it was built as a commercial hunting gun instead of a military rifle. Everything is pretty much the same, but less "authentic."

 

[Coronach]

It goes something like this, from most expensive to least expensive:

Real Dragunov SVD: very rare in the US, and expensive.

NDM-86: a chinese version of the SVD, not quite as rare, not quite as expensive, but still more than a mediocre used car.

Tigr: civilianized hunting rifle with a different stock and shorter barrel. Still expensive.

PSL: Not really a Dragunov at all, more like an AK that fires 7.62x54R, but reasonably priced and looks similar to a SVD.

Mike

 

[Sunray]

"...stupid import regulations brought about some years ago..." Rumoured to be an agreement between the U.S. government and the Russians not to sell Russian surplus firearms, Stateside. Operative word being 'Rumoured'.

 

[elmerfudd]

Given the price of Dragunovs, it's surprising that no one has found a way to import parts and build them here.

 

[geologist]

In the Russian arctic with a friends Tigr.

 

[Mr. Bojangles]

That looks like a heck of a story...

 

[paulo]

Check out the Dragunov Information Site,very good info on this site.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

One time in band camp I was in the russian artic, with a dragunov........


Do tell.....do tell....

 

[RangerHAAF]

Personally, I like the sharp lines of the M-76 from Yugoslavia.

 

[Acera]

StringTwelve, first welcome!

Second, make sure you know what to look for, and don't get fooled by what some people think and label as Dragunovs. Many a gun show seller will call a PSL a Dragunov trying to get video gamers and other uninformed folks to buy it. One of the most common "gun lies" out there, even seen it in mostly reputable stores and online catalogs.

Easy fast check, if the trigger guard touches the magazine, it's not a Dragunov.

 

[Gunnerpalace]

Tigr: civilianized hunting rifle with a different stock and shorter barrel. Still expensive.

A gentleman on this site who is from NZ (and can still import the cool stuff) said that Tigr and Dragunovs are pretty much the same, And a Tigr could rightly be called a Dragunov.

 

[AirPower]

Yeah, Tigr is a Dragunov, just with shorter barrel. The mechanism is the same. Here's how much Tigr is shorter, but it doesn't really change the accuracy, only the muzzle velocity.

 

[geologist]

One time in band camp I was in the russian artic, with a dragunov........


Do tell.....do tell....

I'm an exploration geologist, mostly looking for gold. I have worked in 22 different countries over the last 27 years. Those Russian arctic photos are from the 4 years I spent in the restricted Chokotka oblast in the Russian Far East.

The Tigr was used on barren land grizzlies that would not retreat from humans in that very remote area (nearest village - 250 km away), no roads, chopper access only.

The Russian geologist beside me had one of his student geologists killed by a grizzly when they started working in the area in the mid 1990's. He would kill any grizzly that did not retreat from humans.

When I first arrived I was wearing bear bells - SOP for Canadian geos in bear habitat. The Russians told me to take them off as the grizzlies in the region, unused to human contact were curious and would come towards the sound of my bells. I took them off.

 

[Maverick223]

It is positively not worth the asking price...but I too would like one (but it is pretty low on "the list"). The easiest way to tell the genuine Dragunov (or Tigr) is by the magazine (if inserted), if there is an "X" you don't want it (if it doesn't investigate it further)...the furniture, trigger guard, et al are other good indicators.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

geogolist - Sounds like a very interesting job if your not afraid to travel.

Sounds fun!

Thanks for the back story.

 

[Icerider]

SVD vs Others

I have over 100 Russian military rifles or Russian/Soviet influenced rifles. I do not have a SVD due to the fact that you can't find one for sale and if you do the cost in very high. The NDM 86, Chinese copy, (said to be an exact copy of the Russian) is very desirable but they go for $3500 and up for a used one, when you can find one. I do have a SVD Dragunov Tiger. Mine is the same as the Dragunov Sniper with the exception of the bayonet lug and five inch longer barrel. Mine has military stocks, 1200 meter rear sight, adjustable gas regulator, and military front sight and flash hider. For optics it uses a Russian military 1P21 3x9x42mm Sniper scope. Even this rifle cost over $3000. Now for something affordable you can get the Romanian sniper rifle, the PSL-54c. Any of the scopes will mount on it also. The 7.62x54r ammo is still very inexpensive and available and a very good cartridge.
Right now PSL's can be had for under $600 which is a real bargan. If you pay attention to the alignment of the front sight you can get a really good one and they shoot very well. You don't need a bayonet lug on a sniper rifle. There are probably thousands of these PSL's being used in Irag and Afghanastan today. My son-in-law, a Purple Heart and Medal of Valor holder, was hit by a bullet from one in Iraq. He is OK and back in Afghanastin right now. The Yugo M76 is also a very fine sniper rifle with an IR detecting scope. Ammo is not as cheap or as easily found and they do not like the Turkish ammo at all. These have been around $2000 + but have come down to $1200 if you know where to look.
Just my thoughts
These are pics of my SVD Tiger and PSL 54c.

 

[Maverick223]

Welcome to [posting on] THR, Icerider (I see you have been lurking for a while). That is a nice looking Tigr and a very unusual optic that you have on it. Mind if I ask how much the scope set you back and where you found it?

 

[rizbunk77]

David Fortier did an article on the Dragunov optic the PS0 4X riflescope a couple years back in shooting times. It was an excellent article and may still be online somewhere. Fortier is the best on foreign optics I have read. Way better than Guthrie.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

If you're willing to consider Dragunov-ish firearms, I've always been tempted by the Saiga rifles with a few Drag-ish aesethetic touches.

Plus that way you get plenty of mag availability, and you can also get one in .223 for ammo savings.

 

[Maverick223]

David Fortier did an article on the Dragunov optic the PS0 4X riflescope a couple years back in shooting times. It was an excellent article and may still be online somewhere. Fortier is the best on foreign optics I have read. Way better than Guthrie.

Thank you, but I would really like to find out more about that 3-9x optic...looks like the ticket for a Dragunov. I have never seen one, or even heard of one (only ones that I know of are 4x, 6x, or 8x).

 

[max popenker]

Yeah, Tigr is a Dragunov, just with shorter barrel.

Not necessarily.
Tigr rifles are produced in Russia with 530mm or 620mm barrels, the later being same length as on original SVD
SVD-type furniture can be found in Russian gun shops, so in the end you can have almost exact copy, save for rollmarks and the lack of bayonet lug on the Tigr
Tigr rifles also manufactured in 3 calibers: 7.62x54R, .308Win and .30-06

you can find some photos of the original SVD, Tigr and some SVD clones and loo-alikes at my website here: http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn18-e.htm

 

[Maverick223]

Max, I believe (but am not positive) that the Tigr (with either bbl length) use a fully rifled barrel whereas the original SVD uses a barrel that is smoothbore for the first 1/3. Whether this makes any discernible difference I haven't a clue.

 

[leadcounsel]

I bought this mount for my PSL-54C. It fits perfectly and the benefit is that any weaver mount scope or accessory can fit on top and/or side. It has a see through section for using iron sights too.

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/MNTAKA14.aspx