SVD

SVD is the abbreviation for Снайперская Винтовка Драгунова (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova), meaning the Dragunov sniper rifle. It is a legendary Soviet weapon designed for accurate medium-range engagements. The SVD is not a traditional “sniper rifle,” but rather a DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) — a precision rifle intended for a marksman operating within a squad. The SVD combines low weight, high reliability, and simple maintenance, which made it one of the most recognizable military rifles in the world. The SVD Dragunov is an iconic semi-automatic DMR rifle of Soviet origin from 1963, built to support infantry at medium distances. It is still used by many armed forces today. In airsoft, it is popular thanks to its history and unmistakable appearance, with the most realistic replicas made by LCT; affordable manual versions from A&K serve beginners, and the CYMA AEG line offers a universal electric option.

History of the SVD Dragunov

Development began in the late 1950s and early 1960s in the Soviet Union under chief designer Yevgeny Dragunov. The goal was to create a rifle that was accurate yet rugged, and could be issued to a regular trained soldier — not only elite snipers. The SVD was officially adopted into service in 1963 and became the standard for the Warsaw Pact and many other nations worldwide.

Caliber: 7.62×54R
Fire mode: semi-automatic
Optic: typically PSO-1 (4×)

Who used and still uses the SVD?

The SVD Dragunov is widespread across the world — used by dozens of armies, paramilitary groups, and armed organizations. Most commonly it served in:

The Soviet Army and later the Russian Federation,
countries of the Warsaw Pact,
the Middle East (Syria, Iran, Iraq, Egypt),
conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Ukraine, Vietnam, and more.

It remains an iconic DMR rifle today — valued for its reliability and historical legacy.

Airsoft replicas of the SVD

In airsoft, the SVD is especially popular among fans of Soviet/Russian gear, reenactors, and Mil-Sim players. Several versions exist on the market:

LCT SVD — the best realistic build. Steel construction, accurate proportions, and top-tier quality. Ideal for demanding players.
Manual SVD (e.g., from A&K) — simple, affordable, and suitable for beginners who want a sniper rifle without complex maintenance.
CYMA SVD AEG — the electric AEG version. Some parts are unique, but it offers easy maintenance and solid performance.

Each variant has its strengths — LCT as the realistic steel masterpiece, CYMA as the simple and reliable AEG, and manual versions as an accessible entry point.