SVD is one of the most popular sniper air rifles developed by the domestic engineer Dragunov. Today it is in service in almost every country in the world, thanks to its relatively low cost, trouble-free firing mechanism, as well as high accuracy (up to 800 meters). It is not surprising that many manufacturers of air guns use SVD as a basis when developing rifles. Let's consider several such models from Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers. For fans of domestically produced rifles, we advise you to read the article about the Lobaev sniper rifle.
Swiss Arms Kalashnikov Sniper SVD SVD with 4.5 mm caliber
Popular models of air sniper rifle
Some of the most popular models of SVD-based air sniper rifles include:
- CYMA SVD CM057 (China);
- King Arms Dragunov SVD Rifle AEG (Taiwan);
- ASG SVD-S (China);
- A&K SVD Spring Rifle (China).
They differ from each other not only in their external design and photographic similarity to the original firearms, but also in the firing mechanism. The latter comes in two types:
- pneumoelectric;
- spring-piston.
Multi-shot spring-piston air rifles are popular among many athletes and amateurs. For information about the best air rifle in terms of price and quality, see here. As follows from the above, Chinese air rifles are not inferior to their foreign counterparts.
It should be noted that all of the above rifles are available for free sale and you do not need to obtain a license (permit) from law enforcement agencies to purchase them. Read on to learn how to purchase 5.5 mm Ataman air rifles without a license. It is also recommended to read the review of the Barrett rifle, Hatsan pneumatic rifle, Hatsan 125 air rifle and Vintorez rifle. It is worth noting that IED rifles are especially popular. See also the video of the SVDK rifle here.
Metal or plastic balls are provided here as cartridges. Weapons of this type are used in airsoft competitions and sports shooting.
Technical characteristics of SVD
The main features of airsoft pneumatics:
- type - multi-charged;
- execution options - spring-piston or electric;
- caliber - 6/7.62/8 mm;
- muzzle energy - 0.5...0.9...1.4 J;
- bullet departure speed - 95...130...140...200 m/s;
- weight - 2.6...3.6 kg;
- total length - 109-122 cm;
- smooth trunk - 55-69 cm;
- material of manufacture - wood or polymer / metal;
- projectiles - plastic balls;
- magazine - for 33...60...120...200 balls;
- presence of a fuse (manual or automatic);
- shutter cocking - manual or automatic cocking;
- sighting bar with front sight;
- fastening - “dovetail”.
Characteristics of SVD pneumatics for sports shooting:
- multi-charged or single-charged;
- spring-piston or gas-cylinder (CO2);
- single shots;
- 4.5 mm caliber;
- 3-7.5 J - muzzle energy;
- 150-220 m/s (speed);
- shoots steel explosive balls;
- fuse;
- mount for installing a collimator or optical sight;
- wood or plastic/steel.
CYMA SVD CM057
CYMA SVD CM057 has an electro-pneumatic firing mechanism. Very powerful (shot speed is 131-132 meters per second). The caliber used is 7.62 millimeters (same as the Mosin Three-Ruler). The magazine holds 120 rounds.
Externally, the CYMA SVD CM057 is an almost identical copy of the original Dragunov sniper rifle, which attracts fans of sporting weapons. Most of the rifle's body is made of metal, while the butt and fore-end are made of plastic. Fans of sports shooting will be interested in reading about Makarov signal revolvers and pneumatics.
Among the additional features of the rifle, it is worth highlighting the adjustable “Hop-up” (pressing the upper border of the ball-cartridge, thereby regulating the flight of the bullet). The cartridges are plastic balls.
The advantages of air include:
- a perfectly balanced center of gravity, making it convenient to hold the rifle both in a prone position and “in the air”;
- a very reliable trigger mechanism that works perfectly even in cold weather;
- compact sizes. The rifle is small in both folded and “combat” states.
CYMA SVD CM057
But it also has disadvantages :
- Firstly, the cost is very high (from 13 thousand rubles in China, in Russia and even higher).
- The rifle is quite heavy.
- It does not have a manual safety (only a fire switch), which is inconvenient for many.
It is worth noting the SVD air sniper rifles.
See the price of the Gamo air rifle here.
Watch the video of the longest shot from a sniper rifle at:.
Is it worth buying CYMA SVD CM057? Only if SVD air sniper rifles are preferable for you, reliability comes first, and the price is not scary.
King Arms Dragunov SVD Rifle AEG
King Arms Dragunov SVD Rifle AEG is structurally very similar to the CYMA SVD CM057, but has a caliber of 6 millimeters.
Designed for use in airsoft, therefore the AEG system is pre-installed to pump up the required pressure. Allows you to fire single shots and is characterized by high accuracy (hitting a target at a distance of up to 50 meters). The advantages of the model also include the possibility of its subsequent modernization (optics).
The sight mount is of the dovetail type. The striking power is impressive. It is an excellent hunting air rifle.
King Arms Dragunov SVD Rifle AEG
But the rifle also has disadvantages. In particular, the release mechanism is spring-loaded. Due to the fact that it is made of metal, it has a high weight and quite large dimensions (1210 millimeters in “combat” condition).
This model is unlikely to be suitable for use by beginners, although with the proper skills it allows effective combat on spacious open shooting ranges.
ASG SVD-S - the best option for beginners
The ASG SVD-S is an “entry” level rifle, but with a reliable trigger mechanism.
The shot speed is low - only 95 meters per second, caliber - 8 millimeters. The descent is not adjustable, but the bullet clearly maintains its trajectory in flight. At a distance of up to 40 meters, it allows you to accurately hit a target even without proper shooting skills and the use of pneumatic weapons.
The rifle is characterized by its low weight, since its design uses a plastic stock. In “combat” condition it has a length of 1100 millimeters (barrel - 550 millimeters). The advantages of the ASG SVD-S are the presence of an adjustable hop-up, the ability to install an additional sight for an air rifle, and a very capacious magazine (200 balls). We invite you to watch the video of US sniper rifles below. Read about how to purchase a PCP 6.35 rifle without a license here.
ASG SVD-S
Those shooters who have already tested the ASG SVD-S complain about its poor weight balancing, as well as the inconvenient location of the safety (manual). But all this is compensated by the reliability and fairly low cost of the model (about 8 thousand rubles).
A&K SVD Spring Rifle
A fairly cheap pneumatic analogue of the SVD, but reliable with a spring mechanism.
It should be immediately noted that, if necessary, the spring can be easily replaced with a more powerful one, due to this the initial speed of the bullet will increase to 155 meters per second. Caliber - 7.62 millimeters . The A&K SVD Spring Rifle is characterized by its low weight in comparison with the rifles discussed above (due to the plastic forend and butt). The hop-up is adjustable, there is no release.
Separately, we should talk about the complete sight (which is made of metal). The optics are of quite high quality, there is a sighting reticle (up to 1200 meters with a travel of 10 meters). It is possible to install a Conversion Kit piston mechanism with a CO2 valve. The price for this SVD pneumatic is only 5-6 thousand rubles, which makes it the most affordable model in its class. Crosman Optimus air rifles with optics and Diana air rifle are in demand among athletes and hunters.
A&K SVD Spring Rifle
Does the A&K SVD Spring Rifle have any disadvantages ? Only unimportant ones. For example, it is quite easy to damage it, so you need to operate the rifle with extreme caution. The basic equipment is also quite sparse. It is worth paying attention to the straight-through PSP rifles Edgan Matador.
Sniper rifle Accuracy International L96 A1 / Arctic Warfare (UK)
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AI AW 7.62) sniper rifle 7.62×51 mm caliber
In the early 1980s, the British Army announced a competition to replace the aging Enfield L42 sniper rifles. The main participants in the competition were the English companies Parker-Hale with the Model 82 rifle, and Accuracy International with the Model RM rifle.
sniper rifle Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Police (AI AWP 7.62) 7.62×51
The RM rifle emerged victorious in this competition, and in the mid-1980s it was adopted by the British Army under the designation L96. The main distinguishing feature of this rifle was the stock of an unusual type and design: the basis of the stock is an aluminum beam running along the entire length of the stock, to which the barrel with receiver, trigger mechanism and all other parts of the rifle are attached, including the stock itself, consisting of 2 plastic half - left and right. In addition, L96 rifles are equipped with open sights in addition to the mandatory optical sight.
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum Folding (AI AWM F 300WM) sniper rifle in .300 Winchester Magnum caliber
In the mid-1980s, the Swedish Army also began searching for a new sniper rifle suitable for use in harsh northern weather conditions. Accuracy International offers the Swedes a modified version of the L96 rifle called the Arctic Warfare, and in 1988 the Swedish Army adopted it under the designation PSG.90. The British Army, in turn, is also adopting Arctic Warfare rifles (new designation L96A1).
sniper rifle Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Folding (AI AWF 7.62) 7.62×51 with folded butt
The main model of the series - AW is designed as an army weapon, in addition to it four more basic models are produced: Police (AWP), Suppressed (AWS), Folding (AWF) and Super Magnum (AW SM). The name of the series (Arctic Warfare = Arctic combat) comes from the fact that the rifles have special design features that allow them to be used in Arctic conditions (at temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius). The AW, AWP and AWS models are chambered only in 7.62mm NATO, while the SM model is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum. The barrel of the AW model has a length of 660mm, the AWP model - 609mm. AW SM model barrels can have a length from 609mm to 686mm. The AWS model is equipped for use with suppressor and subsonic ammunition. The accuracy of the basic AW model is such that at a distance of 550 meters a series of 5 shots fits into a circle less than 50mm in diameter! The rifles are equipped with Smidt&Bender 3-12X variable magnification scopes or Leupold Mark 4 constant 10X magnification scopes, as well as a folding removable bipod.
Device
The Arctic Warfare is a non-automatic bolt-action repeating rifle. Locking is ensured by turning the bolt; the angle of rotation is reduced and is 60 degrees, as is the case with many other modern rifles of a similar design. The bolt has three lugs in the front part, the fourth lug is a turning handle that fits into the cutout of the receiver. The handle has a massive spherical knob at the end and is controlled quite easily, thanks to its large size - by touch. The bolt stroke is just over 100 mm, with 2/3 of the hammer cocking occurring when opening, and the remaining part when closing the bolt. The stroke of the striker to the cartridge primer is only 6 mm, which ensures a very short response time of the mechanism. The anti-icing design of the shutter - with longitudinal grooves - allows it to operate reliably at low temperatures in harsh conditions.
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Police (AI AWP)
A characteristic feature of the rifles is that all parts are attached to a rigid frame (the so-called chassis) made of aluminum alloy. This design increases rigidity, which in turn has a positive effect on accuracy. Many manufacturers paid attention to this precisely after the appearance of Accuracy International rifles. The chassis makes it easier to maintain and repair the rifle; the shooter no longer has to think about the accuracy of the fit of parts that become loose with wear. Shooting is possible even with the stock missing.
Arctic Warfare AWM50
Heavy match AW barrels can have different lengths and are usually made of stainless steel (with the exception of short-barreled options). The barrel is free-oscillating and is screwed into a thread in the receiver, giving it additional rigidity. A locking ring with grooves for entering the lugs is screwed onto the barrel, and if it wears out, a new ring can be installed in a matter of seconds. Some variants of rifles can be equipped with a flash suppressor, a muzzle brake, and a shot silencer. There are also options with an integrated muffler.
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Covert Sniper (AI AWS) with Integrated Suppressor
The receiver is first glued and then screwed to the frame during manufacturing. The adhesive, which uses epoxy resin, ensures uniform distribution of forces, which is very important for reducing vibrations. Both the receiver and barrel are epoxy-coated in black, green or camouflage.
The stock consists of two halves attached to the chassis, which are made of high-strength polymer (nylon with filler).
The color may vary - in most cases it is olive green. The stock has a thumb hole and a height-adjustable cheek rest. The kit comes with several interchangeable butt pads of different thicknesses to suit a specific shooter or his clothing. The base to which the butt plate is attached can be adjusted vertically and horizontally in the transverse direction, for convenience when shooting from different positions - often bizarre when shooting in cramped conditions in the forest or in the city. AW in container
Trigger force adjustable from 1.6 to 2 kg. The trigger mechanism remains operational even when heavily soiled or frozen. The safety locks the trigger, striker and locks the bolt handle, preventing any possibility of an accidental shot.
Accuracy International rifles can be equipped with various optical sights - the seat is the Weaver rail, which allows you to install the corresponding (and with adapters almost any other) sights without zeroing or adjustment in seconds. The company offered sights Schmidt&Bender 6Х42, 10х42 or 2.5-10х56. AW for Sweden had Hensoldt 10Х42 sights, the Super Magnum model is usually equipped with Bausch&Lomb Tactical 10x optics. For short-barreled options, a Schmidt&Bender 3-12x50 optical sight is recommended.
L96A1 also had a mechanical sight at a range of up to 800 meters. In most cases, the Arctic Warfare is also equipped with a spare mechanical sight, consisting of a front sight, the base for which is a muzzle brake and a rear sight. The front sight can be adjusted in height and has protective pads.
There are two types of rear sights - “Swedish” and “Belgian” versions, created according to orders from the armies of the respective countries. The “Swedish” version is a diopter drum with a range setting of 200-600 meters, adjustable horizontally. “Belgian” is a folding diopter, without adjustments, for shooting at a range of up to 400 meters.
The magazines are removable steel box-shaped magazines with 10 rounds for rifles of calibers .223, .243 and .308, or 5 rounds for others.
Also standard is a folding, height-adjustable, detachable bipod, a variation of the Parker-Hale bipod. It is possible to attach a support strap for a supporting hand. The carry strap can be attached to either side or bottom of the stock, offering the shooter any number of possible carry options. An aluminum case with soft interior lining or a durable field container can also be used for carrying. The first option has space for a set of accessories, two spare magazines and a scope, the other for accessories, four magazines, a rifle case and other small items.
Caliber: L96, Arctic Warfare, Police, Folding: 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Win); Super Magnum: .338 Lapua (8.60x70mm), .300 Win Mag, 7mm Rem Mag mechanism: manual reloading, bolt-action Length: 1270 mm Barrel length: 660 mm Weight: 6.8kg without cartridges and optics Magazine: detachable box-type, 5 rounds Max. eff. range: up to 800 meters for 7.62mm NATO variants, up to 1100+ meters for Super Magnum variants
Swiss Arms Kalashnikov Sniper SVD SVD with 4.5 mm caliber
Air rifles analogous to the SVD with a caliber of 4.5 millimeters, designed to fire metal bullets, are widely popular. One of these is Swiss Arms Kalashnikov Sniper SVD .
Very powerful, requires compressed carbon dioxide canisters for operation. Allowable power - 7.5 joule. The stock and fore-end are plastic, while all firing mechanisms are metal. The rifle accelerates a metal bullet when fired up to 150 meters per second. At the moment, you can buy powerful pneumatics for hunting without a license.
Its disadvantages include only the poor basic configuration, which does not provide an optical sight (only open ones). But there is a dovetail mount. In Russia, such an SVD 4.5 mm air rifle is sold at a price of 14 thousand rubles, which is its main drawback. See the price of the Remington 700 rifle here.
Swiss Arms Kalashnikov Sniper SVD
Thus, the range of models in a variety of price categories is presented very widely. Choose depending on your own preferences. For example, if the main thing for you is functionality, bet on the A&K SVD Spring Rifle. If reliability and trouble-free operation of the mechanism are important, pay attention to the CYMA SVD CM057. Watch the video of large-caliber Russian sniper rifles below. Instructions on how to shoot from an air rifle and how to shoot from an air pistol can be obtained from specialized institutions. We also recommend that you read the article about the Mosin sniper rifle and the rating of the best pistols.
Appearance
A copy of an SVD is sometimes difficult to distinguish from the original weapon. The pneumatic outwardly resembles a Dragunov rifle - the same frame stock, box magazine, pistol grip, one barrel, barrel lining, open sight and flash suppressor. The only difference between air guns is the principle of operation.
The original combat rifle operates on a rotating bolt mechanism and removal of powder gases. The copy has a slightly different operating principle.
Types of SVD pneumatics for airsoft:
- spring-piston;
- pneumoelectric.
Types of SVD pneumatics for sport shooting:
- spring-piston;
- gas cylinders (CO2).
Copies of SVD (spring-driven and pneumoelectric) are used for playing airsoft.
All airsoft models shoot exclusively with plastic balls of 6-7.62-8 mm caliber. SVD air rifles for sport shooting are equipped with steel balls with a diameter of 4.5 mm.
