50 caliber sniper rifle
Large-caliber sniper rifle SVDK
After undergoing extensive tests within the Burglar R&D program (OSV-96, SV-98, ASVK, SVDK), the Russian Army adopted in 2006 a new self-loading 9-mm sniper rifle named Sniper Rifle Dragunov Large-caliber. The SVDK is ind. 6B9. According to Russian classification, Large-caliber rifled weapons are those with calibres greater than 9 mm.
It uses the 9.3×64 mm (7N33) sniper cartridge with a brass sleeve, which has been adopted for service. Using civilian hunting cartridges of 9.3×64 mm, TsNIITOCHMASH developed the cartridge. A prototype of the SVDK rifle was initially developed using structural elements from the SVD rifle. An essential role in the development of the SVDK was probably played by the release of the TIGR-9 hunting carbine, which participated in “tests” and undoubtedly contributed to its design.
Compared with the TIGR-9 carbine, the SVDK had an increased barrel length, a 10-round magazine, a folding stock, an integral bipod, and several options for detachable flash suppressors. After discovering that the receiver was insufficiently robust, the latter’s design was redesigned. There was a slight increase in weight and dimensions due to the receiver’s increased mass and thick wall.
Reference Article: Most Powerful Handgun Cartridge | Rifle Cartridge Chart | Rifle Cartridges
50 caliber sniper rifle with a folded stock from the SVDK
As well as the destruction of unarmored equipment, the primary task of the SVDK sniper rifle is the destruction of enemy personnel protected by personal protective equipment (heavy body armour). Military units have already begun using the SVDK rifle, which is mass-produced in small batches.
Even though the rifle’s name contains an abbreviation of the letters SVD, which uses the surname Dragunov, it differs from the SVD in every detail.
Its rear part (behind the gas outlet) is protected by a perforated steel casing, which relieves it from the loads applied to its fore-end or bipod. The plastic forend completely conceals the container.
SVDS sniper rifles have a pistol grip and side-folding metal stock. Despite this, the store has been slightly modified and lengthened due to the installation of a thick rubber butt plate that is not adjustable. The rubber butt plate area has been increased for better control over the weapon’s increased recoil.
An element for fixing the struts is attached to the receiver’s tire (half-pipe), and the front ring is used to improve the barrel lining.
For the SVDK rifle, a folding bipod
It replicates the design of the integral native SVD flame arrester but is a little simpler externally and does not have a bayonet-knife stop.
The rifle’s integral bipod can be folded and fixed in place through slots in the barrel linings.
In addition to open, adjustable sights, the SVDK rifle features a rail on the left side of the receiver that can be used to mount quick-release optics. SVD’s mounting base has also changed and has a different design from the SVD. There are two standard sights for the SVDK: the 1P70 “Hyperon” optical sight and the 1PN112 day-night sight. A range-adjustable aiming mark is built into the company, but it is bulky and expensive (compared with Western analogues).
SVDK and SVD bolts and magazines
Various sources indicate that the accuracy characteristics of the SVDK sniper rifle almost precisely match those of the SVD, except that the SVDK uses a more powerful cartridge at the same distance.
The ballistics of the 9.3×64 cartridge and the properties of the rifle do not permit this complex to compete equally with Western sniper complexes chambered for long-range cartridges like the .338 Lapua Magnum, despite some sources suggesting this rifle should be used as a long-range sniper weapon.
A 600-meter effective range is stated for the SVDK. It is based on the 9.3×64 Brenneke hunting cartridge, initially created for hunting big game. This cartridge contains a steel core bullet weighing 16.5 grams in the 7N33 version. SVDKs fire bullets at 770 m/s and have a muzzle energy of about 4900 joules. There is an 80% probability of penetrating armour 10 mm thick at a distance of 100 meters.
