The American edition compared the SVD with the latest Russian sniper rifles.
Reviewer of the publication 19fortyfive.com Peter Suchiu (also writing for The National Interest) compared the SVD with the latest models of sniper rifles, which should come to replace.
The expert notes that the SVD is so good that it has undergone only minor changes since the Cold War. Technically not a "sniper rifle", the Dragunov SVD has been an infantry weapon of the Soviet / Russian army since its introduction in 1963. The SVD was developed by Evgeny Dragunov in the 1950s and is a self-loading rifle designed to hit various types of targets at a range of up to 1200 meters.
Easy to use, maintain and repair, the SVD self-loading rifle was used not only by trained shooters, because it can be used effectively with minimal training.
At the beginning of 2020, the Russian military received an updated version - the SVD. The latest versions have become a little more accurate thanks to a heavier chrome-plated barrel, as well as improved ergonomics and the ability to install a wider range of accessories. Instead of a wooden butt and handle, the SVDM uses a polymer pistol grip together with a modular folding butt, which also provides a noticeable reduction in the weight of the rifle.
Despite numerous upgrades and improvements, the Russian military may want to replace the SVD with a real "infantry sniper rifle". There are a number of potential candidates, including the SK-16 sniper rifle of the Kalashnikov concern. Also on the list of applicants are the T-5000 Orsis and DVL-10M3 from Lobaev Arms.
However, these novelties are a more sensitive weapon. It requires proper use, and it should not be handled unprofessionally.
Perhaps, taking into account all these considerations, Russia should stop at the SVD. It is difficult to improve perfection.
Oleg Koryakin