What advantages will the new weapon give to Russian shooters
The units of the Russian army received the first serial samples of the Chukavin sniper rifle (microwave), sources told Izvestia in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The new weapon has improved characteristics and higher accuracy, it was created to replace the famous Dragunov rifle, the main military sniper weapon since the 1960s. Experts note that the microwave capabilities will increase the effectiveness of sniper units and give our fighters additional advantages during sniper duels.
Passed the battle check
The first serial samples of Chukavin sniper rifles were received by Russian units, sources told Izvestia in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Over time, they should replace the Dragunov rifle (SVD), which has remained the main military sniper weapon since the 1960s. Earlier, the Kalashnikov concern reported that the microwave had successfully passed acceptance.
Now the army units are receiving a whole line of new sniper rifles, especially a lot of large-caliber ones, which allows us to increase the effectiveness of the combat work of our units at the forefront, military expert Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia.
"The SVD is a good rifle and can solve all the tasks assigned to the fighters, but it was developed in the 1960s," he noted. — Since then, small arms have changed, it has become possible to make them more accurate and lightweight. The Chukavin rifle uses new materials and technologies, it has been tested by combat and has confirmed its high performance. We can say that it has received the reliability inherent in the SVD, but at the same time it is more long-range and accurate. Now it will be more difficult for the enemy to get away from our sniper, our fighters will get additional opportunities during sniper fights.
A sniper armed with a Chukavin rifle (microwave)
Image source: Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
The Chukavin sniper rifle began to be developed in 2016 and was first shown a year later at the Army military Technical Forum. Starting in 2021, a certain amount of microwave was transferred to the army for trial operation. It was put into service in May 2023.
The basic modification of the weapon is made in 7.62 × 54 mm caliber. Initially, the microwave was created as a lightweight assault rifle, and after the final approval of the terms of reference by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Kalashnikov concern began to create a full-fledged sniper weapon.
The weight of the final version of the Chukavin rifle without a magazine is 4.2 kg, the length with a decomposed butt and a flame extinguisher is 1170 mm, the range is up to 1 km.
Chukavin Sniper Rifle (Microwave)
Image source: Photo: Kalashnikov Concern
The rifle is equipped with adjustable bipods and a butt, as well as a control handle made of impact-resistant polymer. In addition, she received a mechanism for adjusting the descent force.
Earlier, the microwave designer Andrey Chukavin said that his rifle surpasses the famous SVD: in ergonomics and accuracy of shooting, it increased by 25-30%.
In addition, a low-noise firing device (LMS) is installed on the microwave, which muffles the sound of a shot and extinguishes flames and sparks. It significantly increases the stealth of the sniper's work. The microwave is equipped with a Picatinny rail, which allows you to install the entire range of Russian and foreign sights without constructive alterations of the weapon.
In addition, the microwave was used to control the fuse and press the button to separate the magazine without taking your hand off the handle. The rifle can use magazines for 10, 15 and 20 rounds.
Improving the time-tested
Earlier, Izvestia wrote that intelligence and special forces units will be completely re-equipped with SVDM sniper rifles. They surpass the characteristics of the classic Dragunov rifle.
The novelty is not only characterized by higher accuracy, but also has the ability to change the layout — install different sights, a silencer and additional equipment.
It is made of modern materials, has improved ergonomics and higher accuracy due to the weighted barrel.
SVDM Sniper Rifle
Image source: Photo: Rosoboronexport
Picatinny rails are located on the body, with which you can install equipment in a matter of minutes based on the combat mission: optical and night sights, a silencer, etc.
All these innovations will significantly increase the capabilities of scouts to destroy targets at a distance.
The Russian army also has more long-range and powerful rifles, but these are much more expensive and technically sophisticated models that are designed to perform special tasks. Such weapons, as a rule, are supplied in limited batches to special forces units of the army and law enforcement agencies.
The special operation in Ukraine gave a strong impetus not only to the creation, but also to the refinement of existing rifle systems. In particular, during the special operation, the modernized Kalashnikov AK—12 was baptized.
A visitor with an AK-12 Kalashnikov assault rifle at the Moscow International exhibition of weapons and hunting goods "Oreexpo 2023"
Image source: Photo: TASS/Sofia Sandurskaya
Based on the results of operation, it was decided to modernize it taking into account real combat experience. The new AK-12 2023 model was introduced in the spring. The design changes mainly affect ergonomics and are designed to increase reliability and combat effectiveness.
In particular, in the updated version, the firing mode was removed on the machine in a burst with a cutoff of two shots and a two-way safety translator flag was installed. An adjustable cheek was attached to the butt. The weapon received a new forearm, more durable and ergonomic. The changes also affected the flame suppressor-compensator.
The first batch of updated AK-12s will be handed over to Russian troops in January 2024.
Roman Kretsul
Bogdan Stepovoy