Dragunov SVU
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2013) |
| OTs-03 SVU | |
|---|---|
magazine | |
| Sights | Front: Folding post inside ring Rear: Folding U-notch, PSO-1 telescopic sight, other optics available |
The OTs-03 SVU (
A special muzzle brake was added that could absorb up to 40% of the recoil energy and an elastic butt stock with lamellar spring was non-rigidly attached to the receiver. The acoustics of the rifle were also improved by adding a sound suppressor. The other main improvements made to the SVU over the SVD include replacement of the butt stock, pistol grip, trigger and the mounting for the sight; and shortening the barrel by 100 mm (3.9 in) achieved perfect balance for the weapon.
Around 1991, the Russians developed a slight variant of the OTs-03, the OTs-03A (SVU-A). Whereas the SVU is semi-automatic, the SVU-A (the A stands for automatic) is a fully automatic rifle. In this rifle, the center of gravity was moved forward by the addition of a forward extended bipod mounted on the receiver. Developing 20 and 30 round box magazines increased the capacity of the magazine so that it could be used effectively in full automatic mode; and better optics were incorporated into the SVU-A to replace the previous units, which had been left almost untouched since the SVD.
Though it has folding iron sights, the SVU is almost always used with the PSO-1 scope with illuminated reticle, but other Russian scopes can also be mounted. The PSO-1 reticle is somewhat unique in the world of sniper scopes, in that its rangefinders are in the lower left, chevrons for bullet drop compensation are found in the middle, and stadia marks for windage to the left and right of the center reticule. The reticle is also illuminated by radioactive tritium instead of a small battery-powered lamp. The SVU also comes with an adjustable bipod. It has an integral flash hider and muzzle brake. A bayonet may be fitted under the forestock.
Variants
The OTs-03A (SVU-A) (Russian: Снайперская винтовка укороченная, автоматическая, Snayperskaya Vintovka Ukorochennaya—Avtomaticheskaya, Short Sniper Rifle—Semi Automatic) is a
Users
Russia: Used by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.[1]
Yemen: Some imported prior to the ousting of the Saleh government.
See also
- List of Russian weaponry
- List of bullpup firearms
- List of sniper rifles
References
- ^ СВУ (ОЦ-03) // А. И. Благовестов. То, из чего стреляют в СНГ / ред. А. Е. Тарас. Минск, «Харвест», М., ООО «Издательство АСТ», 2000. стр.388-390
External links
- Modern Firearms
- WeaponPlace.ru—in Russian
- [1] Archived 2014-03-23 at the Wayback Machine
