Dragunov Variations: Military SVD, Izhmash Tiger, Chinese NDM-86

The SVD Dragunov was the Soviet marksman's rifle that finally replaced the failed attempt to issue the SVT-40 as a precision rifle. It was introduced in 1963, after about 5 years of development, and its scarcity in the United States has led to the development of a loyal and dedicated group of admirers. This, of course, has led to much spirited debate about the relative merits of the different variations of the SVD which have been imported into the US. Today, we will look at three in detail: a genuine Soviet military-issue SVD, a commercial Tiger SVD made in Russia, and a commercial Chinese NDM-86 in 7.62 NATO caliber (a commercial version of the Chinese Type 79/85 military rifle).
While these rifles really have negligible differences in actual shooting and handling performance, they do differ in some details. Specifically:
- firing pin
- gas regulator
- trigger mechanism (safety sear & disconnector)
- bolt machining
- mainspring and top cover
- receiver lightening cut(s)
Enjoy the video, and see the differences for yourself!
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[@jgedutis]

The Dragunov is one of the coolest looking weapons ever created.

[@Hannibal953able]

Critical Mass It looks bad ass alright.

[@xmm-cf5eg]

Regardless of your opinion of the Soviets, they had some pretty sweet weapon designs.

[@philippefrater2000]

Everybody stop shooting when you grab it out of your bag at the range. It is the ultimate eye grabber. It even works with my airsoft replica... 😎🇫🇷😇

[@mikimouse3001]

Agree😎

[@xaviermatsufuji8170]

Olso psg1 H&K

[@mkmasterthreesixfive]

So, to make the SVD safe to enter the U.S, the ATF made then remove a safety feature. Sounds about right.

[@unherolike]

Its as if the ATF doesn't know anything about firearm's and just arbitrarily make up rules.

[@G0ldbl4e]

If you altered the trigger's disconnect the out-of-battery safety on that absolutely would act exactly like an auto sear so they aren't completely wrong.

[@bonkyouded]

@@G0ldbl4e But its a safe feature. As in its there to make the gun more SAFE!

[@LiterallyWho1917]

The ATF has never done a single good thing for America prove me wrong

[@Spanishfutbol2010]

Joe Biden “the AFT”

[@pterisvittata7799]

By the way: SVDS (foldable) SVDA (automatic fire) SVU (bullpup) SVUA (automatic, bullpup) SVDK (big caliber, 9,3x64) SVDM - modernized (shorter barrel, pikatiny, foldable stock)

[@TheTrollik75]

Does SVDA really exist or is it just how it would be named if it existed? I coudn't find anything about it.

[@yegorgribenuke6853]

I think its picatinni not pikatiny because it sounds Italian and thats how they talk

[@lambo5965]

There was in fact automatic Drags made but only in prototype variations. No automatic drag was ever produced in large numbers for commercial, law enforcement or military use.

[@chandima339]

now TG3 - Russian Civilian SVD Chambered in 9.6x53mm Lancaster

[@danbell3827]

Once you learn how the russians label guns, most of these, and a lot of other "alphabet soup" gun names become pretty easy to figure out. Usually 2 or 3 letters are the type of weapon and designer (AK:Kalashnikov's automatic, SVD: Dragunov's sharpshooter rifle, etc) Then, you simply add on other letters to designate other features or changes. S means folding stock, M is a modernized/improved version, N means it has night vision scope mounts, U is shortened/compact, B usually means supressed. Obviously there are oddballs and exceptions, but as a rule of thumb they stuck with this

[@olegmishin5892]

I graduated from an artillery engineering military school in 1988. I am still interested in weapons. I watch your channel with interest. The host is just a professional. His manner of presentation is beyond praise. Best wishes from Russia. Special thanks for the Russian subtitles.

[@Joker-zk2we]

Good to see you my friend, love Russia, from the U.S

[@TheFaveteLinguis]

Что за училище?

[@olegmishin5892]

@@TheFaveteLinguis penza.vamto.mil.ru/

[@alexm566]

what are your thoughts on the current special military operation 🤔

[@olegmishin5892]

@@alexm566 I think it would be better if it didn’t start. But once we started, we need to win.«Dulce bellum inexpertis»,

[@TheDroidekas]

No interchangeable part with the AK-47 ? Still banned in Canada for being a Variant of the AK-47

[@journeymanreefer6252]

TheDroidekas sucks to be true north strong and (not) free. Greeting from AB.

[@davidoakley3256]

TheDroidekas lets not forget that they are the same RCMP anti-gun politician funded "experts" who deemed the semi-auto blowback 22lr AK lookalikes to be AK-47 variants and prohibited. This will blow you mind. GSG 15 22lr 16 inch barrel & fixed stock "non-restricted" GSG stg44 22lr 16 inch barrel & fixed stock "non-restricted" GSG AK47 22lr 16 inch barrel & fixed stock "prohibited" GSG MP5 22lr 16 inch barrel & fixed stock "prohibited"

[@caffeinatedinsanity2324]

Banned by name, not by specs. Stupidest idea ever, but if we have less mass shootings (of course in proportion to the population), at least that's a plus.

[@TheWolfsnack]

@@journeymanreefer6252 sucks to have a government that caters to Wendy Kookier

[@TheWolfsnack]

@@davidoakley3256 ...and never forget the ban of the most popular 10-22 magazine because all of a sudden it was relabeled as a "pistol" mag.

[@Mythicalmage]

It always impresses me the amount of work the Russians put into durability.

[@meathook3000]

The climate makes such considerations paramount.

[@pbounds4016]

Basically the Nokia’s of the gun business

[@heynando]

It's probably cause they know how fucked up their own logistics are. So the more time the object stays in service the better, instead of needing repairs every now and then, it's built to last "forever"

[@Psiberzerker]

They needed it. Honestly, so did the US Army, and Marines in Asia. Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan... (Other countries we weren't at war with. Like Laos, but used as a dumping ground for unexploded ordinance to save fuel) We had light rifles, but the first generation of the M-16, and last one of the M-1 Carbine weren't reliable under those conditions, they got beat up. It's real nice to have a tack driver on the bench rest, but throw that in the trunk. Now, throw in a jack, and tire iron, maybe wash it down with a bucket of water from the gutter, and drive out to the range. If it doesn't fire, it has 0 Minute of Angle. The conditions in Asia where we took on the Russkies were often Worse than that trunk. Why Mossad called the (First generation) M-16 "The gun you have to shave."

[@tedhodge4830]

@@heynando Yeah, their logistics are -so- fucked up that every Tom, Dick and Harry in some third world shithole can easily supply himself with an AK-47 or SKS he picked up at the flea market for the equivalent of what you pay for a stick of gum, plus 3 30 round magazines and an armload of ammunition. And what the hell, an F2 grenade just for the hell of it.

[@uo2430]

"I'm going to use my universal disassembly tool" *gets out a pen*

[@sumvs5992]

Can't wait for them to be banned for public use here in england then

[@creepertd7712]

Exactly what I was thinking it was before he said what it was

[@blueshark6672]

fineally someone says that a SVD is NOT just a long AK. i was waiting for that

[@eduardomunoz7207]

The SVD is basically an AK but different. And longer. Yeet

[@zenly_csgo]

@@eduardomunoz7207 SVD is refreshed SVT-38 (Tokarev rifle)

[@eduardomunoz7207]

@@zenly_csgo shhh. Listen to me. It's a longer AK. We all know we just need to accept it.

[@Tokito935]

Long AK

[@themadkraken1912]

It's a commie .308 AK that looks good. The reciever looks the exact same. Wake up, sheeple.

[@PDeRop]

Dragunov Variations.. is it just me, or does that sound like an elaborate piece for Violin?

[@UnknowinglyDerpy]

Sounds more like a chess opening

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

It sounds like a elaborate piece for Stalin.

[@thenarrator1921]

Reminds me of Goldberg Variations.

[@adzhoo]

or the title of a Ludlum novel

[@gregoriysharapov1936]

@@UnknowinglyDerpy Hahahahah! I get that!

[@mudchair16]

20 February 1920, exactly 100 years ago, Evgeny Fedorovich Dragunov was born.

[@richardfitzwell6579]

It's now 2/20/21 Happy Birthday

[@epithet052]

Idk why replacing the wooden parts on a Russian rifle with a plastic part instantly make them seem more high-tech.

[@dandanny6906]

Anima Manager becayse plaustucks comrade

[@David-eh9le]

Its less weight

[@kievanrus9434]

Wood and steel. Wood and steel....

[@hellscape73]

Wood has been used in weapons for a long time, so it's probably the idea that wood makes it seem more vintage, which is how I at least got that same idea of it seeming more high-tech.

[@dmitriyefremoff2575]

Plastic parts are stronger and better tolerate contact with water. It’s easier to make many identical parts from plastic. The transition from wood and plywood to plastic was predictable. And you are absolutely right, with plastic parts the rifle has not become less charismatic, it looks more in the hi-tech style, although the design has been around for many years.

[@AtlasJotun]

"Would you like the blonde, the redhead, or the brunette?" "Indeed." P.S. You're telling me the ATF wouldn't allow import of this firearm unless they removed an out-of-battery safety? I'm shocked!

[@moonrazk]

Isn't the D in SVD actually Dragunov? So saying "SVD Dragunov" is like saying "ATM machine"?

[@BlitzFromBehind]

Snayperskaya Vintovka Dragunova.

[@pcarrierorange]

moonra I say atm machine all the time :(

[@tamlandipper29]

Or VIN number

[@ry4nmaster]

or RAS Syndrome

[@Mrfailstandstil]

yep, russians just call it svd or just "dragunov sniper"

[@Tuton25]

I work at a gun store and I was tasked with cleaning an 870. I went to push out the pins for the trigger group with a universal firearms disassembly tool, crushed the tip, and got blue ink all over som poor guy's shotgun....

[@SaturnVII]

Yeah, I don't really like using a pen for anything that requires a bit a force. Every time I see Ian use it I marvel at his courage.

[@mysss29]

:O

[@WhatAboutTheProles]

that's KIND OF like cleaning.

[@SPECTR_Eternal]

Diz iz why you use a universal tool called boolet, komrad. It will not get crushed. But if will, there won't be you no more to answer for such thing happening.

[@curtisthomas2670]

@Ammon Herrera How is the Remi garbage?? It's the most widely used and issued shotgun, very reliable and durable... I disagree strongly

[@johnwillis4706]

I bought one each of these in the late 80's plus a PSL. They were cheap back then, $250 for the Russian, $200 for the Chinese and $150 for the Tiger and the PSL. After a couple of years the prices started going up and never stopped to this day.

[@alexvermaak1759]

Would you say it was worth it? They aren't as expensive here in South Africa as they are in America but they aren't cheap either, a brand new Tigr SVD costs the equivalent of about $900, right now im on the fence between getting one of these or a 300 blackout AR that I've had my eye on which id about the same price.

[@johnwillis4706]

@@alexvermaak1759 I bought them because they were cheap and so was the ammo. No so now and with import ban on Russian ammo the prices have gone way up and it's harder to find. I would by the black out today. 300 black out performs as well as the old Russian ammo ever did.

[@squidwardo7074]

Sounds like some bullshit absolutely no way you got a real russian one for $250. maybe $2500

[@johnwillis4706]

@@squidwardo7074 Tell me, were you even alive in 85 and not filling your diaper? Unless you 18 or over in 85 and buying surplus firearms, how would you know what I paid for anything.

[@XTrooper3936]

I owned a Dragunov Tiger back in the '90s when I had my gun shop. It was a fun shooter and a rugged, accurate weapon. I'm trying to remember from almost thirty years ago so I could be wrong, but I'm almost certain that mine, unlike the one in the video, had both a wooden forend and buttstock. It also had a similarly illuminated reticle (yellow) Russian scope. $6900?! I guess I should have kept that one! :)

[@XTrooper3936]

@Brad Carter Definitely, Brad!

[@DavidBanks02]

@@XTrooper3936my boss has a tiger that I wanted to buy and he wants 12k for it. He paid ~900 for it in the 90s if I recall correctly. Sad those times are gone.

[@XTrooper3936]

@@DavidBanks02 My dealer price was $500-something which was a fair amount of money at the time, but not crazy expensive.

[@Liam-B]

I remember seeing a new in box SVDS on gunbroker. The bid was at ~$32,000 when I saw it. Extremely rare version of an already very rare rifle in the states. Great vid!

[@webster7710]

That military SVD is absolutely gorgeous! In this one particular circumstance, it's kind of lucky Dragunovs are prohibited in Canada, because I might go into debt bidding on it if I were able.

[@jeffreystroman2811]

Mostly I don't make it to the end of a video, but when you start giving detailed explanations of multiple trigger blocks I'm glued till the end. Thanks Eian.

[@PRACERZ]

As always , another great vid Ian ! Thank you very much .

[@rt-wj8bl]

If i had a dollar for every time somebody said a romanian psl was a dragunov

[@drunkensailor775]

or TIGER please do not confuse civilian TIGER with SVD

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

I'd have enough money to buy an actual Dragunov

[@Ra000leo]

You would have a dollar?

[@clemensklawora2389]

You could buy a medium sized meal at Mcdonalds?

[@KoudZ]

..how much pounds would it be then? :)

[@alexm566]

I always assumed guns were simple and all similar copied designs from one another. This channel made me understand and appreciate guns in a totally different way. Thank you, Ian.

[@spendymcspendy]

Love this video! Absolutely awesome detail into the SVD/Tigr/Dragunov/Tiger/NDM-86!

[@ultimentra]

OMG I WANT ALL 3. Thanks for the vid Ian! Dragunovs are such cool guns.

[@i.k.562]

I had one of those back in my time at service. Solid nice recoil, I loved it.

[@Eggomania86]

Funny thing is, the SVD is a very prolific rifle can be found all over the world and some places fairly inexpensive. To buy one here in the United States it costs a small fortune.

[@jeremymcadam7400]

Lol, in Australia pretty much every interesting gun costs a small fortune.

[@Darthdoodoo]

I got 3 in syria for a goat and 3 Snickers bars 😂😂

[@dandel351]

Excellent video Ian , very informative. Thanks a lot for making this video great job as always.

[@heywatchprick1]

Great video, Ian! I've been a fan of the Dragunov for years and never knew even half of what you have here. Keep it up, buddy!

[@tehgreatvak]

Ok, I'm going to be a pedant here and point out that there actually was a full auto variant of the Dragunov in the SVU-A and SVU-AS that were full auto variant of the SVU, that was itself a bullpup variant of the Dragunov. Now do variants of variants count, I can't tell, but I couldn't pass an opportunity to sound smarter than I really am.

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

Well, if you're truly being a pedant, than the SVU doesn't count. Ian said there's no fully automatic _SVD._

[@SternUndead]

tehgreatvak I

[@Tallmios]

Full-auto capability is the last thing Glaz is missing right now.

[@solomongumball971]

tehgreatvak Kinda pointless for a d.m.r. if you ask me.

[@MaCabaret]

Solomon Gumball penis

[@EmperorFett]

Definitely going to become a patron, this channel is gold

[@duncandrake]

Very detailed comparison of one of the coolest guns ever. Thank you for this

[@icu_corey_rn_903]

Can’t get enough of this channel

[@danielmackormack8524]

I owned a Norinco SVD chambered in 7.62x54 , mine had a adjustable gas system and a illuminated scope. It would have been interesting to compare the 3 scopes on those rifes. Your review was enjoyable and Very much appreciated ! Thank you

[@Vulf_Faolan]

Thanks Ian. I hear a lot of people saying the Chinese SVD's are just re-marked Russian SVD's, and others saying "No, Chinese SVD's are made in China but copied so perfectly you'd never be able to tell the difference". It's nice to have a detailed side-by-side comparison to see there are actually quite a few differences.

[@phileas007]

That always amazed me: ppl are ok with Chinese copying the AK, but somehow not the SVD???? where's the logic......

[@Vulf_Faolan]

What do you mean? Most of what I've heard about the Chinese SVD has been really positive. People seem to like them.

[@kalashloy4179]

yep, and actually Chinese didnt received any assistance from the Soviets when they cloned the SVD, they're pretty much mad at each other around that time and the Chinese clones are copied with captured earlier model specimens from wars with Vietnam.

[@si_vis_pacempara_bellum4906]

phileas007 😂 in all fairness, the Type 56 was permitted by the Soviet. The Type 79/85 was to piss off the Soviet😂

[@humansvd3269]

I own the NDM 86 in 54r, previously owned a Tigr like the one shown above and got to shoot someone else's soviet made SVD. I couldn't tell a different in terms of performance regarding the soviet and chinese one. The differences shown are cosmetic and don't really mean anything. The Chinese did a good job making an SVD, and I feel it's worthy of the SVD name.

[@tedkier3264]

thank you for posting this..Ian.and thank you for interspersing the word of safety with the word of old arms.

[@StPaul76]

Back in -96 during my service in the FDF I spent one morning opening up 2 crates of Russian military SVD's, brand spanking new, dipped in cosmoline.. I took them apart, cleaned them, oiled the moving parts, put on the sights and crude-sighted them.. I remember the company commander came about and asked the one I was shooting later that day because he just "wanted to let off a few.. because THIS is a weapon for a FIGHTER.." This video brings back memories.. :) I have to admit the SVD is a very practical piece of hardware when one has to carry a weapon to the field and take down man-sized targets between 100m - 600m in relatively rapid motion. It certainly has panache to it and it looks mean as a motherf*.. :D I appreciate for making this video Ian. Greetings from Finland.

[@ETHRON1]

Way cool. As always I learned something new today.

[@kyleshady21]

The machining and coating on the receiver is much better on the military SVD.

[@emperorspock3506]

Yeah, the drop in finish in the commercial gun is staggering and it's a pain to look at. The Soviet military one is absolutely gorgeous.

The tigr is just the latest variant but civilian, the contemporary military versions are the same except some small details like gas system, barrel lenght and rear sight leaf.

[@oluenionloppu]

i thought that while looking at the bolt carrier. the tiger looks so crued, and the military one just shines

[@1awrenceofarabia]

It also has a chrome lined carrier (and potentially bolt but we didn't see it).

[@bigbigmurphy]

Looks re-parkerized to me. As far as I can tell, SVD and Tigr had the same finish, not great looking but what do you expect from soviet Russia?

[@Crystal-jr7lp]

Your channel is amazing. Thank you.

[@a8s320]

You, my Sir, are the most weapon knowledgeable youtuber with the best videos. Exactly the depth real enthusiasts (not just gun hoarders) love! 👍👍👍👍

[@nerome619]

Dammnit another bedtime delaying video!

[@MrTimsan87]

Neil Rosh haha same ;)

[@a.ortega4505]

Same

[@oiitssean]

Idk what it is, but I'm always drawn to Russian guns. I know I'm not the only one here.

[@vadimkavecsky3698]

Cordelia's Fridge Yes, Russian guns designs are appeal to a lot of people.

[@sundoga4961]

Russian guns appeal to our desire for great engineering and excellent design work. Same reason I like H&K, largely, but H&K occasionally gets too wrapped up in fiddly details the Russian designers tend to just power past through simplification.

[@user-cd6ni8ks7c]

Первый русский АК был Федоров Avtomat 1915 :) Суровые русские мужики предпочитают Тигр 9 (SVDK)

[@t4nkychannel921]

I think its because of how simple they are. Also, the older ones decided "fuck looking modern, we'll just make this out of the cheapest wood that'll do the job." They're cheap, but beautiful in their simplicity, durability, and backwardsness.

[@Mortablunt]

Должен быть -- Автомат Фёдерова, чувак.

[@clockworkpotato]

You are the best! Your videos are detailed and are made with a lot of competence.

[@henrywoods52]

Thank you for these videos.awesome

[@PhunkieZero]

The Dragunov is one of my favorite marksman rifles, I'd love to own one (or one of the similar guns like the Tiger)

[@rjlee3112]

The usual "Russian gun is inaccurate" story. In fact its just as good as any other military rifle of this kind. One important detail was left out. Depending on the year the SVD was made it may have a different twist rate. Russians changed that during production. The gun initially came with a 320mm twist, which was optimized for "sniper ammo", but it was too slow for other loads. They changed that to 240mm, which improved its capability to accurately fire ball, AP, tracer and the lot, but at a reduced accuracy for match loads. Out of the factory its expected to be under 1.5MOA with "sniper ammo". All military DMR's are primarily expected to fire ball most of the time, at about 2MOA on a good day. SVD, after twist rate change, being no exception. If anything SVD set the bar that many still struggle to beat for a military grade precision rifle.

[@cardboard_shaft]

Nah

[@fulcrum2951]

Don't forget the combatants involved in using the weapon, is it a trained force or some amateur?

[@F1ghteR41]

@@fulcrum2951 GRAU shooting tables (1977 edition) give the following data on the matter of shooter qualification. At 100 m an average marksman shooting SVD prone with sniper ammo (7N1) can achieve groups 6 cm high and 4.2 cm wide, while the best snipers can relaibly get groups 2.6 cm high and 2.8 cm wide (ca 1.1 MOA).

[@zenly_csgo]

well they realized that Nato soldiers equips new west and helmets so they have to adopt heavier bullets

[@alex59248]

@@zenly_csgo idk man, you really think 7.62x54r won’t go through a vest...let alone a helmet

[@thierrych.1071]

Your channel is a real treasure. Every question I have about weapons are answered here. Just wondering why it was not recommended before... The Dragunov is a collectable, I love the look of the wooden one, a piece of history.

[@mikemiller7357]

Very informative Ian...well done

[@wkins]

You should do an April fools video where you take a look at the Daisy BB gun

[@hyper-spaceman]

I used to shoot that one at cadets. My arms hurt for days after pumping that bitch

[@danbell3827]

@@hyper-spaceman The 853c? Those pump arms were brutal, but that thing was sweet to shoot. I would love to get my hands on one nowadays, but they cost over $800 last I saw, and that was 15 years ago. Too much for just a target plinker toy, unfortunately.

[@nuraly78]

Thank you for the great video. as far as I know, there is also one major difference between those rifles - barrel twist. SVD has 240mm, while Tiger has 320mm twist.

[@ChrisUrsiny]

excellent review/comparison bro thank you.

[@gc5Hayward]

Wonderful presentation my friend! Thx

[@PunishedDrDank]

If you ever get a hold of one, you should do a review of the SVU Dragunov.

[@kalashloy4179]

I get to hold one, a SVU OTS-03 variant at a defense expo at Kuala Lumpur last year at the Russian's KBP instrument booth. But sadly I'm not as knowledgeable and linguistically good as Ian is not to mention the folks at the booth even tho friendly and enthusiastic, but are having language barrier with us. So all i get to do is took a photo, lol facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=247714878914276&l=58c232e348 here a picture of me holding the gun, too bad it wasn't available to purchase by the civvies :'P

[@HadToChangeMyName_YoutubeSucks]

So the ATF required absolutely pointless changes? Dang, who would have thunk it?

[@blalolblalol]

Awesome and informative video!!

[@kenhelmers2603]

Cool comparison! Thanks Ian

[@quik478]

SVD and Tiger have a different barrel twist(240mm for SVD since 1969 and 320mm for Tiger since 1995/280mm for some export variations) so Tiger can't shoot AP bullets. And there's some other 15 differences.

[@jeremymcadam7400]

Interesting. Does the tiger stabilise 180 grain bullets?

[@hadesomegamoto7639]

Very cool the Dragunov is one of my favorite rifles. The bolt and gas system remind me of the SKS. I can't afford a Dragunov so I had to settle for the PSL.

[@Brokenansmokey5.99]

Good info! Very detailed.

[@poolshark3876]

Awesome Rifles great information as always

[@CrashFactory666]

Such a sexy gun. It's shame I am stuck owning its kinda dumpy cousin the PSL. Oh well, a 5 is still better than a 0.

[@MascheraDiMorte]

What a great vid to wake up to.

[@SuperDriver379]

These videos are so neat, I'll leave a like and comment to help Ian out.

[@BartBe]

Coming home late from a days work, pour myself a whiskey and see Ian has a video of my favorite rifle. life can be sweet sometimes...

[@Aggrop0p]

Great rifle, love it. Any chance of doing a video on the VSS Vintorez / AS Val, btw? I know they're rare, but if anyone can get their hand on one it's gotta be GJ.

[@yaboosnubs]

Aggropop it's not so simple to just get a 9x39 gun. when enitre world will use laser weapons and 7,62x54r won't be produced anymore maybe then russia will make some exportable.

[@medievileable]

Aggropop that would absolutely blow my mind Also, I'm not too familiar with the USA's import laws when it comes to guns, but wouldn't it be more difficult to bring in a weapon with an integrated suppressor?

[@therideneverends1697]

They are as far as i know not sold commercially

[@CzornyLisek]

Specnaz is just one of maaany groups. Specnaz was officially(correctly) part of GRU. Nowadays IDK if Specnaz as unit still exist as GRU was restructured into Main Directorate of the Russian General Chief of Staff. In spoken slang language... then specnaz mean anything from shock troops to elite special forces.

[@jjtomecek1623]

I heard that even within the Russian Spetsnaz, they are still very rarely used. They're pretty much saved for just very specific missions, although they're very popular amongst Spetsnaz operators.

[@rwilliams_2465]

"Corporation wants you to tell the difference between these three pictures." "They're the same picture."

[@PokemonHaloFan]

The Dragonov is just such a cool looking rifle. The curve of the forward handguard in particular is just so cool.

[@EricKPoorManPrepper]

This was an excellent video and well done, very very informative,...

[@abnorcscreenname8489]

"There is no soviet union anymore." Too soon.

[@thegoldencaulk2742]

Dragunov is sex. No wait, Dragunov is better.

[@killerskillet]

You might be having sex wrong.

[@floridaarmyvet3613]

TheGoldenCaulk Why doesn't a company make these again? I would buy one or 2

[@kennya90j]

killerskillet This is a *Soviet* rifle. This means that your impeccable logic is inverted and you're shooting your Dragunov wrong.

[@kennya90j]

Alex C Definitely gulag.

[@humansvd3269]

Florida*ARMY*VET expensive to tool, not really a big demand when most people would buy something else in the dragunov category. Making an affordable psl would be nice but again, not a big demand for it.

[@atsonaga5520]

wow!all the intricate details explained

[@pessimistmaximus5731]

Oh boy it's 10 pm. I never really looked into these rifles before this but now I'm impressed by them.

[@1337Jogi]

These are beautiful weapons.

[@hawkstable8889]

7:12 the SVU bullpup version has a fully automatic variant.

[@hujatali9461]

Very informative thank you so much very cleary explain the differences

[@MordredSimp]

I love when he takes apart the weapons. If you have a fire arm without the manual he can help you. Thank you, I now know how to take apart and clean a Dragunov Designated Marksman Rifle

[@handlesarekindadumb]

7:14 no fully automatic dragonov? what about the svu-a?

[@Aravzil]

I really hope you get your hands on a VSS Vintorez one day!

[@jfaulguy5605]

Great video!!!

[@ELITEWAFFLES9]

Great video as always! the only inaccuracy I noticed was that you said there is no fully automatic Dragunov rifle produced when, in fact, there is. The SVU-A is a bullpup variant, currently made in Russia, that is capable of select fire.

[@Corristo89]

The Americans already had experience when it came to tying in snipers with regular army units instead of sending them out on their own. The commander on the spot could say "sniper front!" when they encountered something like a machine gun nest. The sniper could find an angle on the machine gunner and take him out from a distance and pave the way for the other soldiers. And the days of long-range single-shot rifle fire were simply over when WW2 was taking place. Combat took place at ranges of a few meters to maybe one or two hundred. Having an insanely accurate rifle capable of firing over a kilometer wasn't necessary anymore. The Soviets understood that change in warfare. The "normal" sniper with a rifle capable of exceeding ranges of over a kilometer still has his role, but more as an independent unit sent to take out specific targets (officers, military equipment, etc.)

[@TheREALAvengerr]

The SVD is my favourite rifle of all time. Not sure why, I just love the look of it. Been wanting to fire one for years, but unfortunately they're prohibited in Canada because they look like an AK, despite, as you said, no parts can be interchanged.

[@BRBMrSoul]

Oh but you might startle someone cos it’s scary looking…at a target range…or on crown land by yourself sighting it in…couldn’t have that could we? Or admission no more or less deadly than any other rifle lol

[@gatlin1320]

The way Ian had to plainly state “There are no full auto versions of the Dragunov” made me chuckle a bit.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

I actually love this show. No politics, no bullshit chest-thumping, just information and well researched pieces.

[@cassidybrash4243]

6:15 "And then the Chinese copied the SVD..." Ah, the classic chinese design strat.

[@Culture1911]

@@rastas_4221 Google Type 56

[@untouchableE2IN]

@@Culture1911 Type 56 was modelled after SKS iirc

[@yangzhao4691]

@@noxous582 do some research, Russians authorized them to manufacture...

[@elijahgalanis4784]

@@yangzhao4691 its a joke

[@yangzhao4691]

@@elijahgalanis4784 Why is it a joke?

[@mavyboyy]

The machining on the Russian Military one is so much better then the other two, wow.

[@Clay3613]

Functionality is probably the same though.

[@mavyboyy]

Clay3613 well yeah about 95 percent same functionality. But the Russian SVD is so clean, no tool marks anywhere

[@TheAshenCrow]

Ooooooo I've been waiting for one of these!

[@bvrcavalera2786]

Yes mate! Got to shoot one of these at Prague Armory. Proper old one as well. The sight reticle was proper decent. Lovely bit of kit.

[@the51project]

You are a very clever man Ian, however I did hear that you were once defeated by an IKEA Wardrobe.

[@bfgmovies]

few things wrong /omitted here as well as some notes. A) probably more than 1000 tigrs. considering there is a known number of Californian Tigrs (700) and these are considered the rare Tigr variant, usually demanding almost twice as much as a stock Tigr. B) There are select fire SVDs made, called the OTs-03A, C) Only the 54R tigrs were imported into the U.S, the other calibers are only available in other countries who didn't/don't have bans on SVD imports or sanctions on Izhmash / Kalashnikov Concern. D) The Californian Tigr has more than just the military FSB compared to other imported models. The furniture is also 90s era, military furniture. Polymer hand-guards were standardized in 1991. The other commercial Tigr imports came in with sporterized furniture. The black hand-guards are smooth and do not have the ventilation holes and the stocks didn't have the same sling loop and were more sporter in style. Only the Californian Tigrs were imported with the military furniture. E) NDMs did come with gas regulators but they needed to be drilled to work as regulators. F) Military Gas regulators can be installed on the Tigrs as well. G) The Tigr bolt carrier is merely just a modern SVD carrier. The change was done in the early 90s with the SVD-S and carried over to modern military SVD rifles as well. H)The lightening cuts on Military SVDs were changed in 1993. They started cutting them on the inside of the receiver instead of on the outside. Same with the Tigr, if you look on the inside, you will see that there is a lightening cut on the inside of the receiver. The tigr just as the receiver of a post 1993 SVD. if you look at pictures of modern SVDs, like the KBI military imports, or the SVD-S. They all have slab side receivers. So just a bit of omitted info there. I) AGAIN, the polymer hand-guards on the Californian Tigrs are military. The Russian military started using polymer hand-guards in 1991. in the late 90s they started production of a polymer butt-stock as well. Wood is no longer made for any new manufacture SVD in Russia.

[@rustyshackleford4965]

Fancy seeing you here bfg. Love the builds

[@User-bb3ke]

Super interesting video!

[@nicoby309]

Good one Ian!

[@mafistowaltz4857]

OH My God! I wish I could own that Soviet Drag,, Holy shit This is EPIC!

[@teppokuusisto144]

"Draculas" job is to protect "PoKeMon" (SVD - PKM). It gives DMR supportfire for mg-shooter in the Russian squad of infantry. Finnish paratroopers use it as a ironbar.

[@bokachoy]

Excellent video

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Thanks Ian!

[@RogueRAZR]

Always makes me laugh when an organization like the ATF, removes a safety mechanism because the same system is used on Autos. An out of battery safety is actually a pretty good idea, even on a Semi auto. Just because some rifles tend to explode when firing out of battery.

[@gkarjala]

As a former AK salesman, i always thought the dragonov was an AK variant. They do look similar, AK has Dragonov furniture but closer inspection reveals the difference. Thx for this vid, there was no internet, let alone you tube in my day. Way better than the " Fubar Rifle " of earlier vid. lol

[@skoopsro7656]

EXCELLENT video.

[@madsam5848]

Just an all around badass gun, one of my personal favorites!