SVD Dragunov

Caliber: 7.62x54R
Operation: gas operated, short stroke, rotating bolt; semi-automatic
Weight: 4.31kg empty with telescope
Length: 1225 mm
Barrel Length: 620 mm
Capacity: 10 round detachable box magazine

Dragunov SVD was designed not as a "standard" sniper rifle in its Western meaning of the term. In fact, main role of the SVD in Soviet / Russian Army is to extend effective range of fire of every infantry squad up to about 600 meters and to provide special fire support. SVD is a lightweight and quite accurate (for it's class) rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire. First request for new sniper rifle was issued in 1958. In 1963 SVD (Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova, or Dragunov Sniper Rifle) was accepted by Soviet Military. SVD can use any kind of standard 7.62x54R ammo, but primary round is specially developed for SVD sniper-grade cartridge with steel-core bullet. Every infantry squad in the Russian (Soviet) army had one man with SVD.
SVD rifle is extremely reliable in all conditions, and designed for heavy use. It has backup adjustable iron sights as a standard option, as well as a bayonet mount (standard AK-47 bayonet type).
Latest modernization incorporate rugged polymer stock. Also, for mounted and airborne troops a special variant was developed with folding buttsock and shortened barrel (590 mm). New flash hider/muzzle brake also installed.

It must be noted that several countries produced SVD copies or look-alikes. Of those, the "true" clones (rifles that have similar internal design) are Iraqui Al Kadesih rifle and Chinese Type 85 (in 7,62x54R) and NDM-86 (in 7,62x51 NATO). Others, such as Romanian Romak FPK or Yugoslavian Zastava M76, are only look-alikes as their internal design is different and usually based on Kalsshnikov AK assault rifle. Russia also produces a civilan version of the SVD, known as "Tigr" (Tiger), in 7,62x54R and 7,62x51 (.308 Win). This usually has shorter barrel, although it is available in several different versions. Older hunting version of the SVD, the "Medved" (Bear) is no longer produced and is quite scarce.

Dragunov SVD is gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle. It uses short-stroke gas piston, and gas chamber has a two-position manual gas regulator. Barrel is locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Receiver is machined from steel block. The safety is somewhat reminiscent in its appearance to that of Kalashnikov AK assault rifle, although internal design of the trigger unit is different, and there's no provisions for full automatic fire. Trigger unit is assembled on a separate removable base that also incorporates a trigger guard. The second, smaller lever, located on the right side of receiver behind the safety, is a receiver cover catch, and is sued to disassemble the gun. Standard furniture includes a skeletonized wooden butt and a removable wooden handguard. Late production models may feature polymer handguards and, sometimes, polymer skeletonized butt. The short SVD-S rifle is fitted with separate pistol grip, made of plastic, and a side-folding metallic butt. All SVD rifles are fitted with adjustable open sights, as well as proprietary side rail mount, which will accept telescopic or IR sights on quick-detachable mounts. Standard telescope sight is the 4X fixed magnification PSO-1 with range-finding reticle. SVD rifles also are issued with carrying sling, cleaning kit and other accessories. A standard AK-type bayonet can be installed on the barrel.

Remington 700

Caliber: .223 Rem (5.56x45mm) and .308 Win (7.62x51mm, 7.62mm NATO)
Operation: Bolt Action, rotating bolt with 2 lugs
Weight: 4.08kg empty without telescope
Length: 1662mm
Barrel: 660mm. (other lenghts available)
Feed: 4-Round internal magazine (detachable magazine in model 700 Police DM in .308 Win)
Stock: HS Precision
Sights: variable telescopic
Max Effective Range: 800 meters
Expected Accuracy: Less than 1 MOA with M118 (Ammo is limiting factor)

Basically, Remington model 700 Police is simply re-stocked Remington model 700 VS (Varmint Synthetic). Remington manufactured its famous model 700 since 1962. This rifle is perhaps one most widely used across the USA as a bolt-action tactical rifle. This rifle traces its ancestry back to the British P14/US model 1917 Enfield. Starting with model 700BDL action, Remington adds a stainless-steel barrel and a carbon-fiber stock, then tunes the rifle for one-minute-of-angle accuracy using match grade ammo. This rifle design was (and is) a basis for many custom build tactical sniper rifles. The USMC (Marine Corps) was among the first to make model 700 action the basis for a precision sniper rifle. The original USMC M40 bolt-action sniper rifle used in Vietnam and into the late 1970s was built on a Remington Model 700BDL action. In fact, today's M40A1s are still being rebuilt on these same actions. Lather, when the US Army decided to switch from a semi-automatic to a bolt-action rifle, the Remington Model 700 action was chosen for the M24.

Technically, all model 700 rifles have carbon or satinless steel tubular receivers of greater strenght. The rotating bolt locks with two lugs that located at the front of the bolt, into recesses made in the receiver walls. The trigger is crisp. Remington not only manufactured the rifles - it also sell the actions (with or without barrels) to many manufacturers of the custom rifles. So, it is common to see Remington 700 action in HS Precision, McMillan or Choate stock with custom target barrel and other options. For another example, famous UK based company, Accuracy International, manufactured it's own tactical chassis for Rem 700 - AICS stage I or II.

Steyr Scout

ype	General purpose rifle
Place of origin	Austria
Production history
Manufacturer	Steyr Mannlicher
Specifications
Weight	3.3 kg (7.28 lbs) (unloaded, no scope)
Length	103.9 cm (40.9 in)
Barrel length	50.8 cm (20 in)
Cartridge	5.56 x 45 mm NATO, .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, 7.62x51mm NATO, .376 Steyr
Feed system	5 / 10 rounds detachable box magazines (4 / 8 rounds for .376 Steyr)

The Steyr Scout (also called the Mannlicher Scout to reflect the company's other name) is a modern scoped bolt-action rifle manufactured by Steyr Mannlicher and chambered primarily for 7.62 mm NATO (.308 Winchester), although other chamberings are offered commercially. It is intended to fill the role of a versatile, lightweight all-around rifle as specified in Jeff Cooper's scout rifle concept. Apart from the barrel and action, it is made primarily of polymers and is designed to be accurate to at least 300 - 400 meters. The Steyr Scout is also available in 5.56 mm NATO, .243 Winchester, .376 Steyr and 7mm-08 Remington.

Features

The Steyr Scout has the following features:

• Removable box magazines w/ "magazine in reserve" setting for manual loading.
• Second magazine stores in butt of weapon.
• Light weight due to aluminum receiver housing, hammer forged fluted barrel, and extensive use of polymers.
• Top and bottom integral Weaver/Picatinny rails.
• Roller tang safety with "Locked Safe", "Loading", and "Fire" positions.
• Bolt handle locks downward against receiver in "Locked Safe" mode.
• User-adjustable trigger factory set at 3.5 lbs.
• Reserve flip-up "ghost ring" iron sights.
• Integral folding bipod.
• Third attachment point for Ching Sling.

There were early reports of problems with the Steyr Scout rifle relating to breakage of the bipod pivot pin. The affected part was subsequently redesigned to improve its strength. "Aftermarket" pivot pin replacements are also available^[1].

Some users find the bolt lift effort to be on the high (but not excessive) side due to steep profile of the cocking cam contained within the bolt. This can be eased somewhat by appropriate lubrication but a revised cam is available.

The other criticism has been of recurring light hits (primer strikes), particularly with early production runs. Factory recommended solutions have typically been adjust the spring to the next higher setting or to install a "high energy" firing pin kit or stiffer spring^[2].

The Picatinny rail above the action and barrel allow either for conventional positioning of a scope with normal 1.5 in - 3.5 eye relief or for the forward placement of a "scout scope" with intermediate or long eye relief. The latter is more faithful to Cooper's Scout concept, and the Steyr-Mannlicher rifle can be ordered from the factory with a low-magnification Leupold scope with long eye relief.

Features

The Steyr Scout has the following features:

• Removable box magazines w/ "magazine in reserve" setting for manual loading.
• Second magazine stores in butt of weapon.
• Light weight due to aluminum receiver housing, hammer forged fluted barrel, and extensive use of polymers.
• Top and bottom integral Weaver/Picatinny rails.
• Roller tang safety with "Locked Safe", "Loading", and "Fire" positions.
• Bolt handle locks downward against receiver in "Locked Safe" mode.
• User-adjustable trigger factory set at 3.5 lbs.
• Reserve flip-up "ghost ring" iron sights.
• Integral folding bipod.
• Third attachment point for Ching Sling.

There were early reports of problems with the Steyr Scout rifle relating to breakage of the bipod pivot pin. The affected part was subsequently redesigned to improve its strength. "Aftermarket" pivot pin replacements are also available^[1].

Some users find the bolt lift effort to be on the high (but not excessive) side due to steep profile of the cocking cam contained within the bolt. This can be eased somewhat by appropriate lubrication but a revised cam is available.

The other criticism has been of recurring light hits (primer strikes), particularly with early production runs. Factory recommended solutions have typically been adjust the spring to the next higher setting or to install a "high energy" firing pin kit or stiffer spring^[2].

The Picatinny rail above the action and barrel allow either for conventional positioning of a scope with normal 1.5 in - 3.5 eye relief or for the forward placement of a "scout scope" with intermediate or long eye relief. The latter is more faithful to Cooper's Scout concept, and the Steyr-Mannlicher rifle can be ordered from the factory with a low-magnification Leupold scope with long eye relief.

VSS Vitorez

VSS Vintorez
Type
Sniper rifle
Place of origin
Russia
Service history
Used by
Spetsnaz, OSNAZ
Production history
Designer
Pyotr Serdyukov TsNIITochMash
Manufacturer
Tula Arsenal (TOZ)
Specifications
Weight
2.6 kg (with empty magazine)[1]3.4 kg (with scope)
Length
894 mm [1]
Barrel length
200 mm [2]
Cartridge
9 x 39 mm [1] SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9
Action
Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire
700 rounds per minute [1]
Muzzle velocity
290 m/s
Effective range
>400 m (day)>300 m (night)
Feed system
10- or 20-round detachable box magazine
Sights
Telescopic sight and Iron sight

The VSS (Russian: Винтовка Снайперская Специальная, Vintovka Snayperskaya Spetsialnaya), "Special Sniper Rifle", also named Vintorez (Thread Cutter), is a suppressed sniper rifle in use by various military and otherwise militant organizations, especially those of former Soviet states.
The VSS Vintorez was designed from the start to be a suppressed, flashless, sniper rifle. Taking advantage of the heavy subsonic 9 x 39 mm cartridge in combination with its integral sound suppressor, to be a quiet weapon. The heavy bullet is very effective at penetrating kevlar even with its sub-sonic speed. Its effective range is 400 meters.[1] The VSS is normally used in semi-automatic, but it is capable of automatic fire.
Since the VSS is meant for use in discreet operations, the VSS can be broken down into three parts to be carried in a special 450 x 370 x 140 mm briefcase. The briefcase also has space for a PSO-1 scope, a NSPU-3 night vision device, and two magazines.

The AWM (Arctic Warfare Magnum) is a sniper rifle manufactured by Accuracy International. It is also known as the AWSM (Arctic Warfare Super Magnum) (usually meaning the .338 Lapua Magnum chambered version).

Overview

The AWM is a variant of the British Accuracy International Arctic Warfare (AW). It has a longer bolt to accommodate larger calibre ammunition such as .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum

This rifle is based on the AW with minimal changes to accommodate magnum-length cartridges. It features a detachable box magazine which holds five rounds. The normal cartridges for this rifle, and the ones which have been accepted by NATO for use in AWM rifles, are .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.

Muzzle brakes are fitted to reduce recoil, jump and flash and act as a base for optional iron sights and suppressors.

Normally, the AWMs are outfitted with a Schmidt & Bender PM II 10x42 telescopic sight with 10x fixed power of magnification. However, a Schmidt & Bender PM II with variable magnification of either 3-12x50 or 4-16x50 can be used if the operator wants more flexibility to shoot at varying ranges, or when a wide field of view is required.

The AWM rifle is normally supplied in a metal transit case together with scope, mount, butt spacers, bipod, spare magazines, sling, cleaning and tool kits.

[edit] Magnum calibres

[edit] .300 Winchester Magnum

The .300 Winchester Magnum offers a flatter trajectory, and a significant increase in wind resistance and supersonic range over the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge. Despite the cartridge's greatly increased muzzle velocity, it delivers greater precision than ordinary 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition and is only slightly eclipsed by the best match-grade 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition. This significantly enhanced range and precision ensures high first-shot hit probability to well beyond 1,100 m using standard .300 Winchester Magnum match grade ammunition. For precision shooting Federal Gold Medal Match is the most commonly used ammunition.^{[citation needed]}

The AWM chambered for the .300 Winchester Magnum is fitted with a fluted, stainless steel barrel that is 660 mm (26") long for optimum velocity and nominal weight.

338 Lapua Magnum

A Dutch ISAF sniper team displaying their Accuracy International AWSM .338 Lapua Magnum rifle and Leica/Vectronix VECTOR IV rangefinder binoculars

The AWM in the .338 Lapua Magnum calibre was designed as a dedicated long range sniper rifle combining the manoeuvrability of rifles chambered in 7.62 × 51 mm NATO with the greater power and range of the .50 BMG cartridge.

Compared to most .50 calibre rifles, the AWSM offers considerably less rifle weight, recoil, muzzle flash, smoke and report. Although the .338 Lapua Magnum delivers less energy to the target compared with the .50 BMG, both cartridges have similar trajectories, resistance to wind drift and penetration, while the .338 Lapua Magnum unquestionably outperforms the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO, especially at ranges beyond 800 m. AWSM rifles in .338 Lapua Magnum can also be deployed against unarmoured hard targets, including armoured glass.

The AWSM is fitted with a stainless steel, fluted, 686 mm (27") barrel, which research has found to be the best compromise between velocity and precision on the one hand, and weight and length on the other.

A problem with the early batches of AWSM rifles was that cartridges loaded to the CIP (Commission Internationale Permanente Pour L'Epreuve Des Armes A Feu Portative) maximum allowed overall length of 93.5 mm did not function properly due to a lack of internal magazine length. The reason for this problem is that the AWSM bolt-action is not specifically designed for the fat and long .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. Because of this, ammunition manufacturers produced batches of specially specified .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges for the early AWSM rifles that where short enough to fit in the early AWSM magazines. With those specially specified .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges the early AWSM rifles could be used as repeating rifles instead of single shot rifles. Later this magazine problem was solved by Accuracy International.^[3]

Ammunition types currently (2007) available for the .338 Lapua Magnum are FMJ, hollow point, Armour Piercing (AP) and Armour Piercing Incendiary (API).

The AW rifle on which the AWM is based is in service with many countries. The AWM is in service with many police and military units throughout the world.

[edit] Defence forces

• Germany - AWM - .300 Winchester Magnum
• Indonesia - AWSM - .338 Lapua Magnum
• Malaysia
• Netherlands - AWSM - .338 Lapua Magnum
• Norway - AWM - .300 Winchester Magnum
• South Korea
• United Kingdom - AWSM - .338 Lapua Magnum
• United States

[edit] British Army

Royal Marines with L115A1 rifles

The British Army adopted the AWSM rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum as the L115A1. The British AWSM rifles are outfitted with Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II telescopic sights. They also employ sniper rifles chambered in the standard 7.62 × 51 mm NATO round like the early PM rifle designated as the L96A1. The L96A1's replacement, the AW version (designated as the L118A1), has seen service in recent conflicts such as Operation Granby and Operation Telic.

The AWSM in .338 Lapua Magnum is currently (2007) in service with the British Army and Royal Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq.

[edit] German Army

G22 with suppressor, telescopic sight and night vision unit "Nachtsichtvorsatz 80" (NSV80)

Since 1998 the Bundeswehr fields an AWM-F chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum (7.62 x 67 mm in Bundeswehr nomenclature), with a 3-12x56 SSG telescopic sight made by the German company Zeiss, under the designation of G22 (for Gewehr 22) or Scharfschützengewehr 22 (snipers rifle 22). The German G22 rifles have folding stocks and emergency iron sights. For their G22 rifles the Bundeswehr claims an effective range of 1,100 m.

Metallwerk Elisenhütte Nassau (MEN) has specially developed 7.62 x 67 mm ammunition for the G22.

Zeiss 3-12x56 SSG reticle

The Carl Zeiss Optronics telescopic sight has a mil-dot reticle and a scale that enables the operator to see the dialled in elevation setting through the rifle scopes ocular. The Bundeswehr 3-12x56 SSG telescopic sight differs somewhat from the further developed 3-12x56 SSG-P telescopic sight depicted in the Zeiss brochure. The Bundeswehr telescopic sight has no parallax setting option and the range scale has a setting range from 0 to 10 instead of 0 to 11 symbolizing the 11.2 milliradian elevation adjustment range shown in the current (2006) Carl Zeiss Optronics 3-12x56 SSG-P telescopic sight brochure.

[edit] Netherlands Armed Forces

The AWSM chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum has been introduced from 1997 by the Dutch Army’s Korps Commandotroepen snipers and the 11th Air Mobile Brigade reconnaissance patrols and long range marksmen. Recently (2007) the snipers of the Netherlands Marine Corps also received this sniper rifle. The Dutch AWSM rifles are outfitted with Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II telescopic sights. The Military of the Netherlands claim a maximum effective range of 1400 m for their AWSM rifles.

[edit] Norwegian Special Forces

The snipers in Marinejegerkommandoen and Forsvarets Spesialkommando are currently using the L115A1 as their primary weapon, chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, with Schmidt & Bender scopes.