Classic Army SVD (Dragunov) **Text Heavy** + Pictures!

[Rd maul]

Seen an SVD in San Diego with one of these installed, it was out shooting a Right Hook Mantis sniper rifle tuned to 550 fps.

Um then the RIght hook owner doesn't know how to shoot PERIOD!

[Exarach]

Seen an SVD in San Diego with one of these installed, it was out shooting a Right Hook Mantis sniper rifle tuned to 550 fps.

Um then the RIght hook owner doesn't know how to shoot PERIOD!

To be honest, the Mantis offers consistent shots at 250ft, I will even say out to 275ft, my CA SVD got accurate shots at 180- 200ft with 360fps and .20's. Not to mention the 6.08 barrel.

I have no doubt that with a higher FPS, heavier pellet, and a tightbore, it may very well be able to out shoot such a system.

However, the very purpose of the Dragunov differs from other snipers. I was on Dragunov.net, and read a great quote, in summary,
The Dragunov, and the role it serves is vastly different than western snipers, who it and wait for days with highly accurate rifles, the dragunov is meant to provide mid-long range protection for a unit in a combat situation.

Basically the ability to fire a rapid second shot, accurately, completely changes how the Dragunov is used in combat.

So in short:  I would love it to out preform a Mantis, but I really don't give two,, because my rifle was half the price, and does what I need it to, (or will eventually)

[ranger-j]

Personally I think that the Russian sniping tactics would work better for airsoft. The bolt action rifle is just too slow and with airsoft you can’t get the range you need to really be effective. P.S. cool purchase I’d be interested to hear about the performance if you put a tight bore in it.

[Exarach]

As off now, 12/20/10, I still do not have my rifle in my possession, however, I am told it is at GB awaiting pickup, which I will do tomorrow or Wed. Spartan imports has either fixed or replaced my SVD, and I am eagerly awaiting its return with a new round of parts in hand.
I have also found the way to get the barrel off, as it is secured with a SUPERGLUE based locktite, it requires an extremely hot heatgun or torch to remove. Should have that baby off in no time.
 
After a few tests of stock performance, I will be immediately upgrading the rifle with the following:
CA FTK
UTG Side mount Scope rail
Mosfet
Lipos
and a scope and laser

I will also hopefully be settling the debate about A&K/CA mag compatibility very soon, as it has puzzled me from day 1

Look forward to move reviews coming! I will keep you guys updated!

Only complaint is that Spartan had an ungodly long turnaround time, under the excuse of moving there inventory. I am just glad I own other rifles besides the SVD, or I would have been in trouble

Was just sad to see the AA homepage with no new posts for so long..... Keep her alive guys!

[ultimentra]

Any updates on this?

[Exarach]

Any updates on this?

Still have yet to receive my rifle. Apparently Spartan keeps throwing up excuses.

[Exarach]

Long overdue post.


3/22/11 Update!
Upgrades: CA FTK, with External Lipo battery, Scope rail and mount. Bipod
FPS: 525 w/.25's
Est. Accurate range: 200ft
Mags Expended:
Last Game: +2
Total: 15

Just a further update on the SVD, realized I had been neglecting this thread and decided to post up some updates.
I finally received my rifle on January 21st, which was awesome because it was my birthday, and bad because it was 1 day before Grozny  :lol: A night of rushed upgrades followed.

I had previously taken the rare opportunity of purchasing a complete spare SVD gearbox for a good price, and was able to get all relevant upgrades into the gearbox before I had received the rifle.  

The CA SVD was easy enough to take down, with the exception of the Outer barrel. And the new gearbox slotted right into place easily.

*One thing to note for upgraders is that CA has decided to solder the wires directly onto there motor contacts, so be sure you have a few spare connectors on hand if you don't want to solder to a new motor, (I didn't.)

My SVD currently shoots well, but is still hampered by the 6.08mm barrel, which will soon be replaced with an ASGI 640mm 6.01.

Intended upgrades in the future include squeezing some sorbo into the gearbox, and buying a few 11.1 20c stick lipos. I am also in the process of finding and upgrading a laser unit to be able to reach out to the distances the SVD can hit, for that added "tacticool" feel lol.

I would recommend the CA SVD to anyone and everyone who can afford it, but, if you do get the fake wood version, do not use an external battery like I have done, currently several portions of the paint on my handguards have flaked off, and left some nasty scratches in my otherwise awesome SVD.

The range with the stock barrel is about 150ft accurate, and about 300ft total. (I know right?) The gun is able to throw a pellet ungodly far, however the 6.08mm barrel simply decimates the accuracy. I measured a ten (10) foot spread at 225ft.   ](*,)
I expect these results to greatly improve with the addition of the 6.01 tightbore barrel.

All the gun has had done to it was the instillation of external accessories, and the CA FTK.
Currently happy with the externals, and the internals are getting an update.

I will let everybody know how the barrel removal goes.
Some pics: