Note: Before adding to this list, make sure you have checked FPK / PSL Sniper Rifle. The FPK, PSL or Romak is a Romanian AK-derived sniper rifle sometimes used as an ersatz SVD in movies, so an entry which appears to be omitted from this page may well be on that one.
The SVD Dragunov sniper rifle and variants have appeared in the following films, video games and anime, used by the following actors:
Error creating thumbnail: File missingSVD Dragunov - 7.62x54mm RError creating thumbnail: File missingTiger Carbine with synthetic furnishings used on domestic SVD-M modernized variant - 7.62x54mm R. This is an early Tiger; more recent versions of the Tiger have a completely smooth receiver cover. This Tiger Carbine also has a bayonet lug; the Tiger usually does not have a bayonet lug, though some US imported Tigers come with bayonet lugs.
The SVD, commonly called SVD Dragunov or Dragunov SVD, is a Russian semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by Soviet weapon designer Yevgeny Dragunov. Original military versions of the SVD feature wood furniture, which were later upgraded to synthetic furniture (which also redesigned the stock and added ribs to the handguard). This upgraded version is referred to as "SVD-M" on this wiki, though this is not an official designation by the manufacturer. It is not to be confused with the SVDM, a modernized SVDS variant first produced in June 2018 which features a redesigned side-folding stock, a 21.7-inch barrel, redesigned iron sights, a new 1P88-4 scope and an integral picatinny rail on the receiver cover.
The Tiger, also known as Tigr, is a commercial variant of the SVD produced by Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern), and are available in a few different calibers. They typically feature a shortened barrel that lacks the flash hider (though some have all the military features including the military barrel), and come with many different types of stocks and furnitures. These carbines are sold in the United States as well. Early Tigers have a ribbed receiver cover, while more recent Tiger versions have a completely smooth receiver cover.
The SVU (also known as "OTs-03") is the bullpup version of the SVD, developed by TsKIB SOO for Russian special forces. The SVU-A (OTs-03A) is another variant, capable of fully automatic fire, while the SVU-AS (OTs-03AS) is equipped with a bipod. The SVU was introduced in 1991, and entered service three years later, the SVU-A was introduced in 1995.
The VS-121 is a modern bullpup sniper rifle based on the SVD from Izhmash. It has the same barrel length as the SVD, unlike the SVU, which has a shorter barrel.
The Norinco NDM-86 is a Chinese-made clone of the Soviet SVD. There are two versions; one is identical to the original Dragunov SVD (save a somewhat less "clean" finish on metal parts) and fires the 7.62x54mm R cartridge. The .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) version has a more square shaped box magazine. The NDM-86 in 7.62x54mm R was imported between 1986-1989 into the U.S. The .308 version was imported for a longer time due to it being a different caliber than the 'military firearm'.
The Al-Kadesiah (also spelt Al-Kadesih) is an Iraqi clone of the SVD Dragunov. While externally similar to the SVD, the Al-Kadesiah shares no parts with the original SVD. The most distinctive component of the Al-Kadesiah is its magazine, which features a palm tree pattern on both sides.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingSVD Dragunov sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R. Shorter exposed part of gas piston, no visible dividing line in the handguard (it splits into two side-pieces rather than a top and bottom), thinner bent safety lever, bayonet lug mounted on front sight, dust cover retaining lever above the pistol grip on the right side rather than AK push-button, no "X" stamping on magazine, gap between magazine well and front of trigger guard, hooded front sight, top of stock in-line with bore axis.Error creating thumbnail: File missingRomanian FPK/PSL sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R. Note longer exposed part of the gas piston, two-piece AK-style handguard, straight safety lever, bayonet lug mounted on barrel behind front sight, AK-style receiver with dust cover retaining button at rear, "X" shaped stamping on the magazine, magazine located immediately in front of the trigger guard rather than some distance ahead, open front sight, diagonal stock.
