SVCh Sniper Rifle - The SVD Replacement

SVCh, the new sniper rifle that will replace the famous SVD started its life as a commercial hunting carbine in 2016, designed by Andrei Chukavin. The hunting carbine was chambered in the .308 Win. (7.62x51 mm) caliber. The project was shown to the Russian Military in 2018; they showed interest in it as a military weapon. The experimental design program called "Reaper" was opened to create a weapon in the domestic 7.62x54 mm caliber. In the early stages, the rifle was a short barrel one, what we would colloquially call a battle rifle.

After gaining the Russian military's interest, the Defense Ministry submitted its technical specifications, and work started on the sniper rifle, which received the GRAU index 6V14. The Chukavin Sniper Rifle (SVCh) primarily surpasses the SVD in ergonomics, its ability to mount modern optics to the upper receiver, and an appropriately located and attached bipod. A suppressor was requested to reduce the weapon’s report when firing and reduce any muzzle flash signature to better conceal the shooters’ location. Using the same magazine as the SVD reduces development time and makes it easier for military adoption of the rifle.

Accuracy

The new SVCh military is chambered in the domestic 7.62x54mmR cartridge. One requirement was the same barrel length as the SVD, 24.2 inches (620mm). The lead designer said the accuracy has been improved by 25-30% in conjunction with quality sniper precision ammunition. The SVD can realistically do 2 to 2.5 MOA, and the manufacturer states that the SVCh is a 1 MOA gun. The effective range is up to 1200 meters. The twist rate of the SVCh is currently unknown. For reference, the original early SVD twist rate was RH 1:12.6 inches (1:320mm) for sniper ammunition. Later, in 1975, it changed to accommodate standard ammunition with a twist rate of 1:9.4 inches (1:240mm).

Construction

The SVCh is gas-operated using a short-stroke piston system. It achieves locking through a multi-lug rotating bolt, and the receiver includes a monolithic M1913 Picatinny rail. The lower receiver is made of polymer and features ambidextrous controls for ease of use. The charging handle, which is reciprocating, is positioned on the left side of the weapon; this design choice simplifies manufacturing and reduces overall costs, plus gives positive control of the bolt carrier. Additionally, the rifle has a free-floated handguard with M-LOK slots that allow for the attachment of accessories and a bipod. The SVCh fits in the essential form factor of the SVD, though it is a little heavier at 10.5 lbs. (4.8kg), while the SVD was 9.5 lbs. (9.3kg).

Future

The SVCh could fill the designated marksman role within an infantry squad, increasing detection and engagement ranges of the standard 5.45mm caliber weapons. It is highly likely that as the US M7 rifle gains more traction, the SVCh may be the solution or an interim solution until a system is developed to play catch up or possibly rechamber, such as the proposed 6.02x41 SVCh, though realistically, this would be used in an assault rifle or so-called battle rifle role. The DMR or sniper rifles would preferably be of a larger caliber with increased capabilities, but I digress.

As the Russian army integrates the new sniper rifle, the SVCh will increase the sniper's combat effectiveness, replacing the iconic SVD rifle that has been in service since 1963. As we can see, the Russian military modernized its small arms, which can enhance the weapon systems' capability if they are employed and structured effectively. I am still waiting to see if there is a significant shift with the US adoption of the 6.8X51. The most recent adoptions of Russian small arms in legacy chamberings show the current threat must not be substantial enough for the Russian Ministry of Defense to address this concern rapidly. However, there has been an investigation into new 6mm cartridges similar to previous Soviet 6mm developments.