NOTE: This article is about the SVD Dragunov in the main ArmA games. For SVDs in ArmA 3's Global Mobilization - Cold War Germany Creator DLC, see SVD (Global Mobilization). |
The SVD Dragunov is a 7.62 mm sniper rifle featured in ArmA: Cold War Assault, ArmA: Armed Assault, ArmA 2, and ARMA Reforger.
ArmA: Cold War Assault
« | The 7.62-mm Dragunov is a single-target sniper rifle designed to destroy open or screened, static or moving targets, which fires bullets in single shots. The optical sight features a comprehensive reticule which is used to measure the distance of targets from 300m to 1300m. The individual marks on the reticule represent these distances as a scale and must be calibrated before use. Weapon Description
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SVD 7.62 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() ![]() |
Type | Sniper Rifle / DMR |
Calibre | 7.62×54 mmR |
Magazine capacity |
10 |
Dispersion | 0.00003 rad |
Variants | None |
Games |
The SVD is used by both the Soviet military, as well as in limited numbers with the Nogovan Partisans in ArmA: Cold War Assault.
Overview
The SVD is a gas operated, semi-automatic sniper rifle that is chambered to fire the 7.62×54 mm round.
It loads from 10-round curved magazines, is capable of attaining a fire rate of up to 200 rounds per minute and has a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s. The SVD is accurate at a distance of up to 800 metres.
The SVD is the Soviet counterpart to the American M21 sniper rifle. Like the M21, the SVD is also a semi-automatic sniper rifle that excels in attacking targets from long ranges. Its telescopic sight has a magnification strength of 4x, which lets its operator see targets more clearly from a safe distance.
Compared to the M21, the SVD has greater stopping power over long ranges. Its main drawback is the small capacity of its magazine, which has 10 rounds less than the M21. So in spite of its higher rate of fire, every single round counts and shouldn't be wasted. The other issue is its usage of a fixed magnification scope (the SVD's scope has a fixed magnification strength and cannot be zoomed in with).
Ammunition

Base damage value | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|
10 | 900 |
The SVD only supports one type of magazine. It requires one free inventory slot to carry:
SVD Dragunov Mag.
10-round curved magazine.
Trivia
- The first person level-of-detail view of the in-game SVD strangely lacks its front sight even though it remains visible in third person.
Gallery
ArmA: Armed Assault
« | The SVD was designed as a sharpshooter's rifle, rather than a sniper rifle. In fact, the main role of the SVD in the Soviet Army was to increase the effective range of an infantry squad’s fire to 600 meters by providing precision fire support. The SVD is a lightweight and accurate rifle, cabable of semi-auto fire and equipped with 4x24 PSO-1 scope. The SVD is extremely reliable in all conditions. Library Description
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SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm | |
![]() | |
Faction | ![]() |
Type | Sniper Rifle / DMR |
Calibre | 7.62×54 mmR |
Magazine capacity |
10 |
Dispersion | 0.0005 rad |
Variants | None |
Games |
The SVD Dragunov is used exclusively by SLA forces in ArmA: Armed Assault.
Overview
The SVD returns in Armed Assault and serves as the standard-issue weapon of SLA snipers.
It still loads from 10-round curved magazines, and has a maximum fire rate of up to 600 RPM with a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s. The SVD is almost always fitted with the PSO telescopic sight.
Compared to the American M24, the SVD has identical dispersion against long distance targets but has a low-powered PSO scope that is more useful in urban areas. Consequently, it isn't nearly as easy to aim with at longer ranges and will fall off sharply against targets located beyond ~ 700 metres.
Ammunition

Base damage value | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|
12 | 900 |
The SVD only supports one type of magazine. It requires one free inventory slot to carry:
SVD Dragunov Mag.
10-round curved magazine. Does not contain any visible tracers.
Trivia
- Prior to Patch 1.04, the reticle markings on the SVD's optical scope were erroneously labelled and fell off sharply against targets beyond ~ 580 metres. This was eventually fixed following the patch, which correctly gave it a default zeroing of 200 metres per mark instead.
Gallery
ArmA 2
« | The SVD was designed as a sharpshooter's rifle, rather than a sniper rifle. In fact the main role of the SVD in the Soviet Army was to increase the effective range of an infantry squad's fire to 600 meters by providing precision fire support. The SVD is a lightweight and accurate rifle, capable of semi-auto fire and equipped with a 4x24 PSO-1 scope. The SVD is extremely reliable in all conditions. Armoury Description
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SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Type | Sniper Rifle / DMR |
Calibre | 7.62×54 mmR |
Magazine capacity |
10 |
Dispersion | 0.00025 rad |
Variants | None |
Games |
The SVD Dragunov is used by several BLUFOR, OPFOR and Independent factions in ArmA 2.
Overview
The SVD once again returns in ArmA 2 and now serves as the sniper weapon of several factions.
It still loads from 10-round curved magazines but has a reduced fire rate of only 400 RPM. Its muzzle velocity has also been reduced to only 870 m/s as opposed to 900, but is still fitted with the PSO telescopic sight as standard.
An alternate variant with the NSPU night vision scope attached is also available. The SVD cannot be suppressed or be fitted with laser pointers/flashlights.
With an effective range of between 800 metres and up to a maximum of 1,200 metres, it can hit distant targets with much better accuracy than the DMR while being able to fire as rapidly (as the shooter can pull the trigger) like the Mk17 Sniper due to being a semi-automatic weapon.

Takistani anti-government rebel sharpshooter with an SVD. Note the attached PSO-1 telescopic sight.
Compared to its American-made counterparts, it is arguably the superior weapon in that respect. Because of the low-powered zoom of the PSO scope, the SVD also performs well in built-up areas as a designated marksman rifle.
However, when it comes to absolute precision at long ranges (800 metres or more) then the SVD still falls off significantly compared to dedicated sniper rifles like the M24. Since the SVD also lacks any models that are fitted with riflescopes with variable magnification or enhanced vision modes, its ability to effectively engage targets at those ranges and lighting conditions is limited at best.
Camouflage
- Black: Standard matte black paint finish with a wooden stock and furniture.
- Woodland: Barrel and optic are covered in a ghillie wrap designed to blend into a forested environment. Primarily used by both Russian Army snipers and NAPA sharpshooters.
- Desert: Barrel and optic are covered in a ghillie wrap designed to blend into arid/semi-arid environments. Exclusive to Takistani Army snipers.
Ammunition

Base damage value | Aerodynamic friction | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|---|
12 | -0.00096 | 870 |
The SVD only supports one type of magazine. It requires one free inventory slot to carry:
SVD Dragunov Mag.
10-round curved magazine. Does not contain any visible tracers.
Trivia
- The desert and NSPU-equipped variants of the SVD were not initially available in ArmA 2, and were only added with the release of the Operation Arrowhead expansion pack.
- Like the RPG-7V and AK-74 assault rifle, the SVD is also one of the most common firearms in ArmA 2 as it is used by almost every faction on BLUFOR and OPFOR, as well as with various Independent factions.
Gallery
ARMA Reforger
« | 7.62×54mmR semi-automatic marksman rifle. Weapon Description
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SVD 7.62 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() ![]() |
Type | Sniper Rifle |
Calibre | 7.62×54 mmR |
Magazine capacity |
10 |
Dispersion | 0.400 m |
Weight | 3.5 kg (unloaded) |
Variants | None |
Games |
The SVD is used by both Soviet military forces and FIA guerillas in ARMA Reforger.
Overview
Reforger's SVD returns once more as the standard-issue sniper rifle of Soviet and guerilla sharpshooters.
Compared to its ArmA 2 iteration, the SVD now has a higher fire rate of 700 RPM. However, its muzzle velocity has been reduced to only 823 m/s.
SVDs are still unable to mount suppressors, though its scope mount does allow the user to affix the PSO-1 telescopic sight.
If the PSO-1 is removed or is unavailable, the user can opt to manually zero the SVD. Zeroing starts at a minimum of 100 m up to a maximum of 1,200 m, with any adjustments being made in increments/decrements of 100 m.
Ammunition

Ammo parameters | 7N1 |
---|---|
Base damage value | 130 |
Classification | FMJ |
Aerodynamic friction | 0.0000094 |
Initial velocity (m/s) | 823 |
Penetration depth (mm) | 10 |
Penetration density (g/cm3) | 7.86 |
Penetration speed (m/s) | 820 |
The SVD can only load one type of magazine:
7.62×54mmR 10rnd SVD Mag
10-round curved magazine loaded with 7N1 ammunition. Does not contain visible tracer rounds.
It has a weight of 0.210 kg, occupies 1x1 inventory slots, and has a volume of 150 cm3.
Gallery
External links
See also
Weapons of comparable role and configuration
Weapons of ArmA: Cold War Assault | |
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Handguns | 92F 9 mm • CZ-75 9 mm • Glock 17 9 mm • S&W .357 • Tokarev TT-33 7.62 mm |
Submachine guns | Ingram .45 • MP5SD3 9 mm • PP-19 Bizon 9 mm • Sa-61 Scorpion 7.65 mm • UZI 9 mm |
Shotguns | Kozlice |
Carbines | AK-74 SU 5.45 mm • XM-177E2 5.56 mm (XM-177S) |
Assault rifles | AK-47 7.62 mm (AK-47 GL, AK-47 CZ) • AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GL) • AUG A1 5.56 mm • FN-FAL 7.62 mm • G3A4 7.62 mm • G36 5.56 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 GL) |
Sniper rifles | Hunting Rifle 7.62 mm • M21 7.62 mm • SVD 7.62 mm |
Machine guns | M60 7.62 mm • PK 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 • MM-1 |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • AT-4 Spigot • Carl Gustav M2 • FIM-92 Stinger • M72 LAW • RPG-75NH |
Static | M2 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | Tokarev TT-33 7.62 mm |
Submachine guns | PP-19 Bizon 9 mm • Sa-61 Scorpion 7.65 mm |
Carbines | AK-74 SU 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GL) |
Sniper rifles | SVD 7.62 mm |
Machineguns | PK 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • AT-4 Spigot • RPG-75NH |
Static | M2 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | 92F 9 mm* • CZ-75 9 mm* • Tokarev TT-33 7.62 mm* |
Submachine guns | Ingram .45* • UZI 9 mm* |
Shotguns | Kozlice* |
Assault rifles | AK-47 7.62 mm* (AK-47 GL*, AK-47 CZ*) • AK-74 5.45 mm • AUG A1 5.56 mm* • FN-FAL 7.62 mm • G3A4 7.62 mm |
Sniper rifles | Hunting Rifle 7.62 mm • SVD 7.62 mm* |
Machine guns | PK 7.62 mm* |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2* • M72 LAW* • RPG-75NH* |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. * primarily used by the Nogovan Partisans in the Resistance campaign |
Weapons of ArmA: Armed Assault | |
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Handguns | M9 9 mm • Makarov 9 mm |
Submachine guns | MP5A5 9 mm |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm • M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 GL, M4, M4 GL) |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 + GP-25, AKS-74 PSO) • G36 series (G36, G36C, G36K) • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 + M203) • M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203) |
Designated marksman rifles | Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm |
Sniper rifles | KSVK 12.7 mm • M107 .50 • M24 7.62 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 SAW 5.56 mm |
Machine guns | M240 7.62 mm • PKM 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela • FIM-92F Stinger • Javelin Launcher • M136 • RPG-7V |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • DShKM • M2 • M119A1 • Mk. 19 • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. Queen's Gambit |
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Handguns | Makarov 9 mm |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 + GP-25, AKS-74 PSO) |
Sniper rifles | KSVK 12.7 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 |
Machineguns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | RPG-7V • Strela-2 9K32 |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • DShKM • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. Queen's Gambit |
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Handguns | Makarov 9 mm |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25, AKS-74) • AKS 7.62 mm |
Sniper rifles | SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • RPG-7V |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • DShKM • 2B14 Podnos • Searchlight • SPG-9 • ZU-23 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | Makarov 9 mm |
Submachine guns | PP-19 Bizon 9 mm |
Shotguns | Saiga 12K |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-107 5.45 mm (AK-107 GP-25) |
Designated marksman rifles | VSS Vintorez 9 mm |
Sniper rifles | KSVK 12.7 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | PKP 7.62 mm • PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | 9K38 Igla • 9K115-2 Metis-M • RPG-7V • RPG-18 |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • Igla AA Pod • KORD • Metis AT-13 • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | Makarov 9 mm |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25, AKS-74) • AKM 7.62 mm • AKS 7.62 mm |
Sniper rifles | CZ 550 9.3 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machine guns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • RPG-7V |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • DShKM • 2B14 Podnos • Searchlight • SPG-9 • ZU-23 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | Makarov 9 mm • Revolver .45 |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25, AKS-74) • FN-FAL 7.62 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 M203) |
Sniper rifles | KSVK 12.7 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | M240 7.62 mm • PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • Metis-M 9K115-2 • RPG-7V • RPG-18 |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • Igla AA Pod • KORD • Metis AT-13 • 2B14 Podnos • Searchlight • SPG-9 • ZU-23 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. | Operation Arrowhead |
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Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25, AKS-74) • AKM 7.62 mm • AKS 7.62 mm |
Sniper rifles | CZ 550 9.3 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • FIM-92F Stinger • RPG-7V |
Static | DShKM • 2B14 Podnos • Searchlight • SPG-9 • ZU-23 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | CZ 75 9 mm • G17 9 mm |
Submachine guns | CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 9 mm |
Carbines | M4A3 5.56 mm (M4A3 M203) |
Assault rifles | CZ 805 BREN A1 5.56 mm (CZ 805 A1 G1, CZ 805 BREN A2, CZ 805 B1 G1) • Sa-58V 7.62 mm (Sa-58P) |
Sniper rifles | CZ 750 S1 M1 .308 • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 Para 5.56 mm |
Machineguns | M60E4 7.62 mm • UK-59 7.62 mm |
Launchers | MAAWS • RPG-7V |
Static | DShKM • RBS-70 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. Operation Arrowhead | Army of the Czech Republic |
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Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25, AKS-74) |
Sniper rifles | SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | RPG-7V |
Static | AGS-30 • KORD • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
Weapons of ARMA Reforger | |
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Handguns | M9 9 mm • PM 9 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm |
Sniper rifles | M21 SWS 7.62 mm • SVD 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 SAW 5.56 mm • RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machine guns | M60 7.62 mm • PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | M72A3 LAW • RPG-7V1 |
Static | M2HB - Tripod • M60 - Tripod • PKM - Tripod |
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Handguns | PM 9 mm |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm |
Sniper rifles | SVD 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | RPK-74 5.45 mm |
Machineguns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | RPG-7V1 |
Static | PKM - Tripod |
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Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm |
Sniper rifles | SVD 7.62 mm |
Machine guns | PKM 7.62 mm |
Launchers | RPG-7V1 |