The Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh), produced by Kalashnikov Concern JSC, has passed acceptance tests; the first mass-produced batch of the new weapon has already been dispatched to the customer. The Concern will ramp up the manufacture of this product in 2024. Kalashnikov began mass-producing the Chukavin sniper rifle earlier in 2023. The rifle, chambered in 7.62×54 R, weighs 4.8 kg with the magazine detached. Its overall length with the buttstock extended and the flash suppressor attached is 1,170 mm, while its barrel is 620 mm long. The SVCh is gas-operated; it features a short-stroke piston and a three-position adjustable rotary gas block. Standard accessories include detachable folding bipod and quick-detachable tactical sound suppressor.
“The Chukavin sniper rifle is highly ergonomic, accurate and compatible with any Russian- and foreign-made sighting systems,” says Kalashnikov Concern JSC President Alan Lushnikov. “Also, the SVCh is just as reliable as the legendary Dragunov sniper rifle, which is still being produced by Kalashnikov Concern.”
The SVCh rifle has an inverted U-shaped receiver, made from steel and a solid top that offers a stable platform for optics, with integrated Picatinny rail. The trigger and magazine housing unit is made from lightweight alloy. The rifle features short stroke piston gas operated action and rotary bolt locking. A manual gas regulator ensures smooth and reliable operation under all conditions, with or without sound suppressor. Rifle is fed from detachable box magazines. In 7.62x54R version, it uses magazines compatible with the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle. This rifle features ambidextrous controls. A side folding stock is adjustable for length of pull.
Development is based on direct input from snipers from several Russian elite Special Forces units. It is intended for precision engagement of individual targets at ranges of up to 1000 meters or greater, depending on the version. With proper ammunition, these rifles are capable of 1 MOA or better accuracy. The SVCh rifle is being developed for the three most common military rifle cartridges, the 7.62×51 NATO, 7.62x54R and .338 Lapua Magnum (also known as 8.62x69mm). Between the two 7.62mm versions, the rifle has a very high commonality of parts. The .338LM SVCh-8.6 rifle however, has a necessarily larger receiver, magazine housing and bolt group.
