In a boost to his “tough guy” persona, Russian President Vladimir Putin was recently filmed firing Kalashnikov Concern’s latest sniper rifle prototype, the SVCh-308.
Kalashnikov says the footage above was filmed on Sept. 19 at the Patriot Park shooting range in Kubinka, which is located in Moscow Oblast.
According to Sputnik International, Putin successfully hit three out of five targets firing at a distance of 600 meters.
First introduced at the Army-2018 International Military-Technical Forum, the SVCh-308 is reportedly based on the Dragunov SVD. ModernFirearms.net has a breakdown of the rifle:
SVCh Rifle
The Chukavin SVCh semi-automatic sniper / designated marksman rifle is a prototype of the new precision weapon system, being developed by “Kalashnikov” Group 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 even further, depending on the version. With proper ammunition, these rifles are capable of 1 MOA or better accuracy.
The SVCh rifle is being developed for 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, rifle has very high commonality of parts. The .338LM SVCh-8.6 rifle has necessarily larger receiver, magazine housing and bolt group.
SVCh rifle has an inverted U-shaped receiver, made from steel, with solid top that offers a stable platform for optics, with integrated Picatinny rail. Trigger and magazine housing unit is made from lightweight alloy. Rifle features short stroke piston gas operated action and rotary bolt locking. Manual gas regulator ensures smooth and reliable operation under all conditions, with and without sound suppressor. Rifle is fed from detachable box magazines. In 7.62x54R version, it uses magazines compatible with Dragunov SVD sniper rifle; In 7.62×51 NATO and in .338LM it uses proprietary magazines with standard and high capacity.
Rifle features ambidextrous controls. Side folding stock is adjustable for length of pull. Standard accessories include detachable folding bipod and quick-detachable tactical sound suppressor.
Below, check out the specs on the SVCh.
SVCh-308 Specs
| SVCh | SVCh-8.6 | |
| Caliber cartridge | 7.62×51 NATO / .308 Winchester, 7.62x54R | .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6×70) |
| Action type | semi-automatic | semi-automatic |
| Trigger type | sa | sa |
| Overall length, mm | 940 … 1000 (with 410mm barrel) | 1140 |
| Length, folded, mm | 730 (with 410mm barrel) | 925 |
| Barrel length, mm | 410, 460, 565 | 560 |
| Weight empty, kg | 4,3 | 6,3 |
| Magazine capacity, rounds | 10, 20 | 10 |
See the photos below for a closer look at the SVCh-308 Putin fired.
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