User talk:FelixSVD

SVD effective range

You are stating the maximum attainable ranges of the available sighting systems. For Wikipedia articles regarding designated marksmen/snipers rifles the practical effective ranges against man-sized targets are used and there is a reference that makes quite detailed statements regarding this by Isby, David C. (1981). Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-531-03732-0. "SVD marksmen were estimated to have a 50% probability of hitting a standing, man-sized target at 800 m (875 yd), and an 80% probability of hitting a standing, man-sized target at 500 m (547 yd). For distances not exceeding 200 m (219 yd) the probability was estimated to be well above 90%. To attain this level of accuracy the sniper could not engage more than two such targets per minute." Mr. Isby involves hit probability into his statements which is quite correct, since he has to deal with the probability that the projectiles pass to the required (man sized) target circles. A 50% hit probability to mark the effective range of a rifle is somewhat on the low side. Most militaries like use 69% to 80% hit probabilities, but SVD marksmen are generally soldiers that have proven to be very good shots and no highly trained elite snipers (Russian elite snipers have access to and use Russian and non Russian made bolt action precision rifles), so Isby'se 800 m (875 yd) is reasonable and is in line with similar 600 to 800 m (656 to 875 yd) capabilities of similar rifles featured in Wikipedia. The remarkable thing regarding the SVD is that it filled a niche and started a trend. The development of similar rifles outside Russia proved the viability of the original SVD design and concept and is about the best compliment Mr. Dragunov could receive.--Francis Flinch (talk) 09:58, 8 March 2014 (UTC)