Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/13/2008 7:45:51 AM EDT
| . |
|
They are no longer imported. A real, honest, Russian SVD is a lot more money than 2.5-3k. Try more like 5k+. A Tigr with some mods to make it more SVD like (flashhider, hooded FSB, military furniture...) will be in that range (just). An NDM-86 in .308, unfired, will be in that price range, I just got rid of mine. An NDM in 7.62x54R is worth quite a bit more. Basically, try and find one unfired, and be prepared to pay for it. Good price on a stock Tigr. Reasonable for an NDM-86. Unfired SVD NIB. Reserve met at $9,025. |
|
Even Romanian PSL's are getting hard to find. I used to lust over Dragunovs, especially after handling a genuine military version. When I first saw them hit our shores they were around $1500 IIRC...that was a lot of money then and now they're selling for ridiculous prices. Despite what people say PSL's have comparable performance at a fraction of the cost, and as a plus are extremely soft shooting. The only down side is a fit and finish that generally ranges from marginal to terrible. I have a feeling these rifles won't last for long here, either. |
I'm going to actually quibble a bit on this. I have owned two PSLs, an an NDM-86 and a converted Tigr. The Tigr shoot s much, much better than the PSLs. The felt recoil is softer in the Tigr (for me), and the Tigr was significantly more accurate than either of the PSLs. With 7N1 (which the Tigr really likes - go figure) The best I could squeeze out of either PSL was probably on the order of 3-4" at 100 yards. The Tigr, with the same ammo, could muster fairly consistent 2-2.5" groups at 100 yards. I find that my Tigr is every bit as accurate as any FAL/G3-clone/M1A not seriously built. It's also amazingly reliable... I have right at 500 rounds through mine, and nary a hiccup, all on surplus ammo. I will agree that the PSL accomplishes 90% of what an SVD will, at about 1/3-1/2 the cost of a lower-end Tigr. Having said that, if you really want an accurate one, find an NDM-86 in 7.62x51. |
You did very well. They go for more than that now. I never tried mine with Wolf, only the major light ball surplus loads. 7N1, Czech, Hungarian, Bulgarian. And don't get me wrong, the PSL is a screaming deal for a semi 7.62X54R gun. But it's not an SVD. There are many better choices for a precision semi gun as well. But it's a lot of fun, it shoots exceedingly well, ammo is cheap, and it's reliable. And despite rumors to the contrary, it has almost nothing in common with an AK (or PSL). The gas system, for instance, is totally different. |
Beats cleaning after corrosive ammo. On a PSL , I didn't really care. On the Tigr, I care. A lot. The 7N1 is really consistent in the Tigr. As the barrel heats up, I do get stringing, but not as badly as I did with the PSL. |
| I'm very surprised no one is yet manufacturing a .308 domestic dragunov. the new match ammo available has proven that the dragunov in .308 is a solid 3/4 moa rifle. It'd be the ultimate semi-auto sniper rifle in that it uses the modified AK type action. A lot of people ask for the ultimate centerfire survival rifle........ well there you go. |
|
After owning a few "SVD" type rifles, including a NDM and PSL, I can say I am over them...In my estimation, way better DMR type rifles exist in the West, especially in x51 NATO. One issue I have is the price point of these rifles. Granted, a true SVD will be more expensive to manufacture, thus more expensive but the prices these weapons are commanding far exceedes thier capability. For the price of a Tigr, you could have a SR25 or AR10 type rifle with a premium optic, which would shoot circles around any SVD type rifle. I would rather shoot 7N1 than M80 ball, but I have never liked semi autos chambered for rimmed cartridges. They can be made to work, but I would prefer to have an automatic appropriate cartridge. Top level .308 and x51 NATO ammo is common and availible, while corresponding x54R ammo isn't or doesn't exist. The rifle is also a little "single serving" for my likings. Its fine to damage the targeting suite of an M60A3 or an enemy combatant at 300 yards, but it makes a poor assault rifle. Like a Mini 14, barrels are thin and heat up fast destroying accuracy. Magazine availibility and capacity is also further limiting,as are parts/components...especially for a true SVD. For its intended purpose, the Dragunov and its clones are effective but IMO are inferior to Western offerings. After owning a few of the type, I would choose a PTR91, AR10 or M1A with a good optic over any "Dragunov" incarnation. Accuracy, availibility, performance and "modularity" are all superior. Reliability is more or less a wash IMO, though I would rather be firing multiple rounds from a MBR than a SVD. If you have to have one, like I did, a PSL with a 6x or 8x bloc optic will scratch the itch nicely. Furniture exists to make the PSL look even more like a Dragunov and make shooting more pleasant. I had the same fun/experience/performance shooting a PSL as I did with any other "SVD" type rifle. Function and performance was nearly identical in my experience with the SVD having no clear advantage over the PSL, again in my experience anyways... If you want one for looks/fun, the PSL would be a great choice and has proven to be a functional/dependible military weapon. PSL's are in use in the GWOT right now... If you are looking for a semi-auto .30 caliber DMR, I would suggest a modified MBR. For the cost of a real deal "SVD" type rifle, you could have an amazing MBR-DMR which would be more versitle and offer greater performance with availible components than any SVD incarnation. I would still love a NDM86 in x54R though, even if I like my PTR91's more.... |
I've thought about this post and I'd agree with everything, almost... I have been one of those to have unfortunate bad luck with AR10s. They just dont work well for me, and I just don't like the G3 clones. In combat, I'd take an M14 any day. But I really enjoy my SVD, far more than my PSLs. No real reason. Putting the 1P-21 on it really made it for me. Understand its limitations, and it's a hell of a gun. Totally right about the ammo, BTW. I think that's the biggest problem. |
 Oh, that's rich.Wait... this is a joke, right? |
I had missed that. 
|
No he was out, and didn't know when he'd get them. There's some guy in NC on gunbroker who has a bunch. I cut a deal with him, and got five perfect functioning, LNIW 10rd magazines. I was very happy. I think he still has an ad or two up. |
|
So... I have not been really following TIGR prices and was a little taken aback by them in this thread. I have a TIGR/SVD clone on my insurance listed at $2000. It currently has on it: SVD rear leaf spring SVD flashhider with bayo lug SVD black polymer furniture SVD bipod 5x 10 round magazines 1P21 scope as well as the factory scope I'm guessing I should double its insured value? or maybe push it to $5k? |
|
rear leaf spring???? do you mean sight? if so it is really rare, I cannot find one anywhere. Flash hider about $175, poly furniture not that much maybe $200, each mag is about $100, so I would put it at around $3000 so I guess $6000 on insurance. The logic that you should buy a AR-10 because it is a better gun than a SVD is like saying you shouldn't buy a ferrari because a lexus is a better car. YES it is, but I have a AR-10 and it is better, but I WANT a SVD because it is SEXY, and makes guys at the range stare and start talking in high pitched tones like a gitty shool girl. |
|
Before scheduling your Dragunov, or any other firearm, check your policy and sub-limits very carefully. Scheduling your gun at 5k, or your collection for that matter, could be a gigantic waste of money, and not necessarily offer you increased protection. Check your policy to be sure, but depending on sub-limits and actuarial/underwriting analysis, I typically don't schedule guns/guitars/etc. If the policy doesn't have sub-limits for fire/theft, its probably not a good idea to schedule your guns. You probably are like me, meaning it would take a thief with a Ryder truck and a pal to steal all your guns...Not the likelyest of scnearios IMO. I am okay with having a sub-limit of 3k or whatever for theft, as a fire/tornado is much more likely to obliterate the entire collection. Provided there aren't sub-limits for fire/total loss, I generally carry a higher premium and don't schedule guns/guitars. Depending on your policy/carrier/particulars, it might save you some money and headache should something ever happen.... Calling the insurance company to raise the coverage on a scheduled item is throwing money away IMO. Its hard enough to get full value of common, easily replaced items, let alone something collectible like a Tigr or something. You will more likely than not get fucked if it gets melted into a clump... Just a few things to think about, but you know your carrier/policy/situation better than I, of course... |
I agree in most respects, though I see the PSL as a decent value. I have a total of $1000 invested in the rifle, upgraded optics, sling, cleaning gear, 5 mags and a mag pouch...all brand new. The only Western rifle I see as comparable in any respect is the M1A, and for a rifle that has many of the same shortcomings $1000 won't even buy a standard rifle alone. The ammo is a definite issue. It'd be nice to see what these rifles could do with true match grade commercial ammo. |
|
There's a vendor around here that's at every gun show selling new scoped PSL's for $850 out the door - comes with the usual cleaning kit, a couple of mags, sling, bipod, .............. I think it's "All American Gun Shop" out of Williamsport, PA ............. 350 Dudek Rd Williamsport, PA 17701 (570) 322-7541 |
Armory Sponsor