Pics and a few more details -
This is a TIGR .308 - it is the straight pull SVD Dragunov made by the same factory for the civilian market. It is the full length original model as opposed to the "paratroop" issue carbine model. Unlike the paratroop model, it has the full length flash hider.
Furniture is black polymer with cheekpiece which swings out of the way if you want to use iron sights. The iron sights are from the original SVD as opposed to the 300 metre civilian version you see on some Saigas etc
Another surprise extra is the genuine gas block assembly. Many early Tigrs had a plain black dummy tube there. This one has the correct milspec gas block with regulator etc. In fact when it was first noticed on importation, there was a worry that it was a semi auto sent by mistake so a piston and spring were popped in to check. Luckily there is no gas bleed hole in the barrel so it is fully compliant with Firearms Act.
But, it looks incredibly authentic from the outside compared to the ones with dummy gas block etc
The POSP scope is a good match to the rifle ( it has a moving reticle so very often you will end up with an off centre reticle ) with the reticle centred nicely at its zero range of 200 yards.
It is in the unusual ( for a SVD ) calibre of .308 - I have used GGG milsurp ammunition in the two CSR matches I have shot and it extracts with ease. When first testing at 100 yards I was keeping the 3 round groups to 1.5" easily. You might even improve on this with homeloads or match ammunition. Anybody who has shot the original SVD calibre of 7.62x54r will know it kicks like a mule and ammo choice is limited. With .308 you get a much more pleasant rifle to shoot and a huge range of factory or milsurp loads to try.
Extras ;
1, I am offering this with four .308 magazines.
2, A Russian POSP 8X42 scope is included.
3, I have had a side charging handle professionally fitted by Bradley Arms.
4, I have added a bipod ( versapod ) whose mount has been profiled to match the lower receiver and placed in the correct position ( the barrel is not free floated on a SVD ) so the issue bipod is clamped to the receiver. This can be removed if you wish to return to a more authentic look.
5, The stock has a slip-on AK grenade launcher buttpad - this is a common Russian sniper trick to increase length of pull and absorb recoil.
There is only ONE UK importer for these rifles and the retail price as of early 2013 was £2,000. I understand that SVD retail prices will rise to £2200 in 2014 !
That's the retail price of the rifle only - does not include extras / modifications.
I would let this go at £1600 - not open to offers.
As previously stated, I am not desperate to sell this. Its relatively rare in UK , especially in .308 calibre. With only one importer and being in a niche market, I am sure it will remain collectable / desireable so it would make sense to keep it unless I get a decent price. I got it for free so it does not owe me anything.
