Type 79 (SVD) Sniper Rifle (1979)
The Type 79 is a Chinese copy of the Soviet Dragunov SVD semi-automatic sniper rifle.
As in the Soviet model, the Type 79 was chambered for the 7.62x54R Russian cartridge and fed from a 10-round detachable box magazine. Outwardly, the Type 79 exhibited the same lines of the original Soviet design including its hollowed shoulder stock, wood furniture and long-running barrel assembly. The stock integrated into the pistol grip with the trigger unit just ahead, containing the curved trigger assembly. Ahead of the trigger was the magazine feed which was managed with a magazine release/catch just aft. The charging handle and ejection port were all located in their traditional locations along the metal receiver. The weapon was of gas operation so a gas cylinder was located above the barrel though shrouded by the perforated wood forend. The barrel was capped by a slotted flash suppressor as well as a forward iron sight. Optics were affixed to the top of the receiver in the usual way. The standard scope was of 4x magnification with infrared detection capability. However, even this was a direct copy of the Soviet PSO scope design with nothing new to add.
While largely similar to the Soviet design in most respects, the Type 79 incorporated a slight few differentiating features to set it apart from the Russian design. Mainly, the Type 79 differed in its overall measurements but this was expected considering Chinese production when compared to Soviet lines of the time. Beyond that the Type 79 proved a serviceable rifle and decent copy of the original - surely a more budget-conscious approach for the growing (and modernizing) Chinese Army.
The Type 79 is no longer in active production. Some late-production models were chambered for the .308 Winchester rifle round. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Type 79 (SVD)
Sniper Rifle
Country of Origin: China
Manufacturer: NORINCO - China
Initial Year of Service: 1979
Overall Length: 1225mm (48.23in)
Barrel Length: 620.00mm (24.41in)
Weight (Empty): 8.20lbs (3.72kg)
Cartridge: 7.62x54R Russian
Action: Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt
Feed: 10-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 2,330ft/sec (710m/sec)
Range: 2,624ft (800m; 875yds)
Sights: Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics
Variants:
Type 79 - Base Series Designation
Operators: China
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