The SV-98 weighs in at just over 17lbs when fully-equipped with magazine, suppressor and sighting equipment. She features a base running length (sans barrel attachments) of 47.24 inches with a barrel measuring in at 25.59 inches. The barrel sports a 4-groove design with a right-hand twisting pattern and is free-floating within the design. The SV-98 is chambered for the Russian 7.62x54mmR cartridge as well as the 7.62x51mm NATO-standard round (.308 Winchester) with an effective listed range out to 1,100 yards utilizing optical sights and 650 yards when using the standard iron fittings. The weapon is fed by a spring-loaded, 10-round, plastic bodied, detachable box magazine system while the trigger presusre is adjustable to suit the operator. A Picatinny-style rail system is affixed to the top of the receiver, allowing for various optics fixtures to be utilized - both Russian and foreign as needed. The standard Russian sight for the SV-98 is the PKS-07 series sight of 7x power. In addition to optional optics systems, the SV-98 is completed with a threaded barrel which opens it up to use with various suppressor systems or specialized muzzle brakes. Both the barrel and action of the SV-98 are of cold hammer forged processes while the bolt features a rotating bolt mechanizm and three locking lugs. As a bolt-action rifle, the SV-98 relies on a manually-operated lever that requires the operator to manage. The action ejects any spent casings in the firing chamber while introducing a fresh cartridge ready-to-fire.
In practice, the SV-98 has proven effective in the capable hands of Spetnatz elements - particularly when utilizing the 7.62x51 NATO catridge over the typical Russian sniper ammunition. Despite the promising nature of the SV-98 system, the Russian Army has not adopted the type into their service, in part, due to concerns about true performance specifications.
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