Kalashnikov Group improving Chukavin sniper rifle based on combat feedback
Quick Look
- Kalashnikov Group is enhancing the Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh) with improved corrosion resistance and user-friendly features based on feedback from soldiers in the Ukraine conflict zone.
- New protective coatings, a modified gas system, and a lighter plastic magazine are being developed.
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Why It Matters
Kalashnikov Group is developing improvements for the Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh) based on feedback from soldiers involved in the special military operation in Ukraine. Key areas of focus include enhancing corrosion resistance and user convenience.
PATRIOT PARK, /Moscow Region/, May 22. /TASS/. Based on feedback from soldiers in the Russian special military operation zone in Ukraine, specialists at the Kalashnikov Group are working to make the Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh) more corrosion-resistant, the company’s leading design engineer Andrey Chukavin told reporters.
"We are receiving feedback from the special military operation zone and responding as best we can. The SVCh, as a relatively new product, receives comments and suggestions. One of the main concerns is durability. Apparently, in humid conditions, especially if the rifle isn’t cleaned promptly, corrosion begins. Therefore, we are currently working to introduce protective coatings to components susceptible to corrosion," Chukavin said.
He added that as part of the rifle’s modernization, the gas system has also been slightly modified to make disassembly more convenient, and the stock has been improved to eliminate any looseness.
In addition, a completely plastic magazine for the rifle has recently been developed, which is interchangeable with a metal one, but is easier to manufacture.
The SVCh is designed to destroy enemy manpower, firepower, and unarmored vehicles at ranges of up to 1,000 meters. The rifle weighs 4.8 kg without a magazine, and its caliber is 7.62 mm. The overall length of the rifle (with the stock and flash suppressor folded out) is 1,170 mm, and the barrel length is 620 mm.
Open Questions
- When will the new protective coatings be implemented on the SVCh?
- What is the expected timeline for the full modernization of the rifle?
- Will the plastic magazine be adopted for widespread use?
- How many SVCh rifles have been deployed in the conflict zone?
