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 willyp | Home > Soviet/Combloc Section > Soviet Union > Weapons > 
1964 SVD Dragunov (7.62x54r)
The Soviet SVD is one of the most collectible military rifles out there, very few are in the US, probably less than 1000, there are some commercial variants, all Russian mfg, the California Armory guns, & the Tiger which is most numerous (although still rare), the CA guns & Tigers are not C&R eligible, the KBI & early military are. In this album are examples of an "early" SVD, 1983 Ishevsk, 1 of the KBI later production, & an early Chinese Type79/85 SVD, also shown are accessories, scopes, & Night Vision scopes used w/them, all the guns, scopes etc are described & pictured individually & then collectively to make direct photo comparisons possible.
Album by willyp. Photos by willyp. 1 - 184 of 184 Total. 8642 Visits.
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Enlarge photo 1

Late mfg (KBI), 1983 Ishevsk & Chinese SVD comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Bttm: Chinese SVD (type79/85)


Enlarge photo 2

'83 Ishevsk w/early bayonet
Original, early SVD, 1983 Ishevsk shown w/early style 1959 (6x3)AKM bayonet. The "early" guns are characterized by the rectangular cutout in the right receiver over the mag well, it's also equipped w/the original PSO1 style scope w/IR detector.

Enlarge photo 3

'83 Ishevsk w/later style AKM bayonet
Same rifle fitted w/the later AKM/AK74 type bayonet (6x4), the rifle is also fitted w/the earlier "honey brown" finish laminate furniture.

Enlarge photo 4

'83 Ishevsk rght side view

Enlarge photo 5

Right view of laminate buttstock
'83 Ishevsk w/honey brown colored laminate, also note the cheekpiece which is light brown color & is numbered on the inside to the rifles as issued. The metal bar in the rear acts a sling mount & has a loose metal sleeve around it.

Enlarge photo 6

'83 Ishevsk right action view
View of the right side of the PSO1 scope & you can also see the rectangular "lightening" cut over the mag.

Enlarge photo 7

Closeup of the cutout
This is the "normal" receiver on SVD's up into the late 80's early 90's, later guns (as the 94 KBI's) will be found w/o this cutout (as on commercial Tigers etc) once thought to indicate a commercial receiver it's been found that some (but apparently not all) military mfg SVD's were made w/o this cutout.

Enlarge photo 8

83 Ishevsk marking location
Bottom of receiver in front of the mag well was the original location for SVD markings, Ishevsk mkg (arrow in triangle), date & serial. later guns w/o the cutout had the markings on the left side of the recvr.

Enlarge photo 9

'83 Ishevsk laminate forend
There's a swivel lock lever on the front right side, swivel the lock down, push up on the front band, then depress the handguard toward the receiver (there's a spring in the rear handguard band to keep tension on the guards) to remove.

Enlarge photo 10

'83 Ishevsk muzzle/front sight/suppressor
Here you can see the light, thin barrel, along w/the gas port which has an adjuster in it for pressure (lacking on the Tiger version) & the front assembly which consists of the front sight, bayonet lug, & muzzle break & is slid on & pinned to the barrel.

Enlarge photo 11

Soviet bayonets used w/the SVD
Top: Model 6x3, AKM typeI from 1959
Ctr: Model 6x4, AKM/AK74 typeII approximately 1970
Bttm: Model 6x5, AK74, approximate late 80's (early examples of these were a plum color then black.


Enlarge photo 12

Soviet Bayos
The 6x3 & 6x4 used the same blade & crossbar, the pommels were different as were the scabbards although there was a "transitional" version of the 6x3 utilizing the later plastic scabbard of the 6x4.
the 6x5 is an entirely new design.


Enlarge photo 13

Left side view of the Soviet bayonets
Top: Early 6x3 w/metal scabbard & blk/gray insulator.
Ctr: Mid 6x4 w/plastic scabbard & square style pommel
Bttm: Late 6x5 w/new blade & plastic scabbard


Enlarge photo 14

Soviet Bayos L
Note the web wrist straps & "pebbled" leather hanger on the 6x3 & 6x4, the 6x5 did away w/the strap & uses black "pebbled" leather for the hanger assembly

Enlarge photo 15

Left view of muzzle w/mid 6x4 bayonet affixed

Enlarge photo 16

Left view of forend, 1983 Ishevsk
Front sling attachment is via a small round ring machined into the gas tube assembly

Enlarge photo 17

'83 Ishevsk left action/scope view
Here you can see the details on the PSO1 w/IR detector, the IR detector switch is the small switch at top center just below/front of the upper knob.

Enlarge photo 18

PSO1 scope markings

Enlarge photo 19

PSO1 scope IR detector "charging" window
The small round "lens" was exposed to a light source, sunlight, & charged the element which would react to an IR emitter.

Enlarge photo 20

PSO1 scope detail
Here you can see the IR detector switch & window, also behind the small "tab" (has 4 holes in it) is the switch for the reticule illuminating light. The battery compartment for this light is at the rear of the upright & is the round cap.

Enlarge photo 21

PSO1 scope w/battery warmer in place
For extreme cold weather use the Soviets issued this battery warmer, you removed the scope battery cap, put the cap which was on the long end of the wire on the scope, the battery was placed in the battery compartment on the end of the wire, the cap from the scope was placed on that & the battery compartment was then hooked to the belt or inside the clothing to keep it warm.

Enlarge photo 22

Warmer cap in place on scope compartment
The cap made full contact w/the compartment & basically moved the battery location to the other end of the wire where it could be placed inside something for warmth!

Enlarge photo 23

Battery warmer battery compartment
Here's the "substitute" battery compartment, note the clip on the side so it could be clipped to the belt inside/under a coat.

Enlarge photo 24

Left view of receiver/stock join
There will usually be a number stamped in the wood on the flat just over the grip, this number does not match the rifle, it should match the scope number.

Enlarge photo 25

Left view of buttstock
Note the clamp on cheekpiece, this cheekpiece is perfect for use w/the PSO series scopes but interestingly must be removed to use the iron sights!

Enlarge photo 26

Left view w/early 6x3 bayonet

Enlarge photo 27

Left view w/mid 6x4 bayonet

Enlarge photo 28

KBI Import box
This starts the later mfg, KBI import section. Reportedly 101 guns were imported by KBI in the early 90's, they came packaged in the above box.

Enlarge photo 29

Early cased Chinese SVD
In comparison to the KBI Soviet import there is this leatherette, velour lined case, early Chinese SVD's which were imported came in these fitted cases w/all accessories.

Enlarge photo 30

KBI in Box
As packaged & delivered, consisted of the rifle, scope, sling, mag pouch, 5 mags, bayonet/scabbard, tools, cleaning gear & cleaning rods. The KBI's came all matching w/scope numbered to rear stock, bayonet nuumbered to gun, they were sold here w/full laminate (later dk red) laminate stock & handguards.

Enlarge photo 31

View of the cased Chinese SVD for comparison
Note the fancy velour & all the accesories fitted in their own individual cutouts.

Enlarge photo 32

Right view of KBI as sold w/laminate handguards
When I was purchasing my KBI I got a chance to speak w/the gentleman who reportedly purchased them for KBI, he said when they originally went to pick them up they were fitted w/dk red laminate stocks & black polymer handguards, he told me he told the Russians they wanted all laminate wood & a couple days later the guns were delivered w/the handguards replaced!

Enlarge photo 33

KBI w/accs
Note in this pic the rifle has been refitted w/the "original" black poly handguards. I have the matching poly stock but as far as I know they were originally fitted w/only the guards.

Enlarge photo 34

Right view of the KBI w/bayonet
The KBI guns were of "later" mfg, just prior to/during the breakup of the Soviet Union, they apparently had made some changes, the lightening cut on the receiver side was dispensed with & some apparently were fitted w/the "new" black polymer handguards, these guns were also equipped w/the later PSO1M2 scope which deleted the IR detector as by that time active IR was not a major factor on the battlefield (or so goes the theory!)

Enlarge photo 35

Right view of buttstock, KBI
Other than color of finish same as the early '83, note the cheekpiece on the KBI is black instead of brown, & it's numbered to the gun.

Enlarge photo 36

Right side action view
Here's the KBI right side, note the lack of the "lightening" cut over the mag well & the placing of the arkings on this flat, the earlier guns had their markings on the bottom of the receiver just in front of the mag well.

Enlarge photo 37

KBI markings
Here you can see the Ishevsk arsenal symbol & the importers markings

Enlarge photo 38

Polymer handguard, right side

Enlarge photo 39

KBI R Gas port

Enlarge photo 40

KBI Gas Port
Top view of thew gas port adjuster, not the assembly is numbered to the rifle.

Enlarge photo 41

Muzzle w/6x5 bayonet attached
The bayonet is etch matched to the rifle.

Enlarge photo 42

KBI PSO1M2 scope R
View of the "inner" side of the PSO1M2, basically the same as the earlier PSO1 w/the deletion of the IR detector.

Enlarge photo 43

PSO1M2 knob markings

Enlarge photo 44

PSO1M2 top view
Here you can see the area in front of the knob is solid, this is where the IR detector "window" was located in the earlier PSO1.

Enlarge photo 45

PSO1M2 marking
Note the rubber lens protector which is permanently attached to the mount.

Enlarge photo 46

Some KBI accs
The scope cover, PSO1M2 scope & cheekpiece.

Enlarge photo 47

SVD mag/accessory pouch
The pouch has belt loops, holds 4 mags, tools, cleaning gear, cleaning rods, spare scope parts & has an inner pocket into which the scope can be stored when dismounted from the rifle.

Enlarge photo 48

KBI Accs Cloth-Lens Filter
The lens cleaning cloth still in original wrap on left, the lens filter on the right.

Enlarge photo 49

KBI Accs Rods-Tool-Battery Warmer
Here's the battery warmer assembly on top of it's wrapping, the tool & the 3pc cleaning rod set.

Enlarge photo 50

KBI Oiler-Acc Pouch
Here is the leatherette oiler pouch & oiler & shown in the other pocket is an unopened batch of original PSO batteries.

Enlarge photo 51

KBI right side w/bipod
Shown here is another later accy for the SVD, it's a small, extendable/foldable bipod that attaches to the small "cuts" at the front of the receiver.

Enlarge photo 52

KBI on the bipod
Here the rifle is shown sitting w/the bipod legs at their lowest setting.

Enlarge photo 53

Right side view of bipod attachment
Here you can see where the bipod clamps onto the receiver, a screw on the left tightens the 'ears" of the bipod onto the receiver, the legs can be folded forward & secured.

Enlarge photo 54

Bipod Rr Folded
These particular bipods were mfg in Russia & began showing up around 2000, there are no mkgs on them so it's not known for sure if they were military pieces or commercial but they have shown up in photos of Russian forces.

Enlarge photo 55

Bipod  Folded
There is also another different style of bipod (unfortunately I don't have one to photograph nor do I have a useable pic of one) that is Ishevsk marked & first became known 2006-2007.

Enlarge photo 56

Left side view of bipod attachment
Here you can see the screw for tightening the clamp onto the receiver, there's also a small "guide" strip in the small receiver cutout & a cutout to clear it in the bipod clamp on this side.

Enlarge photo 57

Rail in Lightning groove
Here you can see the rail in the receiver groove & the groove in the bipod clamp, not sure if this was actually made to line up the bipod as they're not machined close in size but it does line it up pretty well. The 84 Ishevsk also has this "rail" though & I think this bipod is from the late 90's.

Enlarge photo 58

KBI left side on bipod

Enlarge photo 59

KBI left side w/bipod folded

Enlarge photo 60

Cased spotting scope
This is a small handheld spotting scope set, it also has a clamp device that screws into the bottom of the scope & the clamp can be attached to just about anything to use the scope "hands free"

Enlarge photo 61

Spot Scope Set open
Here's the spotting scope components as packaged

Enlarge photo 62

Right view of the scope
Note it has the same style of extendable sun shade as the PSO scopes

Enlarge photo 63

Spot Scope w-Base
Here's the scope mounted on the clamp, the brass colored "screw" is swivelable so the clamp can be attached to just about anything & the scope swiveled to use.

Enlarge photo 64

KBI L Mzzl w-Bay

Enlarge photo 65

KBI L Bay Hilt Mkg

Enlarge photo 66

KBI L Forend

Enlarge photo 67

KBI L Rr Sght
Rear sight on KBI, 1200 meters, lettering in white (the lettering on the 84 is in red).

Enlarge photo 68

KBI left scope/action
Here you can see the lack of the IR detector switch on the PSO1M2 & the scope serial number on the stock.

Enlarge photo 69

Scope rail on the KBI
Same identical rail on the 1983 & the KBI.

Enlarge photo 70

KBI L Buttstock

Enlarge photo 71

KBI Cheek Piece inside
Inside view of the cheekpiece, note the number matching the rifle, the 1983 Ishevsk also has a numbered cheekpiece

Enlarge photo 72

KBI L w-Bay

Enlarge photo 73

KBI L w-Accs

Enlarge photo 74

'94 Ishevsk (KBI) & '83 ishevsk
Top is the KBI '94 date late gun shown w/black polymer handguards & matching bayonet/scabbard
Bottom is the '83 date Ishevsk w/honey brown finish laminate & mid 6x4 bayonet.


Enlarge photo 75

Same w/action covers

Enlarge photo 76

'94 top & '83 bttm buttstock comparison

Enlarge photo 77

Left action comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk
Here you can see the difference in the machining above the magwell on the two.


Enlarge photo 78

Detail view of receiver machining

Enlarge photo 79

Right side forend comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI), fitted w/blk polymer handguards
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk, honey brown laminate


Enlarge photo 80

Right side gas ports
Left: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Right: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 81

Right view muzzles
Left: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Right: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 82

right side, muzzles w/bayonets
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI) 6x5 bay.
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk 6x4 bay.


Enlarge photo 83

Right view PSO1 & PSO1M2 scopes
Top: PSO1M2 w/no IR detector from the '94 KBI import
Bttm: PSO1 w/IR detector from the '83.


Enlarge photo 84

PSO1 & PSO1M2 scope rails detail
Inner rail view of the scopes for comparison
Left: PSO1 ('83 Ishevsk)
Right: PSO1M2 ('94 Ishevsk, KBI)


Enlarge photo 85

Scope marking comparison
Left:  PSO1M2
Right: PSO1


Enlarge photo 86

Comparison view of left sides of scope
Top: PSO1M2, note lack of IR switch
Bttm: PSO1, which has the IR detector


Enlarge photo 87

Top view to compare scopes
Left: PSO1
Right: PSO1M2
PSO1 has the "window" to charge the detector & the switch just below to the left, the PSO1M2 has no switch & no window.


Enlarge photo 88

Left side view of scopes
Left: PSO1M2
Right: PSO1


Enlarge photo 89

Top turret area comparison
Left: PSO1
Right: PSO1M2


Enlarge photo 90

Scopes w/shades extended
The PSO1 series scopes have an extendable sun shade as part of the scope, a simple extended tube "collapses" on the front of the scope on slits cut into it & turns slightly to lock, the pic above shows the shades extended, compare to the earlier pics where they're "collapsed".
Top: PSO1M2
Bttm: PSO1


Enlarge photo 91

Two different rifle cases
Top: case is a tan leatherette type material w/2 buckles at top & carry strap, the rifle does fit into this case well w/the scope on.
Bttm: case is a tan standard web type material (like most Soviet web gear) w/1 buckle strap at top & a carry handle.


Enlarge photo 92

Rifle cases
Top: leatherette case
Bttm: web case
Both of these cases were purchased from the Ukraine as SVD cases but they could also be used for other weapons, RPD, DP etc.


Enlarge photo 93

Left side muzzle/bayonet comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 94

Left side, muzzles
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 95

Gas Ports left side
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 96

Left side forends
Top- '94 Ishevsk (KBI) w/Poly handguards fitted
Bottm- '83 Ishevsk laminated


Enlarge photo 97

Rear sights
Left: '83 Ishevsk, 1200 meters markings, in red
Right: '94 Ishevsk (KBI), 1200 meters, markings in white


Enlarge photo 98

Left side action comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI) w/PSO1M2 scope
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk w/PSO1 scope


Enlarge photo 99

Left side scope detail comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI) PSO1M2 scope (not IR detect equipped)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk PSO1 scope w/IR detector.


Enlarge photo 100

Right buttstock comparison.
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk
Basically identical except for dk red finish on KBI vs honey brown on the 83 & the black cheekpiece on the KBI vs the brown on the 83.


Enlarge photo 101

View of buttplates
Left: '83 Ishevsk
Right: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Simple flat steel buttplate w/no door.


Enlarge photo 102

Left view w/action covers
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 103

Left side comparison w/bayonets
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Bttm: '83 Ishevsk


Enlarge photo 104

83 Ish with 1P21
The 1P21 "minuta" scope is an adjustable ranging variable power zoom scope, it fits right on the standard ComBloc rail, it's much larger, a bit heavier, more complex than the PSO series but provides better magnification & automatic ranging capabilities.

Enlarge photo 105

83 Ishevsk w/1P21 & field cover
Here's a view of the rifle & the field scope/action cover.

Enlarge photo 106

83 Ishevsk w/action cover on
Same material & construction as the PSO1 cover just larger to fit the 1P21. There is also a belt carry pouch for this scope which is a smaller version of the PN58 NV pouch shown below.

Enlarge photo 107

1P21 right side
Here you can see the longer length of this scope vs the PSO1

Enlarge photo 108

1P21 Scope Top
The 1P21 scope sits a bit to the left on the rifle.

Enlarge photo 109

Comparison of PSO1 vs 1P21
Top: PSO1
Bttm: 1P21
NOTE: both scopes are pictured w/o their rubber eyepieces


Enlarge photo 110

PSO1 1P21 left view

Enlarge photo 111

Late & early 1P21 Minuta scopes
Top- "late", post Soviet
Bottom- "early" Soviet mfg (1985)
A few early Soviet era 1P21's are in the US but most are post Soviet production, note the lighter finish & shorter battery compartment of the later scope.


Enlarge photo 112

1P21 batteries & adapter
The original Soviet era 1P21's used the same batteries as the PSO1
but had 2 "stacked", shown on the left is a battery adaptor & battery that just drops in the compartment & works (although I believe this particular battery only works when the bulbs are changed to LED's). The pair on the right are from the later 1P21 & are standard US batteries.


Enlarge photo 113

Late & early scope markings
Top- late, post Soviet marked scope
Bottom- Early 1985 dated Soviet mfg.


Enlarge photo 114

1p21 L battery-bulb compartments
Left- Late scope
Bottom- Early, 1985 mfg
Note the longer length of the battery compartment on the earlier (right) scope. Also note the bulb fixtures (just in front of the rubber eyepiece), the later (left) scope has LED bulbs fitted w/the brass screw, the early (right) has the plastic standard bulb housing fitted.


Enlarge photo 115

1P21 Left side views
Top- Late scope
Bottom- Early, 1985 scope


Enlarge photo 116

Early 1P21 marking
Soviet era (1985 in this case) scope marking. Also note the brass type screw & flat spring on the upper right which is part of the automatic ranging action of the scope which mechanically "tilts" the scope for range adjustment when the power knob is turned, similiar in concept to the earlier US issue AR TEL & ART series scopes.

Enlarge photo 117

83 Ishevsk bottom action view
Here you can again see the offset to the left of the 1P21 versus the PSO1.

Enlarge photo 118

83 Ishevsk left action view
Note the sliding sunshade is back or retracted in this pic making the scope appear smaller.

Enlarge photo 119

83 Ishevsk left side w/field cover on

Enlarge photo 120

83 Ishevsk w/1P21 left side

Enlarge photo 121

'94 Ishevsk (KBI) w/1P29 scope
The 1P29 is a small lightweight optic similiar to the British Trilux, it is mainly thought to be used on the AK74 series weapons. It's doubtful it would be used on the SVD(officially) but is shown here "for something different"!
NOTE: these pics show the KBI rifle w/laminate handguards as they were imported/sold.


Enlarge photo 122

1P29 right action view

Enlarge photo 123

1P29 left action view

Enlarge photo 124

KBI w/1P29 left full view

Enlarge photo 125

'94 Ishevsk w/NSP2 IR (infraRed) scope
One of the earlier Soviet NV scopes was this InfraRed (active) scope set, similiar to the US AN/PAS4 IR (see the XM21 sniper album in the US section). The upper round section emitted IR light, the lower scope section picked up the reaction to this light. IR scopes use an "active" method, meaning they emit the IR light source therefore they can be detected by fairly simple electronic countermeasures. The original Soviet SVD PSO1 scope was fitted w/a simple IR detector just for this purpose.
NOTE: scope in pics is a Czech mfg copy of the Soviet NSP2 but is identical except for the mkgs.


Enlarge photo 126

NSP2 right side view
The SVD was adopted in 1964, IR was a legit concern during it's design phase, by the time it got into general service the US & allies had gotten away from active NV & went to "passive" systems (more on this later), so the later versions of the PSO1 scopes, the PSO1M2 simply had the IR detectors deleted.

Enlarge photo 127

NSP2 scope left view
As can be seen the NSP2 (& all the active IR systems) is large, heavy & complicates weapon handling. It also requires a large heavy battery pack that is usually strapped to the belt & is connected by the large wire coming off the front of the scope which powers the IR emitter.

Enlarge photo 128

Soviet 1st generation "passive" Starlight scopes
The next group of pics will illustrate some of the earlier Soviet "passive" scopes or Starlight scopes. These scopes do not emit any light, energy etc, they use an intensifier unit in the scope to multiply the existing light, hence "passive" & are very difficult (if not impossible) to detect. In this pic are the storage/transit cased sets:
Bottom right: NSPU
Top right: 1PN58
Right: 1PN51


Enlarge photo 129

Cased sets open
Same order as pervious pic, each scope is held firmly in the case & there are spares, tools, extra batteries & field pouches, also manuals.
Note: not all the manuals & pouches are shown, I couldn't find some of them when I took the pics!


Enlarge photo 130

Soviet "starlight" scopes
Right side view of:
Top: PN51, latest Soviet era scope
Ctr: PN58, update to NSPU
Bttm: NSPU (believe this is earliest)


Enlarge photo 131

Front, lens view
Left: NSPU
Ctr: PN58
Rght: PN51
Note the PN58 & NSPU have a single round front lens cap the dark filter must be on during daylight use, the PN51 uses a different updated filter style.


Enlarge photo 132

Rear view, eyepieces
Right: PN51
Ctr: PN58
Rght: NSPU
Note the size progression, the NSPU being longer & the tube being wider, the PN58 is a bit shorter, tube thinner & lighter, the PN51 being fairly compact & lighter still.


Enlarge photo 133

Left side view of Soviet Starlight scopes
Top: PN51
Ctr: PN58
Bttm:NSPU
These scopes are similiar to the US 1st generation Starlight scopes, the AN/PVS1-3 series (see comparison pics later in this album). These scopes, although still lg/heavy are much better than the IR scopes & weapon handling w/them is much better.


Enlarge photo 134

NSPU right view
The NSPU scope, I believe, is the earliest scope out of these 3, larger tube (bulkier electronics), slightly longer, uses a square battery case (at rear of mount under eyecup section). Shown on top of the field carry case which has pouches for spare batteries & parts.

Enlarge photo 135

NSPU marking & gain control

Enlarge photo 136

NSPU Battery
This is the battery used w/the NSPU, bakelite body, about the size of our "D" battery w/external terminals.

Enlarge photo 137

NSPU left view
Again, note the lg battery box at the rear.

Enlarge photo 138

NSPU storage/transit case
Here's a view of the case w/components & the scope. The field case rolls up & fits in the transit case to the right under the front of the tube.

Enlarge photo 139

PN 58 cased
This is the "updated" PN58 (from the NSPU) it's a bit shorter, thinner tube & uses a smaller, round, metal battery which has no external terminals.

Enlarge photo 140

PN 58 Case interior
Here you can see the various compartments for spares, tools, extra bateries (the round silver object upper left in the case). Each case has the scope model & serial painted on.

Enlarge photo 141

PN 58 right side view
The PN58 is a bit shorter, you can also see the smaller round battery compartment vs the NSPU. The tube itself is round & narrower due to updated electronics.

Enlarge photo 142

PN58 markings & gain control

Enlarge photo 143

PN 58 Battery Top
A pic of the PN58 battery, sealed & a bit more robust (being metal) than the NSPU battery, this style was used in the subsequent models including the PN51. There is a charger for the batteries which is set up to plug into sockets on military vehicles to charge the batteries in the field.

Enlarge photo 144

NSPU PN 58 Batteries
Comaprison of the NSPU & PN58 batteries

Enlarge photo 145

PN58 left view

Enlarge photo 146

PN 58 Set

Enlarge photo 147

PN51 cased set
The latest of the 3 sets shown. the PN51 is shorter, but a bit bulkier due the round shape but uses improved electronics etc.

Enlarge photo 148

PN51 case interior

Enlarge photo 149

PN51 right view

Enlarge photo 150

PN51 marking & gain control

Enlarge photo 151

PN51 left side view

Enlarge photo 152

SVD's mounted w/NSPU & PN58 right view
TOP: 94 Ishevsk w/NSPU
Bttm: 83 Ishevsk w/PN58


Enlarge photo 153

NSPU & PN58 right action view
Top: 94 Ishevsk w/NSPU
Bttm: 83 Ishevsk w/PN58


Enlarge photo 154

Front lens view
Left: '83 w/PN58
Bottom: '94 w/NSPU


Enlarge photo 155

NSPU, PN58 left side action view
Top: '94 w/NSPU
Bottm: '83 w/PN58
Here you can see the wider/bulkier tube of the NSPU & the larger square battery compartment compared to the PN58.


Enlarge photo 156

NSPU & PN58 angled view
Top: NSPU
Bottom: PN58
Here the differences in the tubes are apparent.


Enlarge photo 157

NSPU, PN58 left side mounted

Enlarge photo 158

PN51 & PN58 mounted
Top: '94 Ishevsk w/PN51
Bottom: '83 Ishevsk w/PN58
Note the large difference in size & completely different configuration of the PN51 design.


Enlarge photo 159

PN51, PN58 right action view

Enlarge photo 160

PN51, PN58 left action view

Enlarge photo 161

PN51, front angle view

Enlarge photo 162

PN51 top view

Enlarge photo 163

PN51, PN58 left side mounted

Enlarge photo 164

NSPU compared to US AN/PVS2
The next few pics will compare the Soviet 1st Generation starlights to the US equivelent. Here we're using the Soviet NSPU & the US AN/PVS2 (Viet Nam era) sets.
Top: NSPU transit cased set
Bottom: AN/PVS2 transit cased set


Enlarge photo 165

Scopes in cases
Top: NSPU
Bottom: AN/PVS2
The Soviet set is stored in a thin metal "can" with supports of metal lined w/felt.
The US set is in a thicker metal case & sits in a full foam lined seal, the case also is equipped w/a "pressure equalization" release.


Enlarge photo 166

NSPU, AN/PVS2 right view
Top: NSPU
Bottom: AN/PVS2
The Soviet scope is much thinner & lighter, the US scope much bulkier, it also is fitted w/a strap which enables it to be handled much easier off the weapon due to it's bulk, the Soviet scope by it's shape is easier to handle off the rifle.


Enlarge photo 167

Top views
Top: AN/PVS2
Bottom:NSPU
The 2 scopes use much different design approaches, electronic controls etc on the Soviet scope are concentrated front/rear while the US scope has them in the center. The US scope, though larger & bulkier is actually a bit better balanced on the weapon. The electronics & light gain ability is also superior.


Enlarge photo 168

Rear view
Left: AN/PVS2
Right: NSPU
Battery compartment for the AN/PVS2 is the round "cap" in the upper section at the rear.


Enlarge photo 169

Front view
Left: NSPU
Right: AN/PVS2
Here you can see the difference in "bulk" clearly!


Enlarge photo 170

Left view
Top: NSPU
Bottom: AN/PVS2


Enlarge photo 171

Comparison of Chinese SVD, KBI & '84 Ishevsk
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Bttm: Chinese SVD (early cased set gun, 7.62x54r)
The next series of pics will compare different views of the above 3 rifles.


Enlarge photo 172

Russian vs Chinese PSO1 scopes
Left: Soviet PSO1M2 (no IR detector)
Ctr: Soviet PSO1
Bttm: Chinese PSO1
The Chinese PSO1 is a "clone" of the original Soviet PSO1, it is equipped w/the IR detector, operates in the same manner, uses the same batteries etc, a few minor differences in mfg "details", the color is black & the knobs are marked in English.


Enlarge photo 173

Forends
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI) w/Poly handguards
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk w/honey brown laminate handguards
Bottom: Chinese Type79/85 w/"Chu" wood handguards


Enlarge photo 174

Comparison of slings
Top: Soviet sling
Bttm: Chinese sling
The Soviets basically use a standard (AK) sling for their weapons, the Chinese have a number of different configurations, the sling that came w/the Chinese SVD is basically the same as the Soviet version but is a bit narrower, the clip at the end is painted black instead of zinc finished & the buckle is flat & narrower.


Enlarge photo 175

Comparison of sling Buckles
Left: Chinese sling
Right: Soviet sling
Note: the slings both came w/their respective rifles as complete cased sets, the Chinese is one of the very early import SVD's in the leather case velour lined sets complete w/all accs. The Soviet sling came w/the KBI import rifle which was also sold/delivered w/all accs.


Enlarge photo 176

Sling ends
Top: Soviet
Bottom: Chinese
Note that the Soviet sling end is rivetted on a metal plate while the Chinese is sewn onto the web directly


Enlarge photo 177

Bayonet comparison
Top: Soviet 6x5 (KBI gun)
Ctr: Soviet 6x4
Bttm: Chinese AKM
The Soviet bayonets were described earlier, the Chinese bayonet is similiar to the Soviet 6x4 & was part of the package w/the cased SVD sets.


Enlarge photo 178

Left view of the bayonets
Top: Soviet 6x5, from KBI
Ctr: Soviet 6x4
Bttm: Chinese AKM
The Chinese bayonet has the sawblade as the Soviet 6x4, the only time these bayonets(Chinese) w/the sawback(to my knowledge) were seen was w/the cased SVD's, there are other Chinese 6x4 style bayonets around but they do NOT have the sawback blade.


Enlarge photo 179

Left view of forends
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI) w/poly guards
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Bttm: Chinese


Enlarge photo 180

Left side action comparison
Top: '94 (KBI)
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Bttm: Chinese
the KBI gun has the later PSO1M2 scope w/o IR detector, the 83 Ishevsk & Chinese guns both have the IR detector, although the Chinese scope is black & the knob mkgs are English. Note also the slight difference in the top cover, at the rear of the top cover (just under the scope eyepiece) the Chinese gun has a small "indent" in the top cover where the Soviet guns do not.


Enlarge photo 181

Chinese top cover "indent"
Here's a close-up of the indent in the Chinese SVD top cover, both the Soviet guns are round here. At this point this is the only obvious "cosmetic" difference I've seen between the 2 Soviet guns & this early Chinese example.

Enlarge photo 182

Tops of scopes
Left: Chinese
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Rght: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)


Enlarge photo 183

KBI-83-PRC L Scopes Xtended
Top: '94 (KBI) PSO1M2
Ctr: '83 PSO1
Bttm: Chinese PSO1
Note the sun shades on the scopes are extended in this pic.


Enlarge photo 184

Left side comparison
Top: '94 Ishevsk (KBI)
Ctr: '83 Ishevsk
Bttm: Chinese SVD


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