SV-98

Lore & Background

The SV-98's receiver and free-floating heavy barrel are cold-hammer forged; the barrel can be chrome lined to order. The manually operated bolt has three symmetrically spaced frontal lugs, and the barrel features 4 grooves with a 320 mm twist rate. The threaded muzzle accepts a conical birdcage-pattern muzzle brake or a 23 dB(A) suppressor requiring subsonic ammunition. The rifle fires 7.62×54mmR 7N1 standard sniper, 7N14 enhanced penetration sniper, or 'Extra' match grade sports cartridges.

The rifle is equipped with iron sights (shrouded front and a tangent-type rear sight adjustable up to 600 m in 100 m increments) and a Picatinny rail for mounting Russian and foreign telescopic sights. According to several internet sources, a standard telescopic sight is the PKS-07 7× fixed-magnification scope; the manufacturer states the 1P69 3-10×42 variable magnification sight is standard for daylight, and the 1PN113 3.7× fixed magnification night sight is standard for low light. The ambidextrous laminated plywood stock has an adjustable butt plate and cheek comb; a fiberglass reinforced polymer stock was also offered. A front attachment point mounts an integral folding bipod with independently adjustable legs, and the stock is prepared for a rear monopod. A carrying handle can be attached to prevent grasping the rifle by its optics.

The trigger pull is adjustable from 1.0 to 1.5 kgf. The safety lever behind the bolt handle locks the trigger, immobilizes the sear, and prevents the bolt from turning. The staggered-column detachable box magazine is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon with metal inserts and holds 10 rounds. An anti-mirage strap can be fixed between the front and rear sights. Internet sources report differing information regarding attainable accuracy, with ammunition quality often cited as an important factor.

Reader's Guide

The SV-98 represents Russia's attempt to field a modern bolt-action sniper rifle derived from a proven competition platform. Its adoption by special operations troops in 2003 and subsequent use in Chechnya and Ukraine established it as a frontline sniper system. The rifle's design emphasizes modularity, with an adjustable stock, Picatinny rail, and optional suppressor, allowing adaptation to various mission profiles. The development of the SV-98M variant with an aluminum alloy receiver and skeleton stock, taken over by Kalashnikov Concern in 2017, aimed to improve maintainability and reduce production costs. The SV-98 has been purchased by Armenia and used by Russian law enforcement, counter-terrorist forces, the Russian Armed Forces, and the Syrian Republican Guard. Its chambering in 7.62 NATO for export and the existence of .338 Lapua Magnum variants (SV-338 series) demonstrate efforts to broaden its market. The rifle's legacy is tied to its role in equipping Russian snipers during the early 21st century, though its accuracy remains a subject of varying reports.

Did You Know?

• The SV-98 is based on the Record 300 m full bore sport shooting rifle series.
• The rifle can be equipped with a 23 dB(A) suppressor that requires subsonic ammunition.
• The upgraded SV-98M variant features an adjustable aluminum skeleton type stock.
• In 2010, 52 SV-98 units were purchased by Armenia.