M24 SWS vs SVD Dragunov: how to tell them apart

Two sniper and marksman rifles that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

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M24 SWS

Sniper or marksman rifle, USA. In service since 1988

What gives it away

Bolt-action rifle in a one-piece synthetic stock, usually green or tan, with a heavy barrel and no muzzle brake on the original.

Used by

USA (largely replaced), Israel, Brazil and others

SVD Dragunov

Sniper or marksman rifle, Soviet Union. In service since 1963

What gives it away

Long rifle with a skeleton thumbhole stock, slotted handguard, short 10-round magazine and side-mounted PSO-1 scope.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine and many others

M24 SWS · SVD Dragunov · All guides