SVT-40 to SVD Dragunov Build
- Thread starter incorrigible
- Start date
Daehanminkuk
Regular
- Location
- Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, ROK
I for one like the idea of making something interesting. His attempt should be praised. I for one am curious about how it will shoot.
I feel divided on this... on one hand it's a helluva cool project and looks awesome, on the other I realize that now there's one less full-military original SVT40 out there. I'm also divided because I used to enjoy Bubba'eing milsurps also (years ago), until I learned to truly appreciate their historical value in their every aspect, even the ugly ones. Having seen many guns move from mainstream "cheap-ass $100 milsurps" to the "rare 'n' expensive gems" category might have something to do with it.
I remember buying two pristine M1 Garands (original Springfields still with arsenal markings) only some 8 years ago for $235 a piece... and I found it to be a bit expensive for my taste at the time, hence why I only got two (there were many more available). People used to buy these and drill scope mounts/lighten the stocks and do all kinds of crazy stuff like that with them back then... I was toying with similar ideas too at the time, but luckily I didn't go ahead with it. Today, that same gun is $1250 and up, if not more. My first full military, fully matching and pristine German WWII K98 Mauser with a matching bayonet was bought about 8 years ago also for $350... now try finding one today for that price, lol! And the kicker? At the same time I was buying these for those prices, there were no SVT40's anywhere... and I was ready to dish out $1k or more if I could find one in an ok shape, they were that scarce (and I always wanted one). I came close once to buying a "sporterized" and rusted SVT40 at a gun show for nearly $800 (it was some guy's deer gun, apparently). So, all in all, we were lucky as hell that these SVT's surfaced lately, but mark my words that there ain't an endless supply of these. I'm no hater, just stating the facts... just watch and see those SVT40's rarity and prices skyrocket over the next few years.
Anywho, it's one hell of a nice project nevertheless. Congrats on all your skills, that thing already looks like the real SVD deal. If I could replicate those results, I must admit I'd be really torn, especially because of how cheap it is to buy an SVT in 2011... but I'd probably still stick with preserving an original SVT in the end. I guess there just comes a time when a seasoned gun collector starts seeing himself more as a curator of historical firearms than a DIY gunsmith à la "Sons of Guns". No pun intended!
I remember buying two pristine M1 Garands (original Springfields still with arsenal markings) only some 8 years ago for $235 a piece... and I found it to be a bit expensive for my taste at the time, hence why I only got two (there were many more available). People used to buy these and drill scope mounts/lighten the stocks and do all kinds of crazy stuff like that with them back then... I was toying with similar ideas too at the time, but luckily I didn't go ahead with it. Today, that same gun is $1250 and up, if not more. My first full military, fully matching and pristine German WWII K98 Mauser with a matching bayonet was bought about 8 years ago also for $350... now try finding one today for that price, lol! And the kicker? At the same time I was buying these for those prices, there were no SVT40's anywhere... and I was ready to dish out $1k or more if I could find one in an ok shape, they were that scarce (and I always wanted one). I came close once to buying a "sporterized" and rusted SVT40 at a gun show for nearly $800 (it was some guy's deer gun, apparently). So, all in all, we were lucky as hell that these SVT's surfaced lately, but mark my words that there ain't an endless supply of these. I'm no hater, just stating the facts... just watch and see those SVT40's rarity and prices skyrocket over the next few years.
Anywho, it's one hell of a nice project nevertheless. Congrats on all your skills, that thing already looks like the real SVD deal. If I could replicate those results, I must admit I'd be really torn, especially because of how cheap it is to buy an SVT in 2011... but I'd probably still stick with preserving an original SVT in the end. I guess there just comes a time when a seasoned gun collector starts seeing himself more as a curator of historical firearms than a DIY gunsmith à la "Sons of Guns". No pun intended!
So I've spent some time trying to figure out some of the nagging issues that were bothering me. Cosmetically I was having issues with the colour match on the rear stock. The colour I tried first (actually about fourth, but where I'd ended up) was a Spar varnish mixed heavily with Iodine. See pic
Never could get the colour right. Other attempts were Miniwax, Wine coloured liquid Rit dye, stain... none gave me the colour I wanted. I believe I found a keeper in Red Garnet Shellac. A bit interesting to learn how to mix and use but the sheen and colour is damn near flawless. The colour looks a bit spotty on this one as I'd stripped and sanded the old finish off and probably didn't get it all. My intention is to do a new rear stock anyway once I can source some unbleached Russian birch laminate. Hopefully RR will be able to help me out again. The next rear stock will be a better version in my opinion... you always learn a few tricks when you try something new for the first time that you wished you knew before you started. Lessons learned I guess...
I was able to fashion a sling out of one off of my CZ 858's a bit modified to serve amore SVD function...
A front sling attachment point was welded on to the Sight/Gas Piston mount... clearly still in need of some finishing and attention
Mechanically I had to change the angle of the magazine follower to allow it to feed higher to match the original SVT-40... a true PITA to figure that little tidbit out.
Still trying to figure out a rear sight mount that won't fk with the gas rod assembly
I'm in the process of making a base plate for the rear stock pistol grip out of one of the bakelite handguard panels from a T-33 I switched out (my apologies to the T-33 lovers out there... I know they are precious and rare as hens teeth). I'm trying to keep the CCCP insignia if I can just for giggles.
It's always too slow but things are progressing
I must say this is probably one of the most beautiful rifle "frankensteins" I've ever seen. Great Job!!! I can only wish I had the skills to build something like that. Are you planning on doing any more like it and sell them???
I am working on a bracket that would clamp the bipod to the barrel by the sight, but your looks better- which one would function better? I think by the sight would be better for aiming but in the middle might be a better position if shot from any other position as the barrel would no be too heavy to hold up
incorrigible
CGN frequent flyer
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- stubble jumper
I was told it was real... but was informed by another that the real bipod legs are held in place by two rivets each while mine has only one. It functions well though. I'd be nicer to have one that you could lock in place... similiar to a Harris for instance. It's just not something the Red Army skunkworks gave much thought to in the '50s.
The benefit of attaching to the OEM mounting point is that there is less pressure on the barrel which improves accuracy. As it turns out it also allows for a wider arch of fire without repositioning which was a nice side benefit.
I figured out the rear iron sight, however the front will now have to be replaced and aligned. I took some pretty careful measurements so hopefully I can get it close. Even if I only really intend on running with a scope it's important to me to get it right.
I replaced the rear stock with a newer version which I like much better. It includes a melamine grip cap I was able to fashion out of an old ashtray of all things
... it worked though. The wife wants to go to the range tonight so I snap some updated pics then.
incorrigible
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- stubble jumper
ohh wow thats very nice. good work only if you could move the gas hole more towards the handguards and use AK front sight
You'd have to be a much better hack than I to start playing with gas placement, alignment, repositioning, filling in the old without disturbing the bore, etc.
It was something I entertained originally, it's just way out of my league skill wise.
Might be an option for a good smith when I get things all wrapped up. Just got a layoff after 6 yrs so it would seem I have a bit of time on my hands in the short term
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.....x2?
