Note: Before adding to this list, make sure you have checked FPK / PSL Sniper Rifle. The FPK, PSL or Romak is a Romanian AK-derived sniper rifle sometimes used as an ersatz SVD in movies, so an entry which appears to be omitted from this page may well be on that one.
The SVD Dragunov sniper rifle and variants have appeared in the following films, video games and anime, used by the following actors:
SVD Dragunov
SVD Dragunov sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R
SVDS rifle with shortened barrel and folding stock, intended for paratroopers - 7.62x54mm R
Commercial "Tiger Carbine" (aka "Dragunov Tiger") version sold in the US, with synthetic furnishings used on domestic SVD-M modernized variant - 7.62x54mm R. More recent Tiger versions have a completely smooth reciever cover.
SVU-AS Dragunov sniper rifle with bipod - 7.62x54mm R
The SVU (also known as "OTs-03") is the bullpup version of the SVD, developed by TsKIB SOO for Russian special forces. The SVU-A (OTs-03A) is another variant, capable of fully automatic fire, while the SVU-AS (OTs-03AS) is equipped with a bipod. It was introduced in 1991, and entered service three years later.
The Norinco NDM-86 is a Chinese-made clone of the Soviet SVD. There are two versions; one is identical to the original Dragunov SVD (save a somewhat less "clean" finish on metal parts) and fires the 7.62x54mm R cartridge. The .308 Winchester version (7.62x51mm NATO) version has a more square shaped box magazine. The NDM-86 in 7.62x54mm R was imported between 1986-1989 into the U.S. The .308 version was imported for a longer time due to it being a different caliber than the 'military firearm'.
w/ Various optional optics, bipod, laser sight, weaponlight, foregrip, and flash hider
.308 version
2011
How to tell an SVD from a PSL
SVD Dragunov sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R. Shorter exposed part of gas piston, one-piece handguard, thinner bent safety lever, no "X" stamping on magazine, gap between magazine well and front of trigger guard, top of stock in-line with bore axis.
Romanian FPK/PSL sniper rifle - 7.62x54mm R. Note longer exposed part of the gas piston, two-piece AK-style handguard, straight safety lever, AK-style receiver with push-button at rear, "X" shaped stamping on the magazine, magazine located immediately in front of the trigger guard rather than some distance ahead, diagonal stock.
