SV-98

The SV-98 was developed by Izhmash in the late 1990s as Russia sought a more accurate bolt-action sniper rifle than the semi-automatic Dragunov SVD for specialized military and law-enforcement use. It is based on the Record target-rifle lineage and entered service in the early 2000s. The rifle marks an important shift in Russian precision small arms: from designated-marksman semiautomatics toward dedicated bolt-action systems for longer-range and higher-precision tasks.

The SV-98 is a manually operated bolt-action rifle typically chambered for 7.62x54R, with export or later chambering variants also described. It uses a detachable magazine, free-floating barrel, adjustable furniture, optics, and suppressor-compatible muzzle fittings on many configurations. Compared with the SVD, it sacrifices rapid semiautomatic follow-up shots for improved precision potential. Modernized SV-98M-style versions introduce more robust chassis materials and ergonomics for professional sniper use.

The SV-98 is used where Russian units need deliberate precision fire against individual targets beyond ordinary infantry-rifle distances. It is associated with military snipers, airborne or special-purpose units, and law-enforcement marksmen. Its role is complementary to the SVD rather than a total replacement: the SVD remains useful for squad-level rapid fire, while the SV-98 supports slower, more precise engagements from prepared positions or overwatch teams.