Business · Companies · 18 hrs ago
Kalashnikov develops two compact versions of Chukavin sniper rifle
Russia’s Kalashnikov Group has developed two compact versions of its Chukavin sniper rifle.
The SVCh-1 uses a 7.62x54mm cartridge, while the SVCh-2 uses .308 Win, also known as 7.62x51mm.
The rifles have shorter barrels and other design changes based partly on feedback from military users.
Their barrels are 170 millimeters shorter, and the company says accuracy is maintained at ranges of up to 800 meters.
The new versions also include a suppressor designed to reduce gas flowing back toward the shooter, as well as muzzle flash and noise.
Both rifles have completed preliminary testing under the supervision of a potential customer, and Kalashnikov is ready to seek state trials.
Russian security and defense agencies have shown interest in the rifles for rapid-response and assault units, while the company says it is prepared to produce them for Russian and international users.
Kalashnikov Group has developed two compact versions of its Chukavin semi-automatic sniper rifle.
The SVCh-1 is chambered for 7.62x54mm, while the SVCh-2 uses .308 Win (7.62x51mm).
The rifles have shorter barrels and other design changes based on feedback from military units.
The company says preliminary testing is complete and it is prepared to proceed to state trials.
Kalashnikov says the rifles have drawn interest from Russian security and defense agencies for rapid-response and assault units.
- Who
- Russia’s Kalashnikov Group developed the rifles.
- What
- It developed two compact versions of the Chukavin sniper rifle, the SVCh-1 and SVCh-2.
- When
- The report was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Moscow, according to TASS’s dateline.
- Why
- The designs reflect changed combat conditions and customer feedback, and are intended for uses including urban operations and close-quarters combat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kalashnikov Group developed the SVCh-1 and SVCh-2 with shorter barrels and other design changes.
The rifles completed preliminary testing under the supervision of a potential customer.
The company said it was prepared to proceed to state trials and establish production.
- SVCh-1
- Chambered for 7.62x54mm
- SVCh-2
- Chambered for .308 Win (7.62x51mm)
- Barrel reduction
- 170 mm
- Accuracy range
- Up to 800 meters
- Testing status
- Preliminary testing completed; state trials are next
What people are saying
On its own initiative, the Kalashnikov Group has developed new compact semi-automatic rifles based on the 7.62x54mm Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh): the SVCh-1, chambered for the 7.62x54mm cartridge, and the SVCh-2, chambered for the NATO-standard .308 Win (7.62x51mm) caliber.