Konstantinov sniper rifle (prototype)
History create SVK
The history of Soviet and Russian science and technology is replete with many striking examples where talented people, due to certain subjective or objective reasons, possessing outstanding knowledge, have not been able to come out on top roles in the industry segment in which they worked. Unfortunately, the same fate befell the talented Russian designer of small arms and artillery weapons Konstantinov AS, whose name until recently was known only to specialists of small arms and artillery subjects. The talents of this man in the field of rationalization and inventions were noticeable even during the passage of his military service, when a simple soldier, behind which were courses of turners, was appointed designer at the Degtyarev Design Bureau, which was considered the “father of Soviet rifle weapons” before the war. 1938 to 1943 This talented inventor works fruitfully with Degtyarev. At the same time, he managed to help another designer, G. Shpagin, to finalize his famous PCA by taking on technical documentation and practical field tests.
Since 1949, Konstantinov has continued to work in the town of Kovrov, from where he was drafted into the army, on new rifle samples weapons. Along with the created automatic weapons and other types of weapons, the sniper rifle, which Konstantinov invented at the same time, as a number of similar products of Dragunov and Simonov, deserves the most serious consideration.
So the fate was appointed that the rifle tests for adoption in the Soviet Army, these rifles were held together.
Eyewitnesses tell the following about these tests: the Simonov rifle was lagging behind in many respects and the primacy for adopting into the regular troops was challenged by two systems: Dragunov and Konstantinov. And here, if you believe the stories, fate decided the case. Last decided to try to shoot the head of the shooting range, the general, a member of the commission for the selection of weapons for parts of the SA. After the shooting, he was asked what kind of rifle is better, and he replied, nodding at the SVK, that this rifle, when shot, “burns his cheek”. And so the fate of the product was decided.
Design features of SVK
The basic element for the SVK was chosen as the scheme of a light machine gun previously designed by the inventor. The output energy of the powder gases was carried out directly from the channel of the barrel. The barrel bore was locked with a bolt that, in the cocked position, turned and entered into engagement with the projections of the barrel box. A percussion trigger mechanism was used, the descent was developed as a separate element, with the help of which single shots were fired. To reduce the length of the rifle return spring was placed in the butt of the product. The test sample was equipped with a pistol grip for controlling and executing fire missions. The filing of cartridges came from a removable box-type cage.
On the left side of the trunk box, a holder for mounting the “optics” was made; on the right was a fuse-flag. The sector-type mechanical sight is calibrated over a distance of 1200 m. The weight of the weapon without ammunition was about 5 and a half kilogram.
Together with the SVD, these products were sent for revision, which was successfully completed, and presented for test shooting in two versions, which were developed by the designer.
Modified versions
The first modified version was akin to the one previously presented, the only thing is that some of the units, such as the pistol grip, butt and forearm with the trigger guard, are made of plastic alloys. A special stop mechanism is mounted in the box of the barrel part to reduce recoil force. Additionally, a rubber pad was installed.
The second modified version of the ICS is more to the "classics". Butt, box of the receiver part and some other parts received a different design solution. The butt became in the form of a frame, the return spring was removed from it, which was placed in the box of the receiver part. Some of the parts and mechanisms were also made of plastic materials.
Despite all the improvements carried out, neither the first nor the second version of the JMC were adopted. The preference was given to the product of the designer Dragunov, which we know more by the abbreviation SVD. This rifle received good recommendations from members of the commission and successfully passed the test tests.
On account Konstantinov A.S. There are many different developments of small arms. In the 60s of the 20th century, he took part in the development of other systems, including grenade launchers, his contribution to the development of small arms in Russia is invaluable.
The history of Soviet and Russian science and technology is replete with many striking examples where talented people, due to certain subjective or objective reasons, possessing outstanding knowledge, have not been able to come out on top roles in the industry segment in which they worked. Unfortunately, the same fate befell the talented Russian designer of small arms and artillery weapons Konstantinov AS, whose name until recently was known only to specialists of small arms and artillery subjects. The talents of this man in the field of rationalization and inventions were noticeable even during the passage of his military service, when a simple soldier, behind which were courses of turners, was appointed designer at the Degtyarev Design Bureau, which was considered the “father of Soviet rifle weapons” before the war. 1938 to 1943 This talented inventor works fruitfully with Degtyarev. At the same time, he managed to help another designer, G. Shpagin, to finalize his famous PCA by taking on technical documentation and practical field tests.
Konstantinov's sniper rifle, submitted to the 1960 test,
Since 1949, Konstantinov has continued to work in the town of Kovrov, from where he was drafted into the army, on new rifle samples weapons. Along with the created automatic weapons and other types of weapons, the sniper rifle, which Konstantinov invented at the same time, as a number of similar products of Dragunov and Simonov, deserves the most serious consideration.
So the fate was appointed that the rifle tests for adoption in the Soviet Army, these rifles were held together.
Eyewitnesses tell the following about these tests: the Simonov rifle was lagging behind in many respects and the primacy for adopting into the regular troops was challenged by two systems: Dragunov and Konstantinov. And here, if you believe the stories, fate decided the case. Last decided to try to shoot the head of the shooting range, the general, a member of the commission for the selection of weapons for parts of the SA. After the shooting, he was asked what kind of rifle is better, and he replied, nodding at the SVK, that this rifle, when shot, “burns his cheek”. And so the fate of the product was decided.
Two variants of the Konstantinov sniper rifle presented for testing in the winter of 1961-1962.
Design features of SVK
The basic element for the SVK was chosen as the scheme of a light machine gun previously designed by the inventor. The output energy of the powder gases was carried out directly from the channel of the barrel. The barrel bore was locked with a bolt that, in the cocked position, turned and entered into engagement with the projections of the barrel box. A percussion trigger mechanism was used, the descent was developed as a separate element, with the help of which single shots were fired. To reduce the length of the rifle return spring was placed in the butt of the product. The test sample was equipped with a pistol grip for controlling and executing fire missions. The filing of cartridges came from a removable box-type cage.
On the left side of the trunk box, a holder for mounting the “optics” was made; on the right was a fuse-flag. The sector-type mechanical sight is calibrated over a distance of 1200 m. The weight of the weapon without ammunition was about 5 and a half kilogram.
Together with the SVD, these products were sent for revision, which was successfully completed, and presented for test shooting in two versions, which were developed by the designer.
Modified versions
The first modified version was akin to the one previously presented, the only thing is that some of the units, such as the pistol grip, butt and forearm with the trigger guard, are made of plastic alloys. A special stop mechanism is mounted in the box of the barrel part to reduce recoil force. Additionally, a rubber pad was installed.
The second modified version of the ICS is more to the "classics". Butt, box of the receiver part and some other parts received a different design solution. The butt became in the form of a frame, the return spring was removed from it, which was placed in the box of the receiver part. Some of the parts and mechanisms were also made of plastic materials.
Despite all the improvements carried out, neither the first nor the second version of the JMC were adopted. The preference was given to the product of the designer Dragunov, which we know more by the abbreviation SVD. This rifle received good recommendations from members of the commission and successfully passed the test tests.
On account Konstantinov A.S. There are many different developments of small arms. In the 60s of the 20th century, he took part in the development of other systems, including grenade launchers, his contribution to the development of small arms in Russia is invaluable.
Information