dragunov's?

[troy_mclure]

what are good "makes" of these guns?
ive been thinking of getting one since i got to shoot a few in iraq.
how much $$$ are they going for these days?
how about a good place to buy?
things to look for/watch out for?

[Mikey]

Go Russian or Romanian. 

Check the Shotgun News for deals from the major suppliers. 

About $800

Get a new one and you won't have to watch out for anything.....

Use new manufacture ammo.  It will probably shoot the 180-200 gn bullet very accurately.  These rifles are not as accurate as a match/sniper grade M14, but they will do for ya to about 600 yds. 

[troy_mclure]

thanks!

[fastbike]

Mikey,

Where are you going to find a Russian Dragunov for $800? Shoot, where are you going to find a Russian Drag anyway?

Go Russian or Romanian. 

Check the Shotgun News for deals from the major suppliers. 

About $800

Get a new one and you won't have to watch out for anything.....

Use new manufacture ammo.  It will probably shoot the 180-200 gn bullet very accurately.  These rifles are not as accurate as a match/sniper grade M14, but they will do for ya to about 600 yds. 

[Mikey]

Good point Fastbike, good point. 

[GRIMJIM]

Is it true that the Romanian ones aren't a true draganov? I heard that there are some differences. I'm curious if this is true.

For the record I own a Romanian, I forget the designation, fpk?

[Mikey]

If you intend to stick with the original Soviet design then it's a 'true' Dragunov.  The Romanians never took a back seat to any other European nation regarding firearms designs and have improved on the Kalashnikov as well as the Dragunov. 

If I recall correctly, the Dragunov action design is more closely related to the RPK - Soviet version of the squad automatic weapon, than to the Kalashnikov action design.  jmtcw.

[Badnews Bob]

If it wasn't made in Russia or China its not a dragunov. Those thing go for around 3000 American.  Romainian ones are good knockoffs and go for 600 to 800. And not as well made as the russian but on par with the chinese, One of the best knock offs is the Yugo version in 8X57 mauser but they are pricey also.

[ECV Slick]

If it wasn't made in Russia or China its not a dragunov.

+1

The Russian SVD & Tigr and the Chinese NMD-86 are true Dragunov actions.  The Romak III (PSL-54c) is a long-stroke Kalashnikov action, but exhibits accuracy on par with the Drag actions.  I've looked at a lot of PSL's and think the older ones are better finished.  The last 2 digits of the serial = the year made.  Mine is a 1980 and is probably the nicest PSL I've ever seen (I mail ordered it sight-unseen).  I've had lots of "dogs" - so it was time for me to have a little luck.