Pre Ban Russian Izhmash Tigr Tiger 7.62×54 20.75” Semi-Auto Rifle Dragunov
SOLD FOR: $6,026
WOA#: WY240202JT013
Make: Izhmach, Russia
Model: Tiger
Serial Number: 1994 38704
Year of Manufacture: 1994, Pre 1994 Ban
Caliber: 7.62x54R
Action Type: Semi-Auto
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “TIGER / CAL 7.62×54 / MADE IN RUSSIA BY IZHMACH 1994 38704 / CAI. ST. ALB. VT” with a PCT and a Russian Triangle CN Proof. The safety lever is marked “704”. Top of the rear sight is marked “1-3”. The right side of the bolt carrier group is marked “38704”. Bottom of the receiver in front of the trigger guard is marked “704”. The top of the piston tube is marked “704”. The rear of the dust cover is marked “38704”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a serrated base elevated above the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding sight escalator marked from “1-3”. The left side of the receiver has a scope rail.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock includes a wood thumbhole stock, soft rubberized cheek piece, and synthetic handguard. The buttstock has a sling bar and a smooth metal buttplate. The left side of the gas block has a sling ring. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. There are some scuffs running down the sides of the handguard but this is normal for all Tigr’s we’ve seen. There is a small nick on the bottom of the buttstock but other than this and some small wear where the cheek piece attaches, there is no notable wear. There are no chips or cracks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 5rd original waffle magazine. There are some Russian proofs on the front of the magazines near the baseplate and on the right side of the catch.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. This rifle appears to be unfired.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no operation wear. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent and almost Like-New condition. There is some minor wear on the scope rail, other than that this rifle is mint.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: There are a few revolutionary designs in firearms history that deserve a sudden pause and reflection to truly appreciate everything that was envisioned by the designer. The Dragunov SVD is certainly one of those revolutionary designs. The sheer slick design is enough to call for pause and admiration. Although some might mistake the SVD as looking somewhat similar to an AK, the SVD is far different in every way. The AK is like the ugly older step sister, whereas the Dragunov is the fine specimen it is where all the “genetics” of the gun came together in all the right places. The Dragunov was designed by Yevgeny Dragunav in 1958 during the Cold War as things began “ramping up”. Tensions were high and the Soviet Union needed a new sharpshooter rifle that could effectively overpower any new modern threat. When new weapon systems are developed, they are developed for one reason and one reason only: Military Domineerance. The SVD or Snáyperskaya Vintóvka sistém’y Dragunóva or Sniper Rifle System by Dragunov, obviously the pinnacle of clever rifle names, thank you Communism – delivered just that. The Soviets wanted not a new type of warfare, but to perfect the warfare that was already at play– battlefield control, and their current marksman rifle, the SVT-40, was not fitting the bill. Similar to how Germany designed the Storm Rifle STG-44 to fit N@zi Germany’s vision of Blitzkrieg warfare, the Soviets designed the SVD to fit their vision of warfare: complete control over any military situation. Unfortunately for the U.S. the rifle achieved exactly what it was designed to do and during the Vietnam War, supplied by the Russians, the communist forces wreaked devastation on U.S. forces. The commercial version of the SVD was named the Tiger or Tigr, after what this rifle’s capabilities were proven to truly be. Like a Tiger who controls its prey with a tight clasp around the victim’s neck, the SVD had proven to do just that. She is a lean, mean, graceful plinking machine. If you are a gun collector, a firing range hobbyist, a history buff, or anyone who appreciates the good things in life, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity. I could write volumes on what an amazing piece this rifle is but your time is precious so I wont. With the banned status of these rifles, limited numbers, the rich history, and the amazing practical functionality, this Cold War era Russian Sniper Izhmach Tiger is begging for a place in your collection. She is hard to come by. Bid on her, win her, love her, but you have to bid on your new Queen first! Good Luck and when you do win, I will have to bid her a Dasvidaniya! -L.S.
