The history of the creation of the SVK
The history of Soviet and Russian science and technology is replete with many vivid examples when talented people, due to certain subjective or objective reasons, possessing extraordinary knowledge, were not able to take the first 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 A. S., whose name until recently was known only to specialists in shooting and artillery subjects. The talents of this man in the field of rationalization and inventions were noticeable even during his military service, when a simple soldier, behind whom there were courses of turners, was appointed a designer at the Degtyarev Design Bureau, who in the pre-war period was considered the "father of Soviet small arms". From 1938 to 1943 this talented inventor works fruitfully with Degtyarev. At the same time, he managed to help another designer - G. Shpagin - to modify his famous PCA, taking over the technical documentation and practical field tests.
Konstantinov sniper rifle, presented for trials in 1960
Since 1949, Konstantinov continues to work in the city of Kovrov, from where he was drafted into the army, on new models of small arms. Along with the created machine guns and other types of weapons, the sniper rifle, which Konstantinov invented at the same time, as well as a number of similar products of Dragunov and Simonov, deserves the most serious consideration.
So fate was appointed that the rifle tests for acceptance into service in the Soviet Army, these rifles took place together.
Eyewitnesses tell the following about these tests: the Simonov rifle turned out to be lagging behind in many respects and the primacy for adoption into service in the regular troops was challenged by two systems: Dragunov and Konstantinov. And here, if you believe the stories, fate was decided by chance. The latter decided to try to shoot the head of the shooting range, a general, a member of the commission for the selection of weapons for the SA units. After the shooting, he was asked which rifle was better, and he replied, nodding at the SVK, that this rifle "burns his cheek" when fired. So the fate of the product was decided.
Two versions of Konstantinov's sniper rifle, presented for testing in the winter of 1961-1962.
Design features of the SVK
The basic element for the SVK was 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 bore of the barrel. The barrel bore was locked with a bolt, which, in the cocked position, unfolded and entered into engagement with the protrusions of the barrel box. A hammer mechanism was used, the trigger was developed as a separate element, with which single shots were fired. To reduce the length of the rifle, the return spring was placed in the butt of the product. The test sample was equipped with a pistol grip for control and fire missions. The cartridges were fed from a removable box-type clip.
On the left side of the barrel box, a holder was made for attaching the "optics", on the right side there was a fuse-flag. The mechanical sight of the sector type is calibrated to a distance of 1200 m. The weight of the weapon without ammunition was about 5 and a half kilograms.
Also, together with SVD, these products were sent for revision, which was successfully carried out, 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, stock and forend with a trigger guard, are made of plastic alloys. A special thrust mechanism is mounted in the receiver box to reduce the recoil force. Additionally, a rubber butt pad was installed.
The second modified version of the SVK gravitated more towards the "classics". The butt, receiver box 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 receiver box. Some parts and mechanisms were also made of plastic materials.
Despite all the improvements made, neither the first nor the second version of the SVK was adopted for service. Preference was given to the product of designer Dragunov, which we know better by the abbreviation SVD. This rifle received good recommendations from members of the commission and successfully passed test trials.
On account of Konstantinov A. S. there are many different small arms developments. In the 60s of the XX century, he took part in the development of other systems, including grenade launchers, his contribution to the development of small arms in Russia is simply invaluable.
