SVD (
СВД) stands for
Снайперская Винтовка системы Драгунова, or the full name Снайперская Винтовка системы Драгунова образца 1963 года
or in english
Sniper Rifle, System of Dragunov, Model of the Year 1963
Original rifle designation
СВД-63 (or SVD-63)
To that degree, I would argue that the term "SVD" should apply to all rifles that belong to the "Rifle System of Dragunov", as the name implies.
Wouldn't you say that the AKM, AK-47, AK-74 etc are all "AK" rifles?
Wouldn't you say that a Saiga is an "AK" rifle?
The Tigr is to the SVD what the Saiga is to the AK.
A sporterized version that can be converted back into military configuration.
All you need to do is just switch out the furniture, change the rear sight leaf, replace the FSB, and install a gas regulator for the conversion.
In more extreme conversions, you can replace the 21" Tigr barrel with a 24" one.. if you really care about the 3" that much.
But considering modern SVD variants, like the SVD-M, SVD-S, OTS-03, all have ~21" barrels, same length as the tigr.
Does it really matter?
SVD-S, these were designed in 1991, put into service in 1994. 22" barrels
US import Tigr converted to SVD-S. Rear SVD-S receiver end machined and re-welded to a tigr
Fixed stock version of the SVD-M, uses a standard receiver that can take standard or surplus SVD fixed stocks, as well as a modern side folding stock. 21" barrel
Paratrooper version of the SVD-M, with the same receiver and side folding stock as the SVD-S, 21" barrel
OTS-03, 20.5" barrel.
rest of the barrel is under the suppressor
VS-121, ~21" barrel