This rifle was earlier announced by the Kalashnikov Concern. It was initially called SVK. Recently, Kalashnikov has renamed the rifle to include the designer’s last name (Chukavin) into the designation of this firearm and revealed more details. Now the rifle is called Chukavin Sniper Rifle or SVCh (Снайперская Винтовка Чукавина – СВЧ). Here is a video released by the Kalashnikov Concern:

SVCh is a semi-automatic sniper rifle/DMR. The rifle is designed to be used in the same roles as the SVD with the advantages of being more compact, modular and built with modern materials and technologies. As shown in the video, the rifle features cold hammer forged barrels, one piece top Picatinny rail, telescoping and folding stock etc. A good design solution is the retained ability to use SVD magazines with the 7.62x54R configuration.

In an interview given to Russian news agency TASS, the CEO of Kalashnikov Concern Alexey Krivoruchko said that both the Ministry of Defence and the Russian National Guard, as well as foreign customers and the civilian market are highly interested in this new firearm.

Here is an image of the SVCh from ARMY-2017 exhibition. Note the attached 20-round 7.62x51mm / .308 Win magazine.

Image by Maxim Popenker

P.S. The correct pronunciation of the rifle’s name would be S-V-Ch (not S-V-C-H). It sounds like “Es Ve Chah” in Russian.