[clanofwolves]

I am upgrading my A&K SVD and it will be, when complete, a much more consistant platform than the original. Here's my upgrade details:

SHS 6.03mm Tightbore Inner Barrel - 590mm
ASP Stainless steel cylinder for A&K SVD
ASP Precision A&K SVD HopUp chamber
ASP Steel outer barrel housing for SVD
ASP A&K SVD rifle steel cylinder head
ASP SVD trigger lock pin
ASP Reinforced piston for manual SVD - Gen. 3
PDI VSR and AEG Hopup W Hold Bucking
Systema M160 AEG Spring
PPS SVD Steel Piston Catch

I have read some SVD upgrade threads (all-be-it older ones) that recommend replacing the trigger assembly (I just ordered the piston catch). After some looking, I have found this:
Metal Trigger Assembly for Spring Power Airsoft SVD Sniper Rifles, Accessories & Parts, Sniper Rifle Parts, Trigger Assembly - Evike.com Airsoft Superstore

Is it necessary? Is this even and upgrade as the sales staff at evike claim? Hummmmmm?

 

[Ursu13]

I haven't changed the trigger assembly, only the piston catch with a steel one. I recommend to you to buy the parts from AirsoftPro.cz if you can afford, since they are the original makers of those parts. I don't know anything about APS, but anyone else is just copying them and, sometimes, quite poorly.
Also, I don't want to discourage you, but, for me, manual SVD just isn't right. The real firearm is semi-fire and to have a bolt-action in airsoft is wrong. Plus it's very hard to cock it. I also had an A&K with a 170 m/s spring and I was the only one in my club who could cock it (yeah, I go to the gym ). After I upgraded it, I sold it after about 6 months for half of what it was worth it because it was shooting as far as a normal AEG with 140 m/s. So, yes, low value at resale because nobody wants it.
But i wish you luck and lots of hits!

Edit: If you can, buy a 605 mm barrel.

 

[MueR]

I think the ASP he mentions is AirsoftPro Either that or Airsoft Sniper Parts, which is a UK based reseller of those parts.

 

[Ursu13]

Oh, I didn't know it was an acronym. Let's hope ASP= airsoftpro.

@clanofwolves: some parts from airsoftpro didn't quite match my A&K SVD and I had to adjust them, mainly the barrel housing. Make sure you have a grinder nearby

Edit: I changed the acronym from "APS" to "ASP". Sorry!

 

[MueR]

Well, I personally do not know of any other parts supplier that might be going under the acronym 'ASP'. The only 'APS' I know doesn't really make parts, other than spares for their own guns (which these days aren't as bad as people would like to think, they're actually really solid).

 

[Ursu13]

@MueR: Sorry, I spelled wrong. I corrected in the post.

 

[clanofwolves]

…. after I upgraded it, I sold it after about 6 months for half of what it was worth it because it was shooting as far as a normal AEG with 140 m/s. So, yes, low value at resale because nobody wants it.
But i wish you luck and lots of hits!

I understand your thoughts on the real difficulty on cocking the gun and the ease of utilizing an AEG version, but I do like the platform as it is, I like to be battery-free with sniper weapons. Oddly enough, I can cock it fairly easily as I use padded fingerless gloves (I typically never use it for more than a few shots before discovery alters my need to a closer combat platform, typically my M870). I did however purchased the cocking overlay/extension which should also assist the guns use. I don't plan on selling : -)

I think the ASP he mentions is AirsoftPro Either that or Airsoft Sniper Parts, which is a UK based reseller of those parts.

Yeah, ASP is my acronym for parts from AirsoftPro.cz seemed easier than typing, haha…

….@clanofwolves: some parts from airsoftpro didn't quite match my A&K SVD and I had to adjust them, mainly the barrel housing. Make sure you have a grinder nearby

Wow, I didn't see that coming; but I do have a grinder and a drimmel tool for parts adjustment if needed. Can you tell me any more details about your required alterations?

 

[Wandall]

Also, I don't want to discourage you, but, for me, manual SVD just isn't right. The real firearm is semi-fire and to have a bolt-action in airsoft is wrong.

You're right, but not 100%. Many snipers who (specially Soviets, though they weren't snipers but squad support soldiers) did and still do use SVD in real life as their tool chose to actually remove the uh... "gas return pipe"?... Well that thing anyway off the gun and plug/airseal the ends. This gives a lot of extra distance and accuracy for the SVD. For us in the realm of airsoft this little fact of history means great joy and ease of mind from the fact that it's OK fact vise to have an " single/bolt-action" SVD.

I for one actually prefer SVD that way.

 

[Ursu13]

It wasn't especially hard to cock it since I too bought the extended handle, but after 20 rapid shots, my fingers kind of hurted.
In the future I will buy a bolt-action rifle, but something that is made specifically for that, like L96 or something.
My problems were these:
1. It wasn't shooting very far. I don't know why. I haven't try to put teflon tape on the hop-up unit. I left it as it was. I was getting somewhere 80 meters. I really don't know; I didn't insist on that aspect.
2. To mount the housing on the outer barrel, I had to grind the barrel since it was larger than the housing. Except that, the holes where the same, so no more problems there. ASP's response was: "It sometimes happens". I wasn't very pleased with that.
3. The piston catch's hole wasn't on the same axis as the pin's in the trigger assembly. I've sent it to someone in Bucharest, so I don't know exactly how he fixed it.
That's about it. Being so problematic, I wanted to get rid of it. I tried to sell it with $260 (gun, optics mount, scope, sling, every possible upgrade, tight-bore barrel, 2 mid-caps, SVD bipod) but nobody wanted it. I even lowered the price to $130 but still no one. So I traded it for an AUG A1 which was worth about $180.

 

[clanofwolves]

You're right, but not 100%. Many snipers who (specially Soviets, though they weren't snipers but squad support soldiers) did and still do use SVD in real life as their tool chose to actually remove the uh... "gas return pipe"?... Well that thing anyway off the gun and plug/airseal the ends. This gives a lot of extra distance and accuracy for the SVD. For us in the realm of airsoft this little fact of history means great joy and ease of mind from the fact that it's OK fact vise to have an " single/bolt-action" SVD.

I for one actually prefer SVD that way.

Interesting.... I give you an 'A' for adding some color and history, I do like learning new things.

 

[clanofwolves]

My problems were these:
1. It wasn't shooting very far. I don't know why. I haven't try to put teflon tape on the hop-up unit. I left it as it was. I was getting somewhere 80 meters. I really don't know; I didn't insist on that aspect.

I certainly hope I can get an accurate (tight, consistent chest sized groupings) 80 meters, that would create a very usable asset in woodland games I'm usually involved in.

2. To mount the housing on the outer barrel, I had to grind the barrel since it was larger than the housing. Except that, the holes where the same, so no more problems there. ASP's response was: "It sometimes happens". I wasn't very pleased with that.

I can imagine not being happy with that. What generation SVD was yours?

3. The piston catch's hole wasn't on the same axis as the pin's in the trigger assembly.

When did you order your parts from ASP? I have corresponded with parts suppliers and they claim that these upgrades (like the PPS catch) fits the second generation A&K….boy I hope so. What you went through sucks!

That's about it. Being so problematic, I wanted to get rid of it. I tried to sell it with $260 (gun, optics mount, scope, sling, every possible upgrade, tight-bore barrel, 2 mid-caps, SVD bipod) but nobody wanted it. I even lowered the price to $130 but still no one. So I traded it for an AUG A1 which was worth about $180.

I believe I would have purchased it from you if I had known; many of my friend love to borrow mine pre-upgrade; a second would be useful.

 

[Wandall]

Check the forum Rules clanofwolves and act according to them ASAP.

 

[clanofwolves]

Check the forum Rules clanofwolves and act according to them ASAP.

OK. I read the following: http://www.airsoftsniperforum.com/23-updates-support-feedback/176-rules.html

Can you illuminate where I need to alter my actions? Sorry, I am new here; I did read over the rules last month but I guess I'm missing a connection here. I certainly want to follow the rules to help keep this forum fun and a place that the trading/sharing of information about the wonderful world of airsoft can flow. This is a great forum. :shrug:

 

[Plazmaburn]

He is referring to rule 4. Instead of posting post 11, you should have edited post 10 to reflect 11. Also you double-posted, which is a duplicate of 11, on post 12.

In some cases, like for journals for example rule 4, is loosely enforced as that is the nature of journal posts like these.

 

[clanofwolves]

He is referring to rule 4. Instead of posting post 11, you should have edited post 10 to reflect 11. Also you double-posted, which is a duplicate of 11, on post 12.

In some cases, like for journals for example rule 4, is loosely enforced as that is the nature of journal posts like these.

I got you; I didn't know I double-posted; 12 didn't show on my screen till I refreshed it again after I was called-out. The double is deleted now; sorry guys. and as far as post 10 and 11, they were quoting different members, sorry again; I didn't know that posting twice to two different members about two different topics was frowned upon. I'll tighten up and put them together next time. I understand the logic in the rules; but please understand I don't care how long the thread is, just want to discuss the questions and get some of the awesome information that members have here to offer! Thanks again for your patience.

 

[Wandall]

I was merely pointing something out. It's good to hear that you've read the rules from your own initiate. Though it should be clear that you may not double or multipost. And please don't sound so affraid. I'd clearly let you know when it's time for fear.

"That will come later."

*cough cough* Bane *cough cough*

^^

But honestly, it's great that you understand what where when and why.

 

[Ursu13]

I certainly hope I can get an accurate (tight, consistent chest sized groupings) 80 meters, that would create a very usable asset in woodland games I'm usually involved in.

I don't say it wasn't consistent, just that I wished it shot further. With the stock spring of 140 m/s the maximum distance was 70 m, so I thought that upgrading to 170 progressive would've been further (on chrono it was outputting 175 m/s).

What generation SVD was yours?

I don't know. I purchased it in 2012.

When did you order your parts from ASP? I have corresponded with parts suppliers and they claim that these upgrades fits the second generation A&K

I started upgrading it in 2013.

What you went through sucks!

Yeah, I know... That's why I'm never gonna buy again a spring SVD. Only electric for me!

I believe I would have purchased it from you if I had known

Yes, it would've been better But I don't know how to send a package outside my country. I've never done it; not even in Europe. I also have the original internal parts from my SVD and many more, even new.

 

[clanofwolves]

I don't say it wasn't consistent, just that I wished it shot further. With the stock spring of 140 m/s the maximum distance was 70 m, so I thought that upgrading to 170 progressive would've been further (on chrono it was outputting 175 m/s).

Wow, 574 fps is a nice speed for playing around; most games I play wouldn't really dig such a speed, ouch! What weight were you shooting? I was directed by dudes "in the know" (I'm hoping) that the Systema M160 AEG Spring was the highest power 'long' spring you can get for the SVD that will stay tight and not twang in the cylinder. Still, 160 should get me near to the 400 fps/122 mps threshold I'm hoping to be just below; with a real heavy weight BB of course....for accuracy in breezes which are common here...and players know when they're tagged.

I'd clearly let you know when it's time for fear. "That will come later." *cough cough* Bane *cough cough*

I will await the time to fear, haha

 

[Ursu13]

Wow, 574 fps is a nice speed for playing around; most games I play wouldn't really dig such a speed, ouch! What weight were you shooting?

In my country, the maximum velocity for spring snipers is 170 m/s, with an accepted deviation of a few m/s. So I was right on limit. I purchased the spring from ASP, here: AirsoftPro.cz
I was using 0.3g BBs at the time because I didn't know what I was doing ) Someone else used 0.4g and he was pretty pleased with the rifle.
And another reason I sold my bolt action and I don't know if I'm gonna buy another spring sniper, is that many players don't recognize their hits. One time I shot someone from about 60m, he looked up, looked down, raised his shoulders and went away. Maybe he thought it was a leaf or small branch, but I never got to shoot again. So I prefer something electric, like SVD or VSS, to pump them full if they don't call their hits.

P.S.: In my country, airsoft is a relatively new sport; 5 years or so.

 

[clanofwolves]

...another reason I sold my bolt action and I don't know if I'm gonna buy another spring sniper, is that many players don't recognize their hits. One time I shot someone from about 60m, he looked up, looked down, raised his shoulders and went away. Maybe he thought it was a leaf or small branch, but I never got to shoot again. So I prefer something electric, like SVD or VSS, to pump them full if they don't call their hits.

I can see that being an issue to be sure. The guys I usually play with are very good about admitting hits and sometimes (when younger kids play) we have a 'springer only' rule that levels the field. I have yet to do a formal day or weekend long event that lots of Airsoft enthusiasts engage in around here. I guess the main reason I enjoy being the sniper in our pre-set games and scenarios is the fact that I can set a trap, so-to-speak, and the planning and execution of taking out the specific target; it's the fun mental part. After I get the specific target, my position is usually known and I can easily get flanked...we almost always play in woodland situation, half the time at night; stealth is paramount up to the kill, but then, being discovered with a sniper weapon, you'll be the target. Anyway, after the planned kill, I leave my position and switch to my M870 to engage in more close combat situation to assist the team win the game.

I hope my upgrade makes this intriguing game even more fun. Thanks for your input and knowledge!