The SVD (Dragunov Sniper Rifle) is one of the most iconic semi-automatic sniper rifles globally, and its rifle scope is a key component for achieving precision strikes. Over the years, numerous optical manufacturers worldwide have produced high-quality scopes specifically for the SVD. This article introduces the top eight SVD rifle scope manufacturers, covering traditional PSO series and modern sniper optics.
1. NPZ Optics State Plant (Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant, Russia)
NPZ is one of Russia’s largest optical manufacturers, specializing in military and civilian optical equipment. Its PSO-1 scope is the standard issue for the SVD rifle and is widely used by Russian armed forces and other countries. NPZ’s products are renowned for their precision and reliability, performing well even in extreme battlefield conditions.
2. Zenit-BelOMO (Zenit-Belarus Optical and Mechanical Association)
Zenit-BelOMO is a leading Belarusian optical manufacturer that produces various sniper optics, including the PSO series. Known for its reasonable pricing and reliable quality, Zenit-BelOMO exports its products to many regions worldwide, particularly Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Its scopes are widely used in tactical shooting and sniper applications, favored by military and special forces alike.
3. FORESEEN OPTICS (China)
FORESEEN OPTICS, based in China, has been manufacturing high-quality sniper rifle scopes since 1991 for the domestic military. In the 2000s, the company shifted to OEM production for European and American brands, incorporating advanced technologies from Russia and the U.S. FORESEEN developed FFP (First Focal Plane) scopes and large-caliber red dot scopes for the SVD, praised globally for their excellent performance and value.
The company focuses solely on R&D and production, partnering with well-known global brands for distribution.
4. Întreprinderea Optică Română (IOR – Romanian Optical Enterprise)
Founded in 1936, IOR is a long-established Romanian optical manufacturer. It produces various military and civilian optical devices, known for their precision and durability. Although IOR does not directly manufacture the PSO-1 scope, its designs are commonly used in Eastern European sniper rifles, offering excellent reliability and robustness.
5. ZRAK Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
ZRAK Sarajevo is a traditional optical manufacturer from Bosnia, specializing in sniper rifle optics for Eastern European markets, including the PSO series scopes. ZRAK’s products were widely used by the Yugoslav military, and during the Cold War, its scopes were seen as alternatives to the PSO-1, offering similar optical and mechanical features.
6. IZHMASH KALASHNIKOV OPTICS (Russia)
The Kalashnikov Group is globally renowned for its AK series rifles but also produces SVD sniper rifles and related optical equipment. The IZHMASH optical division manufactures the PSO-1 series scopes, providing reliable optical gear to the Russian military. In recent years, with the group’s modernization efforts, IZHMASH has been developing new tactical optics to meet more advanced military needs.
7. Zeiss Optics (Germany, ZFK 4×25 Cold War-Era Product, Discontinued)
Zeiss is a well-known German optical manufacturer, famous for its precision optics. During the Cold War, Zeiss produced the ZFK 4×25 scope for East Germany and other Warsaw Pact countries as sniper optics. Although this model has been discontinued, its technology has had a lasting impact on modern sniper scope design. Today, Zeiss focuses primarily on high-end civilian optics.
8. VECTOR OPTICS (China)
Founded in 2003, VECTOR OPTICS is another prominent Chinese optical manufacturer, producing sniper and tactical scopes. VECTOR OPTICS products are known for their precision and durability, widely used in civilian markets worldwide. The company strikes an excellent balance between price and performance, making its scopes suitable for various weapon systems, including the SVD. VECTOR OPTICS also owns multiple sub-brands like VICT, with an extensive distribution network and a global customer base.
These top optical manufacturers provide a wide range of scopes for the SVD sniper rifle, from traditional PSO-1 models to modern high-precision optics. Each company plays a significant role in advancing optical technology, ensuring that snipers can achieve accuracy in various challenging environments. As these companies continue to innovate, they are expected to meet the growing demands of the global market.
