The Dragunov is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed in the Soviet Union by Yevgeny Dragunov in the late 1950s. It was developed to provide infantry units with a designated marksman capability, allowing soldiers to engage targets at longer ranges than standard rifles. The Dragunov is chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge, which offers good accuracy and stopping power. This rifle features a distinctive wooden stock and a long barrel, contributing to its stability and precision. The Dragunov has been widely used by various military forces around the world and is often associated with the Soviet Union and its successor states. Its design has influenced many modern sniper rifles.