This is the first rifle I ever bought, back in 1993. The LGS was a real gun nut, a wealth of knowledge with great stories and anecdotes to boot. He attended a lot of courses in the US, Jeff Cooper, Chuck Taylor and Massad Ayoob et al. He was an instructor too, and Glock hired him to train the Paris Gendarmerie when they bought Glocks.

Anyway, long story short, he mentioned this rifle, stating it was actually better made than the Russian version. Only 10 or so had been imported back then in Switzerland and a customer of his was selling one. So I jumped on it, although it was bloody expensive, $ 2000.-, and I was only 25 and just starting a career.

It was impressive too, as it came in a case with 5 mags, sling, scope, cleaning kit and tools. The bayonet was missing (I think they shipped without) so I added an original Russian Dragunov bayonet I found at a gun show later.

Here is an internet photo of the complete package, not mine, since I immediately stashed the case in the attic.



I shot it a lot, there was a time when one could find cheap crates of tin canned milsurp ammo from China, Russia and Czechoslovakia. Sadly this is no longer the case.

The 7.62 X 54R is ballistically similar to .308 Win I believe. The rifle is very light, so recoil and kick is very noticeable, especially since the butt is small and narrow, compared to an M14.

Anyway, pics :





The scope mount / system works actually great, and I remove the scope when cleaning the rifle, and it will not lose zero when reinstalled.





I just found out that KFS ATLGA is the importer, Keng’s Firearms Specialty, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga.

Company History- KFS Industries Inc.





In Norinco fashion, the serial number or part of it is stamped on various parts, except for the stock which has a different number









Scope is only 4 X magnification, with the Dragunov reticle, which can be illuminated with a switch.

Awesome post!! I really love the Chicom rifles. Keng's brought in some great stuff....I got a Polytech Legend from him back around 92-93. Still have it as well. I miss the good old days pre-1994.

Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

I have always heard that the 7.62X54R was more like a 30-06. How does it shoot as to accuracy?

Sounds like the rifle is over gassed and would benefit from a more adjustable gas system than the "Normal" and "Fouled" settings.

I had a Saiga that was dreadfully over gassed. The WASR that replaced it had a much milder recoil impulse and the bolt carrier did not slam back as hard.

__________________
Release the Kraken

I too have a Kengs imported firearm, although it is a little shorter than yours and also more manageable. And, I believe they are still in business. Been meaning to contact them since I live so close, just never go around to it. By the way, quite impressive piece you have there. Probably worth in the $7K - $8K price range now.

Attached Images

	Import mark. (Kengs Firearms Specialty - Atlanta, GA)..jpg (56.3 KB, 50 views)
	Right side with stock & suppressor attached..jpg (127.4 KB, 63 views)
	Left side with stock attached..jpg (129.9 KB, 52 views)

Thanks for sharing. I wish I had bought a case of these rifles back in the 90's, I think they were priced around $1600US. Everyone was so enamored of the comblock stuff coming in (Mosins, SVT's) that oftentimes the Chinese stuff was overlooked as cheap knockoffs. The NDM is a fine rifle, and with the case and extras makes for a wonderful presentation.

nice. i always wanted one and never followed through.

i dug out my old norinco pre-ban AK a few weeks back for the first time in years. it was much nicer than i had remembered it.

I have the exact same rig as pictured by the OP. Very few were imported by Keng's I bought mine at the Ohio Gun Collector Show in Columbus OH. They go for BIG $$$$ now.

They def bring big money these days. The handful of Russian ones even more-so. Nice rifle

__________________
Some Might Say.

Here’s an interesting video with three variations of the Dragunov

YouTube

Nice! A friend of mine has several of these.

That was a very informative video. There is also a similar Iraqi rifle called the Al Kadesiah. Saddam had a few of those gold plated for gifts for his friends.

Didn't CDNN blow out the remaining stock of these years ago? Seems like I recall them being advertised for around $1,800 which at the time didn't seem like quite the bargain it does today.

__________________
BCCI Life Member #2068