The V-70 (В-70) variant of the SVD Dragunov sniper rifle was developed in the Soviet Union. Unlike the standard SVD, a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle, the V-70 was designed to provide automatic fire capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessor. However, the overall weapon concept was not revolutionary for the Soviet Union, as it involved using what now is commonly referred to as a battle rifle, marking a reemergence of this class of firearms for the Soviets AVT and AVS of the 1930s and 1940s. The V-70 may be better classified as an automatic rifle, like the U.S. .30-06 BAR automatic rifle.