Source- https://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/29122016

Covering the Dragunov: Fabric Wraps Among the YPG/YPJ

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A phenomenon that has been observed with YPG/YPJ Fighters in recent years has been the practice of wrapping service rifles with fitted fabric. The extent to which rifles have been fitted goes from small pieces that might just cover the magazine or handguard to full-length covers that can sometimes enclose the entire rifle. The reason behind these wraps range from a sort of camouflage to a purely aesthetic venture.

During this series of articles we have examined the localised trend of wrapping weapons with fabric by members of the YPG/YPJ, so far we have looked at Kalashnikov wraps, M16/M4 wraps, and now in this final edition we will examine Dragunov wraps. Please check out the previous two parts of this series if you haven’t already.

The practice of camouflaging rifles is used all over the world, whether it be with patterns of spray paint (otherwise known as bo-flauging among U.S. Marine sniper platoons), hydro dipping (as is commonly seen in Idlib workshops), or even taping the rifle with different colors of rugged adhesive tape (as is practiced by British Army snipers). In the case of the YPG/YPJ a more popular reason stems from an aesthetic nature. The practice appears to have started when the defense movement began to pick up steam as the fight against the so-called Islamic State intensified in Syria. It has thus far not previously been seen with the HPG (PKK military arm), where some of the origins of the YPG/YPJ lay.

However, it was seen in use with IS precision riflemen both before and concurrently when the YPG/YPJ fabric covers came into use. As is common with many other tactics and techniques in the Syrian Civil War, we see many of the same effective methods seen in use throughout different opposing forces as they adopt what might have been useful against them. In the case of IS, the practice appears to have been confined to precision rifles in order to camouflage them while in hide sites. Propaganda videos online show these “snipers” with the different weapon wraps, but more information is needed to be certain about more IS use. Interestingly, we see YPG/YPJ precision marksmen also wrapping Dragunov-derivatives in camouflage fabric – the topic of this article – so there might be a possible connection that jumped from IS marksmen to YPG/YPJ-shooters and then spread throughout the force as the wrap became less of a tactical choice and more of an aesthetic one.

Figure 1.1. An IS fighter with an M16-patterned rifle showing different camouflage techniques such as using fabric for the handguard, stock, and exposed barrel, in addition to taping/painting the receiver to break up the outline. (Source: ARES CONMAT/IS propaganda video)

Some of these wraps make for very questionable tactical decision making. Such as magazine wraps that won’t allow for the magazine to drop free during a reload, or full rifle wraps that cover the receiver in a way that they even prevent basic operation of the weapon’s safety, magazine catch, or even muzzle. One such fighter the author interviewed admitted that it might be slightly slower to access his fire controls, but that the fabric was protecting his rifle against the elements.

In regards to standardization with these wraps, there is none. Conversations with Kurdish fighters reveal that oftentimes experienced fighters will take their old uniforms to local tailors and have them sew the specific wrap that is wanted by that individual fighter. In an effort to establish a sort of classification, we’ve gathered a sample data set from field photographs and open-source imagery and broken them into categories. We’ve classified the types of wraps based on how many components exist and if it is a full wrap or not.

Draganov-Derivatives

One-Piece Wrap

Figure 2.1. This Draganov-derivative, a 7.62×54R self-loading DMR rifle, has a one-piece magazine wrap that is held in place by the magazine catch. The wrap is a mixed dull gray pattern with black outer ring and crisscrossed stitching. (Source: Silah Report)

Two-Piece Wraps

Figure 3.1. The SDF Marpat seen here on this YPJ fighter is a much earlier variant of uniform (much lighter tone, note the shoulder epaulets and stitched cuffs), appears to be in use before the US support of the SDF included a large budget for standardized uniforms. The Dragunov rifle she is carrying is made from the same fabric, using a velcro clasp into the trigger guard for the magazine cover and what appears to be an under clasp for the handguard. (Source: Rudaw.net )
Figure 3.2. As opposed to the uniform in the last photograph, this YPG fighter has the newer, U.S. Army ACU uniform-based fatigues with the velcro patch sections and neck collar. The Dragunov wrap here appears to be of different material due to the size of the ‘pixels’ in both, but it follows a similar construction as the YPJ fighters. Note that the magazine wrap has the same velcro clasp but isn’t extended to the trigger guard of the rifle. (Source: dw.com)
Figure 3.3. This PKK fighter appears to have turned the wrap of his scope cover inside out, as we can easily see the BDU pattern on the outlines of the cover but the dull gray texture from the traditional PKK uniform is still on the outside of both the scope and the handguard. (Source: Kurdishstruggle)
Figure 3.4. The caption states that this YPJ shooter is in the vicinity of the city of Afrin. This rifle has its stock bound (Source ARES CONMAT)  
Figure 3.5. – A YPJ fighter attributed to being in the vicinity of Tel Hamis. The handguard wrap appears to be clasped with string and doesn’t appear to be of any tactical camouflage pattern at all. However, the magazine wrap is a type of Marpat, the photo is somewhat blurry to tell for sure. (Source: ARES CONMAT via Social media) 

Full-Length Wrap

Figure 4.1. A tombstone commemorating Shaheed Penaber, a fallen YPJ fighter in the military cemetery outside of Derik in NE Syria. Note the Marpat-pattern fabric stretch tight over the scope, handguard and receiver of the Dragunov she is clutching. (Source: Silah Report)
Figure 4.2. The trend isn’t just confined to SVD-type rifles, this SDF fighter has a craft-adapted Mosin Nagant 7.62×54R bolt-action rifle with a full length, velcro and lace clasp fabric cover using what appears to be a commercial variation of the Chinese PLA Desert pattern. Note the bulbous compensator. Also note the improvised bipod, attached pistol grip, and M1913 Picatinny Rail. (Source: Silah Report)
Figure 4.3 A close up of pattern and fabric wrap from above. (Source: Silah Report)

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