Actually from what I can tell about the A&K SVD, a stock one should serve the needs of an interim sniper just fine. .28 or heavier BB's are mandatory. And as long as you're filling in for that role I recommend a bipod and a scope (a PSO-1 or PSOP to maintain your reputation with the SVD, haha). Otherwise, for the purpose of filling in temporarily, I wouldn't upgrade the A&K SVD.