Heckler & Koch PSG1 Sniper System

Heckler & Koch PSG1

Heckler & Koch PSG1 sniper system is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar. The PSG1 is mechanically based on the G3 rifle and features a low-noise bolt closing device (similar to the forward assist on many M16 rifles).

Heckler & Koch PSG1 Grip

The Heckler & Koch PSG-1 had been adopted by various police forces inEurope and Americas. It is way too heavy and somewhat too gentle for militaryuse, so it never seen any military use. Instead, HK developed two more sniperweapons. The first, that actually preceded the PSG-1, was the G3-SG1, an accurizedand scope-fitted version of the basic G3 automatic rifle for German Army. And in the mid-1980s HK also developed a derivative of the PSG-1, called MSG-90, forexport military sales. The PSG-1 is still offered by the HK, and is one of themost expensive factory-made sniper rifles on the market, hitting the $10.000price tag in the basic package.

Heckler & Koch PSG1

Heckler & Koch PSG1 are not supplied with iron sights but come equipped with the Hensoldt ZF6x42PSG1 scope with an illuminated reticle. The scope has a built-in range adjustment feature which can be adjusted from 100 to 600 m.

It has a heavy free-floating barrel with polygonal rifling and an adjustable stock. The stock is of high impact matte black plastic and has a high degree of adjustment. It is adjustable for length, and includes a pivoting butt cap and a vertically-adjustable cheekpiece. The forend is fitted with a T-way rail for sling swivel or tripod.

Heckler & Koch PSG1 New in Case

Special trigger unit features asemi-automatic only hammer group and the adjustable trigger with trigger pull ofabout 1.5 kg (3 lbs). The ergonomically shaped pistol grip features anadjustable palm stop. Plastic buttstock is also adjustable for height and for lengthof pull. Another non-typical feature of the PSG-1 is the "silent boltclosing device", actually similar to the forward assist, found on M16rifles. This is apparently to be used in situations where a complete silencemust be maintained until the shot is fired. The devise is no more that apushbutton, located just behind the ejection port, and linked to the boltcarrier by the ratchet-like device. The rifle is fed using standard 20-rounds G3magazines or special 5-rounds magazines.

Overview:

• Type: Sniper rifle
• Place of origin: West Germany
• Designer: Heckler & Koch GmbH
• Designed: 1970s
• Manufacturer:Heckler & Koch GmbH; SEDENA (licensed)
• Variants:PSG1A1; MSG90;MSG90A1

Specifications

• Weight: 7.2 kg (15.87 lb)
• Length: 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
• Barrel length: 650 mm (25.6 in); 600 mm (23.6 in) (MSG-90)
• Width: 59 mm (2.3 in)
• Height: 258 mm (10.2 in) with telescopic sight
• Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
• Action: Roller-delayed blowback
• Muzzle velocity: 868 m/s (2,848 ft/s)
• Effective range: 800 m
• Feed system: 5, 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine. 50 round drum also compatible.
• Sights: Hensoldt ZF6x42PSG1 telescopic sight with illuminated reticle