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Firearms / Sniper rifles / Heckler & Koch PSG-1

Heckler & Koch PSG-1

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Sniper rifle

  • ORIGIN
    Germany

  • NICKNAMES
    Fsg M/85 (Danish military designation)

  • DESIGNED
    1971 - ?

  • DESIGNER
    Heckler & Koch

  • PRODUCTION
    ? - present

  • PRODUCERS
    Germany - Heckler & Koch

  • QUANTITY
    Unknown

  • UNIT COST
    About $ 9000

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Very accurate
    Good ergonomics
    Semi-automatic
    Expensive
    Limited range due to scope
    Very heavy
    Limited ruggedness

Introduction

The PSG-1 is a late Cold War era sniper rifle of German origin. It was the first sniper rifle designed from scratch for law enforcement use. The design of a semi-automatic sniper rifle based on the G3 was already started in 1971 and was fasttracked due to the failed 1972 Munich Olympics hostage rescue attempt. PSG-1 stands for Präzisionsscharfschützengewehr 1, German for precision sniper rifle 1.

Design

The design of the PSG-1 is based on the successful Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle. It features the same roller locked delayed blowback mechanism and receiver, otherwise it is highly modified. The thick barrel is free floating and the rifle is fitted with a low noise bolt closing device. The PSG-1 is very ergonomic as it features a large fully adjustable stock, a palm rest on the pistol grip and a Gardini mini tripod. The Hensoldt 6x42mm scope with illuminated reticule was fitted as standard. The original model is replaced by the PSG-1A1 since 2006, which is fitted with the Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50mm scope.

Firepower

The PSG-1 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from 5 or 20 round magazines. The accuracy is described as better than match grade and with proper ammunition 0.5 MOA can be achieved. The maximum effective range is considered to be about 1.000 meters, but the original Hensoldt 6x42 scope can be used only up to 600 m. Due to its role the maximum range in practice will be 300 meters or less.

Users

The PSG-1 was adopted by many Western counter terrorist units and remains in use today. Due to its weight, cost, lack of iron sights and limited ruggedness it is hardly used in military operations. Nowadays the semi-automatic feature is often deemed unneccessary for law enforcement use and modern bolt action sniper rifles gradually replace the PSG-1.

Variants

PSG-1

The orignal PSG-1 is available in one model only and came standard with the Hensoldt 6x42mm scope. Various bipods can be fitted as well as a sling. The PSG-1A1 is the current production model, which is updated with the newer Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50mm scope. In order not to interfere with the new scope the cocking handle has been relocated. The MSG90 is a militarized model of the PSG-1 and is listed seperately.

TypeSniper rifle
Caliber7.62x51mm NATO
Magazine5, 20 rounds
OperationGas operated, roller locked delayed blowback
Fire selector0-1
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Barrel length650 mm
Rifling4 grooves, right hand polygonal twist
Muzzle velocity820 m/s
StockFixed, adjustable
Length1.208 mm
Width59 mm
Height?
Weight8.1 kg empty
SightsHensoldt ZF 6x42mm scope
RemarksSeparate Gardini tripod, optional bipod
TypeSniper rifle
Caliber7.62x51mm NATO
Magazine5, 20 rounds
OperationGas operated, roller locked delayed blowback
Fire selector0-1
Rate of fireSemi-automatic
Barrel length650 mm
Rifling4 grooves, right hand polygonal twist
Muzzle velocity820 m/s
StockFixed, adjustable
Length1.223 mm - 1.260 mm
Width59 mm
Height258 mm with scope
Weight7.2 kg empty without scope, 8.25 kg with scope and loaded magazine
SightsSchmidt & Bender 3-12x50mm scope
RemarksOptional bipod

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