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Heckler & Koch PSG-1



Overview


PSG-1

West German GSG9 with PSG-1 sniper rifles.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Sniper rifle
Entered service
1972
Status
In service
Development
1971 - 1972
Developer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Production
1972 - present
Producer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Unit cost
About $ 9000
Designation
PSG-1 / Präzisionsscharfschützengewehr 1
German for "precision sniper rifle 1"
Fsg M/85
Danish military designation

Description


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

Right side view of H&K PSG-1 sniper rifle and Gardini tripod.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the PSG-1 sniper rifle

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 was introduced in 2006 and is the current production model. The update replaces the older scope with the newer Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50mm. 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 described separately.

Details


Facts PSG-1 PSG-1A1
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Sniper rifle
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x51mm NATO
Magazine
5, 20 round detachable box
Barrel length
650 mm
Rifling
4 grooves, right hand polygonal twist
Muzzle velocity
820 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, roller locked delayed blowback
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed, adjustable
Length
1.208 mm
Width
59 mm
Weight
8.1 kg empty
Sights
Optical sight
Hensoldt ZF 6x42mm scope
Iron sights
No

Media


Related articles


Heckler & Koch G3

The PSG-1 was derived from the G3 battle rifle and uses the same rolled delayed blowback mechanism.

Heckler & Koch MSG90

The MSG90 is a militarized variant of the PSG-1. It is lighter and better suited for field use.

Walther WA 2000

The Walther WA 2000 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle developed in Germany for the same role as the PSG-1.

Heckler & Koch G3SG/1

The PSG-1 is better suited than the G3SG/1 for use in the counter terrorism role, but is bulkier and more expensive than the G3SG/1.