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Heckler & Koch MSG90



Overview

H&K MSG90 A1

Left side view of MSG90 A1 sniper rifle.
Source: Heckler & Koch - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Marksman rifle
Entered service
Around 1990
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1980's
Developer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Production
1987 - present
Producer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Mexico - SEDENA
Pakistan - Pakistan Ordnance Factories
Designations
MSG90SDN (Mexican production)
PSR90 (Pakistani production)

Description

Introduction

The MSG90 is a sniper rifle of German origin. It was developed by Heckler & Koch in the mid 1980's as a lighter, cheaper and more rugged alternative to the PSG-1. This makes the MSG90 better suited as for military use while retaining most of the qualities of the PSG-1.

Design

The MSG90 uses the same roller locked delayed blowback mechanism as used in many Heckler & Koch firearms. The same trigger unit as on the PSG-1 is used. Compared to the PSG-1 the MSG90 has a simpler adjustable stock and pistol grip. The barrel is free floating and features a barrel weight. The MSG90 is normally fitted with a Hensoldt 10x scope and the improved A1 model features back up iron sights.

Firepower

The MSG90 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from 5 or 20 round magazines. As a semi-automatic rifle it allows for fast follow up shots. The maximum effective range of the MSG90 is 1.000 meters. With proper ammunition sub MOA accuracy can be achieved. The MSG90A1 can be fitted with a silencer.

Users

The MSG90 is used by various special forces and law enforcement units around the world, mainly in Europe, Asia and South America.

Details

MSG90

Saudi Arabian special forces with MSG90 sniper rifle.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

List of variants of the MSG90

MSG90
The MSG90 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that fires the 7.62x51mm round from a 20 round magazine. The improved MSG90A1 has replaced the MSG90 in production. Can be identified by lack of mechanical sights.
MSG90A1
The MSG90A1 resulted from the MSG90 DMR project. Fitted with iron sights and a threaded barrel to allow a flash hider or silencer to be fitted.
MSG90A2
Further improved model. Proprietary bipod has been replaced by a Harris style bipod. Schmidt & Bender PM II optical sight replaces the Hensoldt ZF 10x42 sight.
MSG90SDN
MSG90 produced under license in Brazil. Can be easily distinguished by its wooden cheekpiece and forearm.
PSR90
MSG90 produced under license in Pakistan. Has no flash hider and G3 length forearm is shorter than MSG90. A Picatinny rail on top is used for mounting optics instead of claw mount system.
Facts MSG90 MSG90 A1 MSG90 A2
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Sniper rifle
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x51mm NATO
Feed system
Detachable box magazine
Magazine capacity
5 or 20 rounds
Barrel length
600 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, 341 mm polygonal right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
820 m/s
Operation
Action
Roller locked delayed blowback
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed, adjustable
Length
1.128 mm
Width
59 mm
Height
265 mm
Weight
6.1 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
None
Optics
Hensoldt ZF 10x42 optical sight
Accessories
Bipod
Yes

Media

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