PSL
Puşcă Semiautomată cu Lunetă
Overview
PSL
Afghan National army soldier fires a PSL sniper rifle in Kunar province, Afghanistan.
Source: US Army (SSgt. Gary A. Witte) -
© Public domain
Romanian for “ scoped semi-automatic rifle”
PSL md. 74
FPK (civilian sales)
SSG-97 (civilian sales)
ROMAK-3 (civilian sales)
PSL-54C (civilian sales)
Description
Introduction
The PSL is a semi-automatic sniper rifle of Romanian origin. It was developed since the Soviet Union didn’t allow for license production of the SVD. Externally the PSL looks very similar to the Russian SVD and Yugoslav M76. These firearms are often wrongly identified as Dragunov SVD.
Design
The PSL looks very similar to the Dragunov SVD and overall performance is similar. The PSL is based on a modified PM md 64 (RPK) receiver and unlike the Dragunov SVD uses a long stroke gas piston. As such it is more akin to the Yugoslav M76 than the SVD. The 4x LPS-4 scope is similar to the Russian PSO-1.
Firepower
The PSL fires the 7.62x54mm Russian round from a 10 round magazine. Normally sniper grade ammunition is used, but regular rounds can be fired as well. The PSL is a semi-automatic weapon, making it suitable for the designated marksman role. Maximum effective range is about 800 meters.
Users
The PSL was adopted by Romania in 1974. It was exported in large numbers, both for civilian sales and military use. The PSL is in widespread use in Africa and the Middle East.
Media
PSL
Right side view of PSL marksman rifle. Note the four slots in the handguard, X on the magazine, shape of the stock and muzzle design.
Source: Puscaauto
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
PSL
Left side view of PSL marksman rifle. Note the side mounted optic.
Source: Motohide Miwa
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Details
PSL in service
PSL
Ethiopian soldier fires a PSL sniper rifle at a shooting range outside Camp Ramrod, Ethiopia.
Source: US Army (Sgt. Bradly Shaver)
Copyright: Public domain
PSL
An Afghan National Army soldier provides security at an observation post in Ghazni province, Afghanistan
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
PSL
Romanian sniper in the snow with PSL marksman rifle. Note the lacking optical sight.
Source: www.militaryphotos.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
PSL
Afghan National Army soldier equipped with a PSL designated marksman rifle
Source: US Army (Spc Jordan Carter)
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
Dragunov SVD
The PSL looks very similar to the Dragunov SVD developed in the Soviet Union. Both rifles have a similar role and performance.
PM md. 64
The PSL is based on a modified receiver of the PM md. 64 light machine gun.
Zastava M76
The Yugoslav M76 is similar in role and capabilities to the PSL. Both designs are an up-scaled variant of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.