This rifle is said to have been developed in response to theMunich massacre at the1972 Summer Olympics. TheWest German police units at the time lacked theprecision shooting capability to effectively neutralize the terrorists to prevent the hostages being killed. H&K was then commissioned to create a high-accuracy, large-magazine capacity, semi-automatic rifle forlaw enforcement and military use.[1]
The PSG1 is mechanically based on theHeckler & Koch G3 battle rifle that employs aroller-delayed blowback operating system. Its shot-to-shot variation is expected to be better than 1minute of angle (MOA) with match ammunition. This level of accuracy is only average compared to most modern bolt action sniper rifles, but is still exceptional for a semi-automatic rifle and at one time was claimed to be "one of the most accurate semi-automatic sniper rifles in the world."[2]
The rifle has a strengthened receiver with rails welded over the channels where a retractable buttstock would slide and features numerous other upgrades and such to meet the necessities of police sniper units. The two sliding locking rollers that hold the bolt in battery during firing are not cylindrical shaped like in normal G3 rifles, but semi-cylindrical shaped to offer a non-random more precise positioning on corresponding flat surfaces in the barrel extension locking recesses. The PSG1 also features a low-noise bolt closing device (similar to theforward assist on manyM16 rifles).
PSG1s are not supplied withiron sights but come equipped with theHensoldt ZF 6×42 PSG1scope with an illuminatedreticle. The scope has a built-inbullet drop compensation range adjustment feature which can be adjusted from 100 to 600 m.
It has a heavyfree-floating barrel withpolygonal 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.
The rifle also features a removable and adjustable trigger unit, for further individual fitting of the rifle. The trigger pull can be modified and the whole assembly is removable from the pistol grip. The pistol grip is of a target-style with an adjustable palm shelf.
ThePSG1A1 variant was introduced by Heckler & Koch in 2006, and features two major improvements. First, the cocking handle was relocated a couple of degrees counter-clockwise. This was because when locked rearward, it could physically interfere with the long scopes often used on the rifles. The second modification involved the replacement of the outdated Hensoldt scope. Non-police users often found the scope's 600 m range limitation and simple crosshairs inadequate for their needs. In addition, the rechargeable batteries are difficult to recharge and for which to find replacements. A final fault is that Hensoldt does not service the scope in the United States. For these reasons, the PSG1A1 has been outfitted with aSchmidt & Bender 3–12×50 Police Marksman II scope, mounted on 34 mm (1.3 in) rings. To remedy brass ejection abrass catcher must be installed.
TheMSG90 (MilitärischesScharfschützengewehr, German for "militarized sharp-shooting rifle") is a militarized variant of the PSG1 that is both strengthened and lightened while less expensive.[4] Compared to the PSG1 which is regarded as a pure sniper rifle, the MSG90 can fill the role of adesignated marksman rifle.[5][6]
The PSG1 and MSG90 have different trigger packs. The MSG90 uses a modified version of the push pin trigger packs of H&K roller-delayed select-fire assault rifles. The composite shoulder stock of the MSG90 is adjustable for height (cheek), length of pull (shoulder), and is smaller and lighter than that of the PSG1. MSG90s have a slightly shorter contoured barrel to help with harmonic stabilization and consistent whip instead of the PSG1's heavy barrel, but remain free-floating. As a result, these particular MSG90 A1s have a threaded barrel capable of attaching a suppressor, which is an advantage over the PSG1.
The sighting system uses the multipurposeWeaver rail mount rather than thePicatinny rail for affixing sighting systems which can be purchased separately. This samescope mounting system is used on theHK21E,HK23E, andG41 (discontinued) series.
The barrel is weighted at the muzzle to aid stabilization of barrel whip to enhance accuracy. The addition of aflash suppressor adds to the overall length.
^Bullet velocities are highly variable as this metric is dependent on bullet weight and both the powder used and the weight of the powder charge. The velocity shown above is only a representative sample measurement.
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