Heckler & Koch PSG-1 [Sniper Rifle]:

The Heckler & Koch PSG-1 is arguably the most accurate semi-automatic sniper rifle in the entire world. Developed mostly for counterterrorism and police sharpshooting duties, *each* rifle must be able to fire fifty shots into a three inch group at three hundred meters. That is one Minute Of Angle. While there are other rifles out there that can put their shots into a 1 MOA group, there are very few that can do it fifty times in a row. Most manufacturers test their weapons with three shot groups.

However, there are some drawbacks to the weapon. The first is that it weighs nearly eighteen pounds, which is on the heavy side for a military rifle. For a police weapon this is less of a problem. The second is that the weapon can only carry one specific sight, namely the Hendsoldt 6x42 sight, which was specially developed for it. The Hendsoldt sight has a maximum range setting of 600 meters, which is on the short side for a military environment. Again, less of a problem with police sniping. The third is that the rifle ejects the spend cases almost ten meters to the side, which can give away a snipers position. This is a *big* disadvantage for the military, but (again) not so much for the police, who do not usually have to hide from countersnipers....

The last disadvantage is that of price: The PSG-1, complete with sight, costs a cool 10,811 dollars! While the rifle is a extraordinary piece of equipment, it is the pricetag which is the biggest problem for the majority of its potential users. Only the most elite units can afford such equipment.

The PSG-1 features H&K`s fabled roller locked delayed blowback action, with some modifications to make it operate more silently, should the weapon need to be equipped with a surpressor. On the fore-end there is a rail for mounting a tripod or a sling swivel onto the rifle. The buttstock is equipped with a adjustable cheekpiece, and the trigger is fully adjustable. The pistol grip too is fully adjustable to the individual user. The rifle is availabe with magazines that hold five, or twenty rounds.

Although a wonderfully accurate rifle, which is very well suited to the role of police and counterterrorism sniper rifle, its price keeps it out of reach of all but the best equipped units.

Weight: 17.81 lbs (8.10kg) (empty)
Caliber: 7.62 NATO (.308 Winchester)
Barrel: 25.59 inches (65.0 cm)
Length: 47.56 inches (120.8 cm)
Action: Roller locked, delayed blowback..
Mode of Fire: Semi-Automatic Only
Range: 2000 feet (600 meters)
Magazine: 5 or 20 rounds
Cost: $ 10,811
Made in: Germany
Special: Incredibly accurate, fully adjustable stock, powerful scope with recticle illumination, T-Rail for mounting of sling or bi/tripod, special low-noise bolt closing device. Arguably the best there is in its class, and undoubtly the most expensive of its class too....

[ Heckler & Koch, H&K, and PSG-1 are copyright of their respective owners. ]

Writeup by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa ).

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