HK PSG-1

The Heckler& Koch PSG-1 is an ultra-reliable, specialist semi-automatic counter sniper rifle specially designed for anti-terrorist military and police units. It is said that the rifle was developed after the 1972 massacre at the Munich Olympics. Confronted with multiple targets that needed to be neutralized quickly, the traditional bolt-action sniper rifles proved to be ineffective. This gravely endangered the lives of hostages as well as special units that penetrated buildings to rescue them. As such the changing terrorist scenario necessitated the development of a weapon that could be accurate, powerful as well as fast.

The German company, Heckler & Koch was commissioned to develop the PSG-1, "Präzisions-Scharfschützen-Gewehr" which in German means, Precision Sharp shooting Rifle. Capable of taking down multiple targets quickly and accurately, the PSG-1 has, over the years, developed an outstanding reputation for itself and is the mainstay of several elite military and police sniper units.

The PSG-1 is exceptionally accurate (below 1 minute of angle) and is capable of putting 50 rounds inside an 80mm circle at 300 meters. But as it is fitted with a Hendsoldt 6x42 fixed power telescopic sight which has a built in range adjuster, its maximum effective range is considered to be 600 meters.

Since the rifle uses the Hendsoldt scope with illuminated reticule, it has no iron sights. It has a heavy barrel that has been crafted using the cold hammer forging process with polygonal rifling, which dramatically improves its accuracy and ensures longevity. The adjustable stock is made from high impact plastic and can be fitted to individual needs. The stock, featuring a pivoting butt cap and vertically adjustable cheek piece is also adjustable for height, length and pull of strength. Since the PSG-1 has no integral bipod and instead uses a separate rest mounted on a compact tripod, the fore end of the stock is fitted with a T-way rail for it. This rail is also for the sling swivel.

It features roller delayed blowback action and stamped steel receiver. The trigger unit (with a pull of about 1.5kg) for the PSG-1 is completely detachable from the pistol grip and can be adjusted to suit specific individual needs. The pistol grip itself comes with an adjustable palm stop.

For situations where stealth and silence are paramount, the PSG-1 has a unique feature. It uses the HK-91 with low-noise bolt closing device or the, "silent bolt closing device", which in many ways is like the forward assist on M 16 rifles. This device is just a push button behind the ejection port and linked to the bolt carrier.

The rifle uses both standard 20 round or special 5 round magazines of .308 calibre(Win) or 7.62 x 55 mm (NATO). It has a bull barrel measuring 25.5 inches and is .875 inch in diameter at the muzzle.