Heckler & Koch PSG1

Heckler & Koch PSG1

PSG1 on display
Type Semi-automatic sniper rifle
Place of origin West Germany
Service history
In service 1985–present
Used by See Users
Wars Iraqi Civil War (2014-present)
Yemeni Civil War (2015-present)
Saudi-led intervention in Yemen (2015-present)
Production history
Designer Heckler & Koch GmbH
Designed 1970s
Manufacturer
Produced 1972—2014
Variants
  • PSG1A1
  • MSG90
  • MSG90A1
Specifications
Weight 7.2 kg (15.87 lb)
Length 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
Barrel length 650 mm (25.6 in)
600 mm (23.6 in) (MSG-90)
Width 59 mm (2.3 in)
Height 258 mm (10.2 in) with telescopic sight
Cartridge 7.62×51mm NATO
Action Roller-delayed blowback
Muzzle velocity 868 m/s (2,848 ft/s) (Bullet velocities are highly variable as this metric is dependant 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.)
Effective firing range 800 m (2,625 ft)
Feed system 5, 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine. 50 round drum also compatible.
Sights Hensoldt ZF 6×42 PSG1 telescopic sight with illuminated reticle

The PSG1 (Präzisionsschützengewehr, German for "precision shooting rifle") is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar.

Development

This rifle is said to have been developed in response to the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. The West German police units could not engage the terrorists quickly enough to prevent them from killing their hostages. H&K was then commissioned to create a high accuracy, large magazine capacity, semi-automatic rifle for police and military use.[1]

In addition, the rifle has been licensed for local production in Pakistan by Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) as the PSR-90 and Mexico by SEDENA as the Morelos Bicentenario.

Design details

The PSG1 is mechanically based on the G3 rifle and features a low-noise bolt closing device (similar to the forward assist on many M16 rifles). Its shot-to-shot variation is expected to be better than 1 minute of angle (MOA) with match ammunition. This level of accuracy is only average compared to most modern 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]

PSG1s are not supplied with iron sights but come equipped with the Hensoldt ZF 6×42 PSG1 scope with an illuminated reticle. The scope has a built-in Bullet Drop Compensation range adjustment feature which can be adjusted from 100 to 600 m.

It has a heavy free-floating barrel with polygonal 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.

The PSG-1's official suppressor is from Brügger & Thomet (B and T).[3]

Variants

PSG1A1

The PSG1A1 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 due to the fact that 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 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 a Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 Police Marksman II scope, mounted on 34 mm (1.3 in) rings. One last modification involved converting the SG 550 Sniper stock to work with the PSG1. The H&K rifle now has a completely side-folding adjustable target stock removing a solid 10 inches (250 mm) in overall length. To remedy brass ejection a brass catcher must be installed.

MSG90

Heckler & Koch MSG90
Type Sniper rifle
Place of origin Germany
Service history
In service 1990–present
Used by See Users
Production history
Designer Heckler & Koch
Designed 1987
Manufacturer Heckler & Koch
Produced 1990–present
Variants
  • MSG90A1
  • MSG90A2
Specifications
Weight 7.2 kg (15.87 lb)
Length 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
Barrel length 600 mm (23.6 in)
Width 59 mm (2.3 in)
Height 258 mm (10.2 in) with telescopic sight
Cartridge 7.62×51mm NATO
Action Roller-delayed blowback
Muzzle velocity 868 m/s (2,848 ft/s) (Bullet velocities are highly variable as this metric is dependant 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.)
Effective firing range 800 m (2,625 ft)
Feed system 5 or 20-round magazine
Sights Hensoldt ZF 6×42 PSG1 telescopic sight with illuminated reticle

The MSG90 is a militarized variant of the PSG1, that is both strengthened and lightened. The PSG1 and MSG90 have different trigger packs. The MSG90 uses a modified version of the push pin trigger packs of H&K roller locked 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 A1's have a threaded barrel capable of attaching a suppressor, which is an advantage over the PSG1.

The sighting system utilizes the multipurpose Weaver rail system rather than the STANAG 2324 claw mount for affixing sighting systems which can be purchased separately. This same rail mounting system is used on the HK21E, HK23E, and G41 (discontinued) series.

The barrel is weighted at the muzzle to aid harmonic stabilization of barrel whip to enhance accuracy. The addition of a flash suppressor adds to the overall length.

Users

Country Organization Model Quantity Date Reference
 Albania Special forces - - _ [4]
 Brazil Special Forces of Brazilian Army, Air Force, Marines, many law enforcement units PSG-1 _ _
 Bulgaria Military Police of Bulgarian Army PSG-1A1 _ _
 Croatia Special police Croatia and Special Operations Battalion Special Operations Battalion (Croatia) PSG-1 _ _
 Denmark Danish special forces have in a few public events in the 1990s been photographed with MSG90 versions but they are now obsolete. MSG90 _ _
 Finland Karhu Team (Special Operations Unit of the Helsinki police department) PSG-1 _ _ [5]
 France 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment of the French Army MSG90 _ _ [6]
 Hong Kong Special Duties Unit _ _ _ _
 India National Security Guard
MARCOS
Indian Army
OCTOPUS
Greyhounds		 - _ _ [7][8]
 Indonesia Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group of the Indonesian Navy MSG90 _ _ [9]
Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group of the Indonesian Army MSG90 _ _ [9]
 Iraq Iraqi Armed Forces MSG90A1 _ _ [10]
 Japan Special Assault Team PSG-1 _ _ [11]
 Lithuania Lithuanian Armed Forces MSG90A1 _ _ [10]
 Luxembourg Unité Spéciale de la Police intervention unit of the Grand Ducal Police PSG1 _ _ [12][13][14]
 Macau Grupo de Operações Especiais (Macau) _ _ _
 Malaysia 11th Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) Special Operation Unit of the Malaysian Army MSG90A1 _ _ [15]
Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) Special Operation Unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy _ _ [16]
Pasukan Khas Udara (PASKAU) Special Operation Unit of the Royal Malaysian Air Force PSG1A1 _ _ [17]
Pasukan Gerakan Khas Tactical Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Royal Malaysia Police _ _
 Mexico Standard marksman rifle of the Mexican Army
Also used by the Policía Federal		 MSG90SDN _ _ [18]
 Netherlands Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) Unit Expertise & Operationele Ondersteuning police snipers of the Korps landelijke politiediensten Special Intervention Service. PSG1 _ _ [19]
 Norway Hærens Jegerkommando (HJK), Army Special Forces Command and Marinejegerkommandoen (MJK), Navy Special Forces Command. MSG90 _ _ [20]
 Pakistan Used by the Pakistan Army. Produced under license by Pakistan Ordnance Factories PSR90 _ _ [21][22]
 Philippines Philippine Army Special Operations Command
Presidential Security Group
Philippine National Police Special Action Force		 MSG90
PSG1		 _ _ [23]
 South Africa Special forces PSG1 _ _ [24]
 South Korea Republic of Korea Naval Special Warfare Brigade MSG90
PSG1		 _ _ [23]
 Spain Grupo Especial de Operaciones of the Spanish police _ _ _ [25]
 Taiwan _ _ _ _ [26]
 Thailand Underwater Demolition Assault Unit, Royal Thai Air Force Commando Company, Royal Thai Police MSG90
PSG1		 _ _
 Turkey Turkish Army MSG90 _ _ [27]
 United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates Army _ _ _ _
 United Kingdom Used as a precision (sniper) rifle by specialist firearms officers in the British police PSG1 - _ [28]
 United States Hostage Rescue Team of the Federal Bureau of Investigation MSG90 _ _ [29]
Delta Force - 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) _ _ [30]
 Uruguay Uruguayan Army Special Forces MSG90 - _ [31]
 Vietnam Special force of Vietnam People's Police PSR-90 _ _

See also

References

  1. ↑ Alex C (2013-11-07). "Shooting the H&K MSG90". The Firearms Blog. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  2. ↑ "2008 Heckler & Koch Military and LE brochure" (PDF). Photos.imageevent.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  3. ↑ "MSG90 and PSG1 suppressor". B and T. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  4. ↑ "Special operations and counterterrorist forces". Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  5. ↑ "Kolmoismurhaaja Mika Murasen ehdonalaishakemus hyväksyttiin". Mtv.fi. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  6. ↑ "HK MSG90" (in French). French Army. 2009. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  7. ↑ Bharat Rakshak (2008). "NATIONAL SECURITY GUARDS". Bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  8. ↑ "Weapons division may trigger row". The Times of India. 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije" (in Croatian). Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-08-22. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
  10. 1 2 "Lietuvos kariuomenė :: Ginkluotė ir karinė technika » Snaiperiniai šautuvai » Snaiperinis šautuvas H&K MSG-90A1". Kam.lt. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  11. ↑ "日本の特殊部隊 - (in Japanese)". 2012-11-16. Archived from the original on 2012-11-17. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  12. ↑ "Unofficial Pistols Page, Equipment". http://USP.lu - Unofficial Website of Unité Spéciale, Officially Endorsed. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-10-06. External link in |publisher= (help)
  13. ↑ "L'Unite d'Intervention de la Police Luxembourgeoise" (PDF) (in French). RAIDS Magazine. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  14. ↑ Lasterra, Juan Pablo (2004). "UPS Unidad Especial de la Policia Luxembourguesa" (PDF) (in Spanish). ARMAS Magazine. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  15. ↑ "Grup Gerak Khas - Malaysian Special Operations". Shadowspear.com. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  16. ↑ "Pasukan Khas Laut - Malaysian Special Operations". Shadowspear.com. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  17. ↑ Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Special Weapons. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  18. ↑ "Mexico Mexican army land ground forces military equipment armoured vehicle pictures information desc - Mexico Mexican army land ground forces UK - Central America army land forces UK". Armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  19. ↑ "Scherpschutters BBE Politie". Arrestatieteam.nl. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  20. ↑ "Norwegian Armed forced". Mil.no. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  21. ↑ "Pakistan Army". Defence.pk. Archived from the original on 2013-10-12. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  22. ↑ "POF - Semi Automatic Precision Sniper Rifle PSR 90". Pof.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2014-12-09. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  23. 1 2 Special Weapons, February 2010 issue. Page 67-68.
  24. ↑ "military issued sniper rifles".
  25. ↑ "Grupo Especial de Operaciones - Fusiles de precisión". Policia.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  26. ↑ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 903. ISBN 0-7106-2869-2.
  27. ↑ "Turkish army equipment and vehicles". Archived from the original on 2010-03-11. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  28. ↑ Collins, Steve (1998). The Good Guys Wear Black. England: Arrow. p. 226. ISBN 0-09-918682-9.
  29. ↑ Sumner, Dominique; Runyon, Doug (2006). "Anyhing, anytime, anywhere: The unofficial history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Hostage Rescue Team". Swat Digest. Archived from the original on 2006-05-21. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  30. ↑ Fred Pushies, Weapons of Delta Force (New York and London: Zenith Press, 2010), p. 48.
  31. ↑ "Francotiradores: "hombres pasto"". Facebook.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
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