PSL 7.62x54r

kevdrums

New member
I can't seem to find anything relating to my questions on this rifle, so sorry if I missed it, but this rifle intrigues me and I just want to know more about it.

I already have a 91/30 so I have the ammo and know about those ballistics, but can I expect more accuracy out of a PSL?

What is a good price on a PSL? I've seen people asking over a thousand and that seems a little outrageous for a lengthened AK that they still manufacture today from what I understand.

Does the PSL have AK reliability or does having rimmed cartridges cause problems?

I know that SVDs are a completely different rifle, but does the PSL share the same awesomeness that the SVD enjoys, or is it simply a sort of wannabe in sniper rifle world?

I've seen parts kits for PSLs for a relatively cheap price... are these easy home build rifles (just need receivers) or will I need tools only found in machine shops?

thanks for any help
 
From what I have heard, the PSL will have AK accuracy- give or take 3 MOA or so. Battle-rifle accuracy...

Keep in mind that semi-autos are inherently less accurate than a bolt action.

Can a 91/30 shoot better? You bet, if you have a good one. My sporter shoots just over moa with handloads. Get one that's got a pitted, shot out, counter-bored barrel and forget about it...

The PSL is a wannabe when compared to the Dragunov...
 
The PSL is more along the lines of a designated Marksmans rifle in terms of accuracy. I beleive their effective range is 400 meters. Though the cartridge is MUCH more capable than that, the accuiracy limits it. Now, the one I have access to and shoot quite a bit is reliable to hit a 16" plate at 500.

They are extremely rugged, and in my opinion, beautiful rifles. But in terms of actual "sniper" grade rifles they are pretty low on the list. 2-3 minute of angle with standard ammo is all that can be expected.

Also, if you do get one, shoot only LIGHT BALL ammo, heavy ball will beat them up, they were designed only for the Light..

All in all they are a great and interesting rifle, but more for a collectors standpoint than a practical one
 
Also, if you do get one, shoot only LIGHT BALL ammo, heavy ball will beat them up, they were designed only for the Light..

Yes. +1. Pay attention to the ammo you are using in a PSL.
 
I had one, and unfortunately it had neither SVD accuracy nor AK reliability. Mine came with 3 mags, all of which looked to be in just about pristine condition but only one of them ever fed reliably. From what I've heard, these guns are known to be picky with mags.
 
You can buy a tune able gas block for the PSL which lets you shoot heavier ammo than 147. Shown here: http://www.copesdistributing.net/product_info.php?products_id=1336. A gunsmith needs to install it but it's nice and saves the rear trunnion.

Assembly is similar to an ak, they can be screw built if you want with 10-32s in the front trunnion. Rear is heavily recommended that you rivet it, you need longer rivets for it which you can get from here: http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29975.

Accuracy is a toss up, they're fairly accurate but don't expect to be pounding tacks at 300 yards. It's a DMR not a sniper rifle. The barrels are very skinny and heat up very fast. If you can get your hands on one get a para PSL kit, they have a shorter barrel and seem to shoot a little better.

They're picky on magazines, and nothing from the SVD matches up. If you use the receivers from CFA the scope rail need to be modified to fit the original scope mounts and some don't have the bolt hold open. They're a fun shooter but don't expect SVD accuracy from it.
 
It's not that far behind a real SVD, seriously, it isn't. I've fired both and the PSL has less felt recoil. You can also actually buy one for less than $10,000. Also, they're picky on ammo, but each PSL will like something different. Mine likes Wolf 155gr for some reason. I get about 2-3MOA with Wolf. When I got mine, it was $600. Now they're going for $700 without the scope. The supply is drying up.
I love my PSL and as long as you know its limitations, its a great/fun gun.
 
PSL search

Hey, try the search function on this forum, the PSL has been bantered back and forth a bit!

I cannot say anything re and SVD, but will tell you a bit about my PSL.

Mine is stamped SSG-97, which puts it about in the middle of the imports I believe. It has been reliable with factory ammo, Wolf and some Privi soft point. The rifle came with 1 -5rd and 10rd mag. It was not particularly accurate (4-6?) MOA till I started reloading for it.

With a reload, it will shoot 1.5-2 MOA. About a yr ago, I took it to 600 yds, working up a range card for the POSP 8x on the rifle. The scope has been reliable so far and may be the only feature (that and caliber) vaguely related to the SVD. The no math range finding reticle is pretty interesting. I had a bear of a time at first, getting the scope to stay put on the rifle, running around on the rail. The mount will adjust for tightness and seems solid now.

Cannot comment on a build or a Mosin comparison.
 
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