Heckler & Koch PSG1

This rifle is said to have been developed in response to the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. The West German police units at the time lacked the precision 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 for law enforcement and military use.^[1]

The PSG1 is mechanically based on the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle that employs a roller-delayed blowback operating system. 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 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 the forward assist on many M16 rifles).

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.

Quick facts Type, Place of origin ...

Heckler & Koch MSG90
Type	Designated marksman 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	1990–2021
Variants	MSG90A1 MSG90A2
Specifications
Mass	6.3 kg (13.89 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)
Maximum firing range	1200 meters
Feed system	5 or 20-round magazine
Sights	Hensoldt ZF 6×42 PSG1 telescopic sight with illuminated reticle

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The MSG90 (Militärisches Scharfschützengewehr, German for "militarized sharp-shooting rifle") is a militarized variant of the PSG1 that is both strengthened and lightened while less expensive.^[3] Compared to the PSG1 which is regarded as a pure sniper rifle, the MSG90 can fill the role of a designated marksman rifle.^[4][5]

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.

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

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

• Walther WA 2000, contemporary and direct competitor
• Dragunov SVD
• PSR-90
• Azb DMR MK1