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PSL - Pusca Semiautomata cu Luneta

1972 COLD WAR MODERN

PSL - History of Pusca Semiautomata cu Luneta

While outwardly similar to the Soviet-era SVD Dragunov sniper rifle, the Romanian PSL is actually based on the Kalashnikov family of automatic weapons, starting with the venerable AK-47 and classified as a "designated marksman's rifle". (DMR). The Designated Marksman Rifle category is somewhere between Assault Rifle Infantry and Sniper, the squad's Designated Marksman can engage targets at range using semi-automatic action and multiple rounds of magazines.

The distinctive features of the PSL bring it closer to the Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun, which was developed in the late 1950s together with the modernized AK-47 form - "AKM".

Like other Soviet-era long-range firearms, the PSL uses a Soviet/Russian 7.62x54mmR rim caliber cartridge fed by a spring-loaded detachable 10-round magazine. The ignition process is a proven gas operation, using a long stroke piston with a rotating bolt. As such, the PSL is designed for semi-automatic shooting, where it has certain advantages over traditional sniper-oriented manual bolt action systems. A skilled shooter can fire up to 30 rounds per minute, even with the management of the magazine supply.

The LPS-4 scope is somewhat of a standard fixture and has a tritium illumination reticle, although traditional iron sights will reposition when the optics are damaged or removed. The optics are mounted on two points on the left side of the receiver, which still makes the iron sights clear for standard use.

The weapon has an effective range of about 1,000 meters, although ranges in the mile range have been successfully achieved.

Visually, the layout of the PSL is traditional and, like other Soviet-inspired weapons, has an impressive wooden stock and front-end furniture. The stock is "hollowed out" for full integration with the adjacent pistol grip design and allows gloved hands to pass through the large stock loop. The shaft is also significantly shorter than the Dragunov series. Rubber pads are attached to the ends of the brace for added shoulder comfort.

The receiver is finished in true Kalashnikov style, with a relatively featureless deck. The pull handle and ejection port are located on the right side of the frame, suitable for right-handed shooters.

The trigger assembly hangs below the receiver, and the magazine is mounted directly in front of it. The magazine is a short metal assembly clearly marked with two vertical lines and an "X" on the side.

The front of the receiver is a two-piece wooden front slotted in the Dragunov style that surrounds the top mounted cylinder and part of the lower barrel assembly. The barrel protrudes a long way in front of the receiver and is covered by a slotted muzzle brake with a clearly recognizable front iron sight. The rear iron sight located at the top rear of the receiver is adjustable.

Overall, the PSL is an elegant weapon with a proven pedigree in the rigors of the modern battlefield.

In practice, the PSL has undoubtedly proven to be the most viable firearm. Like other Kalashnikov-style automatic weapons, the PSL requires little operator training, which means that even the most recent conscripts can use the weapon in large numbers.

This ease of use made it an instant "fan favorite" for organized militias, rebels, and terrorist groups. The operation of the weapon is conventional, while its range, if not very efficient, requires little practice. Maintenance requirements are extremely low, resulting in a robust and reliable end product comparable to the Kalashnikov range. Thus, a PSL operator can serve away from his base with little support, at a squad level, or leave his job as a sniper. When it comes to follow-up shots, the weapon's burst-firing nature really comes into its own.

A pair of these snipers, successfully stealthy, can wreak havoc on an unsuspecting patrol in minutes. In another scenario, the gunner can move into position to engage distant enemies while his squad suppresses enemy movement.

Several civilian forms of PSL have come into circulation, notably in the United States, some of which are designed to fire the .308 Winchester cartridge. In addition to being used by the Romanian army, PSL is known to be in inventory in Bangladesh and Ethiopia.

It has since been added to the list of the Afghan and Iraqi forces under reconstruction.