Romanian PSL Drangonov

[foxtoxen]

Give me all the info you can on this rifle please.

[Stillife]

Try here (http://www.google.com/search?q=Romanian+PSL&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) first.

[Arkane]

Not a real Dragunov. It's a long stroke AK with a reinforced receiver. It's more of a cousin (father actually) to the Tabuk. Haven't been impressed with the accuracy of them either. I was debating getting one aout a year ago and after firing one quickly changed my mind. If you can find one for less than 600 in good condition I'd say go for it.

Not too long ago there was a guy at the range I go to that had reworked his into a sort of heavy bbl AK. Now that would be something interesting to have.

[Noskov]

Most of the info is pretty much covered by Arkane, but to add a bit more...

The PSL-54 sometimes called an FPK, SSG97 or Romak III is more like an AK than the real Dragunov SVD.

Accuracy wise is dependent on the ammo, which is I suppose is true for all rifles but the PSL is somewhat picky. Range reports have wide groupings if using 196 and above grain ammo for it. I don't recall what the ideal ammo is for it, maybe the 7n1 match ammo designed for the SVD. Accuracy is also hampered by the long, thin barrel which heats up fast.

Overall its still a good rifle and accurate so long as you use the right ammo. Most of the bashing and bad rep the rifle gets is from Dragunov/Tigr owners who don't like seeing a cheaper, just as good and accurate rifle.

Also keep in mind that its somewhat easier to find parts (not to mention cheaper) for a PSL compared to a Tigr, M76 or NDM-86.

[Arkane]

Noskov is pretty much on target. If you want the closest thing to a drag you can get look at the Tigr. But for a good condition one be prepared to shell our 2k + when you can find them. The PSL is a good cheap alternative if that's the way you want to go. But as Nos pointed out, call it a Dragunov and the fanboys will scream bloddy murder.

[Noskov]

On the akfiles forum has a synthetic stock and handguard set for the PSL which gives it a very tactical and aggressive look compared to the often mismatched colors of the wood furniture.

That being said it looks even more like an SVD aside from the difference in handguards.

If you do plan on getting a PSL, this may be a bit of a surprise but try to find one from Century Arms. From what I've read around on other forums the ones marked PSL-54C are imported and assembled at Cugir, the Romanian factory. This might hold true for the earlier ones, not sure about the current batches.

[trigger643]

Buying a rifle from Century is not risky -- so long as CAI had nothing to do with the manufacturing or assembly process (but once those monkeys in the back room at CAI take something apart or put it together it becomes a real crap shoot).

As the PSL (Puşcă Semiautomată cu Lunetă -- "semi automatic rifle with scope") is not considered an assault weapon, it hits our shores intact, just as it left the factory. It shares nothing with the SVD sniper rifle other than a passing resemblance.

The PSL is the sporter version of the military rifle. Extensive modifications to be designated a sporter version are undertaken at RATMIL ( Regia Autonomă de Tehnică Militară), CUGIR Arsenal, Bucharest before it leaves the factory. A highly trained technician will grind off the ears to the bayonet mount or sometimes grind off the mount all together of the military version and TA-DA, a sporter is ready to ship.

Other than the sporterized bayonet mount and lack of military markings it is identical to the military version. Note: some with military markings, especially in early shipments, have been seen.

The rifle was never designed or intended to be a precision sniper rifle. It is intended as a designated marksman rifle and performs this task quite well. It was also not designed for the 7n1 Russian heavy sniper ball ammo. I have read some range reports where near match-grade accuracy was achieved using the Russian sniper ammo, but I have also read several reports of damage to the rifles as a result of the increased pressures created by this round. The rifle is intended to engage man sized targets in excess of the 300 metre effective range of the 7.62x39

I picked up my CAI PSL in January along with a can of Romanian Cugir light ball of mid 1990's vintage. It came from CAI with a complete bunch of accessories. A moldy leather sling that was otherwise new, 4 new magazines, moldy but new mag pouch, PSO illuminated reticle scope, amber filter, scope cover, cleaning kit and oil bottle. The PSO scope was used, Romanian military surplus mfg by IOR. The tritium was fully depleted, but otherwise the scope was in excellent condition.

I carried the rifle off to the range, taking along a trusted Russian PSOP scope for backup.

The rifle performed better than I expected. After sighting in it produced 3.5" 10 shot groups at 100 yards with zero malfunctions. It easily and consistently hit a 2'x3' steel plate at 500 yrds.

My only gripe is the trigger. It is a long, slow gritty pull to a sluggish break. I received my Red Star Arms trigger/hammer yesterday in the mail and will be installing it today with hopes to get to the range next weekend. I've heard good things about this trigger. I hope they are true.

All-in-all as a DMR it does exactly as it is meant to do. It is not a sniper rifle or a precision freckle remover.

[HoseDragger]

foxtoxen- Arkane, Noskov, Stillife and Trigger all have great advice about this firearm. I agree with them as I own one also. I know that is isn't an actual "sniper rifle", but I don't care. I have taken mine to the range a few times and have had some fun with it. Would I use it to remove a gnat's wings? No, and I have no illusions about that. But it is a nice sporter type rifle that looks neat. That being said there are a few things that I have had to do to it.

I got one of the first batch from IO inc. They didn't have the flash suppressor installed but were shipping it separate. Don't ask me why. I had to remove the old piece of metal that was placed around the muzzle and solder the supressor on. I also used a roll pin where there was a blank for it. It didn't turn out pretty but it is still on there 6 years later. The stroke of the piston recoiling into the stamped receiver cover scared the poop out of me, so I bought and adapted an ak recoil buffer from buffer technologies. A little patience and a dremel handled that. I had to wait for a few months for the mag pouch and mags to enter the market, so range day consisted of refreshing the two mags that came with the rifle. I am on my second bipod ( because my first was a piece of crap). Installing that was easy enough through the slot on the bottom of the handguard. As to ammo- I have been using the czech silver tip that came around a couple of years ago and haven't had any problems with that. It should also shoot the commercial stuff quite well. However, be wary of other surplus ammo, inspect each round. I didn't and had some big problems with the stuff that I bought for my M44. Let's just say that if we ever went to war against the Albanians, It would be over in a week, judging from the care that they put into manufacturing there ammo- reminds me of the Indian 7.62.

In summary- if you buy one, have fun with it. Don't expect to be taking out terrorists from Matthew Quigley distances, just be happy with decent groups on the paper. Try to get one that suits your budget, new or used. Be careful with the ammo and you will have a good time. I have!

Here is where I got mine: http://www.ioinc.us/mm5/merchant.mvc

[k98k792]

For the record, 7n1 is 152 grain ammo.

[Noskov]

These aren't my rifles, but gives you an idea what they look like with their synthetic stock set. Some prefer the wood, but if you can refinish the metal and then add these, it looks like a whole new rifle.

[WildBillCody]

They look cool, but man thats alot of money for a stock set. I think I'll keep my wood, I'm actually thinking of making a custom wood stock.

[Enigma Nostra]

Bloody Murder!:nonono:

For the record, I am one of those dragunov fanboys, and generally I really hate this being called a dragunov. Mostly because when I AM trying to get parts, it sucks to be happy when you spot a gunbroker ad for some parts and then look closer and they are actually PSL parts.

As a cheaper intro into a semi 7.62x54r DMR, it seems a passable gun. The comparisons on accuracy ive seen have been more favorable to the actual Drags, but the PSL's are better than most AK's. Assuming everything is lined up right. I seem to recall a few reports of misaligned scope rails.

-E

[foxtoxen]

Thanks for all of your knowledge

[foxtoxen]

Thanks alot

[Otis61]

Its Not a frikin Dragonov. Just kiding.:wink:........ But seriously, I have two, one is so so. The other is very accurate. Still not on the level of a first rate bolt sniper, but I think every bit as good as any semi-auto sniper out there, but as someone already said, the barrel is thin, and heats up fast. There are some good ones.

[Noskov]

They look cool, but man thats alot of money for a stock set. I think I'll keep my wood, I'm actually thinking of making a custom wood stock.

True indeed. Although its a couple hundred for that PSL stock set, its still cheaper in comparison to converting a Tigr to SVD handguards which can run up to $300 or more for just handguards, then add another $300-400 for the authentic SVD wood or synthetic buttstocks.

I saw a nice wooden PKM stock modified to fit the PSL on dragunov.net gallery.

I agree with Enigma 100% though, I don't even own either the PSL or Tigr/Dragunovs and I hate how they're mislabled for the sake of trying to sell it as something it really isn't.

But more info...

Tigr/SVD magazines are not compatible with the PSL and vice versa. Also I'm pretty positive mounting a Tigr/SVD muzzlebrake onto a PSL isn't safe, akfiles mentioned some "splitting open like banana peels". The PSL can be modified to accept a Nodak Spud muzzlebrake like the ones on Tabuk clones.

Most of the quality problems are from assembled kits, I think the ones marked as FPK are kit builds, much akin to CETMEs and Century. The PSL's brought in by Century are from Cugir as mentioned but the really early imports had their bayonet lugs intact and a threaded muzzlebrake, not welded/pinned on.

If you can find a PSL with an arsenal marking then thats a genuine military PSL.

[Otis61]

Speaking of, Has anyone seen any of that czeck silver tiped around lately?

[HoseDragger]

So far I have found these:

http://www.americanweapons.us/AMMO.htm

http://www.keystonearms.com/ammo.html

Hungarian Silver Tip- Anyone know how this stuff shoots?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM652-5.html

http://www.copesdistributing.net/product_info.php?products_id=1229

How about the Russian stuff?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM653-5.html

[k98k792]

Hungarian silvertip shoots the best out of mine. The Czech and 7N1 are about the same, a close second. the Rus you linked to,is a distant third. That is in my PSL,yours may not be the same.

[Planning]

Hungarian silvertip shoots the best out of mine. The Czech and 7N1 are about the same, a close second. the Rus you linked to,is a distant third. That is in my PSL,yours may not be the same.

i agree, i have found that most anything ( any country) in silver tip (147 gr/148 gr) does very good in my PSL'S .

i have change the FCG in one of my PSL'S to the tapco FCG ( G2), i had to fit it a little, but the trigger pull is so much cleaner/crisp ( smooth) now. i am going to do it on the rest of mine,(some day).

[rpmfly2]

I did a trigger job and cleaned up the rough gritty travel and fixed some of the drag and geometry with polishing. I am out to the range on Sunday the 5th of April to set the sights and scope. Mine had the rotating flash/break whatever you want to call that design and was not welded like most. What was the significance of welding it? I have light ball and ordered brass and bullets for hand loads to work up. Range report and pics after this is all done. Ordered Red Star Arms adjustable trigger also and have a dozen mags with 4 pocket pouches. I guess you could say I am pleased with it so far.

[Noskov]

I did a trigger job and cleaned up the rough gritty travel and fixed some of the drag and geometry with polishing. I am out to the range on Sunday the 5th of April to set the sights and scope. Mine had the rotating flash/break whatever you want to call that design and was not welded like most. What was the significance of welding it? I have light ball and ordered brass and bullets for hand loads to work up. Range report and pics after this is all done. Ordered Red Star Arms adjustable trigger also and have a dozen mags with 4 pocket pouches. I guess you could say I am pleased with it so far.

I think the welded flash hiders/muzzle brakes are because of compliance rules, not sure if the current imported batches have them welded or pinned.

[rpmfly2]

I think the welded flash hiders/muzzle brakes are because of compliance rules, not sure if the current imported batches have them welded or pinned.

Thanks! Just kind of wondered since mine wasn't and others are.

[Otis61]

I've heard lots of people talking about useing a red star arms trigger in their PSLs. But I just put in a plain Tapco single hook, and its soooooo much better. It shot really well before. I want to see what it does now. I just pollished off the park in the contact areas. Nothing else.

[WildBillCody]

I did the same thing, made a big diff as well....

[okie shooter]

Was the tapco worth it, as I have a pile of them some where around the house.

Has anyone tried the bulgarian light ball ammo thru one of these?

[Planning]

Was the tapco worth it, as I have a pile of them some where around the house.

Has anyone tried the bulgarian light ball ammo thru one of these?

the tapco is very good on mine, nice crisp smooth pull. i like it.

i have used the bulgarian light ball and it did just fine in mine. i have not found anything ( light ball) that did not shoot in mine yet. some is not as accurate as others and some is really dirty. just clean good and you will be ok.

i also look at the ammo before i load it into a mag and cull out anything that does not look good.

[Noskov]

Even the akfile forums have little to no info on these but anyone ever tried shooting the PSL "Paratrooper"?

I read its basically a Romanian kit with a shortened barrel built by Tennesse Ordnance (I think).

[willie91]

A few pics of mine!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/willie91/dpp0004.jpg
Thru the scope
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/willie91/dpp0005.jpg

[rudrules]

Nice!

[Planning]

one of mine

[mojojojo]

God help me, I think I want one!

[turbothis]

hey ron, whats the scoop on your rear end alteration to a fixed stock?:icon_biggrin:

[Planning]

hey ron, whats the scoop on your rear end alteration to a fixed stock?:icon_biggrin:

i did this a couple years ago so, memory is a little vague on me now, but i remember i had an old m-1 carbine mag that i cut up to fit in the rear of the curve. the metal is about the same thickness. i bent it to fit. i tacked it in place then mig welded it to the rear plate on the psl. it is the first welding i have done in almost 35 years so not the best.. lots of grinding with the drimel. looks ok from a distance. but it holds the stock in place and that is what i wanted. this is my test rifle. i have tried several things with it so far. it turns out to be a very good shooting rifle and when i take one to shoot this is it.

if i do another one i will use a scrap piece from the yugo receiver. it is narrow like the psl is and the metal is about the same thickness. i don't think there will be much bending ( just shaping) of the metal to make it fit.

i think am going to get a ak nato length stock from k-var it is a little longer than the regular ak stock. the handling seems to be much better with the ak style stock and pistol grip on the PSL. i like it anyway.

i may do a folding stock para out of one also. ( i have a fal para folding stock i may use for it), i will use one of the cetme flash hiders i got from SSWEE on it. the ideas to use up parts goes on. ( i know this may be a bubba thing going, but with limited access to parts and kits, this may be the future of gun building)

on one of my other PSL's i am thinking of using one of the rear yugo rpk trunions i got from you ( you machined it) and removing the rivets and rear trunion and the curvred plate from the psl and installing a section of steel in there to take the yugo rear trunion. i have an extra tabuk teak stock that i may be using on it. i also have one of your machined yugo pistol grip brackets that i will be using on it for the pistol grip. matt at ironwood is making me a handguard out of teak for it ( it maybe a while i am on his list). now i am just gatherning up parts and ideas on it for now.

i may get me a couple more PSL's for future ideas i have, one is to build a dragunov clone using the PSL as a donor... matt is make me a stock set for it also ( i am on his list, it maybe a real long time for it.) i will get SSWEE to make me a dragunov flash hider for it. i have a real dragunov stock i may use on it if the wait is to long from matt. i already have a dragunvo scope for it.

[okie shooter]

God help me, I think I want one!

Threads like this, made me get one. I dont regret it either.

[turbothis]

i got some more done to mine.

[Matt B.]

I've heard that offset scopes make it harder for a lefty to shoot the rifle. IS that the case with the PSL?

[Noskov]

The 1P21 scope is really offset to the right. The others, like the PSO, POSP are manageable for left handed shooting.

[Commander47]

I really like my romak. It is a wonderful rifle for the money.

Can you get more accurate? Sure...an M-14. A real Drag isn't that accurate and cost a heck of a lot more. Not as sexy though. :icon_confused:

Fact of the matter, if you really want accuracy, go to Walmart and buy a Remington 700. Most accurate rifle for about 300 you'll ever buy.

The romak and the drag for that matter are nothing more than semi auto comm block rifles that shoot a 30.06-like round for a lot less money.

And, the rifles cost a lot less than most military big bore battle rifles.

The real drag you pay a premium for because it's somewhat rare. A rack grade M-14 will clean it's clock in the accuracy dept.

The Romak is relatively inexpensive, dependable and shoots a very cheap and powerful round.

As accurate as a Fal? probably not, a Cetme? probably not....but then again...have you priced .308 lately?

Yes.....the Romak is an AK on Steroids. But what a regimen of steroids it is!!!:thumbup:

I like my romak. I modified it a bit here and there. Mostly cosmetic but polished the innards and it shoots great. Had a little problem when I first got it years ago but after polishing and breaking it in, hasn't missed a beat.

The barrel does heat up if you go rapid fire. Take your time, aimed shots with scope which is more than adequate, and you'll like it lots. Minute of man accuracy is great.

[Planning]

where can you buy a rack grade m-14? no where. ( i am sure someone at sometime bought one somewhere)
match grade or sniper m-14 is a different story, they are built for accuracy.
i have fired a few rack grade m-14's in my time ( of course that was over 40+ years ago, maybe things have changed ). i believe that they are no better or no worse than a "rack" grade dragunov. the dragunov's i have had have been pretty accurate. most of the time it is the shooter that makes the difference.

how many dragunov's have you fired? how many have you owned?
are you quoting from experence with the m-14 and dragunov or just passing on someone elses information?

dragunov or pls's you can buy. i agree that most people are buying the psl (romak) because they can get one now days. they can still get the ammo for them at a good price. i am thinking for the price the PSL are a good buy.

[turbothis]

i think i might try and make a 20 round mag here some day soon.

[Commander47]

Planning;137856]where can you buy a rack grade m-14?[/COLOR] .


Just about anywhere. M1A style, for about 1,400. Check out the Springfield site:


http://www.springfield-armory.com/

As for national match. Same thing. Buy one almost anywhere for about 2,000. A National match M-1A will still be cheaper than a Drag and much more accurate; but not as sexy.


How many dragunov's have you fired? how many have you owned?
are you quoting from experence with the m-14 and dragunov or just passing on someone elses information?

Retired from the Army after 30 years. Very familiar with both rifles, shot many rounds through both, and the civilian Tigr. Never owned a drag.

I'm just a grouchy old Viet Nam era vet.

I'm not putting down anyones choice of weapon, and if the Drag floats your boat, go for it.

When I discuss these things, and people are thinking about the best bang for their buck, I am simply throwing out things to consider.

If I personally had 2,000 burning a hole in my pocket, I would get a national
match M1A.

I don't have unlimited funds, unfortunately, but if I did I would like to have a Drag. :rockon:

To be honest about it, a Drag and Romak shouldn't even be compared together. But the romak is in active service today against our troops.

A Romak is a good rifle for the money. Lots of rifles will outshoot it, including a rack grade garand. But the Romak is sexy looking and cheap to shoot.

Have you priced a Garand lately....sheeesh? M-1's are like a 1000 now. I have several and paid like 250.00 each for them years and years ago. One of them I tricked out a little and it will shoot 1.5 moa.

I don't shoot it much though. But that silly looking Romak goes to the range every time. :icon_confused:

dragunov or pls's you can buy. i agree that most people are buying the psl (romak) because they can get one now days. they can still get the ammo for them at a good price. i am thinking for the price the PSL are a good buy

[Planning]

Just about anywhere. M1A style, for about 1,400. Check out the Springfield site:


http://www.springfield-armory.com/

As for national match. Same thing. Buy one almost anywhere for about 2,000. A National match M-1A will still be cheaper than a Drag and much more accurate; but not as sexy.


How many dragunov's have you fired? how many have you owned?
are you quoting from experence with the m-14 and dragunov or just passing on someone elses information?

Retired from the Army after 30 years. Very familiar with both rifles, shot many rounds through both, and the civilian Tigr. Never owned a drag.

I'm just a grouchy old Viet Nam era vet.

I'm not putting down anyones choice of weapon, and if the Drag floats your boat, go for it.

When I discuss these things, and people are thinking about the best bang for their buck, I am simply throwing out things to consider.

If I personally had 2,000 burning a hole in my pocket, I would get a national
match M1A.

I don't have unlimited funds, unfortunately, but if I did I would like to have a Drag. :rockon:

To be honest about it, a Drag and Romak shouldn't even be compared together. But the romak is in active service today against our troops.

A Romak is a good rifle for the money. Lots of rifles will outshoot it, including a rack grade garand. But the Romak is sexy looking and cheap to shoot.

Have you priced a Garand lately....sheeesh? M-1's are like a 1000 now. I have several and paid like 250.00 each for them years and years ago. One of them I tricked out a little and it will shoot 1.5 moa.

I don't shoot it much though. But that silly looking Romak goes to the range every time. :icon_confused:

dragunov or pls's you can buy. i agree that most people are buying the psl (romak) because they can get one now days. they can still get the ammo for them at a good price. i am thinking for the price the PSL are a good buy

good enough, ( more than good enough).:thumbup:
sometimes people post about stuff they are just passing on without any real knowledge. i call them computer commando's. i just ask a few questions and you can usually tell.

i got confused with the m14 reference, M1A i understand.

actually all my are romak's, i meant to buy some PSL's, but i have not gotten around to it yet. i plan on "bubba" some of them up some. mostly changing the stocks up on them. i really do not like the PSL/ROMAK stocks that come on them.

i am a grouchy old vietnam vet, so i know from where you come from.

m-1 garands are way up there now, i have one just to have one now. i have gotten rid of most of my guns in the last 3 years, i am down to a a little less than a couple hundred or so. i am still tryiing to get down some more, but it has become very hard to do it. most of the time when i put one up for sale now it is on the higher end of the market. if it sales fine, if not that's ok also. i also have a lot of kits yet to build and have been doing that also, but now i have started selling off some of the kits. all the guns i build will go to the grandsons. i am saving each of my grandsons a small gun collection. each will get around 50 or so to start with. plus a few rounds of ammo. this is not bragging as i started doiing this for them several years ago, before everything went wild. everyone should be doing it for there kids and grandkids.

[cfish]

My SA NM M1a is extrremely accurate. With my handloads It will hold 1/2 moa all day long. Planning I wish you wouldn't post your stuff, geesee just when I was done buying guns you do this to me. Ok where can I get a decent PSL?? Anyone want to trades a PSL for a couple AK's???

[Planning]

My SA NM M1a is extrremely accurate. With my handloads It will hold 1/2 moa all day long. Planning I wish you wouldn't post your stuff, geesee just when I was done buying guns you do this to me. Ok where can I get a decent PSL?? Anyone want to trades a PSL for a couple AK's???

i have a real russian dragunov stock (i got from a special ops guy from the first gulf war) that i found while digging the other day. :icon_biggrin:
i may redo the rear trunion on one of my PSL'S to use it on it. i don't want to mess up the stock as it is worth several hundred dollars.:thumbup:

stay tuned.. :wink:

i have some stuff i don't post, i doubt if i ever will because the drooling on the key boards messes them up and then i will get blamed for it. if i do i will warn everyone before hand so they can cover the key board with plastic.....:rolleyes:

i had a m1a for about 1 hour and while i was fixing to put it in the safe a friend came by and claimed it. he wouldn't take no for an answer, so i sold it to him. i just never got around to ordering another one.:nonono:

""Anyone want to trades a PSL for a couple AK's???""

:nonono:not me i have more ak's than i have places to put them.........:icon_biggrin:
__________________

ron

[Noskov]

:nonono:not me i have more ak's than i have places to put them.........:icon_biggrin:
__________________

ron

You might have more AK's than Iraq. :2pistol:

[Mrtank]

Turbothis, Tell me more about your psl. Did you re-chamber a RPK barrel? What kind of accuracy are you getting out of it?

[Planning]

You might have more AK's than Iraq. :2pistol:

i don't have that many anymore:icon_sad:

[turbothis]

Turbothis, Tell me more about your psl. Did you re-chamber a RPK barrel? What kind of accuracy are you getting out of it?

correct and i have no idea.

[Mrtank]

I wonder if one of the vickers barrels from omega could be trimmed re-chambered and setup as a heavy barrel for a psl......

[Noskov]

:icon_confused: If I get a full length PSL to buddy up with my Paratrooper, I think maybe a custom heavy fluted barrel would be interesting.

[SteelCore]

PSL that he built up, and that thing rocked. We ran a paper plate out to 300yds last year, and with 7n1 ammo, he hit the plate less than 1/4 inch off center, first shot, off the bench.

Obviously, a good build, shooting the right ammo, will outshoot the shooter.

"Has anyone seen any of that czeck silver tiped around lately?"

You mean the Hot Hungarian Silvertip? My preferred ammo. I have a stock of it (crates). I have a reall prob dropping 140bux for a tin of 440 when it used to go for 40 bux for the same.

Back when it was cheep, I bought a crap-ton to shoot thru me Mosins...I thought "man, I really overbought for a rifle you probably dont shoot more than 40-60 rds thru in a session. Now I se prices, and thank Capt. Ron for his ammo purchasing wisdom. Yeah, it may be a life supply, which is good, because at those prices, I may have bought my last in that caliber.

As for M1As and Garands, Even a less-than-national-match grade, say a service grade or field grade from the CMP (in the case of Garands) that has a TE of 2 and a MW of 2 s gonna deliver great results off the irons. My buddy has a Springfield M1A with a Winchester bbl, and he decked a bowling pin at 300 yds off the bench, Iron sights. First shot nicked it, second shot was a direct hit. I can hit a silhouette target in 1 shot with my CMP HRA Garand @300 from the seated field position...I call that 'plenty good enough.'

[rpmfly2]

I did a trigger job and cleaned up the rough gritty travel and fixed some of the drag and geometry with polishing. I am out to the range on Sunday the 5th of April to set the sights and scope. Mine had the rotating flash/break whatever you want to call that design and was not welded like most. What was the significance of welding it? I have light ball and ordered brass and bullets for hand loads to work up. Range report and pics after this is all done. Ordered Red Star Arms adjustable trigger also and have a dozen mags with 4 pocket pouches. I guess you could say I am pleased with it so far.

Trigger job made a vast improvement at 1.5 MOA.
Red Star trigger was even better at consistent 1.0 MOA with Romanian light ball ammo for both test.

Looking for a scope mount to put a larger scope on it to see if that tightens it up any also. Anyone know where I can get one with a rail to adapt scopes to?

Also picking up a bipod to mount below front trunion.

[rpmfly2]

These aren't my rifles, but gives you an idea what they look like with their synthetic stock set. Some prefer the wood, but if you can refinish the metal and then add these, it looks like a whole new rifle.

And I really like them but am still partial to wood.
I am looking for a bipod like the bottom picture you posted! Any ideas where to find them?

[SteelCore]

Looking for a scope mount to put a larger scope on it to see if that tightens it up any also. Anyone know where I can get one with a rail to adapt scopes to?

Check Kalinka optics website...for all things scope/mount/russki

[Noskov]

And I really like them but am still partial to wood.
I am looking for a bipod like the bottom picture you posted! Any ideas where to find them?

The bi-pod in the bottom pic is a versa-pod if I remember correctly. I'll look for the thread on the akfiles detailing it. The problem with that one is that you have to drill into the receiver to attach it.:icon_neutral:

[Commander47]

Back when it was cheep, I bought a crap-ton to shoot thru me Mosins...I thought "man, I really overbought for a rifle you probably dont shoot more than 40-60 rds thru in a session. Now I se prices, and thank Capt. Ron for his ammo purchasing wisdom. Yeah, it may be a life supply, which is good, because at those prices, I may have bought my last in that caliber.

As for M1As and Garands, Even a less-than-national-match grade, say a service grade or field grade from the CMP (in the case of Garands) that has a TE of 2 and a MW of 2 s gonna deliver great results off the irons. My buddy has a Springfield M1A with a Winchester bbl, and he decked a bowling pin at 300 yds off the bench, Iron sights. First shot nicked it, second shot was a direct hit. I can hit a silhouette target in 1 shot with my CMP HRA Garand @300 from the seated field position...I call that 'plenty good enough.'


I also picked up boo coo Chezch silver tip when it was 60.00 case. Still shooting it.


I will tell you that my Garands are so accurate and dead on it's almost no fun to shoot them. Does that sound crazy?

i mean, its like, I almos feel I have to be totally serious to shoot them. I enjoy it when I'm by myself and have lots of time to kill.

Normally though, I'm at the range with family and friends and its kind of a madhouse.

The Romak is a hoot and half to put on line with the silver tip and let everyone bang downrange and hear the clang of the target and watch it flip.

Shoot a big bore for darn near the cost of .22 today. Of course the jig is up on that sort of thing as the price of 762 x 54 goes up.

[Noskov]

One of the first things I'm going to change on my Paratrooper is the trigger. How hard was it to install the Red Star Arms trigger group? I heard it required a bit of fitting/removal of material to get it to work in the PSL/Romak 3.

[WildBillCody]

My Tapco G2 trigger went right in no problem, It's very nice.

[rpmfly2]

One of the first things I'm going to change on my Paratrooper is the trigger. How hard was it to install the Red Star Arms trigger group? I heard it required a bit of fitting/removal of material to get it to work in the PSL/Romak 3.

Just follow the directions that are easy to understand! I set mine with too little travel and had one double tap and readjusted at the range!
Works great! I am thinking of putting them in my other 8 AK variants they fit!

[Noskov]

My Tapco G2 trigger went right in no problem, It's very nice.

Single hook or double hook? Price wise the Tapco is cheaper than the RedStarArms. How's the trigger pull on both?

[rpmfly2]

and don't have a Tapco to compare to the Red Star . But it is very crisp and easy to squeeze one off! Pardon the pun! Is the Tapco adjustable, (I haven't seen them)? The Red Star has three adjustments. The filing and dremel work was just a few minutes to make clearance for the safety. Not that much work and most time was spent on adjustments.

Sorry! I missed the single or double hook question!
It's a Red Star Single hook.

[Noskov]

:icon_neutral: My FPK came in today and it looks good but after taking it home and breaking it down I noticed several issues that may result in me returning it.

1.) The safety doesn't seem to operate normally. The lever's indent seems to be excessive which is causing it to hook onto the receiver. Instead of pushing up and down like a normal AK-style safety it has to be pinched then slightly lifted so the indent isn't dragging on the receiver then moved up or down.

2.) The gas tube isn't flush to the gas port. I'm not sure if this affects the rifle in anyway but I can see the gas piston rod clearly through the holes along the side. I'm speculating that the gas escaping through the sides would mean the bolt isn't able to charge completely due to lower pressure.

3.) Last problem is the one confusing me the most. The rifle's bolt won't charge completely when a magazine is loaded into it. Following the manuals available online and through experience with my AK and Saiga there seems to be a problem. I disengage the safety, pull the cocking handle back to the rear and it should fly forward upon release to chamber the first round. Apparently the Bolt Hold Open device is preventing this as long as a magazine is inserted which doesn't make sense.

With no magazine the bolt can be pulled back to the rear and it flys forward as it should upon release.

As soon as I insert a magazine and pull the bolt back, it remains stuck. I have to remove the magazine then the bolt moves forward in the charged position.

Any ideas?

EDIT: lol...fixed everything. The wonders a nap can do.

[WildBillCody]

3.) Last problem is the one confusing me the most. The rifle's bolt won't charge completely when a magazine is loaded into it. Following the manuals available online and through experience with my AK and Saiga there seems to be a problem. I disengage the safety, pull the cocking handle back to the rear and it should fly forward upon release to chamber the first round. Apparently the Bolt Hold Open device is preventing this as long as a magazine is inserted which doesn't make sense.

With no magazine the bolt can be pulled back to the rear and it flys forward as it should upon release.


It's a bolt hold open, I know unusual for a AK based rifle :)

[rpmfly2]

You set it and the point of impact changes every shot. Borrowed another shooters scope and it was great! grouped 5 shots at 3/4 inch with a Leopold 3.? to 10 I think. Much better.

[Noskov]

You set it and the point of impact changes every shot. Borrowed another shooters scope and it was great! grouped 5 shots at 3/4 inch with a Leopold 3.? to 10 I think. Much better.

I'm switching the stock PSO scope with a POSP 8x42 model. Optics are pretty nice on the standard one though.



It's a bolt hold open, I know unusual for a AK based rifle

Yup, caught me by surprise. I remember the Yugo M70s having a BHO but I wasn't expecting the PSL to have one as well. Live and learn.

[Noskov]

Here she is with her new POSP 8x42 scope, I may pick up an 1P21 Minuta scope later but for now hoping to snag a polymer set for it. The wood on the handguards is about 2 or 3 shades ligher than the buttstock, which is how it was when I got it.

Wasn't sure where to put this, I had seen a few PSL's in the AK pic gallery but oh well.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg219/Revenant_FFXI/005-5.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg219/Revenant_FFXI/006-4.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg219/Revenant_FFXI/007-2.jpg

[mojo00]

Thats one of them so called "para FPK/PSL's"...very interesting, hows the recoil? I bet the muzzle blast is something to see too.

Sure looks like a handy DMR. I got the standard barrel one and it can be a bit unweildly at times.

Centerfire has a nifty poly stock set-up, when you change over to poly...I'll call dibs on the wood if your selling.

[Noskov]

Thats one of them so called "para FPK/PSL's"...very interesting, hows the recoil? I bet the muzzle blast is something to see too.

Sure looks like a handy DMR. I got the standard barrel one and it can be a bit unweildly at times.

Centerfire has a nifty poly stock set-up, when you change over to poly...I'll call dibs on the wood if your selling.

The only reference I have is an old post a couple years back on akfiles of someone who had one. He mentioned the muzzle blast was even larger than the Mosin M44 carbine.

You'll get first dibs mojo00, but right now even Centerfire Systems is sold out of the polymer set. The company that makes them is supposed to be releasing a new stock that is expandable for different lengths.

[Noskov]

Got the polymer set on the Paratrooper yesterday. Now to replace the trigger and refinish it sometime down the road.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Chromatic_Dragons/Guns/011.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Chromatic_Dragons/Guns/010.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Chromatic_Dragons/Guns/014.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Chromatic_Dragons/Guns/013.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Chromatic_Dragons/Guns/012.jpg

[Otis61]

You know those stock sets do look pretty good. How does the cheek piece feel? I never liked the way the PSL stocks fealt against my cheek. Just never did have a good feel to me.

Also where did you get that barrel cover for your saiga-12? That looks cool.

[Noskov]

You know those stock sets do look pretty good. How does the cheek piece feel? I never liked the way the PSL stocks fealt against my cheek. Just never did have a good feel to me.

Also where did you get that barrel cover for your saiga-12? That looks cool.

The cheek piece feels exactly like a Dragunov's polymer version. Adds a nice bit of height its it a lot more comfortable than the wood.

As for the barrel shroud its a custom model a guy on the Saiga 12 forum makes. He has other models available but he tried something different on mine since I won it on eBay during his test auction. I think he now has my style shroud up for sale too. Here's a link.

http://www.hidoffroad.com/Alumaliteusa.html

[Otis61]

Thanks for the info.

[mojo00]

She looks mighty fine dressed in black....:thumbup: