PSL or M72 RPK?

[UranusDestiny]

Hey there, long time lurker here at THR! Anyways, I've been planning on getting a semi-automatic rifle for some time now, and I found a Yugoslavian M72 Century RPK for $700 which seems like a good price (Not sure yet, the website may have been outdated since I haven't visited or verified it with the store yet). The main problem stopping me is the current lack of cheap 7.62x39 anywhere at this moment in time, as it seems as if both commercial and surplus ammo is just way too expensive. I've also been looking at the PSL, because it uses the same ammunition as my Mosin-Nagant and I don't have to worry about spending more on ammo. I'd have to order the PSL online though, since it appears to be cheaper though the internet.

I know this comparison may be apples to oranges, but I was wondering if anyone could compare the overall build quality between the PSL and the Yugoslavian M72 RPK, and possibly a bit of advice concerning this matter? The rifle would be primarily be used as a fun gun, but with the additional potential of being a SHTF weapon.
Thanks for any input!

 

[PurdueRifleman2008]

Welcome to THR! I can't offer you much in the way of help on the M72, but I do have a lot of experience with a PSL that I've owned for ~5yrs.

I can tell you that accuracy with the PSL is acceptable, but not exceptional and depending on your abilities as a shooter, you might be able to improve it with 7N1 ammunition. I've never shot mine past 500yds but it holds the black area on an NRA MR target (24" dia)- most shots falling inside the 9 ring. Appreciable hunting accuracy is out to around 350yds.

As for quality, it's like an AK. It has a stamped receiver and a chrome lined barrel, allegedly. I've never had a part of mine break or wear out although I have had a few jams using some military surplus ammunition. But keep in mind I've fired thousands of rounds through it so this is bound to happen eventually.

The stock is really short, though and might prove uncomfortable. It will be more uncomfortable if you, like me, happen to be a left handed shooter. This problem (for the lefty) is exacerbated if you ever plan on mounting a scope on it.

As for fun, it is one of my favorite rifles to spend an afternoon shooting with. The recoil is soft, it has a loud report, it's semi-automatic, the ammunition is relatively inexpensive and you can shoot beyond 200yds yards with it! You'll also probably get plenty of looks if you're ever at a shooting range. At least the few times I've gone to the range near North Vernon, IN, a lot of people get curious.

Anyway, I hope this has been of some use to you and good luck in your purchase!

 

[zoom6zoom]

I wouldn't necessarily call $700 a GOOD price for an M72, but these days I guess it's the going rate. I built mine for less than half of that.

The RPK is one of my favorite guns to shoot. Century builds can be hit or miss as far as build quality. Another question to ask is if it has the original barrel or a new one. Yugo guns did not use chrome lined barrels (because they had no significant native sources of this strategic material). Many original barrels have significant wear (although still fun to shoot, not as accurate). I wouldn't turn down an original barrel, but i wouldn't pay as much for one, either.