The PSL

[Milsurplover]

So..The next gun I've considered getting is a PSL. What I know so far: A common misconception is that it is a Dragunov SVD. NOT TRUE. The PSL is actually quite different from the SVD rifle. I've been looking at getting one because I just want an affordable, hard hitting semi auto centerfire rifle. I've heard people get anywhere from 1.5-5 MOA with these rifles depending on bullets used etc. Anyone that owns a PSL have any comments to make about accuracy they have gotten and what bullets they used? (I know over 150gr. bullets will cause bad damage to the rear trunion and to stick with light ball) Also the thin noodle of a barrel heats up quick, what is an acceptable rate of fire so you don't damage the barrel or hurt accuracy? Finally, when shooting brass cased rounds (I may start reloading for this rifle if I buy one, already load for my Nagant so dies and everything is not a problem.)

 

[dnthmn]

I've had a PSL for a short time. With Russian light ball, I get 2-2.5 MOA out of it. It's probably capable of better. The barrel does get hot, but unless you plan on buying 20 mags and doing mag dumps, I wouldn't worry about hurting it.

 

[jpwilly]

My experience with the PSL-54c.

My example was 2-3MOA. Shoot light ball. I reloaded then figured out the ungrateful (forceful ejection) rifle tore up the brass badly and flung it across the range. I sold it and purchased an M1 Garand with the proceeds I haven't regretted that decision. If you want an accurate 30cal semi auto look at the DPMS LR-308.

 

[GunsBeerFreedom]

I love my PSL. For some reason it loves Heavy ball ammo, but I wouldn't recommend shooting anything heavier than 150s out of it more than a few times.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I've had two. The first was hand picked out of a dozen, and shot beautifully. It had pretty blonde wood, decent metal finish, a nice trigger and shot 1.5-2 MOA with ball surplus. Then I got that "third hole" letter from Century and had to exchange it. The replacement had color mismatched wood, a rougher metal finish, a gritty trigger and couldn't do better than 3 MOA with ANY ammo. I sold it, won't be buying another.

 

[Dreamcast270mhz]

What would've happened if had not exchanged it?

 

[Ds1]

He would've been visited by his friendly ATF officer!

I looked into getting a PSL about a year ago but decided against it because of what was being said about how hot the barrel gets. So far no one has reported a barrel melting off, so I'm starting to reconsider...

 

[Dreamcast270mhz]

After I get my mosin straight I want one...

 

[W L Johnson]

If you wish there are poly replacement stocks for the PSL

 

[fireman 9731]

I lusted for one for a while then finally got one.

It scored ultra high in the cool factor division but I couldn't hit much with it. Plus its a pain to clean up after shooting surplus ammo though it.

I sold it a few months later.

 

[Vaarok]

I really like mine. It shoots very well, has a decent but not great trigger, and for the money is great fun. I highly recommend one.

 

[Col. Plink]

A buddy of mine had similar experience to fireman's. He was totally stoked (even made himself a PSL tshirt!), went fully original with mount and scope, was more than willing to work with it, eventually sold it as he was underwhelmed with accuracy and tired of monkeying with it. Vaarok, is that an aftermarket stock that has a built-in rail? I imagine that would take a lot of the frustration out...

 

[ifit]

wow nice psl's guys, did alot of research before i laid down the cash for one. knew it wont be a tack driver outa the box but good enough accuracy for me. high power round that wont break the bank and a blast to shoot and looks pretty darn cool heres another pic that will encourage you to get one
my psl

some of my best shots at 100yards

 

[PowerJoker6.0]

i just got one, i havent gotten to shoot it as much as i want but so far i am pretty satisfied with it, its no M1A but its cheap and FUN. i feel the scope mount is a little cheap and hampers accuracy, not to mention every time you take it off it must throw things off abit. those black stocks look SWEET

 

[Cosmoline]

I've been unimpressed with most of the parts PSL's on the market, but I did like the look of the new NoDak Spud ones. The receiver looks to be very well made and the stock is much better than the tiny Romanian one.