PSL Marksman Rifle

The PSL is gas operated, long stroke, rotating bolt; semi automatic marksman rifle based on the AKM assault rifle and designed to serve a similar role to the Dragunov SVD marksman rifle, which were unavailable to Romania due to their stance on the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The gas operated action has a bolt carrier permanently attached to a long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on two rails which support a rotating bolt with two lugs that lock into the receiver. The return spring and a spring guide are located behind the gas piston. The cocking handle is permanently attached to the bolt carrier and reciprocates when the weapon is fired. The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel with machined steel inserts riveted in place where required. The receiver cover is a stamped sheet metal part with stamped strengthening reinforcing ribs. There is a combined safety, fire selector switch of distinctive shape located on the right side of the receiver. The rifle has a detachable, staggered row, 10 round, stamped steel magazines attached to the bottom of the receiver. The rifle has a wooden stock and wooden front handguard. The wooden buttstock has a steel buttplate. The stock is hollowed out so that it forms a pistol grip at the front. The sights of the rifle consist of a hooded front post and a U-notch open rear. Sights are graduated from 100 to 1000 meters with an additional fixed battle setting that can be used for all ranges up to 300 meters. The rifle is equipped with a ON-M99 telescopic sight. The rifle has a parkerised finish. The rifle is finished in a black phosphate finish. Markings - 1981 - serial number.

This PSL was issued to Iraqi Army units during the Iraq War. This particular rifle was confiscated by Australian Army personnel in 2006.

• ON-M99 Telescopic Sight for Sniper Rifle