PSL upgrade questions

[jlwilliams]

What can I do to get a little more out of a bone-stock PSL?

First thing I noticed is how bad the trigger is. Do they interchange with 'regular' AK trigger groups? Should I be looking at one of the drop in upgraded trigger groups available for the AK? Or, should I be looking at doing some fit and finish work on what's there?

Overall, I like the rifle. A bit long, but it's a pretty rugged, full sized cartridge firing rifle system. Comes with optics (East Block, but it's servicable) and a tool kit and mags for less than most rifles in that category. A good deal, but a little rough around the edges. I don't have illusions that I can turn this into anything that would compete with any of the current AR10 type semi auto sniper rifles, I'd just like to get a little better performance and smooth out some of those 'rough edges'. From what I understand, the Iraqis and others are using the PSL as sniper/ designated marksman rifles with good results. 600 yard hits are common enough, at least that's what I've been told. I haven't shot this rifle much, but I have my doubts about this one at that distance. Maybe a little work and more practice, I'll have something here.

Any suggestions? What do those of you who shoot PSLs think of yours? Do you get results that make you confident that you could be effective with it at 500 or 600 yards?

[Coils]

If I remember right, I think a standard AK FCG works.

You could try polishing the FCG that's in it, might not get what your looking for but will make it better.

600 yard hits are common enough, at least that's what I've been told. I haven't shot this rifle much, but I have my doubts about this one at that distance.

These are worth watching, seems legit to me.
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[2ndAmendican]

Yeah it will take a regular AK FCG, like the Tapco G2 or RSA Adjustable FCG. Definitely makes a difference. There is a guy over on the Saiga 12 Forum that built a custom PSL with a bull barrel that is absolutely awesome!! Still waiting on a range report to see how it does at distance. Still for what it is, and the price point, I think the PSL is a great value, and can certainly hit a man sized target at 600 meters. YMMV.

[TRX]

Use good commercial ammunition. Ex-military Combloc ammo varies a lot by US standards.

[jlwilliams]

I'm with you about the ammo. I'm using milsurp for general shooting and getting the rifle 'test driven' but I try to stock up with commercial soft points. Once I get past the initial phase of shooting the rifle in I'll be only using better ammo in it. SP is the best ammo to stock up on in my opinion. You can hunt with it, and that's a big part of what I'd like a rifle to be able to do. Granted, I hunt with a 44 lever action because long shots aren't common around here, but the purpose of a rifle is to put 200lb (or so) creatured on the ground. Soft points are good for that.

I'm also picking up 7n1 ammo when I can. Supposed to be some of the best military ammo, accuracy wise, in this caliber.

Thanks for all the pointers. I'll look into an adjustable trigger for it.

[akblue]

The problem with commercial or soft point ammunition is that generaly it is heavy ball. Bad ju ju for a PSL. So light ball in commercial is not as common from what I see.

[jlwilliams]

Good point. I think that all of my x54 soft point is 180 or 200 grain. Fine in a MN, not so fine in a stamped receiver semi auto.

[sjohnson]

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] is a great resource for picking out surplus ammo (assuming you have a choice - not so much choice any more).

7N1 is very good, but there are some standard issue cartridges as good or even better. If you can find it, Czech silvertip is one such choice.

[1biggun]

relaod for it.

rework the trigger. get good optics on it.

[Coils]

Try some of that Wolf Gold or Privi (same thing), then you'll have some brass to reload with