Heckler & Koch HK MSG-90

History

The original 1972 West German PSG-1 sniper rifle design was accepted by a handful of operators around the world. A militarized version of this sophisticated weapon, primarily used by military special forces and police forces, appears in the MSG-90.

Overall, the MSG-90 retains much of the form and function of the original PSG-1 series, but incorporates more "military-focused" changes to better suit the rigors of military service.

Major changes to the weapon include a new trigger block and threaded barrel, the latter supporting the use of a silencer (MSG-90A1). Flash hiders also help reduce the visual impression of the shooter's position when firing. The MSG-90 is also more compact and lighter than its PSG-1 form, which improves the weapon's portability on the march. The shoulder rests are composite with adjustable cheeks and pull length. The MSG-90 also uses the same Weaver scope rail system as other HK rifle products and does not have any iron sights.

The bipod supports the front end of the weapon and is foldable.

The weapon is loaded with a 7.62x51mm NATO magazine and can be fired from a 5, 10 or 20 round detachable magazine at a range of 2,600 feet. Action is a Hong Kong standard roller-delayed breech system with semi-automatic fire support - making the MSG-90 more akin to a modern Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) than a traditional bolt action type.

The MSG-90 is in service with the Danish Special Police, French Airborne, Indonesian diving teams and commanders, Iraqi army, Lithuanian army, various special forces of Malaysia, Mexican army, Norwegian special police and security forces, various armed forces of the Philippines , the South Korean special forces, the Turkish army, the FBI and Delta Force, and the Uruguayan special forces. Some countries have since decommissioned their stockpiles as front-line weapons.

Specification

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Changes