Picked up a PSL-54c

I remember picking one of these up out of a rack of ten. I put it back thinking I'll get one later when the price dropped. Brother, was that a stupid decision. They stopped importing them. Longed for one ever since.
Two can up on a PA firearms forum. The first fellow was delusional, so had to walk. This came up and with 4 spare mags the pouch and cover and I had to have it.
Came to a deal and meet the guy in a Wallyworld parking lot.
The look on some women's face as she drove past while I'm standing there with this thing pointed to the sky checking out the glass...Priceless friends!!! Anyhow, thanks for looking.
Attachment 70938
Attachment 70939
Attachment 70940
Had this bipod in the parts bin, picked it up at a fun show. Going to use it with this rifle. Anybody have a line on who made it and what was it for?
Attachment 70941

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WarPig1976

Came to a deal and meet the guy in a Wallyworld parking lot.
The look on some women's face as she drove past while I'm standing there with this thing pointed to the sky checking out the glass...Priceless friends!!!

---

You did what? Seriously, has it dawned on you yet just how lucky you really are that she didn't go into panic mode and call the cops, all the shootings that's been happening here lately and there you is in a public parking lot waving an ''assult rifle'' around for all to see. I wouldn't have pulled that stunt for money, marbles nor chalk. I have in the past but not now, ain't no way. The mere mention of anything related to a gun in public nowadays is enough to cause mass hysteria.

Sure, we joked about it. All perfectly legal. Who knows she may have. Don't think we made the evening news though. Deal was done within minutes and both parties were long gone.
To be fair we parked in the far back trying to avoid attention.
The thing is your meeting a stranger with a large sum of money from a want add. My experience is everyone is more comfortable in a public place.
Here's the stone cold truth. I arrange to meet at Wallyworld because of the CCTV cameras. If anything goes sideways I want proof because I don't bring a knife to a gun fight. Sad, but the world we live in.

I do the same thing for the most part. Turkey Hills, Sheetz, other convenience mart parking lots. I've made a lot of deals from what I suspect is the same firearm forum and they have all involved a public meeting. One of them was with a cop. He was the seller. First time or two I did this I was very paranoid about it but better that than being shot and my cash taken. The best has to be the cop, in a dark Ollies parking lot, taking it out of his trunk, not checking my ID or anything, cash exchange and a handshake. When we are each driving about an hour, it has to be someplace we can both find easily. In PA, it is perfectly legal to exchange long arms so long as you reasonably do not believe the other to be ineligible to own firearms. Only did a FFL check with the Polish Radom that was coming from New Jersey. Some asked to see my drivers license, some filled out a bill of sale, most just a handshake. Now not one of them was a nice fancy assault rifle like this one, they were all old fashioned bolt actions. And I do tend to try to keep it between the two vehicles but we are seen many times. For whatever reason, no one ever freaks out.

Yup, you gave me the heads up on the place a few years back.:thup:
Bought a side by side coach gun last week off the same forum. Meet at a Wallyworld, shook hands and off we went.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WarPig1976

All perfectly legal

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aragorn243

In PA, it is perfectly legal to exchange long arms so long as you reasonably do not believe the other to be ineligible to own firearms.

---

Same here including handguns, but that's state law. City laws are a whole 'nother ball of wax. Somebody screams bloody murder(and it's bound to happen sooner or later) because they see me in the Wally World or Captain D's parking lot with a gun in my hand and the cops show up I could very well find myself in violation of some city ordinance I knew nothing about. Even if there's now state or city law against it the business owner could still press charges if they have a no guns allowed rule I was unaware of. Something to think about next time you arrange a gun transfer in a public place where there's safety in numbers.
I'm not condemning public transfers, I just don't feel comfortable doing it anymore considering how things are concerning guns nowadays. I'm not one to run from trouble but I sure ain't gonna run to it.

Wow. This thread DEFINITELY went sideways. Nice PSL! I had the pleasure to shoot one a few summers ago, man did that sucker chuck the spent case!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fjordforder

Wow. This thread DEFINITELY went sideways. Nice PSL! I had the pleasure to shoot one a few summers ago, man did that sucker chuck the spent case!

---

Nah, we're just talking. If you hang around long you'll do the same.
Thanks, I'm looking forward to shooting it. Just have to find some free time.

Under PA law, no locality can pass a law which is in excess of State law concerning firearms outside that of actually shooting them. The discharge of firearms is under the jurisdiction of the State Game Commission but can be further regulated by local ordinances. So there is very little risk of arrest. Local municipalities have tried, notably Philadelphia, which resulted in a full clarification of the law. Philly did not want to honor concealed carry unless it was issued by Philly.

In addition, The gun free zone signs private property owners may post carry no weight of law here.

I used to believe you couldn't be arrested as long as you weren't doing anything wrong but the episode with the game warden several years ago changed my mind and ever since I have an uneasy feeling about even being seen with a gun anywhere other than on my own property.

I'm not trying to give the impression that I flaunt my gun rights or ownership for that matter. I try to be discreet in these meetings. I'm actually a bit more concerned with people watching me go in and out of my house with them. I live in a small town with a lot of close neighbors and I'm very paranoid about the 20' walk from my car to the backdoor. I don't open carry, I don't conceal carry. I have walked through the City of Lancaster with a rifle once but that was due to them holding a gun show in the downtown convention center. Police saw me but none approached me. I believe I carried it muzzle down on a shoulder sling but not positive on that. I've also been checked in the woods on a couple of occasions by game wardens. They checked to ensure the guns could not hold more ammo than legally allowed, they have a 3 shot limit for shotguns for small game, none for big game. And that was it. My wife is scared to death that I'm going to go off on one of these and not come back but I figure who in their right mind would try to rob somebody by advertising some obscure beat up old rifle when they could do the same with some fancy AR or AK. The website has a feedback option also so you can check them out before hand. I've been using it for maybe 4-5 years now and in that time the vast majority of things I've posted on here were either purchased or traded for in this public manner.

The PSL is a DMR not a sniper rifle. A beefed up AK to handle 54r. I'll see what it can do with hand loads, but I expect 2" groups at 100yds with spam can stuff.
Sniper Rifles in Iraq - YouTube

I had the opportunity to inspect and handle one of these SVD/PSL variant rifles in Afghanistan, but not the chance to fire one. Legally they are a no go in my area so I would have to travel to get the complete experience. I have always been interested in "what the bad guys" get issued, because up until 2005, we were training in the Cold War doctrine, based on facing some random Motor Rifle Division, or the fictional 69th Underground Balloon Regiment.

I think you've landed a good find that is an interesting bit of Russian doctrine, the contrasting concept of embedded sharpshooters the at the front line, who might still fix bayonets and charge, compared to the western "Sniper Teams" skulking about with their suits and bolt actions.

What was the Iraqi one, the Tobruk? The same concept but in 7.62x39mm?

I had thought about working up a similar concept with a CZ858/VZ58 but they are not the most precise gun to begin with.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sentryduty

I had the opportunity to inspect and handle one of these SVD/PSL variant rifles in Afghanistan, but not the chance to fire one. Legally they are a no go in my area so I would have to travel to get the complete experience. I have always been interested in "what the bad guys" get issued, because up until 2005, we were training in the Cold War doctrine, based on facing some random Motor Rifle Division, or the fictional 69th Underground Balloon Regiment.

I think you've landed a good find that is an interesting bit of Russian doctrine, the contrasting concept of embedded sharpshooters the at the front line, who might still fix bayonets and charge, compared to the western "Sniper Teams" skulking about with their suits and bolt actions.

What was the Iraqi one, the Tobruk? The same concept but in 7.62x39mm?

I had thought about working up a similar concept with a CZ858/VZ58 but they are not the most precise gun to begin with.

---

The Iraqi model was the Tabuk, clone of a Zastava if memory serves.

Had to Google the Tabuk, never heard of it. Yes, seems to be the same concept. I think they were being optimistic using +39 for extended range.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sentryduty

I had the opportunity to inspect and handle one of these SVD/PSL variant rifles in Afghanistan

---

That could've been the Iraqi produced Al Kadesiah, IIRC. Read an article about them in SGN years ago. They were in 7.62x54R and are a hybrid of sorts based on the SVD and PSL though few/no parts interchange between the 3 rifles according to the write up. Magazines were unique looking and had the impression of what appears to be a Palm tree and cross on the sides. Scopes most commonly used were Serbian Zrak 4x or Chinese Type JJJ 4x. There was even a weird gold plated presentation variant made if fairly large numbers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vintage hunter

That could've been the Iraqi produced Al Kadesiah, IIRC. Read an article about them in SGN years ago.

---

My memory is fuzzy, but I don't recall any Farsi on the sides of it, that would have struck me as unusual, it was almost certainly a Chinese Type 79 or would have been one of the Balkans produced variants. One of the Afghan National Army guys had it and I know for certain it was 7.62x54R, aside from that not much stood out aside from a very long travel on the trigger when I dry fired it.

He was busy trying to shake us down for "sex-books" as he crudely pantomimed, pornography as it were, of which there has never, ever, been in an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, we only carried official manuals and precis in "that" part of the cargo benches...

LOL

We sent him on his way with a copy of non-pornographic Maxim magazine, which still sparked a vicious fistfight before a morning OP.

Looking back, it's a shame I don't have more weapons photos but priorities were a little different, corrupting the locals and spreading western culture that day.

Yes, the trigger is atrocious. A mile long and stacks right before it breaks. The raised comb is for the irons to use the scope you have to raise your head up and left, so no cheek weld.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sentryduty

My memory is fuzzy, but I don't recall any Farsi on the sides of it,

---

For whatever reason the markings on Al Kadesiah's were in English rather than Farsi, though none are known to have been exported to English speaking countries.

The bolt hold open feature just fell out today. It seems using Googlefu that this is common.
Started to have feeding malfunctions and then the trigger wasn't resetting. Pulled it apart to find a spring under the disconnector. Flipped it and the catch and spring dumped out. Glad it wasn't something more serious.

You have a ready fix for this pending? I hate having a gun broken and I've had a few experiences waiting on parts.

Let me know if you find/figure out a fix. I just ordered one and it'd be helpful knowledge to have just in case.

Got it back together, but it ain't gonna last. There's a retaining rivet that is galled beyond serviceable. I punched the catch back past the rivet but it's just barely holding. Only proper fix is to replace it. One more for the list.

I'll take some pics when I get the time to show the issue.

Remember you will not get pin point accuracy with those rifles. The idea in the Romanian army was to keep the heads down on a machinegun nets while the rest of the squad was to circle it and grenade it. Now do not use heavy ball ammo in it. The rifle will be battered by it so the standard 148 gr. ball is required in it. They are fun to shoot so go out, shoot it and enjoy it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruce McAskill

Remember you will not get pin point accuracy with those rifles.

---

Yes, I knew what I was getting into. I haven't even keep the targets. This thing throws the spam can stuff all over. Your cheek is off the stock or I have to contort my jaw while using the scope so there's that too. I'll do some handloads to see if things tighten up a bit, just need brass.
My favorite part so far is seeing the fire ball through the reticle. :madsmile:

This is the culprit.
Attachment 71529
The rivet that holds it in place
Attachment 71530
DO NOT dry fire with the bolt out of one of these with the hold open feature. As you can see the hammer comes down directly on top of the catch, basically beating it past the rivet. Once I realized this it occurred to me I may of had a hand in this issue. I dry fired it a few times with the bolt out checking the trigger mechanism out when I first got it. We live and learn. Gotta admit that's a crappy design, almost an afterthought? The spring inside looks and feels like one out of a click pen!!
Attachment 71531
Here's a view from underneath. Shows how the catch is relieved on one side, a nub up top is all that holds it. It sits in there cocked too. The other side of the rivet as well.
Attachment 71532

Great pictures, thank you!

You've probably found the same threads on a different forum I did, but I'll go ahead and mention the conclusion they came to: that the pin is not very good and the solution is to machine or find a new/better pin. It's either too small or too weak for the job and perhaps that is why some parts kits and later builds omitted it. Also saw a reference to fabbing one up out of a #16 wire nail... guess when I get mine out of layaway it'll be something I need to inspect before shooting and repair as needed. Unfortunately I have no suggestions for gunsmiths in the area if you need to go that route

First it's cool to read about face to face sales in free states, we can't do that here where I'm at. I'd have to have an FFL do it for me, pay a fee, and wait 10 days. So count your blessings, I'm certainly envious.

Also this thread makes me want to take my PSL out, it's been sitting in the back of the safe for way to long, comes out for a clean and lube occasionally, but you've reminded me of How fun they are to shoot. Once you get the scope dialed in its a driver. It's capabilities far outweigh my ability. But supposedly chest sized targets consistently at 600 yards is attainable in the right hands.

I was lucky and picked mine up back in '07 with 2 mags and the POSP scope for $650, I've watched them go up and up since then. Guess maybe that's why it's a safe queen. I just wish I had had that much foresight with the Saiga 12s...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kalione

$650

---

I'll be envious back at ya. :madsmile:

I sold my Saiga 12 to a buddy. He still teases me once in a while. :banghead:

A PSL54c isn't going to be a tack driver. That being said, there are a few things that you can do to improve how they shoot. I reduced the gas port size to .063" to reduce the recoil and battering on the rear trunnion. I also handload and I have been able to get it down to 1-1 1/2" five shot groups. They seem to like heavier bullets, but the large gas port beats up the rifle with them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by highpower3006

I reduced the gas port size to .063"

---

Drilling and tapping for a plug with a smaller hole? That's how the suppressed guns have to run too.
If I go heavier I'd throw a $10 buffer in because then your beholden to those plugs if you drill it. I'll stay in the 150g range anyway, not worried about squeezing every ounce of accuracy out of this one. I have others for that.

I think buffers do more harm than good. They reduce the amount of travel and with the same spring you are increasing the opportunity for the carrier to make contact with the rear trunion, through the buffer.

I've had very good accuracy results with Czech light ball ammo in one of my PSL54C rifles.

You may be right. :dunno: I do know there are guns out there with buffers as OEM, The Winchester 1907 has a leather buffer.
Honestly I don't think it's a good idea either way to use the heavies. I'm sure I'll get satisfactory results with handloads compared to spam can stuff.

Tough thing with hand loads will be fixing the brass. Mine tends to dent up the case neck pretty bad, though I've heard some tape on the receiver cover where it ejects can help but I need to replace the gas tube lock first (was broken when I got it). We'll see I guess, I've been happy with the 1.5 MOA groups I'm pulling out of it with good commercial steel ammo but can probably improve on that with hand loads and a better trigger (probably an ALG AKT). Notably when I had mine apart it looks like someone had already fixed the hold open at least once. Mine has a neutered bayonet lug up front which I guess is better than not having it all, but I don't see myself fixing it as cost to get one (probably $60-75), have it installed, and then deal with 922r and replacing parts for that is more trouble than it's worth. Would rather spend the money on a red dot or 8x42.

Also, the other fix for shooting heavier bullets I read up on is to install a screw in the gas block as a regulator. Don't see myself doing it though, though I've had a hard time finding .311" bullets in a 150gr FMJ BT.

The port mod is very simple and took me all of about 30 minutes. The stock gas port can be accessed right through the gas block. It is exactly the right size to tap with a 8-32 tap. I bought a new three flute tap (stronger than a two flute) and using tapping fluid, it went as easy as can be. I bought several 3/8"x8-32 set screws and heated them red hot and let them cool slowly to take the temper out. I drilled one at .060, another at .063, and the last one at .070. I tried the middle one first and it ejects the brass into a pile about five feet to the right at three o'clock which is perfect. This is with 174gr Wolf. Before the mod, it would violently eject them 10-15 feet to the right at about two o'clock.

It takes just a couple of minutes to change out the screw if you want to increase or decrease the port size. I stick to heavier bullets as I like the way it shoots with them. I refuse to shoot the surplus light ball as I dislike cleaning corrosive residue out of a gas operated rifle.

The entire rifle feels better as the carrier isn't slamming the trunnion so hard. I have heard that after a while they will knock the rear trunnion rivets loose without the gas port reduction. It is highly recommended that you stay away from the recoil buffers as the carrier is still beating up the rear trunnion.

That's some good tips there Highpower, it's been a good long while since I took mine out, I remember the kick, but I can't remember where the brass ended up. This thread is making me itch to take it out though, I've been meaning to spend a little time and fine tune that thing.

Make sure I'm understanding this correctly, your tapping the port in the gasblock itself, so if you decide you don't like the port mod plugs (for lack of a better term) and take them out, your just left with a threaded port, right? Doesn't seem like it would be that big of a deal, or cause any lasting damage. I guess worst a case scenario would be breaking the tap off during the mod, if you weren't being careful, something I've been known to do:(

Quote:

---

Make sure I'm understanding this correctly, your tapping the port in the gasblock itself, so if you decide you don't like the port mod plugs (for lack of a better term) and take them out, your just left with a threaded port, right?

---

Correct.

I was a bit nervous when I first went to tap my gas block. The trick is to buy a new American made tap that has at least three (four is better) flutes. Use real tapping fluid and go slowly. Mine went very easy and I had no trouble at all tapping the hole to the proper depth. If you use a new (sharp) quality tap and a small tap handle and back off the tap every half turn or so, you should have no problems at all. Most of the taps that I have seen break, failed because the person doing it was using too big a tap handle to drive the tap and twisting too hard.

I think that once you tap the hole, it would be even more oversize than it already is, so I would say the best thing is once you find the size of port the rifle likes, and .060-.065 seems to be the optimum size, just resist the urge to tinker further and leave it alone.

I would stay away from using inferior taps and avoid anything made in China. I bought two taps, a can of tapping fluid and a box of set screws for around $35 shipped from MSC. I now have three lifetimes worth of screws, but they are small and don't take up much room. The up side is that I have found other uses for a few so I was glad I bought extras.