Tokyo Marui HK PSG-1 Review

The PSG-1 ("Prazisions-Scharfschutzen-Gewehr", German for "precision sharpshooting rifle") is a sniper rifle. It was designed as a semi-automatic rifle with a large capacity magazine. This was in response to German marksman's sluggish response times in hostage situations with bolt action rifles. Now this rifle is used by many counter-terrorist and security organisations. The PSG-1 has achieved an acclaim in the Airsoft community too. In a sport where distances are measured in yards does the PSG-1 really deliver enough to the aspiring sniper?

Rifle Furniture & Quality

The first impressions when removing the rifle out of the box was the size and weight. It certainly won't do you any favours in a CQB environment! It will if you are outside looking in however. The worst part is the bodywork because it is poor. It is not poor in its detail but because it is made entirely from plastic. It isn't even a particularly good plastic. The mechanics and the barrel are metal and well made. The rigidity with the bodywork removed is very solid. So with this strange range of build quality we come to the grip. The 'wooden' hand grip could have been made from wood it would have added a lot to this rifle. Tokyo Marui instead used more plastic. It isn't a big issue, but when paying the amount of money the PSG-1 costs, it is nice to get a touch of class. In addition to this, after repeated use the bodywork does tend to creak a bit. All this is easily fixed with after market custom parts, but it feels a bit unfair to have to do this.
Despite this it is a comfy rifle. The grip doesn't cause issues in the field and the stock is adjustable for shoulders and cheeks. In fact there is a certain element of the real steel included in this rifle. Firstly the weight which is heavier than most AEG's certainly adds to the feel of it being a sniper rifle, and helps focus the mind into the role. The rifle stock can be adjusted by use of a special key required to move the cheek piece and stock butt about. This is included in the box. Inside the stock is the large battery and it is very easy to connect. The whole sniper loadout can be added to with bipod mounts if needed, but this has to be bought as an extra. It certainly would help keep this heavy rifle steady and on target. The detailed markings are apparent on the rifle yet with its plastic looks it doesn't really fool anyone. It gets better though. Included (not an extra) with the rifle is the pre-attached 4x magnification Edgar Brothers scope. It works but is not variable. This isn't too much of an issue especially over airsoft skirmish distances. The sight from the scope is good and would certainly offer a level of extra help to the user though not enough to account for wind / Bullet drop. But at least it is included.

Performance

The best feature of this weapon is its performance. The barrel is metal and long. So the accuracy is very good at range. There has been no occasion of barrel wobble or any other problems. In fact as a weapon goes I found this more reliable than the G3. As for other sniper rifles I am certain that this is NOT the best. Sorry but it is true. There are better models on the market and if you truly are a sniper / marksman, you will know this anyway. But if you like the look, like the Metal Gear Solid game or just like the feel of it then don't be put off. During skirmishes the PSG-1 has the ability to constantly hit Skirmisher size targets at great length. The combined scope also helps and despite its less than average light capacity, it does mean you can pick off partially concealed targets. The weight helps bed you down and provide a firm rest though with its length it is more appealing to taller marksmen. The PSG-1 has a semi-automatic action. It is not re-cocked via a manual bolt. It does it all itself. So if being prone, quiet and still is in your requirements then this will enable you to do it. It will reload for as long as you have rounds. You should have plenty due to its ability to exchange the lo-cap PSG-1 mag (20 rounds) for a hi-cap G3 one (300 rounds). No more moving on game days for you then.

Summary

All in all it isn't perfect. It is expensive and it is plastic. It is accurate, well weighted and looks the business. It comes with a decent scope and can be given a massive magazine. I like it and found it offered many fun days out especially for those quick 'double-tap' kills.