The MSG-90 was designed in 1987 as the military version of the H&K PSG1 (both descendants of the H&K G3). MSG stands for Militärisches Scharfschützen Gewehr, which translates to Military Sharpshooter Rifle.
Design Details[]
The MSG-90 shares most of the essential features of the PSG-1, including overall design, the roller-delayed blowback, and semi-automatic only action. The barrel of the MSG-90 is somewhat shorter and lighter, but is still match-grade, free-floating and manufactured using the cold hammer forging process. On the original model, the barrel was equipped with additional muzzle weight, added to improve barrel harmonics and thus increase shot consistency. The barrel of the A1 variant is threaded and capable of attaching a suppressor, which is an advantage over the PSG-1.
The MSG-90's buttstock is of a different shape, adjustable for the length of the pull and for the height of the cheekpiece. The trigger unit is made from plastic and integral with the pistol grip. The trigger, with an adjustable shoe, is set at 1.5 kg. The foreend is fitted with an rail on the underside that accepts the detachable folding bipod. There are no open sights on the MSG-90, so it is fitted with a 10x telescope sight with range settings up to 1,200 meters. The scope is mounted on the MilStd scope rail, that allows for many various scopes and night vision devices to be mounted interchangeably. The MSG-90 is also a bit less expensive than the PSG-1.
See Also[]
- H&K PSG1
- H&K G3
- H&K HK21
- H&K HK23
- H&K G41
- M21 Rifle
- Dragunov SVD