Questions about the PSL/RomAK 3

Mavr1ck · August 19, 2009, 17:34

I've been looking into this rifle and wanted to know if there was anything in particular I should be made aware of before jumping into it?

From what I understand, it can pull roughly 2MOA with ammo it likes. How far is it effective to? Wikipedia says 1300m, but I have a feeling that's pushing it.

It's also a touch heavy at something like 9-10lbs. I don't mind, I'm only going to use it for general shooting around and shooting from my roof is Russians/N.Koreans invade. But who doesn't plan for that?

Also, the cheapest place I can find one is currently AIM for $700 before shipping and FFL fees. Any tips on finding one cheaper, or should I just give them a call when I set my funds in place?

jerrymrc · August 19, 2009, 19:46

I like mine. At $700 they are one of the few rifles that have not seen a major increase in price over the last 5 years.

They can do better than 2 moa but they are not a rapid fire weapon. The factory scopes have a BDC out to 1000M as I remember and aiming chevrons for longer distances.

I have not seen any of the newer ones as mine is an early DIG import.

Ammo is still relatively cheap but the days of $59 per 800 rds of silvertip are over.

Mavr1ck · August 19, 2009, 19:55

Compared to 308, ammo is quite cheap.

What do you mean by "not rapid fire"? Hard recoil/harsh muzzle rise?

Also; is there a difference between the Century made ones and the Tennessee Guns made ones? I can find the Centurys for about $700, while I may be able to get the TN ones for about $615, both before shipping or FFL fees.

[486] · August 19, 2009, 23:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavr1ck

What do you mean by "not rapid fire"? Hard recoil/harsh muzzle rise?

Really light recoil, not much muzzle rise, thin barrel.

mutter · August 19, 2009, 23:59

They don't like heavy ball and were designed for max effect at squad level to 600 yards. The flash hider sucks and will tend to cause a dust cloud.

Other then that, it is a heavy barrel AK and it works fine in x 54.

akajun · August 20, 2009, 07:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavr1ck
Compared to 308, ammo is quite cheap.

What do you mean by "not rapid fire"? Hard recoil/harsh muzzle rise?

Also; is there a difference between the Century made ones and the Tennessee Guns made ones? I can find the Centurys for about $700, while I may be able to get the TN ones for about $615, both before shipping or FFL fees.

From what I undertand the tennesse guns were/may still be built parts kits. My century is built in Romania by Cugir.

You can rapid fire the gun, but when the thin barrell heats up, the groups open up.

Recoil is not bad, however the scope is awkard to use because of the ofset to the left and the length of pull a little short for me being a big guy. I hope to rectify these issues with a cheekpiece and slip on buttpad.

Mavr1ck · August 20, 2009, 15:10

I talked to a couple people and the general consensus is the TN ones are lower quality than the Century built ones. Who would have thought Century out-preformed someone?

Anyways, I'll most likely be getting mine from AIM ($700) or OnPointSupply ($730) once I figure out what all goodies come with each, shipping, and all of that. Any suggestions with that?

Thanks guys!

**bykerhd** · August 20, 2009, 16:50

I though they were pretty cool until I tried one at a range one day.
The ergonomics didn't agree with me.
The only other issue would be clean up after shooting that inexpensive Combloc corrosive ammo.

[486] · August 20, 2009, 17:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavr1ck
I talked to a couple people and the general consensus is the TN ones are lower quality than the Century built ones.

Century don't build them, the romanians do.

Quote:

Other then that, it is a heavy barrel AK and it works fine in x 54.

It's barrel is no heavier than an AK, just longer. It probably has the same barrel problems as a mini 14...

**indy_Muaddib** · August 21, 2009, 01:33

that 1300 yards is no line, it will do it.

2 foot steel plate says so every time it goes ping.

Mavr1ck · August 22, 2009, 15:34

Someone just told me the TN built ones are ex-military guns built on US receivers while Century just took, "leftover and out of spec parts" and threw them together. Any truth behind this alligation? I keep hearing conflicting things about the difference between the two, and it's getting old..

indy; Now that's what I'm talking about. What kind of ammo?

jerrymrc · August 22, 2009, 17:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavr1ck
Someone just told me the TN built ones are ex-military guns built on US receivers while Century just took, "leftover and out of spec parts" and threw them together. Any truth behind this alligation? I keep hearing conflicting things about the difference between the two, and it's getting old..

indy; Now that's what I'm talking about. What kind of ammo?

Unless something has changed ALL the century guns were imported. There was no need to demil and then build since the PSL never did fit the "Assault Wepon" definition.

The only thing century had to do was place an importer stamp on it and down the road they went. Now the early ones did have the bayonet mount removed and the brake permanently attached.

As I said earlier mine is a DIG import (circa 1999) and the same as the century's.

All the century's should say "made in Romania" as well.

**indy_Muaddib** · August 22, 2009, 17:30

Quote:

Originally posted by Mavr1ck
Someone just told me the TN built ones are ex-military guns built on US receivers while Century just took, "leftover and out of spec parts" and threw them together. Any truth behind this alligation? I keep hearing conflicting things about the difference between the two, and it's getting old..

indy; Now that's what I'm talking about. What kind of ammo?

i think the quote was

Quote:

problem with that logic is the TN guns are ex military guns built onto US receivers and the Century guns are leftover and out of spec parts thrown together in a ****hole second world country in eastern europe.

Mavr1ck · August 22, 2009, 20:27

jerry; Thanks, that clears a lot up and makes sense.

indy; Yeah. It might have been something like that.

gunnut1 · August 25, 2009, 19:11

Be careful. There are a lot of screw build PSLs out there and they will come apart. I have seen several that the screws were back out and stripped. but the Cugir gun. I have one also and I have had no problems with it.

The only "problem" is me as I am left handed and the guns is not all that lefty friendly. But I still shoot it and it is a breeze to clean you. Look at it as just a big AK because that is bacisally what it is.

They ROCK!

[486] · August 25, 2009, 22:02

Quote:

Originally posted by gunnut1
Be careful. There are a lot of screw build PSLs out there and they will come apart.

Yeah they would

, the carrier hits the trunnion hard, I'm surprised that the riveted ones even stay together! Who would screw build one of them?

gunnut1 · August 26, 2009, 15:21

Quote:

Originally posted by [486]

Yeah they would, the carrier hits the trunnion hard, I'm surprised that the riveted ones even stay together! Who would screw build one of them?

People who think they more than the manufacturer. I feel the same way about AK screw builds. I figure that if the manufacturer could have used screws safely they would have.

[486] · August 26, 2009, 22:50

Quote:

Originally posted by gunnut1

People who think they more than the manufacturer. I feel the same way about AK screw builds. I figure that if the manufacturer could have used screws safely they would have.

On an AK with a strong enough recoil spring it shouldn't have the carrier hit the trunnion, though the screws would move enough for a scope mount to move. The reason they don't use screws is probably more that rivets are cheaper, a properly built screw build will be plenty strong, you just need the holes to fit the screws good, and to not have the sheet metal sitting on the threads, you need a shouldered screw, as the shoulder won't deform as easily as the threads will.

gunnut1 · August 27, 2009, 12:40

Quote:

Originally posted by [486]

On an AK with a strong enough recoil spring it shouldn't have the carrier hit the trunnion, though the screws would move enough for a scope mount to move. The reason they don't use screws is probably more that rivets are cheaper, a properly built screw build will be plenty strong, you just need the holes to fit the screws good, and to not have the sheet metal sitting on the threads, you need a shouldered screw, as the shoulder won't deform as easily as the threads will.

Bull! There is not enough metal on the receiver or trunnions to hold the screws. At most, you can only get maybe one thread to hold.

Screw builds are unsafe. Period!

[486] · August 27, 2009, 15:12

Quote:

Originally posted by gunnut1

Bull! There is not enough metal on the receiver or trunnions to hold the screws. At most, you can only get maybe one thread to hold.

Fine threads. The receiver shouldn't have the threads on it, the threads reduce the surface area touching the receiver, so it will mess up the holes quicker.

They would end up being almost as strong as a rivet build.

DYNOMIKE · August 27, 2009, 18:32

I think the PSL/ROMAK is a sweet rifle and like mine very much..
If it's something you want I would get it, shoot it, and be happy..

As far as Screw built PSL's I have never seen one but I suppose there may be some out there??

gunnut1 · August 28, 2009, 11:46

Quote:

Originally posted by [486]

Fine threads. The receiver shouldn't have the threads on it, the threads reduce the surface area touching the receiver, so it will mess up the holes quicker.

They would end up being almost as strong as a rivet build.

So you might just want to call any professional AK biuuilder and ask them they use rivets.

Have you looke at the thickness of the trunnion lately?

Fine threads will strip before course threads.

But if you don't mind having an explosion in your nose then that if fine for me.

gunnut1 · August 28, 2009, 11:59

Quote:

Originally posted by DYNOMIKE
I think the PSL/ROMAK is a sweet rifle and like mine very much..
If it's something you want I would get it, shoot it, and be happy..

As far as Screw built PSL's I have never seen one but I suppose there may be some out there??

The one I saw had several of the screws backed out and the holes stripped and the owner could not understand why. IIRC there were two backed out in the barrel trunnion.

[486] · August 28, 2009, 18:42

Quote:

Originally posted by gunnut1

Have you looke at the thickness of the trunnion lately?

Looks as if there is a good 1/8" of metal there on the pictures I've seen, though I guess the inside is recessed for the internal rivet head, so what I'd do is weld up the recesses anneal it, ream the barrel hole out, and get it heat treated.

Doing it right ≠ doing it the easy way.

gunnut1 · August 29, 2009, 22:06

Quote:

Originally posted by [486]

Looks as if there is a good 1/8" of metal there on the pictures I've seen, though I guess the inside is recessed for the internal rivet head, so what I'd do is weld up the recesses anneal it, ream the barrel hole out, and get it heat treated.

Doing it right ≠ doing it the easy way.

Hey it is your gun. If your are happy with it, then more power to you.

Check out the K-VAR web site about the use of screws.

**1MOR** · September 03, 2009, 20:50

MGS sold all matching PSL kits that came from demilled unfired weapons. CFS sold Cugir PSL receivers. There were quite a few custom built PSLs completed. Owners of the custom built PSLs tend to hang on to those. I had one built by Ken Kubin, roach46 here on the files. The kit was absolutely cherry and the only part refinished was the receiver. You can extend the length of pull with one of the strap on buttpads designed for grenade launching AKs. FSE used to carry the pads. Obtaining a good sight picture with the scope sighted PSL can be a challenge. Ammo is cheap. HB ammo will damage a stamped PSL receiver. The comments about the barrel are correct, as it is quite whippey. After the barrel heats up, it's accuracy will seriously degrade. The original weapons were issued with 4X Rommy scopes. The kits came with 6X Belarus glass. My PSL is fond of Czech silver tip.

Overall, these are nice shooters and a welcome addition to any AK or sniper rifle collection. As with everything firearms, these will appreciate in time.

DYNOMIKE · September 03, 2009, 21:09

Big +1 on the Custom Builds...
1MOR and I own and have shot at least TWO very nice builds..

The barrel thing is not an issue for me as I don't just blast away W/This rifle anywho...

Accuracy is quite good, my Gun also likes the CZECH Light Ball, Rusky 7N1 Sniper ammo did not impress me but I iwll be trying it again...

Sophicles · September 03, 2009, 23:07

+1 on what dynomike said. I like most have outgrown just blasting away...outgrew that with my first AK many moons ago.

I am very happy with mine. The Russian 7n1 ammo was custom made for the Dragunov rifle, and didnt perform very well in any PSL that I have heard.

Be sure to nuetralize the corrosive ammo in the barrel but also the gas block, tube and piston.

Thorgrimm_the_Vain · September 09, 2009, 02:43

Any tricks to keeping the PSO scope from dancing up and down the scope rail every time you fire it?

Sophicles · September 09, 2009, 02:54

There should be an tension adjustment screw on the inside of the scope arm.

Thorgrimm_the_Vain · September 09, 2009, 05:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Sophicles
There should be an tension adjustment screw on the inside of the scope arm.

Yes , it has a castle nut, but you can only tighten it so far before you cannot slide it on to the rail.

Sophicles · September 09, 2009, 10:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Thorgrimm_the_Vain

Yes , it has a castle nut, but you can only tighten it so far before you cannot slide it on to the rail.

Hmm something is not right...possibly out of spec.

gunnut1 · September 09, 2009, 18:19

IIRC, you do not tighten the castle nut. Iwill look at mine and post more later night.

August 19, 2009, 17:34	#1
Mavr1ck Registered FALaholic #: 48070 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 5	Questions about the PSL/RomAK 3 I've been looking into this rifle and wanted to know if there was anything in particular I should be made aware of before jumping into it? From what I understand, it can pull roughly 2MOA with ammo it likes. How far is it effective to? Wikipedia says 1300m, but I have a feeling that's pushing it. It's also a touch heavy at something like 9-10lbs. I don't mind, I'm only going to use it for general shooting around and shooting from my roof is Russians/N.Koreans invade. But who doesn't plan for that? Also, the cheapest place I can find one is currently AIM for $700 before shipping and FFL fees. Any tips on finding one cheaper, or should I just give them a call when I set my funds in place?

August 19, 2009, 19:55	#3
Mavr1ck Registered FALaholic #: 48070 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 5	Compared to 308, ammo is quite cheap. What do you mean by "not rapid fire"? Hard recoil/harsh muzzle rise? Also; is there a difference between the Century made ones and the Tennessee Guns made ones? I can find the Centurys for about $700, while I may be able to get the TN ones for about $615, both before shipping or FFL fees. Last edited by Mavr1ck; August 19, 2009 at 21:52.

August 21, 2009, 01:33	#10
indy_Muaddib Curio & Relic Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 17581 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 3,046	that 1300 yards is no line, it will do it. 2 foot steel plate says so every time it goes ping. __________________ All government, in its essence, is a conspiracy against the superior man: its one permanent object is to oppress him and cripple him. If it be aristocratic in organization, then it seeks to protect the man who is superior only in law against the man who is superior in fact; if it be democratic, then it seeks to protect the man who is inferior in every way against both. One of its primary functions is to regiment men by force, to make them as much alike as possible and as dependent upon one another as possible, to search out and combat originality among them. All it can see in an original idea is potential change, and hence an invasion of its prerogatives. The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane and intolerable, and so, if he is romantic, he tries to change it. And even if he is not romantic personally he is very apt to spread discontent among those who are. -H.L. Mencken 1919 Were not that lucky.

August 25, 2009, 19:11	#15
gunnut1 Moderator Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 1877 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: The great Republic of Texas USA!!!!! Posts: 10,423	Be careful. There are a lot of screw build PSLs out there and they will come apart. I have seen several that the screws were back out and stripped. but the Cugir gun. I have one also and I have had no problems with it. The only "problem" is me as I am left handed and the guns is not all that lefty friendly. But I still shoot it and it is a breeze to clean you. Look at it as just a big AK because that is bacisally what it is. They ROCK! __________________ Texas, it's a state of mind!!!! The human race is not the pinnacle of evolution. We are but one evolutionary out come.

August 27, 2009, 18:32	#21
DYNOMIKE Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 11982 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 13,953	I think the PSL/ROMAK is a sweet rifle and like mine very much.. If it's something you want I would get it, shoot it, and be happy.. As far as Screw built PSL's I have never seen one but I suppose there may be some out there?? __________________ "If your Gonna DIE, DIE Standing UP"!! The WOLVERINES.......

August 19, 2009, 19:46	#2
jerrymrc Registered FALaholic #: 2331 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: colorado springs Posts: 4,878	I like mine. At $700 they are one of the few rifles that have not seen a major increase in price over the last 5 years. They can do better than 2 moa but they are not a rapid fire weapon. The factory scopes have a BDC out to 1000M as I remember and aiming chevrons for longer distances. I have not seen any of the newer ones as mine is an early DIG import. Ammo is still relatively cheap but the days of $59 per 800 rds of silvertip are over.

August 19, 2009, 23:59	#5
mutter Registered FALaholic #: 22871 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,026	They don't like heavy ball and were designed for max effect at squad level to 600 yards. The flash hider sucks and will tend to cause a dust cloud. Other then that, it is a heavy barrel AK and it works fine in x 54.

August 20, 2009, 15:10	#7
Mavr1ck Registered FALaholic #: 48070 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 5	I talked to a couple people and the general consensus is the TN ones are lower quality than the Century built ones. Who would have thought Century out-preformed someone? Anyways, I'll most likely be getting mine from AIM ($700) or OnPointSupply ($730) once I figure out what all goodies come with each, shipping, and all of that. Any suggestions with that? Thanks guys!

August 20, 2009, 16:50	#8
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	I though they were pretty cool until I tried one at a range one day. The ergonomics didn't agree with me. The only other issue would be clean up after shooting that inexpensive Combloc corrosive ammo.

August 22, 2009, 15:34	#11
Mavr1ck Registered FALaholic #: 48070 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 5	Someone just told me the TN built ones are ex-military guns built on US receivers while Century just took, "leftover and out of spec parts" and threw them together. Any truth behind this alligation? I keep hearing conflicting things about the difference between the two, and it's getting old.. indy; Now that's what I'm talking about. What kind of ammo?

August 22, 2009, 20:27	#14
Mavr1ck Registered FALaholic #: 48070 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 5	jerry; Thanks, that clears a lot up and makes sense. indy; Yeah. It might have been something like that.

September 03, 2009, 20:50	#26
1MOR Curio & Relic Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 10204 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Somewhere South of the Border Posts: 2,072	MGS sold all matching PSL kits that came from demilled unfired weapons. CFS sold Cugir PSL receivers. There were quite a few custom built PSLs completed. Owners of the custom built PSLs tend to hang on to those. I had one built by Ken Kubin, roach46 here on the files. The kit was absolutely cherry and the only part refinished was the receiver. You can extend the length of pull with one of the strap on buttpads designed for grenade launching AKs. FSE used to carry the pads. Obtaining a good sight picture with the scope sighted PSL can be a challenge. Ammo is cheap. HB ammo will damage a stamped PSL receiver. The comments about the barrel are correct, as it is quite whippey. After the barrel heats up, it's accuracy will seriously degrade. The original weapons were issued with 4X Rommy scopes. The kits came with 6X Belarus glass. My PSL is fond of Czech silver tip. Overall, these are nice shooters and a welcome addition to any AK or sniper rifle collection. As with everything firearms, these will appreciate in time. __________________ "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." George Orwell

September 03, 2009, 21:09	#27
DYNOMIKE Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 11982 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 13,953	Big +1 on the Custom Builds... 1MOR and I own and have shot at least TWO very nice builds.. The barrel thing is not an issue for me as I don't just blast away W/This rifle anywho... Accuracy is quite good, my Gun also likes the CZECH Light Ball, Rusky 7N1 Sniper ammo did not impress me but I iwll be trying it again... __________________ "If your Gonna DIE, DIE Standing UP"!! The WOLVERINES.......

September 03, 2009, 23:07	#28
Sophicles Registered FALaholic #: 976 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NC Posts: 1,503	+1 on what dynomike said. I like most have outgrown just blasting away...outgrew that with my first AK many moons ago. I am very happy with mine. The Russian 7n1 ammo was custom made for the Dragunov rifle, and didnt perform very well in any PSL that I have heard. Be sure to nuetralize the corrosive ammo in the barrel but also the gas block, tube and piston.

September 09, 2009, 02:43	#29
Thorgrimm_the_Vain Registered FALaholic #: 27021 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: MO Posts: 1,717	Any tricks to keeping the PSO scope from dancing up and down the scope rail every time you fire it? __________________ ("They are all gone astray, they are no longer clean, all together they have become filthy, there is none that does good, no, not one."Psalm 14:2-3) Those were words spoken of a people who forgot their fathers ways and became lost in the excesses available to them, they listened to and followed the missionaries of their destruction. I reckon they became moderate. - Martin35 "Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed forever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you."-George Orwell, 1984 The single most destructive act brought upon us by a traitorous legislature. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigra...ty_Act_of_1965

September 09, 2009, 02:54	#30
Sophicles Registered FALaholic #: 976 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NC Posts: 1,503	There should be an tension adjustment screw on the inside of the scope arm.

September 09, 2009, 18:19	#33
gunnut1 Moderator Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 1877 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: The great Republic of Texas USA!!!!! Posts: 10,423	IIRC, you do not tighten the castle nut. Iwill look at mine and post more later night. __________________ Texas, it's a state of mind!!!! The human race is not the pinnacle of evolution. We are but one evolutionary out come.

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