PSG1

The PSG-1 is a Heckler & Koch made semi-automatic rifle, intended for use by both the German 'polizei' and military. The letters 'PSG' actually stand for 'Präzisionsschützengewehr', or 'Precision Marksman Rifle'. The PSG-1 was designed during the 1970s, and a common rumor is that it was due to the massacre at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. Whether or not this is a true rumor or not remains to be seen, but the PSG-1 is known for its precision accuracy. Mechanically, the weapon shares much of its design with the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle. PSG-1 rifles do not have iron sights, and upon purchase come with a scope mounted upon them. According to US Military tests conducted in the 1980s, the PSG-1 proved less accurate than the M21 and M40 sniper rifles. Both of these rifles are employed by the US military, and for this reason, the results have been disputed.

A trivial fact about the PSG-1 is that it actually ejects a cartridge with enough force to propel it up to ten metres, which is surprisingly high. This is a key reason that the weapon is not ideal when employed by the military: it can make the shooter more obvious. The German equivalent of the SWAT do make use of the PSG-1, but many groups assumed to use it do not. PSG-1 examples are notoriously difficult to find in the United States, and currently, numbers are estimated at around 400 across all of the US. Many of them are owned by private collectors, and prices (including import fees) hover at around $12,000 or more.

Appearances

Metal Gear Solid

One of the more famous uses of the PSG1 sniper rifle occurs in the first Metal Gear Solid. After the Psycho Mantis boss battle, Meryl and Snake must travel toward the underground base. On their way, Meryl is hit by the expert marksman Sniper Wolf, who carries a PSG1 herself. She is left lying in the passage while Snake is able to escape behind a wall. Knowing of the impending trap, Snake is advised to retreat so he to does not get picked off by Wolf. Snake must then travel back to the armory where the PSG1 can be found on the second floor of the Tank Hangar. After picking up the sniper and arriving back at the underground passage, Meryl is gone and the boss fight between Solid Snake and Sniper Wolf ensues.

Grand Theft Auto

A useable PSG1 appeared in the PS2 release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, but in all other versions of the game, the same weapon was named ".308 Sniper".

The GTA IV variant, called the Combat Sniper, is also an imitation of the PSG1 with a different name.