How did the 1972 Olympics shape modern sniper rifles?
The Olympics are intended to identify the world's best athletes, but they have also contributed to developing weapons used by anti-terrorist units. Here is the history and performance of the ahead-of-its-time HK PSG1 sniper rifle, created due to the events at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
During the XX Summer Olympics in Munich in 1972, 11 Israeli athletes were killed by the Palestinian terrorist organisation "Black September". Most of the victims were slain during a failed hostage rescue attempt at the airport by the German police.
Due to national regulations, snipers from the Bundeswehr could not be used. The German police decided to employ five of their best shooters armed with standard HK G3 rifles without optical sights. They were positioned several hundred yards from the targets during the night, expected to perform under intense stress.
The tragedy at the Olympics became a catalyst for sniper rifle development
After the catastrophe, lessons were learned, and Germany decided to establish the GSG9 anti-terrorist unit under the Federal Border Guard. It was also recognised that the new elite unit required the best training and the finest available weaponry.
Regarding sniper rifles, the Germans demanded pinpoint precision in semi-automatic weapons, which was unprecedented in the 1970s. Heckler & Koch committed to achieving this, and in the meantime, a version of the G3SG/1 rifles (Scharfschützengewehr) was created, which were the best production models of the G3. These were equipped with an optical sight, a trigger mechanism with a set trigger, and a stock with a vertically adjustable cheek pad.
Although it was an effective weapon, it still did not meet the demands of GSG9. The result of Heckler & Koch's work was the PSG1 (Präzisionsscharfschützengewehr 1), which set many developmental trends in sniper rifles. Even after 50 years, the performance of the PSG1 still impresses. Few mass-produced semi-automatic sniper rifles can boast such accuracy.
We had the opportunity to fire a few shots at the LOK Białogard range from a 1989 PSG1, with a reasonably low production number, which likely came from the Gruppo di Intervento Speciale (GIS). It is estimated that no more than 1,500 - 2,000 units of this weapon were produced before production ceased. The rifle's price in the USA was $10,000; currently, the few that exist can fetch a fortune on the market. Interestingly, one piece is for sale in Poland for £18,000.
HK PSG1 - a legendary design ahead of its time
The PSG1's base was the G3 rifle, but to meet the requirements of GSG9, it featured several significant design changes. German sources mention that each PSG1 produced had to pass a test of firing 50 shots at a target 330 yards away, with all the shots fitting within a 3.5-inch diameter circle. Such results were the norm for the rifle test cards, and with match-grade/target ammunition, one could achieve a group size of 1.8 inches at 330 yards.
Due to this requirement, the PSG1 has a thick barrel with substantial thermal capacity and a polygonal bore. This configuration ensures that the barrel does not touch other parts of the rifle except at the mounting point, positively influencing accuracy by preventing vibration transmission. The rifle's receiver was reinforced.
In standard G3 rifles, a stamped sheet of metal with limited rigidity is used. Since rigidity is crucial for a sniper rifle, the Germans welded two reinforcing rails to the sides of the rifle. Consequently, the PSG1 is a heavy weapon weighing 18 lb, yet it is well balanced despite a barrel length of 26 inches. The centre of gravity is precisely at the magazine well.
The large mass of the PSG1 did not pose a problem as it was a weapon for police snipers who usually observe an area from one place for extended periods. Moreover, the large mass, combined with the internal damper and distinctive impulse, effectively mitigates recoil, allowing for rapid firing at multiple targets. In this context, a very convenient foldable bipod, which reduces recoil slightly due to the rubber insert on which the rifle rests, is very helpful.
Another notable feature is the stock with cheek pad length and height adjustment, which was not standard at the time. Similarly, the ergonomic pistol grip with an adjustable wrist rest was noteworthy.
Innovative solutions
The original walnut grip on the PSG1 was designed by Nill Grip, known for making stocks, mounts, and grips for sports weapons used by professionals, including those at the Olympics. The PSG1 was one of the first mass-produced designs with a high level of adaptation to the shooter's physiology. Its pistol grip and stock were, and still are, widely copied.
The last visible addition compared to the G3 rifle is the bolt carrier, known as AR-15 standard weapons. In theory, it allows for silent bolt closure, but there is little difference in practice compared to the classic method of reloading this family of weapons. However, it is helpful when the bolt closes too slowly to overcome the resistance of the rollers.
The PSG1 operates on the principle of delayed blowback. This is a very simple and dirt-resistant system, as the powder gases constantly act directly on the bolt with great force. The bolt is not locked but held by a pair of rollers, transferring energy to the so-called control wedge.
The pushing out of these rollers from the recesses by the retraction of the control wedge delays the opening of the bolt until the pressure in the barrel drops to a safe level. This system is simpler than one based on a gas piston and a bolt locked by rotation. In the case of the PSG1, the titanium rollers are designed to be non-rotating and always lock in the same place. This is a key aspect ensuring consistent wear and repeatability, which are crucial in a sniper rifle.
An interesting aspect is the trigger mechanism. Compared to the G3, the hammer is positioned earlier, meaning it has a shorter path to strike the firing pin. The mechanism also features a two-stage action. The first spring releasing the hammer is weak, so the trigger is light (requiring just under 3.3 lb of pressure).
Midway through the hammer's travel, a second, stronger spring activates. This accelerates the firing process and ensures that the hammer strikes the firing pin with enough force to ignite even hard military primers. This is a creative workaround for the age-old problem of balancing reliability with a light trigger pull.
All these features contribute to a weapon that, for decades, was an unrivalled sniper rifle model. Despite nearly 50 years of existence, the PSG1 remains competitive with modern rifles, capable of three accurate shots in four seconds at head-sized targets 330 yards away. The only drawback is the fixed scope, which was addressed in the PSG1A1 version from 2006.
