God bless you on your journey! I didn’t have the stomach for it so I scratched the itch with a SR9-TC clone(ish) build:
https://www.hkpro.com/threads/sr9-sisters.583569/

Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you 👍

 

Thanks! I figure it will be a while before I get everything together no matter which way I go. The SR9 wasn't really in my thoughts, but it's probably worth considering. Thanks for an alternative idea!

 

You have to change so much that in my opinion it's not worth changing a built rifle and it makes more sense to start from the ground up

 

That's what I was thinking, too. The only way it might make sense was if I could find one in the $300-$500 range. A "gunsmith special" or the like.

 

I have quite a few parts for a PSG1 build. Message me, if you're seriously think of build from scratch.

 

I will do that when I can use the Private Messages. Although I've been on here for 18 months, I don't post very often, so I'm still below the limit.

 

I also have a new SR9, dressed as a TC.....

 

It that just the stock and grip being switched out? Or at there other changes?

 

Yup. For a normal SR9 (not a T or TC), it is just the stock, grip and handguard changed. The pic of my pair show a direct comparison between a stock SR9 and one that had those aforementioned parts swapped. For me, it was the easiest (and still authentic HK) way to get a PSG-1 look

 

The trigger-group is the big deal.

 

Very true! Mine was solely for the looks. If I ever find a PSG-1 trigger group, shoe, and selector I'll be sure to add those too. Too expensive for me

 

Hi All,

After some consideration, I have decided that my next HK acquisition will be a PSG1. Or more correctly, a PSG1 clone, as the last PSG1 I saw for sale was a wee bit pricey. ($42k!) I've read through a number of threads of people here who have done similar projects and they seem to take one of three routes to get a PSG1 clone:

• Buy a PTR 91 or C308 Sporter and go through a Do-It-Yourself rebuild it with a longer trunnion, barrel, trigger group, etc.
• Buy and collect the parts and do a DIY build from the ground up with an 80% receiver.
• Buy and collect the parts and have a specialty shop do the build.

My preference is either the first or the second option. My gunsmithing skills, while mostly self-taught, are fair-to-good and I'm not afraid to learn new skills as needed.

At this point I'd like to hear from people who have done all three routes -or any other options I've missed- and have any insights about the good, the bad, and the ugly of what they did, and what they learned in the process.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the subject!

Well, if you go the DIY route or need it for a build, I have a PSG1 trigger pack available. (Shameless plug).

To your original question, I would use an HK91 as the base. Obviously it won’t be 100% clone correct or a PSG-1, but at least it will be an HK based build.

 

Changing the trunnion in one of these is not worth it. You essentially destroy the receiver in pulling it. I've done it exactly once to a cetme, it was not fun. There's no such animal as an 80 percent for one of these; its a flat and not a gun, or its bent and its a gun. Doesn't need to be welded to be considered an FFL item. Best to start with a flat, that way you can get it engraved with PSG 1 and the proper long trunnion installed. The rest is more or less "standard" HK building. The handguard is like an MP5SD cage so the barrel freefloats, kinda sorta anyway.

 

Changing the trunnion in one of these is not worth it. You essentially destroy the receiver in pulling it. I've done it exactly once to a cetme, it was not fun.

Huh? I don't think it should destroy the receiver at all. You are supposed to grind off the welds and then pull/press out the trunnion after removing the pins and barrels. It's a lot of work but done right it shouldn't damage the receiver, at least not technically. Or at least as far as I know....

 

I started with PSG-1 receiver flats that Rtg parts sold years ago the only difference between a G3 flat and the PSG-1 flats are the claw mount raise portion are gone for the PSG-1.
Collecting parts for a PSG-1 build in todays world is very hard to find parts and very very expensive.
I bought all my parts 20 years ago when HK parts had everything in stock.
I am still trying to find correct scopes and mounts
I am not paying $4,000 ea. and up for the scopes
So after market will have to do.

 

Wow! Quite the nice pair of PSG1's.

At this point, I've come to the conclusion that it would probably be more "PSG1-ish", than a true 100% copy. I don't need the forward assist for quiet ops, and I assumed that the claw mount bumps are going to be on either an existing upper or a any available flat. Also, I was thinking of mounting a more modern scope that the original, which probably means going to a rail rather than the original inverted L tabs.

 

I recently sent off accumulated parts for a psg1 style build....and i went w/ a builder (Black Ops Defense) and I believe that DIY maybe a bit much regardless of cutting up an existing rifle or virgin build from a flat/new receiver.

I'm not knocking your smithing abilities, its just that a PSG is intended to be a precision shooter (I assume thats the intent for you) and better to have an experienced builder take it on for best results.....especially so, if you are going for authenticity and all the little details that make it a correct PSG.

Mine was always intended to be a shooter, and I was super happy with Wes@BOD....excellent build, welds and the re-finish were great. The pic rail was very well aligned to the bore axis: My scope only needed minimal elevation adjustment from mechanical zero. I opt'd for the fwd assist, and the notch cuts to the std G3 carrier were really well done. Im still seasoning the barrel, but its been shooting as well as I am capable of.

There are several great builders here, and I recommend talking with each of them to discuss your particulars and choose the one youre most comfortable with.

 

Thanks, and I appreciate your input, and I will look into builders who specialize in the PSG1. My skills might not be up to do everything, but I also have a friend that holds a FFL-07. He builds custom hunting rifles, and he's indicated a willingness to help if I get way in over my head.

 

I’ve been down the PSG-1 clone rabbit hole myself, and it can get pretty intense with all the parts and details. I’d say that starting from a flat, as 19Charlie_84 mentioned, might be your best bet if you're aiming for something close to the real deal. The parts are tough to find, but with the right contacts, it’s doable.

Also, if you’re looking for a more practical shooter rather than an exact replica, maybe look into modern scope options, like what BIG50 suggested, and avoid the astronomical prices of original PSG-1 glass. As for the build, I’ve heard a few good things about Black Ops Defense—they do great work on these builds. Having someone with that kind of experience can save a lot of headaches and give you a true precision shooter.

Good luck with the project!

 

As you say, it's probably going to be more "practical shooter" than "exact replica". A replica still won't be a real PSG1 and modern features such as newer glass would be much more practical for range use than a 40+ year-old scope.

 

Hi All,

After some consideration, I have decided that my next HK acquisition will be a PSG1. Or more correctly, a PSG1 clone, as the last PSG1 I saw for sale was a wee bit pricey. ($42k!) I've read through a number of threads of people here who have done similar projects and they seem to take one of three routes to get a PSG1 clone:

• Buy a PTR 91 or C308 Sporter and go through a Do-It-Yourself rebuild it with a longer trunnion, barrel, trigger group, etc.
• Buy and collect the parts and do a DIY build from the ground up with an 80% receiver.
• Buy and collect the parts and have a specialty shop do the build.

My preference is either the first or the second option. My gunsmithing skills, while mostly self-taught, are fair-to-good and I'm not afraid to learn new skills as needed.

At this point I'd like to hear from people who have done all three routes -or any other options I've missed- and have any insights about the good, the bad, and the ugly of what they did, and what they learned in the process.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the subject!

You might want to take a look at what I have built from a flat. This is my interpretation of PSG1, but i have built a 100% clone as well.

https://www.hkpro.com/threads/80-receiver-psg1-ultimate-evo-build.580876/?post_id=4228054#post-4228054

 

Thanks, I found your "Ultimate EVO Build" thread a few weeks back, and it's quite inspiring! The pictures gave a lot of detail which I found useful in determining that I could go the DIY route.

 

Build what YOU like. To me, an exact replica that you can shoot without having stress-issues...is worth a bunch more than a safe/closet queen.

 

I already have one HK safe queen: A HK94A3 that I bought new in 1985. This build I want to shoot!

 

I did a PSG1 ish clone build myself that was handled by Parabellum Combat Systems about 6-7 years back. Used a PTR receiver, RCM barrel and trunion, Receiver T rails, HK Parts cocking PSG1 tube, extended charging handle, German PSG1 Handguard, HK91 German bolt group, PSG-1 trigger pack, HK91 trigger housing, US made wood PSG1 clone grip, and a Magpul PRS stock. For optic i had Jeff weld a rail on and used a spare vortex scope i had. I did not do the forward assist and correspoding cuts on the carrier.

I haven't shot it in a few years but want to get it back out again soon. Only thing i'd like to find is a scope with a shorter length to give more clearance when locking the bolt open as the cocking handle comes close

 

That's what I'm leaning towards at the moment. I like the idea of semi-auto longer distance rifle that I've built myself, based on HK and HK clone components.

 

I sold almost all my safe-queen 9X series rifles. Actually, I've sold most of my "legacy"[lol] rifles.
I have 2 94's left, and a couple SR9's.

 

I would suggest you just bite the bullet and buy a psg1 from Mike Otte. He imported a number of them. I’d personally buy a factory gun and not go down the psg1 clone path. If you can’t afford a true psg1, buy a nice 91 and enjoy it. And if you want to shoot bug holes, buy a Seekins 6.5cm SP10, put some great glass on it.

 

Fun doesn’t have to make sense

 

I disagree on this. Weight, most likely but definetly not accuracy and reliability.

The modern HK gas-operated rifle outperforms the roller-locked gun in reliability, parts service life, ease of maintenance and cleaning, performance with various ammo types and with suppressors. The fact that some 3rd world countries still use the G3 speaks little about its technical or performance superiority.
G3Kurz

 

I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread back in April. Since originally posting, I'd started slowly acquiring PSG-1 parts. Things changed recently, and I was able purchase an SR9, set up in the TC configuration.

For now my PSG-1 clone project is on hold, maybe permanently, while try out my SR9. In the meantime, the belt-feds HK21's/HK21E's have caught my eye, so I may have another project soon.

Thanks again, everyone!

 

I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread back in April. Since originally posting, I'd started slowly acquiring PSG-1 parts. Things changed recently, and I was able purchase an SR9, set up in the TC configuration.

For now my PSG-1 clone project is on hold, maybe permanently, while try out my SR9. In the meantime, the belt-feds HK21's/HK21E's have caught my eye, so I may have another project soon.

Thanks again, everyone!

OP, I went through the same evolution of your thought process throughout the years. I first purchased a LNIB IB HK91 and added a period correct Hendsolt Optic, Factory MSG90 stock assembly and trigger group. Absolute tack driver for a factory roller lock firearm. I then turned to the Hk21 platform with the recent release of the parts kits last year and had an HK21 built by PCS. Amazing build to say the least! Good luck with your journey. Enjoy!

 

Awesome! Thanks for the update.

 

My SR9 in TC clothes, is an absolute tack-driver. It was new when I bought it, and has about 80-100 rounds thru it.

 

Yes! Mine looks identical! It's "used" only in that it was bought and modified to the TC config, but it was never fired.

 

Yup. Dressed mine up like a Barbie.

 

They're all just shooters. Great shooters!

 

Blackthorn

I have a gun that’s almost ready - I have all the parts message- all it really needs to be correct is a cut carrier for the forward assist

I also have a 91 project gun that needs barrel install I have MSG90A1 barrels I have 2 more trigger groups - msg90a1 and PSG1

and an SR9 -

also hand guards for these projects

message me direct here then we can communicate by phone if interested

 

I started off with a broken PTR and think that was an easier route. The huge problem is just finding the parts now, I got a forend before they were unobtanium and went with the magpul stock with a new cheekpiece. I did the trunion extension on my build and got the palm rest from VFC and used a airsoft grip because it was nicer than the US made version.

https://www.hkpro.com/threads/psg-juan-psg1.581992/

I've got forward assist housings if anyone needs some

 

I've got forward assist housings if anyone needs some

3D printed?