TM PSG-1 review

[BillyWu]

Here's a review of the Tokyo Marui PSG-1 as I've found it so far.

 

 

Intro

So, the basic introduction. PSG-1 stands for "Prazisions-Scharfsch¸tzen-Gewehr". The gun itself is made by Heckler & Koch.

 

The basic specs of this airsoft variant of the gun are:

 

* Length: 1208mm

* Weight: 9.5lbs

* Motor: EG700 Special

* Gearbox: Version 4

* MV: 300FPS

* Battery Size: mini or AK

 

One extremely important thing to note with this gun is that it's an AEG, not gas or spring.

 

Now, the 300FPS is only STOCK out the box. Upgraded this thing can be pushed to 600 or higher FPS, though that makes it illegal.

 

It costs about £280 and for that you get the following bits:

 

The gun itself and obviously the box

A special key for adjusting the stock bits

Tracer unit threaded adaptor

Some Marui BB's

The 4x40 Tasco scope (comes attached and as standard)

Metal 15 round magazine

 

 

 

Appearance & build quality

The gun itself is gorgeous. It's very unique, not many people have it and it's different from your average springer sniper rifles.

 

As for build quality, it's a very impressive gun by Marui. Very strong and well built as with all their guns. Some people have experienced creaks from the foregrip, though I haven't found this to be the case... or if it is, it isn't noticable.

 

There's not alot else to say really. It looks lovely and it's very well built. But one thing to note is that this gun is very long, it's a massive tool. If you can carry it around all day and don't mind the long-*albatross* barrel, then don't worry

 

Appearance and build quality: 10/10

 

 

Performance

When you first fire the gun, the performance for a sniper rifle is quite frankly rubbish. It's about 300 FPS out the box I think. You WILL need to upgrade this gun to make it good. Once you do upgrade it though, not much is going to stop you.

 

The scope is fantastic though. Very easy to adjust because there's no covers for the adjustment dials, so you can quickly alter it. The zoom is ideal too. Not too little, not too much. Perfect for the range you'll be shooting from.

 

This gun is a 100% project gun. If you want to make it into a proper long distance sniper rifle, you'll NEED a 200% spring. 300% is also another option, but that will make it over 500FPS, which is too much for our UK sites. Who needs 500FPS anyway?

But with a 200% spring, you'll need a Systema gearbox (the Stock gearbox will wear away very quickly without it) and at LEAST a 9.6v battery. An 8.4v battery had trouble turning over a 160%, let alone the 200%. I use a custom made 10.8v 1400 mAh battery for mine. There's no trigger latency and it always fully cycles the gun.

 

Once you've got the power and the upgrades, the gun is fantastic. It's ideal for shooting other snipers and because it's semi automatic, you'll have the edge over them.

 

Accuracy is great straight from the beginning. Once you've upgraded it though you're going to want to upgrade the barrel. Here's how my PSG-1 was with a 160% spring and no other upgrades: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSq0qak-gyU.

 

Right now at the time of writing this review, I've got a 200% spring, Systema full tuned up gearbox and a 10.8v custom battery (6 cells and 2 cells in a stick set-up). The accuracy at about 35meters shooting them cans isn't fantastic, but doable. I've got a tightbore barrel on the way though so that should give me a significant improvement in accuracy.

 

Overall, seeing as im rating the gun based on everything it comes with, I'd rate the gun for performance: 6/10

 

Overall

Overall, this gun is a project gun only, unless you can handle the crappy 300FPS stock performance. Once you've upgraded it though, it's brilliant. Plus it's unique and not many people have it.

 

Rating overall (stock parts): 7/10

Rating overall (upgraded): 9/10

 

 

 

Important notes: When you fire this gun, it functions differently to AEG's. It doesn't cycle the spring when you pull the trigger. Pulling the trigger will release the spring and will also compress it again ready for the next shot. Because of this, the first shot is always a blank fire shot unless you've left the spring compressed. Also, there's a small switch above the trigger. When you're done firing the gun, you should press it to decompress the spring so that it's not left compressed (therefore leaving it to adjust to it's shape when it's compressed, reducing the tension of it and therefore reducing power).

 

Also, it has the great feature of the cocking lever actually working! It loads the first BB into the chamber to be fired and can be locked in place to reveal the hop-up to be adjusted. This also can cause double loading so be careful.

 

 

Hope this review helps some people Let me know if you have any questions. I'll try and help you out.

 

 

Updates!

30th July 2009: I've had my PSG-1 fully upgraded internally for a while now. I've chrono'd it at 465 FPS on a 200% spring though I need to service the gearbox and improve the airseal. I'm hoping this will make it 480-500 FPS. I've upgraded the barrel also. It shoots VERY well, I cannot upgrade it any further internally. I have a bipod, sling swivel and sling on the way for it.

 

 

PS: If anyone thinks I stole this from a different forum then you'd be wrong This review as shown here is written by me elsewhere though may be a different username.

[3vi1-D4n]

The PSG is a bit of a specialist weapon.

 

Accuracy from the weapon isn't spectacular, in fact a PSG with a tightbore shoots about the same accuracy as a tightbored G3 with a backbone kit or a G3 with a metal body/cocking tube. A Star SLR gets better groupings than the PSG. But it would be interesting to get a PSG metal body kit and chamber block to see if the accuracy can be improved.

 

However the instant release trigger can be an advantage, the issue is that if you release the trigger too soon it locks up, and decocking it is required. The solution is to get a systema tune up kit with the timer mosfet on it, seems to get rid of the trigger issue.

 

Semi-auto cutoff lever wears over time, there was a steel one available but that has disappeared off the market along with most PSG1 accessories.

 

Bit tacky and flimsy, point of aim is affected when going prone. When I was using one And when I did a bug out of my hide, I felt that the scraping the ground/branches would knock my aim off, and once in a while it did. For airsoft you could do just as well with an SLR or G3 and still have the same effect minus the aim thing.

 

Else yeah its the first EBB rifle in the market.

Edited July 30, 2009 by 3vi1-D4n

[BillyWu]

That's true, there may be other AEG's out there that may perform better than it, but none the less it is still a top end gun when you fully pimp it out. As good as it will get

[Wege]

Hey Dan, remember when we/you chucked the G3SG1 front end into it, and it performed even better?

That was just silly stuff.

 

Honestly, if you can correctly and firmly mate the PSG1 body/receiver with the front end of a TM SG1, then it fires more consistently and with more power too (I think.. I recall the fps levels at 400+.. )

[3vi1-D4n]

Because of overinflated price of parts I don't think I have ever seen a PSG with a metal body or cocking tube + chamber block to say that it can be pimped out enough to be "range effective" let alone "skirmish effective".

 

Its like an old Ferrari, fast, looks the shizzle, but handles poorly and requires hearing protection to drive.

 

And yeah Jono, that mated PSG/SG1 was more effective than the PSG itself Oh if only I wasn't using 0.25gs. It was chronoing 532fps.

 

 

Edited July 30, 2009 by 3vi1-D4n

[Wege]

at least with the lipo packs of today, the stock won't weigh a ton and need to be reinforced to hold the nicad 12v battery packs

 

 

edit- to correct 'way' for 'weigh' doh!

Edited July 30, 2009 by Wege

[BillyWu]

I'm contemplating getting a metal chamber block and body but the chamber block is turning out to be difficult to trace and the magnesium body is expensive.

 

The gun is skirmishable, I've found it to be very good in all the time I've been using it

[Wege]

go to xfire website I think from memory.

[3vi1-D4n]

UK vs NZ is a different kettle of fish.

 

UK has a lot more sites, there is a lot more experienced organisers and there are a well developed system of play, with a lower FPS limit.

 

NZ has less experiences in organising large events, as most people here have a greenie farmer background/influence and less military experience in the population. Here, depending on field and club, the FPS limits are different and affects how weapons are used.

 

When an accurised short barreled carbine and a accurised rifle of the same FPS is put up over 400fps, even with the same accuracy at 10m, the ballistic and range differences will become apparent at 40-50m/~150ft.

 

Also the differences in rifles of similar barrel length will also show, as it can really highlight the imperfection of the parts and the weapon system design, particularly if our rifles reach out to 260ft/80m.

 

With the structural qualities of the PSG it does not make it a very battle durable and consistent rifle for delivering rounds at distance consistently.

 

PSG is exactly as I compared an old Ferrari. Its still wow, but not a big wow.

Edited July 30, 2009 by 3vi1-D4n

[Ion]

I just got a PSG1 yesterday. What an amazing gun.

Externally from past expeirience, no other TM gun can compare. I was expecting a TM creak machine from the numerous rumors. My PSG1 has a bit of creak on the foregrip, but with some electrical tape, it won't be for long.

 

Just an austounding gun.

 

Great review BTW. Sorry if I missed it, but will you be getting pictures up?

[BillyWu]

I don't have alot of pictures, only a video of when it wasn't fully upgraded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSq0qak-gyU

[l85 guy]

I have a plan to mate a CA SG1 with a TM PSG-1, kinda like what was already mentioned before, but reversed. I want to fit the hand guard and barrel, and stock, of a PSG-1 to a CA SG1, thus I will have the ability to use commonly available parts. My plan was to use the metal cocking tube from the CA in place of the PSG-1, but also use a G3 chamber block, but with the PSG-1 length barrel. I realize that structural integrity is a big issue.

Also, I was planning to take a look at the PSG-1 hop-up. I know that it is in the same position as a regular G3 hop-up, so space permiting I may try to keep the original hop-up, and trim a conventional air nozzle to work. Reason being is I have read the PSG-1 hop-up is one of the best, correct? If not, the g3 hop-up will be fitted and a PSG-1 length barrel will be installed. Of course, I will install the necessary bore up parts to get the air output to match the barrel.

I plan to buy the Sg1 maybe later this year, and see about finding someone wiling to part out a FUBAR PSG-1, and if all goes well, see about getting a MThaynes GB and some serious upgrades. Included will be a mosfet to keep it semi only, along with a Lipo to cut down on necessary battery space.

 

I think this plan covers my bases, I haven't had a lot of time to look over either of these guns, and I know they won't just go together, I'm planning on having to do some modding, but to anyone who has handle either, can you tell me what your thoughts are?

[udunson]

Good review. Pictures would be nice though.

[L4byr1nth]

Yup, you also missed the fact that it has blowback.

 

Pictures would be good too.

 

Ben.

[Ion]

I have a plan to mate a CA SG1 with a TM PSG-1, kinda like what was already mentioned before, but reversed. I want to fit the hand guard and barrel, and stock, of a PSG-1 to a CA SG1, thus I will have the ability to use commonly available parts. My plan was to use the metal cocking tube from the CA in place of the PSG-1, but also use a G3 chamber block, but with the PSG-1 length barrel. I realize that structural integrity is a big issue.

Also, I was planning to take a look at the PSG-1 hop-up. I know that it is in the same position as a regular G3 hop-up, so space permiting I may try to keep the original hop-up, and trim a conventional air nozzle to work. Reason being is I have read the PSG-1 hop-up is one of the best, correct? If not, the g3 hop-up will be fitted and a PSG-1 length barrel will be installed. Of course, I will install the necessary bore up parts to get the air output to match the barrel.

I plan to buy the Sg1 maybe later this year, and see about finding someone wiling to part out a FUBAR PSG-1, and if all goes well, see about getting a MThaynes GB and some serious upgrades. Included will be a mosfet to keep it semi only, along with a Lipo to cut down on necessary battery space.

 

I think this plan covers my bases, I haven't had a lot of time to look over either of these guns, and I know they won't just go together, I'm planning on having to do some modding, but to anyone who has handle either, can you tell me what your thoughts are?

I was amazed with the PSG1 hop-up unit.

 

I would just go straight for the PSG1, that gearbox is guaranteed never to break, although, the system itself is kinda a PITA. I do love the precocking system.

I think its been done before. I'll edit the guys username into this post for ya, I know he had one and changed it back to a G3, maybe he still has the PSG1 parts that he would sell you.

 

EDIT: His username is mikoyan99 talk to him and ask if he still has the PSG1 parts.

Edited August 2, 2009 by Ion

[CSAirsoftJunkie]

"and a 10.8v custom battery (6 cells and 2 cells in a stick set-up). " Um that makes 8 cells which is a 9.6v battery. So.. which is it?

[2dgreengiant]

Great review mabey some pics

[BillyWu]

"and a 10.8v custom battery (6 cells and 2 cells in a stick set-up). " Um that makes 8 cells which is a 9.6v battery. So.. which is it?

 

Something like that lol, I don't remember the exact set up because I can't actually see the cells anymore. Can't get the battery out easy.

It's a 10.8v though, I think it was 6 + 3.

[l85 guy]

I was amazed with the PSG1 hop-up unit.

 

I would just go straight for the PSG1, that gearbox is guaranteed never to break, although, the system itself is kinda a PITA. I do love the precocking system.

I think its been done before. I'll edit the guys username into this post for ya, I know he had one and changed it back to a G3, maybe he still has the PSG1 parts that he would sell you.

 

EDIT: His username is mikoyan99 talk to him and ask if he still has the PSG1 parts.

 

Thanks for the lead, I'm waiting for a reply. Anyways, everyone has been telling me to get the full gun, I have worked on L85s which I assume is similar, I do like its precocking system, but do hate it when it locks up, was that what was so bad?

[Ion]

Thanks for the lead, I'm waiting for a reply. Anyways, everyone has been telling me to get the full gun, I have worked on L85s which I assume is similar, I do like its precocking system, but do hate it when it locks up, was that what was so bad?

Nah, I mean the blowback is. Its a PITA for me since I'm always worried aboutt breaking the blowback. And a new gearset is $130. I did find one on Zaisoft for $115 which is a bit better but still kinda steep.

I've never heard of the PSG1 locking up since its so easy to fix if the gun does. (release switch)

[BillyWu]

Nah, I mean the blowback is. Its a PITA for me since I'm always worried aboutt breaking the blowback. And a new gearset is $130. I did find one on Zaisoft for $115 which is a bit better but still kinda steep.

I've never heard of the PSG1 locking up since its so easy to fix if the gun does. (release switch)

 

That's true, it is easy to work on.

Problem is that once you get a high FPS spring, the blowback stops working.

[3vi1-D4n]

Mating a PSG1 front to a G3 mech is not a wise choice. It is because the standard AEG mech cylinder pushes less air than the amount required for the PSG1 barrel to function optimally.

 

You can do it the other way around PSG mech/receiver to a G3 front by drilling a part of a receiver underneath the magazine release lever. That will give you super optimal performance

[l85 guy]

Nah, I mean the blowback is. Its a PITA for me since I'm always worried aboutt breaking the blowback. And a new gearset is $130. I did find one on Zaisoft for $115 which is a bit better but still kinda steep.

I've never heard of the PSG1 locking up since its so easy to fix if the gun does. (release switch)

 

Ah, I didn't know about that. Well, I like that better then the L85s solution.

 

Mating a PSG1 front to a G3 mech is not a wise choice. It is because the standard AEG mech cylinder pushes less air than the amount required for the PSG1 barrel to function optimally.

 

You can do it the other way around PSG mech/receiver to a G3 front by drilling a part of a receiver underneath the magazine release lever. That will give you super optimal performance

 

But wouldn't a bore-up kit get me more than enough air output for the regular length barrel? I thought bore-ups were good for barrels up to a 650mm barrel, or am I off?

[Ion]

Ah, I didn't know about that. Well, I like that better then the L85s solution.

 

 

 

But wouldn't a bore-up kit get me more than enough air output for the regular length barrel? I thought bore-ups were good for barrels up to a 650mm barrel, or am I off?

 

Bore-ups do work in longer barrels, however just because of the PSG1 cylinder's size it will be much more consistent to use a PSG1 gearbox if you can find one. And that pre-cocking system is awesome. I can't get over it.

BTW: If you are trying to mix the two because you are worried about parts breaking or the gun itself not being strong, its a very sturdy gun. And the externals are actually very nice. I figured I'd have a G&G metal body on there so quick, but I was impressed with them so the body can come a little later.

[BillyWu]

True that A better first option would be a metal chamber block, then the magnesium body after.