"Dragunov" Sniper Rifles (we have at home) - 🇷🇴 Romanian PSL 🇷🇸 Yugo M76 🇮🇶 Iraqi Tabuk Sniper

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The Soviet Union under Russian leadership had developed one of the world’s most efficient sniper doctrines using the SVD, Dragunov Sniper Rifle… and they exported the both to their allies.
But what if Mother Russia isn’t very fond of you, and yet you still wanted to operate that effective soviet sniper doctrine?
We talk about three examples of the “Dragunov we have at home” from good, adequate to downright ugly… how well they replicate the requirements for the Soviet-style Sniper, and their performance as a whole.
**Special Thanks**
Kiril - for loaning us his Yugo M76
David - for loaning us his Tabuk Sniper
Zach "Chef" - for all the cool conversations we've had on the three rifles and especially helping us find the PSL failures
Apex G parts - M70 Kit :)
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Music by Tyops (THANKS!!!)
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[@9HoleReviews]

I'm sure some of you will angrily say that these are DMRs and not sniper rifles. That's literally what this video is about: the Soviet Sniper doctrine being re-interpreted as the NATO Designated Marksman. Please watch the video before you angrily comment.

[@wolflegion_]

Expecting me to have an attention span beyond the first 5 seconds, do we now? REEEEE

[@lucastonoli3256]

Wait until they find out that the AKS74U is an SMG.

[@lunchpin403]

@@lucastonoli3256 no that is a sniper rifle

[@Excalibur01]

Tomato tomato

[@attaque71]

And where's the fun in that? 😉

[@rianmach9043]

This video is fantastic. Best rundown of the flaws of the PSL I’ve ever seen on KZbin.

[@9HoleReviews]

it only took me owning 3 PSLs to figure out that people never talked about their flaws :(

[@aceman1126]

I've read about and see some of these issues but really the whole reason most people have a psl is due to the cost of svd lol The psl is the malt-o-meal of commie snipers

[@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor]

@9-Hole Reviews thank you for sharing. I had seen the same issues with my PSL but blamed myself since I built it. I still love mine and get great results with handloads the drifting is a real issue.

[@traqnhristov960]

@@9HoleReviews when talking about PSL dispersion the first target has number "4" written on it. Whats that about?

[@509Gman]

I thought something was strange when my buddy who is a fantastic shot and marksmanship instructor was making some very amateur looking groups with his. He bought it on the basis of affordability (in 2006 or so ). I think I’ll just make an AK4D clone.

[@Minutes-Mils]

I picked up a yugo M77 .308 for me to fulfill my taste of "Dragonuv at home" absolutely love it so far

[@_Jebb_]

i totally respect your purchase

[@509Gman]

I want one. Love that the former Warsaw Pact/now NATO countries are adapting those designs to cartridges I can more easily obtain.

[@robertparis5680]

In my mind, I want one so very badly. Just because I thoroughly enjoy old comblock rifles and slapping cool guy shit on it. That said, every time I've wanted to buy one I end up thinking an AR-10 thats more set up like the m&p10 would suit my needs and aesthetic wants better ( think like a 308 gordan carbine). Im.hella jealous you just went through with it.

[@moistjohn]

I wish they would sell us an 8mm variant tho. What an absolute vibe.

[@JohnsonMalarkey]

@@moistjohn I think the Serbs moved on from 8mm Mauser... There are Zastava M91's (7,62x54R) on the market now.

[@fireman305]

M76’s always manage to grab my attention.

[@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor]

The price tag on them makes me wish I picked up a kit back when they were more affordable. The Tabuk is perhaps the best for mid range use.

[@fireman305]

@@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor I’m picking up an M90 next week and am thinking about decking it out like a Tabuk or a 74 side folder. I wish I had the funds to get an M76 kit. Hell I wish I had gotten into Kalashnikovs back when they were reasonable.

[@SALTYCOMBATDIVER-ExInstructor]

@David R I like my Yugo M90A, one of my favorite.

[@Killjoy7581]

@@fireman305 get an m77! Can dress it m76 furniture but is in .308

[@fireman305]

@@Killjoy7581 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@lencao4515]

Will we get a "We have MK12/M110 at home" sequel?

[@imperialbricks1977]

M76 is objectively the best because it's 8mm Mauser.

[@TheGuy030770]

I bought a PSL when they first hit our market around 1997. They would go for $799. That rifle was SO over gassed from the factory that the bolt carrier flew back so violently that it would flip the dust cover off. I tried to place buffers on the recoil spring to lessen the shock to the rear trunnion only to have the buffers explode. I finally welded over the gas port, drilled a small hole through it and tried to control the gas that way. That helped, but I still needed to grind off about half an inch off my gas piston. Works now.

[@leileijoker8465]

Dang. 799 in 97 sounds more expensive than 3k in 2023 to be honest lol.

[@jefferyboring4410]

It’s over gassed a bit but recoil buffers do not fit into the action of a psl their simply isn’t enough room for a regular ak buffer that why it blew apart it simply is in the way of the action. The bolt barely picks up a rd with one depending on the maker Maby not at all and will not allow the bolt hold open to function. I’ve home made them with used motorcycle tires but they have to be thin. Simply cutting a groove with a angle grinder along the piston head will remedy. I prefer the cut on the right side where the vent hole lines up top right. It’s a free common place mod

[@zul448]

I bought one of the Century imports that AIM surplus sold around 2008/2009 for $750. It's an awesome looking rifle but it was also extremely overgassed. I hired a gunsmith to thread the gas port to fit some very small set screws - set screws which I had drilled very specifically sized holes through. With that setup I was able to control the recoil, but all that did was make the heat-induced accuracy issues more apparent. It's mostly just a safe queen now.

[@bacon1564]

I built a PSL a few years ago and I had hardly any rounds through it before getting an adjustable piston. While it didn't seem terribly over gassed in the little bit I shot it, I had read enough online to make me paranoid and I didn't want to worry about heavy ball ammo. I still very much enjoy shooting the gun though, one of my favorites to take out.

[@skirata3144]

@@leileijoker8465 Eh adjusted for inflation the 799$ back than would equal roughly 1480$ nowadays. So the rifles are roughly twice as expensive today as they were back than.

[@christianrossner9362]

Just bought a PSL yesterday. This getting released now must be fate!

[@danielaramburo7648]

Don’t tell MAC, he might steal it.

[@XxxAtlantaxxX]

The Gods are speaking - go forth and snipe.

[@randybounds2244]

@@danielaramburo7648 Fact

[@christianrossner9362]

@@danielaramburo7648 Haha, dispite it's flaws I will guard my pumpkin spice latte 54 jealously.

[@jefferyboring4410]

I really love mine read my other comments to see all I’ve done with it. Psl is the most controversial rifle on the internet. Welcome to the club

[@tuck234]

The interesting history behind each rifle is always my fave parts. Especially, the Romanian PSL and Yugoslav M76. Wonderfully done as always y'all! 🤘

[@brandonschwertley2723]

To further reinforce the heat issues the PSL has, I will recount two anecdotal stories from a shooting buddy. Both involve him using a PSL in a run and gun style match. The first one, I was present and in his squad for it. There was an intermediate range rifle only stage, with a fairly high round count and moving between shooting positions. By the time he was done, the bottom handguard was scorched and no longer fitting properly in the retaining caps. Wood had been burnt and resulted in the handguard physically shrinking to the point it was significantly loose. I poured water from a canteen of mine onto the barrel because you couldn't hold anywhere on the front end of the rifle. No permanent damage was observed beyond the handguard. However the rifle rapidly heated up and became hard to handle as a result. He didn't bump fire it, or mag dump into trash. This was him trying to complete a shooting stage designed for AR's as fast as he could. I was shocked at how poorly the rifle handled the heat. The next story I was not present, however he showed me pictures of the event to corroborate his tale. He was using a PSL at the same run and gun style match, just several months later. Again there was an intermediate range rifle only stage with a high round count required. This fairly high round count coupled with him reasonably missing targets led to quite a few magazine changes. Eventually he permanently damage the rifle. Enough heat was generated to allow the barrel to develop a slight bend in it. I couldn't believe it at first, after all the PSL is only semi-auto. However he had photos of the rifle after. Indeed there was a slight bend to the barrel. I think fundamentally the barrel is just too light for anything outside of a hunting rifle. I love the looks of the PSL, and I've always enjoyed shooting them. However the mags are trash, they look like they were made in someone's backyard shed with hand tools. The recoil is hefty, because of the notorious over gassing. If you buy an older one make sure it's not a century made parts kit gun, those have horrible riveting. They are not worth the $1000+ price tag they carry nowadays. If you could get them back in the late 2000's or early 2010's for $600-$700, I think it made a cool unique collectors rifle for a reasonable price. Basically SVD looks and style for a fraction of the cost, and you could not feel guilty taking it out once in a while. I don't care what anyone says though, it's easily the best looking SVD clone. Only beat by an actual SVD.

[@jefferyboring4410]

If your carrying one all day being light is very nice and I think a match will have u shooting more than u likely would actually fighting with the rifle especially figuring your with ak guys. The mags do need fitted I have 11 for mine all were used and I had to fit Maby 3-4 of them but I’ve got them at 100% the heavy gas u can just grind a slot into the piston head and that fixes the bolt speed. Im wanting to install a adjustable gas block on mine. I like mine but im a ak home building mechanic tinkerer and their not 1k$ anymore their 2600$ now you’d be lucky to find a rough one for less than 2k Bare bones the best deal now is the .308 zastava its 1900$ that’s pretty good

[@tommihommi1]

@@jefferyboring4410 when fulfilling a suppressing role on a fairly static battlefield (like what's going on in Ukraine right now), round count will absolutely skyrocket and destroy these rifles

[@FirstnameLastname-do1px]

I think the M76 just looks better idk.

[@MotoMaximus]

M91 is the best svd “clone”…

[@brandonschwertley2723]

@@MotoMaximus I never disputed the mechanical superiority, I just said I didn't think it looked as good. That's what stopped younger me from buying one in 8mm Mauser back in the day

[@dann3skjold]

I have wanted a Tabuk ever since I learned about them years ago. This has done nothing to disabuse me of that desire. Great work as always, gents.

[@Anino_Makata]

A fascinating repurposing of the AK platform that is, and I imagine would've served a soldier and his team well in urban fighting. But with original Tabuks in 7.62, that leaves me to wonder. How would a Tabuk-like sniper platform fare in 5.45?

[@islaymassive1530]

@@Anino_Makata We have seen russian snipers use RPK 74s in ukraine. Pretty similar to a tabuk

[@jefferyboring4410]

U could get a Chinese norinco long barrel fairly cheap sometimes less than 1500$ on gun broker otherwise I’d build one. I squeeze rivets with modified bolt cutters I welded up. I’ve spent 30$ or so and have built 3 aks already I beat the barrels in with a hammer with Pennie’s on the muzzle the clean the crown up. That guy is probably right about the ak74 Maby a good sniper like that but if u want a tabuk build one from a zastava . Ppl really like those guns I think their over built and heavy but a tabuk is cool. I’d buy a zastava and convert it barrels are available. All you should need is the barrel and stock I’d hand make the stock if needed. I like Romanian guns I’ve got the psl and a aimr47 I’d like a rpk to go with those. But $ isn’t flowing as it was

[@YouGoFlu]

@@jefferyboring4410 AK builder has tabuk barrels

[@firdauskhalid4466]

@@Anino_Makata That can be done using ak74m Zenithco alpha and longer barrel.

[@kobeh6185]

If only the 4th horseman of SVD at home, the Al Kadesih was here as well

[@Dawn.tless.]

Unfortunately when the more common Tabuk is super rare, the Kadesih is a straight up unicorn-level rare

[@Excalibur01]

I am broke so I can't even afford the poor man's Dragunov

[@danielaramburo7648]

Consider prostitution, make cash and buy one. Joke

[@ChaohsiangChen]

PSL used to be dirt cheap around 2005.

[@Excalibur01]

@@ChaohsiangChen I just got out of high school at the time. If only I had some self awareness in investments back then

[@joshuagibson2520]

Why so broke? Take on side projects? If you wanted one, you'd be getting one.

[@Excalibur01]

@@joshuagibson2520 Car payments. Mortgages. Bills in general. Eggs

[@rozkaz661]

Not only an interesting video but also fantastically produced. the music, the poses camera work and outfits make this a joy for the eyes as much as for the mind

[@anthonygiaconia7880]

Well said.

[@appalachiangunrunner5613]

When you understand the actual differences, but also know how the world seems to compare them, then the title of this video seems absolutely perfect.

[@fmjackalope4014]

Awesome video! Love my PSL, flaws and all. KNS piston is mandatory though. I often find myself having to defend this rifle from the usual heat and over gassing problems, which as an out of shape LARPer who wont be deploying with my PSL any time soon, aren't that big of a deal to me. However I had never taken the Soviet sniper doctrine into consideration before it was brought up here and am now inclined to agree that for that role it certainly does fall short. I'm glad to have learned something new today and look forward to hearing this information regurgitated back to me verbatim next time an oper8r sees me with my PSL. It may be an objective "meh," but to me that's okay. I'm not a sniper using the thing in combat anyway so I can't judge mine with that application in mind. Still a fun as hell rifle, and fun is what matters most to me.

[@9HoleReviews]

yeah thanks for the rounded response. That's generally my take too, nothing is perfect and sometimes the flaws are interesting, as long as we understand that there are flaws and don't unrealistically expect from these things... it's like trying to make the G3 work like an M4... it just won't.

[@uncledonkey675]

>PSL platform-runner NGMI Killed in the streets by a Mk 12 SPR

[@chevyvet69]

I feel you brother I own APS L also and did some mods To it I put a flat top pick rail on it with a big piece of glass and change the Springs to lesson the recoil And it works awesome I watched videos on KZbin where they were shooting out almost 2000 m with it

[@Mtb9307]

This was awesome. I think this is one of your best videos.

[@9HoleReviews]

Glad you think so! Thank you!

[@StrangerOman]

The whole presentation is superb. I like the style. It got history, tests, some fine visual and musical choices. 9-Hole Reviews truly got the grip. Amazing job.

[@CiviTac]

These types of vids are your best work. History of the system, comparisons and criticism of how they work. I get lost in these videos like I’m watching an interesting documentary. Keep it up

[@KhanSeb]

This is yet again an awesome video ! Thank you so much.

[@malokegames]

Dragunov is included in WeaponsSimulator, and the ballistic compensation reticle is simulated. When shooting many targets, each at different distances, felt very intuitive and fast to compensate aim point.

[@Kesssuli]

Very nice compilation of Sniper/DMR versions of Ak:s. For myself that Tabuk version makes lot of sense in todays scenarios even it sacrifices lot of potential range. It gains back for being so easily issued and used in urban enviroment where distances will be counted in couple hundred meters.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

It definitely makes sense if your GPMGs are also chambered in 7.62x39. If they aren’t, no real reason not to chamber it in the same cartridge as the GPMG if you’re going to be dealing with two cartridges anyway.

[@Kesssuli]

@@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920 In those countries that is not much of problem when main weaponry is russian origin and most of stuf is running with 7.62x39

[@jefferyboring4410]

It only gains 100 fps but ya it’s nice especially with a scope mounted.

[@Kesssuli]

@@jefferyboring4410 Im pretty sure scope with right bdc reticle makes it accurate enough to viable option in urban enviroment. And cardridge itself is potential in any range it hits. Definelty not most usefull thing in modern battlefield but far better than pointy stick.

[@kingofpropain7493]

A cool review would be the new Zastava M77 in 7.62 Nato 👍

[@eddiec9175]

Pretty heartbreaking about the PSL. I bought mine 12 years ago for $690 with scope and have always loved it. I haven’t made any alterations to it and have always fired light ball ammunition, and haven’t had any issues yet, but I’ve also never pushed it hard. She’s seen less than 1000 rounds over the course of 12 years.

[@ShotTheoryPB]

You can take Solace in knowing you can sell it for around 2300.00 bucks these days.

[@rexus72]

Great breakdown. Also, the soundtrack is next level.

[@VelikiHejter]

Was issued M76 in the army and have one for hunting presently. It costed me 700 euro, used, plus around 250 euro to exchange all the sporterized crap for original furniture. Plus the scope, of course, it's 21 century, although that Zrak on it is usable. Agree with everything you say about the rifle, some of my friends complain that it is not accurate enough for the sniper, but that never bothered me since it is more accurate then I am. It is a bit heavy though and during lineup you, when "Na mestu voljno", our version of At Ease, is given, you are allowed to put it butt down, next to your right foot. Great video.

[@TF142]

@9-Hole Reviews y’all do reviews like no other!!! I love the attention to detail that keeps within the big picture scope of the design and it lends to a less biased review!

[@s.d.bobplissken5674]

Damn fine content sir. I've always been curious about the Dragunov and appreciate the balance of historical and practical information.

[@kenferguson3349]

One of my PSL's is modded using a barrel from a M-1919a4 belt fed. Around 1" thick from the trunnion to gas block, smaller gas port, threaded, rechambered 7.62-54, and lapped the muzzle end. It took care of the heat drift and much softer recoil. Accuracy improved but "abrasive slug lapping" the chrome barrel really tightened up the shot pattern. At one point I fitted various Israeli Galil gas blocks/ heavy and light galil bipods. It worked great but converted it back to PSL block/handguards for the original look. God I miss those cheap parts kits...

[@rhoaius9120]

The funny part is, after 15 years in the Romanian Army as an MP(and the armorer of the battalion) i never saw one of this things break, i never had an issue with changing the magazines from one rifle to the other, and the rifle are as u say, over pressurised using military grade 7.62x54R ammunition......but well, my guess is, the commercial variants have some quality issues. :D Loved the video! :D

[@jonathanwarchild]

This may be one of your most well edited videos. Great job and I really enjoyed it.

[@1997LT1Camaro]

These are amazing videos! Very proud you guys are Houston based. Please bring this channel to other platforms if KZbin gives any trouble.

[@roul3688]

I had a Molot Vepr in 7.62x54, it was the sexiest gun I ever owned with its red furniture. Unfortunately it wouldn’t run anything reliably. It was expensive at the time, I could only imagine what it’d go for today.

[@robertpaulson3935]

Vepr 308 is superior however my 54 never had an issue

[@jefferyboring4410]

I know a guy has a x54 .308 and a x39 vepr he use to invest a lot into import guns. Ya probably with a good bit more than was payed probably better return then gold would have brought if bought at the same time frame. I remember Chinese ak drums 27$ 75 rd and 100 rd for 32$ ! I told my papaw we should get a pallet load! He just looked at me funny! I have a Chinese 100 rd er and their silly expensive now even a Egyptian 30 rd is alot of $ Maby we should explain to our wives how were making investments. I bought 10 psl mags a few months back for 32$ each. Used steel imports. Nice thing about the psl and such is that their allowed to be imported as made with the 922r compliance! So my 2021 model is all cugir factory made. Anyway I’m rambling

[@davidkohler7454]

I have the VEPR 7.62x54r. It has beautiful dark tiger stripe walnut furniture. I also have it in 5.45x39.It's like a mini me version. I love them both. I have a Burris scope on the 7.62x54r. I've only shot mil surp ammo in it, and my accuracy is not very impressive with it.

[@HSmith-uk9hl]

To eliminate the over gassed system in my PSL-54 that threw the brass into the next zip code, I tapped the gas port with an 8-32 tap and installed a set screw with a .050" hole. It is much easier on the brass now. It is a very easy modification.

[@davidtipton7149]

Just recently found this channel and could not be happier with the content. Keep up the great work!

[@sieve5]

17:45 this breakdown of the PSL groupings is very nice thanks for doing that.

[@jarmonuora3397]

Must say, excellent video. Very informative. I have Zastava M76, made somewhere early 1980s. And have been storaged JNA's arsenal ever since. Until found it's way to Finland and me. I think that I have owned it something like 15 years. Pretty happy with my M76. Only issue is it's calibre 7,92x57IS, which is not so much used here in Finland. Luckliy I have friends who have contacts to get ammo and gear for M76. Like spare mags and Serbian sniper vest. Also I bought Zrak made silencer/suppressor straight from factory during my second tour at Bosnia. Actually I was originally planning to instal it to my L1A1... But it never happened.

[@RabbitusMaximus]

Henry thank you for such a thorough review and explanation….within context. Context of doctrine and purpose is far too often missing in these debates which you lay out for even the most casual user to understand.

[@zul448]

Absolutely killer video! Can't wait for more like it!

[@denvercyclist]

This has to be one of the best videos you guys have done yet!

[@custom20chevy]

Ready for the new PSA line of 54R ammo and rifle line!! Excellent content as usual.

[@spendymcspendy]

PSA is producing an SVD?! Oh what joy!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

What is PSA doing?

[@jefferyboring4410]

Don’t get to excited they say things a bit to early the mp5 was supposed to be here 2 yrs ago. They have said they will make steel case ammo. And eventually they probably will but it’ll be a while. Other countries have been filling the gap so it’s no big deal anyway Hungarian Serbian Romanian ammo etc i mostly reload x54 with ppu and hornady brass anyway using cheap surplus pulled .308 projectiles and surplus pull down powder. I reload good stuff for about 25c a rd that includes soft points etc I keep my steel case as backup cuz it stores almost forever.

[@mesniburek1652]

i had the privilige to be the last generation of our army's recruits to shoot the m76 rifle and i have to say i kinda fell in love with it... even with the insanely poor conditions they were in (one stock literally fell off during shooting) it was still quite easy to hit human sized targets at 600m which was the longest range we shot at

[@stquitxxiv4830]

de si sluzio

[@mesniburek1652]

@@stquitxxiv4830 slovenija

[@Alfeco-dm7uk]

As always super high quality bro. But, special mention to the SVU. Good looking evolution of the all mighty dragon.

[@harrygoonix]

This style of video is awesome. Deep dive on the history is great.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

All of your findings test/review wise concerning PSL is identical to my experiences. Mine where in the $650 without scope to $850 with scope back in the day. The biggest upsetting scenario for me was the sensitivity to heating up after only 3 rounds. Sometimes a mitigation strategy for me (on paper, bench-rested, at the range) was loading 1 shot at a time (single round in magazine), manually releasing action, and repeating same thing 3-5 rounds. It seamed to make 'some' difference in group size. That said, no matter what... after 5 shots... the up/down & left/right stringing would occur regarding POA & POI to an unacceptable inconsistency. At longer ranges (beyond 100M), this would completely negate any beneficial intuitiveness of the scope reticle. As 'control' I'd use .308 Saiga w/ longer as well as shorter barrels (3 firearms, same day, same bench-rest, same # of shots) --- these where plenty consistent with highly favorable results.

[@wglnaeclipse8715]

Fascinating analysis...10/10 stuff. #newslettergang

[@jordanmaillet8342]

You totally changed my view on svd/psl rifles . Awesome video

[@johngaltman]

I owned a PSL once, and I can absolutely say I agree with you on what you experienced and found... My PSL would start drifting within just three shots.

[@chevyvet69]

It will do that it's a long stroke gas piston Where the vepper and the SVD are short short stroke The moving parts look more like what you would see in ASK S

[@connorburnes7697]

I have no hands on with a Tabuk, but this pretty much echos my experience. The PSL is an aesthetically cool POS, the M76 is frankly quite good, and the SVD examples I have shot are quite good as well. It may be worth revisiting this or pursuing a video with the Zastava M91 AKA the PSL that works. With 180 grain PPU match, it shoots very well right above 1 MOA to 2.5 MOA based on what kind of day I’m having. This is a great video though! Keep up the good work!

[@titanscerw]

Similar experience, I fully agree with what you have written.

[@jefferyboring4410]

I’m getting.8 moa with my fancy ammo from psl . It’s got issue or atleast mine had issues but my angle grinder mig welded and dremel fixed all that. But a ar10 is best for most ppl. I payed a lot of $ for my psl but I knew what I was getting into and enjoy working on ak type guns it’s my favorite rifle I own and I have many. I like that it’s a overgrown ak that shoots a big old x54 and I like that it’s fairly light to carry. I love the scope system. I get a cheek weld and shoot with my left eye. Ppl like guns are extremely varied and what works for one person may not work for others.

[@connorburnes7697]

@@jefferyboring4410 ​ I’m glad you’re enjoying your PSL and you got your issues worked out. However your experience is exactly why I say it’s not a good rifle. A good military rifle should perform right off the line without any of the tinkering you did to make it work. I say this as someone who generally likes Cugir products. An AR10 logistically is a better practical use choice for those of us in the U.S. However all of these rifles with the exception of the PSL generally perform about as well as a M110. If someone has the magazines, ammunition, optics, and know how the SVD or SVD type rifles will do whatever the AR10 will do for the most part.

[@jefferyboring4410]

@@connorburnes7697 yes I like the psl as a ak builder who likes Romanian ak’s I think it’s interesting how a ak factory with the limited resources of just a ak factory shoe horned it to fire the x54 and I think they did a pretty good job. Romanian soldiers I think don’t understand the American complaints about the rifle for them it’s fine. I’m a mechanic and find it odd when ppl don’t own tools etc. their will be cool accessories for this gun in the future trust me it’ll get even cooler.

[@connorburnes7697]

@@jefferyboring4410 I agree people should have tools. However military rifles shouldn’t need tools aside from the specific armorers tools that make pulling and replacing parts easy. The Zastava factory is an AK factory that fit 7.92 and x54R into an AK twice, two times that function. PSLs look cool, but it’s a problem when the gun doesn’t function with any sort of longevity as it was designed. I like Cugir products, but they definitely missed the mark on the PSL. This video pretty much sums up every issue the PSL has.

[@Hammerbass]

Wow, Great video! Still doesn't make me not love my PSL but I do want to get a KNS installed and do what I can to make it not unalive itself. Appreciate your hard work!

[@MESOHIPPUS]

Good video. I'm from Romania. I have being a conscript there. I did not know about the "heat"issue. But 100 % true about the problems connected with the recoil.

[@timbaskett6299]

Going down a "rabbit hole" but the Tabuk has fascinated me since reading about it in an magazine. I would like to have a Tabuk pattern rifle in 6.5mm Grendel.

[@luciankristov6436]

100 with ya on that ! 6.5 general AK DMR would be absolutely a perfect pairing

[@betopatino5114]

I was interested in this video mainly since I own a PSL and was curious of what the testing outcome would be like. I'm by no means claiming it's an accurate rifle , nor it's going to win the next beauty contest but I enjoy every minute a the range. That being said , I have done some research on the PSL and found , that the PSL is very special with ammo. That being light ball ammo 147gr to 150gr. Heavy ball ammo will crack the receiver with prolonged use and there are pictures on the webb of cracked receivers. Since I always had a hard time finding ammo locally. I had to reload my ammo and noticed an improvement in acuracy. I had it for 13 years and shot 800+ rounds and magazines work good and NO flaws as of yet.

[@Gorkabandit]

Been waiting for this video for too long

[@jakraziel]

Oh fantastic! I've always wanted to know more about these.

[@gunzablazin01]

Great video as always. I'm sure you will eventually get your hands on one of the new Hungarian SVD imports and a Zastava M91. Hope you can get a real deal Russian too to compare to the Chinese copy.

[@titanscerw]

From experience Soviet to Sino SVD is not a significant diference.

[@TheGunner11]

Been my thoughts on the PSL for years, glad to hear someone say it. Interesting that B&T is finally importing proper spec Dragunovs at half the going rate.

[@DaBlaccGhost]

The idea that these are going to cost THOUSANDS still blows my mind. Prices are weird man....

[@tobyrix7082]

@@DaBlaccGhost Imports do be like that.

[@stillenacht8518]

Wait what?

[@DaBlaccGhost]

@Kilgor that's what the word is at shot show

[@DaBlaccGhost]

@Toby Rix still cheaper than a new Laugo 😅

[@michaelcerrone1482]

This is the video I've been waiting for!

[@angelgutter8249]

Amazing reviews and info! Loved that shot of the cugir plant. Think ill stick with my pe90

[@GBGuns]

Our PSL acheived about 1 MOA with old Soviet match ammo (not with modern ammo interestingly enough) but also suffered from heat issues.

[@dernadaarmando2948]

Why PSL suffered that problem but NDM was not?

[@gbgunsmedia]

@@dernadaarmando2948 Probably because they're all built differently.

[@foxracermach5]

Love the new intro

[@9HoleReviews]

cheers to the #newslettergang

[@turdgoblin6113]

Absolutely love my PSL! lighter than it looks and damn accurate and reliable.

[@BlakeBake]

Thanks for the video! Hopefully the next series will include the M91, M77, and Vepr x54r.

[@letssuperfuntime]

Honestly, based on aesthetics alone I would have guessed that the PSL most closely follows the design goals that the SVD initially sought out to fullfil. Just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover, that Tabuk rifle was a pleasant surprise.

[@jefferyboring4410]

I think the psl is the coolest looking of them all. If your a mechanically inclined fellow the psl can be made to be very sweet. I’ve done a lot to mine and I reload but most ppl should buy a ar10 if u homebuild ak’s then the psl is right up your alley.

[@amclips2995]

Swedish DMR (Skarpskytt) has been spotty over the years.. The AK4 OR being the first back in the 70’s with a hensoldt 4x24, later replaced in the 91 by the AK5B (FNC with a 4x SUSAT/trilux and cheekriser. That lasted 10 years and we then went back to the 7.62 AK4 that has been modernized since then with better ergos, but still today we see a mix of 4x24, comp m5 + magnifiers and 1-8 lvpo’s.

[@henrysantos121]

*Excellent videos very well done*

[@Momus121]

One of the best videos you two have done.

[@ClaymoreClay101]

While not exactly a military firearms since I'm not aware of anyone adopting it, the Vepr in 7.62x54r would make for a decent honorable mention on this list. Great video btw!

[@slobodanstojanovic8125]

What you mean "not exactly a military firearms since I'm not aware of anyone adopting it" Zastava M76 was used by Yugoslav army and its still been used in all countries that used to be Yugoslavia, Serbia country that made M76 still use it but most importantly we used it in 4 wars we had in 1990's,also several armies around the world uses M76, you could see that rifle in several conflicts around the world,Syria,Libya,Kurds use it,several asian countries,african,i saw Afghans use it and saw that Zastava sold some 10k batch of M70s and M76s and US made that feal happened,Zastava Arms company is pure military company they only recently started making civilian versions for some of their models for american civilian market,Iraqi Tabuk is a copy of Zastava models,zastava sold them tooling machines and blueprints...

[@buzzkillington1602]

​@SS BB he meant Vepr...not the M76

[@jsirius94]

Did I beat the newsletter gang here?

[@9HoleReviews]

You did! Thanks for being a patron :)

[@Silverdunk]

If it weren’t for college I would have beat you

[@lelandgaunt9985]

Oh that’s hott! See your review in a little while!😊

[@Jim202030]

I love the history your channel presents.

[@greencreekranch]

I wish i lived in a place where the m76 is easier to get than a dragunov. Here an izhmash tigr (current production commercial svd) is 3500. Expensive, but still better than the m76, which is simply not available. At all.

[@jefferyboring4410]

Maby u could mail me some parts?

[@greencreekranch]

@@jefferyboring4410 i would love to, but I'm not in the us and I'm not build for the drama that ya'lls import laws are

[@BJU207]

Great video! Fun fact, The Swedish Armed Forces had an Ak4 (G3) variant before the Ak4D called AK4 OR in service in 1964.

[@Lt._Nut]

4:04 I know this video is about Dragonauvs, but that right there is a beautiful looking rifle. Wish I had one of them. Jokes aside this video was very informative and I learned a lot. Great work guys

[@joet.s.6283]

In the words of Count Dooku "I've been looking forward to this" Edit: And I am very happy with it.

[@MrSolLeks]

I picked up a psl years ago for $750. I think for that price its not bad for a fun rifle. I do want to get a kns piston for it though.

[@jefferyboring4410]

Just take your grinder and cut a groove into the piston head till it bleeds off enough that u like it. Look up images it’s a commonly enough mod. U can weld it back up if u like. Psl54 likes mig welders

[@japan8o826]

Production value increasing lol this makes me happy haha!!

[@TheIrishAmish]

OUTSTANDING VIDEO! Carry on.

[@Holescreek]

The quick version of my PSL test results was that the barrel whip is the direct result of the overgassing caused by the overly large gas port drilled into the barrel. The whip stopped when the port was blocked. The rifles are easily tuned using the set screw method which involved tapping the gas port and installing set screws with varying through hole sizes to obtain the best performance. It would be interesting to see how the adjustable piston would perform compared to a "set screw gun" with regard to whip since the massive amount of gas still has to hit the long stroke piston before being vented off. Also, the bullet has already left the barrel before whip begins. Accuracy problems are much harder to quantify. Cugir PSL barrels are poorly rifled, I have an example of one with uneven land and groove widths at the gas port (barrel part removed from the gas block in a kit). Surplus 54r ammo from the same lot varies in both powder and bullet weight tremendously when broken down for measuring samples. Interesting video, it should get some attention.

[@9HoleReviews]

appreciate the comment! I hope you're okay with us attributing your video, we could also film a slow motion, but that video has been a reference material for a few of us and i thought it should be properly attributed.

[@Holescreek]

@@9HoleReviews I'm glad you used it! I know your channel is primarily about shooting military rifles but for a follow up video maybe you'd consider showing group size inconsistencies by shooting a variety of 54r ammo out of the same barrel of a good barrel (one capable of consistent MOA)?

[@valeriupreda8162]

@@Holescreek hello. the barrel was made for explozive and incendiary bullets, dum-dum, not for precision.

[@Holescreek]

@@valeriupreda8162 That is a much used excuse for machine gun barrels where bullet dispersion from a fixed position is desirable, not in a rifle designed for sniping/DMR. Poor rifling and the acceptance of it is more likely the result of having the wrong people in charge of the project.

[@jefferyboring4410]

Your saying the bullet leaves the barrel before the barrel whip from bolt action begins as I believe, but 9 hole stated it began before the projectiles leave the barrel. That’s what they state in the video. Ein (gun Jesus) says zastava drilled a vent hole into their bolt head to slow the bolt enough for the projectiles to leave before whip. I think consistent projectile weight and charge would negate that either way. But that would cause extreme dispersion especially with surplus ammo as we all know it’s all over the place in grain weight of everything. But that would be a awsome high speed video comparing differences.

[@wigon]

I REALLY hope that Palmetto State Armory makes a Tabuk Sniper rifle copy. With my cheap PSA GF3 AK47, I get 2.5 MOA groups consistently using cheap Tula ammo using iron sights. This goes down to 2.1 MOA when I use optics. So I know it's capable of even better accuracy with better ammo and with a better trigger (although the stock trigger is quite nice). I can only imagine what a beefed up PSA AK with a heavy barrel and trunnion could do. Until then, I'm having an awesome time shooting my PSA AK-47 with a LPVO (on a side mount). I may look for a SVD type flash hider and a SVD-like stock for it as I'm really amazed at its accuracy and I'm having a great time target shooting with it. Heat shift is also fairly minimal so I've learned to predict and compensate for it without too many issues. While it's still not as accurate as my free-floated PSA AR's, it's given me a much bigger appreciation for the accuracy potential of the 7.62x39mm round out to 400 meters. That, and the excellent terminal ballistics make it an excellent battle rifle (for WROL emergency situations) and a solid hunting rifle with soft-point ammunition and smaller magazines. Now, if PSA can get ahold of the plans and tooling to do a proper SVD rifle (or reverse engineer one) that would truly be incredible!

[@NoQuarter01]

Which LPVO do you use on yours? I have a GF5 and am curious about good affordable options. If you want an upgraded barrel check out the GF5 s they come with an FN barrel. I’ve really only seen good comments on the GF3s. Everyon3says they love ‘em and they run like clock work

[@wigon]

@@NoQuarter01 It's kinda embarassing.... but I run an ultra cheap Amazon-tier Center Point 1-4x LPVO. I had it laying around ever since I replaced it with a Vortex 1-8x Strike Eagle on one of my AR-15's. However, despite it being a dirt cheap optic, the darn thing actually works and there's no "fish-eye" effect like on many LPVO's at 1x. I "may" replace it with a primary arms 3x Prism site with a dedicated 7.62x39mm reticle, however for now, this silly site is working out just fine. It's only downside is that it has only a circle dot as a reticle that's quite fat. So it is a bit tricky shooting past 200 yards with it. At some point I will definitely upgrade to a better LPVO if I can find one that's not too expensive that has a reticle designed for 7.62x39mm.

[@brando104]

That was an awesome idea for a video!!! Should definitely do it with other firearms. Rpk ect

[@jkellyid]

Yeah my PSL is definitely trying to blow itself apart. I need to do some pre-emptive work on it to preserve it. Mine is not as overtly inaccurate as this one. But I probably have the exception. It also has no issue with surplus mags I've used with it. Very informative video as always, Kudos!

[@calebdean2440]

The KNS gas piston is a must have upgrade for the PSL, definitely worth every penny.

[@100radsbar]

The M76 has been on my wishlist for many years. I have the long barrelled Tigr/SVD, but the M76, is the hot cousin of the SVD :)

[@user-px1iq5uu2y]

Ne M91 je uradjen po licenci od SVD Dragunova a M76 je nesto drugo. Dobra puska dokazana u ratovima ali sa odgovarajucom, orginalnom municijom. Ali nazalost se ne prozivodi vise, njegov naslednik je M07 mauzer mehanizam, nije polu automatski ili PSP...

[@ABCantonese]

Ian didn't send you a M91? The shop owner told me that an SVD will only last 2000 shots before parts need to be changed out. Will these last longer, or?

[@9HoleReviews]

everything has a service life, but 2000 is a very low service life (if that's actually true).

[@TacgnolSimulacrum]

That almost sounds like he's confusing what happens to PSLs when you run heavy ball without a KNS piston or something else to slow down the action.

[@jefferyboring4410]

If u were fighting a war and carrying 10 rd mags it’d take along time to fire 2k rds and they’d likely be 150 grain machine gun ammo anyway so it’s not a big thing. I’ve said it 100 times to slow a ak bolt grind a groove into the piston head u don’t have to spend a lot of $ to remedy it

[@timrainger8908]

Fantastic info as always!

[@georgetreepwood1119]

Thanks so much --a lesson to be learned - and money to be saved - I see it as almost inevitable that you will test the FEG variant - hopefully when the price is reduced to be more in keeping with the Romanian version

[@stumpyduby]

Let's be real guys, the Iraqi tabuk with a drum mag is what peak performance looks like. Trust me I play Warzone...

[@Dawn.tless.]

I never thought about it but technically it can accept AK drum mags Now that would be legit cheating…

[@Skenderbeuismyhero]

Hungarian dragunovs are gonna be imported by B&T, though they look like they're gonna be stupid expensive.

[@jefferyboring4410]

7$k like before

[@boblouie7455]

Top notch video!! Love this!

[@mdirtydogg]

That was a highly educational video. Thank you.

[@blah007001]

Turns out, there's a *reason* why the Romanians dumped a lot of PSLs on the American market.

[@jefferyboring4410]

Ya probably all the $ they pay for them.

[@moonchaser5595]

Thank you for the rundown on the PSL. Very surprising and disappointing unfortunately. I will have to give the M77 in 7.62 NATO a try. I always thought the term "Designated Marksman" was a little underwhelming, and like to go back to a term from the American Civil War: Sharpshooter.

[@reddyforML]

M77 is good product. You'll like it.

[@youtubeisfacist7673]

Better than most documentaries. Awesome sauce. Hope to see you on Rumble

[@stevadelija]

I used the m76 when i was in the serb army Nice comparison clip that depicted all pros and cons of each rifle 👏👍

[@Bojan28]

I moj matori je imao m76 . Sećam se kolika je razlika između 7,62 i 7,9 .

[@buttbiter3139]

I have a question? Why did the Iraqis create the tabuk when they could’ve just got the SKS and put a scope on it? It’s been bothering me recently…

[@LuisOrtiz-uj2ve]

When it comes down to it, logistics. Why have a new assembly line for a “new” rifle when you could just use the same tooling as the standard arm. Also easier for manual of arms(safety, loading, cleaning) for soldiers since their DMR(sniper) is the same as their standard rifle. So basically money, training, and equipment on hand. Welcome to the world of logistics

[@buttbiter3139]

@@LuisOrtiz-uj2ve I agree with you in every area, except that the tabuks had to be ordered in. There were millions of SKS rifles is floating around in the former USSR satellite states that were available for far cheaper than the tabuks. Also they have an internal magazine, most of their parts are easy to get, and you don’t need stripper clips of your going to put a scope on it. Overall it would have been a better option for them to rock a bubba stick instead of an long Kalash.

[@LuisOrtiz-uj2ve]

@@buttbiter3139 Great response, however in the grand scheme of things it would be actually a detriment if the DMR had non compatible parts with the Ak and RPK. The tabuk in many respects is actually a great rifle for the Iraqi military but you’re right with the sks, take a look at the Albanian military.

[@stevemc6010]

The SKS video on this channel shows it is not any more accurate than an AK. That combined with its typical stripper clip feeding makes it a poor choice - note no one ever issued scoped SKSs.

[@j0van87]

this test is not complete without M-91

[@bigbk301]

Another amazing video!

[@snowfox22]

Amazing video! so detailed i love it

[@Greatwealthgentleman]

Mom can we get a Dragonov? Mom: we have a Dragonov at home

[@borkwoof696]

That’s the joke

[@johnsanko4136]

Speaking of Dragunov, did you guys see that B&T are going to be importing some for the absolute steal of $6000? Makes me wish I had a better paying job lol

[@ChaohsiangChen]

At some point, Palmetto State Armory will make a clone version of it. We maybe able to push Vector Optics in Shanghai to produce some fake Dragunov scopes.

[@9HoleReviews]

I would like one...

[@kalashnikovdevil]

I wish I had 6k to spare lol.

[@ChaohsiangChen]

@@kalashnikovdevil I wish my wife would not mind me spending that much money for a rifle.