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Posted: 2/21/2016 9:31:26 PM EDT
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So my PSL-54C... I wasn't happy with the [weak]X by [small]mm PSO-1 optic, so I started the process years ago to mount more appropriate glass.
First attempt was a SWFA SS 6x 42mm on a BP mount (SVD ver). Well I wasn't even on 12x16" paper at about 10yd... so I stopped and started doing research. From what I found, I don't trust the BP to be solid. Not in the field, and not with the larger 54R cartridge. Newest attempt, I got a Midwest SVD mount (30mm rings type). Mounted it all up and my scope is touching one side of the rear sight block, the raised spots where the rear sight pivots. But only one side. I'm almost certain the rear sight block is canted and I've thought it looked like it the entire time I've had the gun. It just looks WRONG looking down the gun. Something has to be canted, warped, or bent. With PSO scope and Wolf Classic; it shoots about 3MOA. Benched, 100yd, 5 shot groups, most groups. Anyone had issues anything like this? And sorry, I can't 'pics' here at work. 
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Yeah the RSB is probably canted, maybe even the whole barrel. I've seen WASRs where Cugir clearly pressed the barrel in off timing (since many used to use surplus populated barrels) and used an oversize pin, leaving every component on the barrel canted. Your receiver could also not be square. Whatever it is, it's typical AK stuff so I wouldn't be surprised by any of it.
If the MI mount is good then why not raise the optic up just a little bit more? Because it likely will hit the RSB when you fire it, and that could damage the optics. Knowing what I know about the PSL.. I would not want to raise the magnification above 4x because I might just end up being disappointed. But they do seem like an ideal rifle for a basic 1-4x or 1-6x. Also I agree with you, the BP mount is crap. I don't know why so many highly suggest it. Seems to be made of cheap pot metal, very heavy for its size, and the clamp likes to bend and deform, requiring constant adjustment over time. |
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Thanks for the reply!
I got a pro to take a look at it. The verdict wasn't good. Anything that could have been wrong, basically was, but without being obvious. It is zeroed with the factory scope, and holds a decent group. Based off the fact it works and none of it is uncommon to AK's and PSL's, I can live with selling it. ETA: Thinking I really just want to get out of the AK game completely. Keep the better future rarities, but keep them put away. |
| I owned a PSL once. Put three cans of surplus heavy ball thru it. Went thru two Soviet scopes, and ended my adventure by cutting off the barrel down to 16, rethreading, an putting a red dot on it, and selling it. The short barrel stoped the vert stringing. In the end it was just a giant AK. 4 inch group cold. Very sensitive to heat. With a short barrel it was a 4 inch gun and accurate to 400m on steel torsos. After that it was fire three hit once ETC. Sold it for what I was in it. Fun but a scope eater. |
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Back when the PSLs were really popular, there were a number of people that had the barrel shortened to 16" and many reported significant accuracy improvement., probably due to the improved rigidity of the shorter barrel.
If you like the rifle otherwise, it might be worth a shot to talk to a couple known AK gunsmiths. At the very least they could check the rail for alignment to the bore and correct it. Sometimes the rails even need to be shimmed. Otherwise, selling it used you will probably still get top dollar for it. Many PSL owners just don't care about its shortcomings. Just as an example. Here is one that is either custom or one of the TGI truck gun builds. It also has a squared plate at the rear to accept standard AK furniture. 
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