History

 The PSG1 (Präzisionsschützengewehr, German for "precision marksman rifle") is a semi-automatic rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar.

This rifle is said to have been developed in response to the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. The West German police units could not engage the terrorists quickly enough to prevent them from killing their hostages. H&K was then commissioned to create a high accuracy, large magazine capacity, semi-automatic rifle for police and military use.

The PSG1 is mechanically based on the G3 rifle and features a low-noise bolt closing device (similar to the forward assist on many M16 rifles). Its expected accuracy is below 1 minute of arc (MOA) with match ammunition and it is considered to be one of the most accurate semi-automatic sniper rifles in the world.[1] In the hands of a professional shooter, the PSG1 is capable of putting 50 rounds of match grade inside of an 80 mm circle at 300 meters (3.14 in circle at 328 yd).[citation needed]

In tests conducted by the United States Army Infantry Board in 1982, the PSG1, referred to as a "semi-automatic, delayed-blowback operated weapon used by a foreign Special Forces organization"; yielded worse accuracy than the M21 and M40 rifle.

PSG1s are not supplied with iron sights but come equipped with the Hensoldt ZF6x42PSG1 scope with an illuminated reticle. The scope has a built-in range adjustment feature which can be adjusted from 100 to 600 m.

It has a heavy free-floating barrel with polygonal rifling and an adjustable stock. The stock is of high impact matte black plastic and has a high degree of adjustment. It is adjustable for length, and includes a pivoting butt cap and a vertically-adjustable cheekpiece. The forend is fitted with a T-way rail for sling swivel or tripod.

The rifle also features a removable and adjustable trigger unit, for further individual fitting of the rifle. The trigger pull can be modified and the whole assembly is removable from the pistol grip. The pistol grip is of a target-style with an adjustable palm shelf.

Another unique characteristic of the PSG1 is that after firing, the cartridge casing is ejected with substantial force, reportedly enough to throw it approximately 10 meters to the side. While this is generally not an issue for law enforcement snipers, it greatly compromises the military use of the rifle, because it would easily give away the sniper's position. The brass is also difficult to find for clearing the area of usage marks afterwards, due to the wide area in which it could have landed. Not only does this rifle eject brass some distance, but it crimps the casing severely, meaning most casings cannot be reused. The PSG1 also has a fluted chamber that does not allow the use of subsonic ammunition normally used in conjunction with a sound suppressor or built-in silencer.

Singleplayer/Spec-Ops

 The PSG1 is only seen in the campaign once, in the first and second weapon caches in "Numbers".

 This weapon is not available in Zombie mode.

Multiplayer

Damage 70 (MP), 50 (MP silenced)
 
Damage Multipliers Head: 2.0, Neck: 2.0, Chest: 1.5, Stomach: 1.5 (1.1 with any attachment), Limbs: 1.0
 
Magazine Size 5 rounds(10 Extended Mags)
 
Unlocked at After all other Sniper Rifles are purchased (27)
 
Cost  2000
 
Starting Ammunition 15
 
Maximum Ammunition 100 (SP), 40 (MP)
 
Reload Time 3.2 loaded, 3.5 unloaded 
 
Recoil Medium-high
 
Penetration High
 
Fire Mode Semi-Automatic 

The PSG1 is a "Classified" weapon, unlocked for purchase after the WA2000 and L96A1 are purchased.

Although each shot causes a high recoil, the PSG1 has fastest scope reset speed, or center speed, of any sniper rifle in Call of Duty: Black Ops. Also, the recoil predictably kicks in one direction, similar to the L96A1, and unlike the other semi-auto sniper rifles.

Like most sniper rifles, the PSG1 has a small magazine, causing frequent reloads. Extended Mags and/or Sleight of Hand can be helpful.

Challenges