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PSL scope comparison

2.5K views 15 replies 10 participants last post by  TW1Kell  
#1 ·
I'm looking at a few scopes for the PSL. I'd like to get something that will take advantage of the longer reaches of the rifle, but not something overkill. I've been looking around at Kalinka Optics and I was thinking that the 8x42 D Pro would be a good choice for longer distances at a range, but also something I could use to go hunting with. The 1p21 seems a bit too big and heavy, although I've heard some great things about it too. Would an adjustable scope be adequate as well?
 
#16 ·
I meant that I don't mind carrying my rifle. Sorry, I didn't proof that well. That is the joy of some weapons systems: finding exactly what makes things come together. Once you get it figured out, these things are quite accurate rifles. I have really enjoyed mine, these past years.
 
#14 ·
The problem with many Russo/Belo/Ukraino variable power scopes is there is no way to adjust for parallax error----usually done by adjusting the objective lens position in the scope tube via either a wheel marked with distances or a rotating collar marked the same. This "error" (which occurs irrespective of whether or not the scope is zeroed) can be seen by aiming at a distant target with the maximum power dialed in (9x in the case of the 6-9x42 scope), then while holding the rifle steady, have someone reduce the power setting to 6. You will likely see the aiming chevron move off the bull. Typically 2-3 inches at 100 yds.

Good quality fixed power scopes don't suffer so much from this error since all they have to do is compensate for bullet drop which is accomplished via the distance turret.

HTH
 
#12 ·
solyanik, There are about 1000 things that could be causing that accuracy problem. Anything from a loose scope to poor shooting skills, to improper (not favored by your rifle) ammunition. No insult intended, but you're about to find the joy of diagnosing rifle problems over the internet.

As for the scope: I use a 8x42D POSP from Kalinka. I've had it for years. I also use a 1pn34 for night firing. I also have 3x75 Super IR for night use (when I have it running). I have used the 4x's, insufficient to me. I have also attempted to keep large tactical scopes on PSL's for friends. I have never been able to make them stay on with breaking things. As for the variable power scopes, I have little experience because of the range matching the power characteristic of some of them. Not my type of scope. The 8x is simple, I don't carrying my rifle, no matter the weight, and it works on deer, coyotes and paper out to the 600m I've used mine for. Hope this helps...
 
#15 ·
solyanik, There are about 1000 things that could be causing that accuracy problem. Anything from a loose scope to poor shooting skills, to improper (not favored by your rifle) ammunition. No insult intended, but you're about to find the joy of diagnosing rifle problems over the internet.

As for the scope: I use a 8x42D POSP from Kalinka. I've had it for years. I also use a 1pn34 for night firing. I also have 3x75 Super IR for night use (when I have it running). I have used the 4x's, insufficient to me. I have also attempted to keep large tactical scopes on PSL's for friends. I have never been able to make them stay on with breaking things. As for the variable power scopes, I have little experience because of the range matching the power characteristic of some of them. Not my type of scope. The 8x is simple, I don't carrying my rifle, no matter the weight, and it works on deer, coyotes and paper out to the 600m I've used mine for. Hope this helps...
I didn't spend too much time debugging it. I could just mount one of the known good benchrest scopes, I have no problems making groups well under 0.5" with them with any of my Savages (F/TR, LRPV, 10FP, Palma), and I have just an SVD weaver mount from Kalinka. As for ammo, tried Russian/Bulgarian/Hungarian surplus as well as Wolf Gold. Did not try load development.

Actually, you've got me interested now. I will debug it and post the results.
 
#10 ·
I have 6-9x42 PSOP on my PSL. The scope is amazingly bright. There are two problems with my setup, however. First, it was almost $300, and on top of it Kalinka charges and arm and two legs for shipping. Second, the POI wanders by as much as 3". I don't know if this is a rifle or a scope - some say that PSL barrels were not heat treated, so the POI moves off as the barrel heats and does not come back when it cools. Or, it could be a scope - I do not know.
 
#13 ·
Shoot it with the irons. If you get the same results...its you, the ammo you are using, or the rifle. If your groups get noticeably smaller, your scope is loose, either on the rail or internally. (I'm assuming you are knowledgable of proper shooting form, obtaining proper sight picture with the irons, and accounting for parallax when using the scope.)

Keith
 
#7 ·
A Good Deal?

Hi There, I paid $850.00 dollars for 900 rounds of Czech silver tip ammo. Also there was a FPK with an 8x42 attached with it and 4 additional magazines and canvas case for them. I fell that I got a pretty good deal from a guy that just wanted to get his money back out of it. The stock has an "extender" on it then the metal buttplate. The bolt is different than what is on a normal stock and it doesn't have a sling ring. Anybody know where I can get one? Thanks.
 
#9 ·
Hi There, I paid $850.00 dollars for 900 rounds of Czech silver tip ammo. Also there was a FPK with an 8x42 attached with it and 4 additional magazines and canvas case for them. I fell that I got a pretty good deal from a guy that just wanted to get his money back out of it. The stock has an "extender" on it then the metal buttplate. The bolt is different than what is on a normal stock and it doesn't have a sling ring. Anybody know where I can get one? Thanks.
Hey! Do you have pictures of that buttplate extender? I'd like to get one for myself!
 
#4 ·
When I purchased my PSL several years ago, I passed on getting the scope with it.
Instead, I just bought the scope mount from Kalinka optics, and have used everywhere from a Bushnell 3x9 scope, to a $20.00 red dot for hog hunting, to a $60.00 Barska scope.