PSG.98

Caliber: 7.92x57mm
Length: 49 inches (1250mm)
Barrel Length: 29 inches (740mm)
Weight: 11 pounds (5 kg)
Rifling: 4 groove, 1 in 10 inch (250mm) left hand twist
Capacity: 20 round box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 2,877 fps (877 m/sec)
Accuracy: .34 MOA
Effective Range: 850 yards (777 meters)
Maximum Range: 1,700 yards (1554 meters)
Action: Mauser 98 pattern bolt action

Manufactured by the Imperial Armoury, the PSG.98 (Prazision Schutzen Gewehr, literally, "precision shooter's rifle", Model 98) is the standard issue sniper rifle of the Tyrian military. Built on the legendary Mauser 98's bolt action mechanism, the PSG.98 combines that rugged and reliable action with a heavy, free floated barrel, a 20 round box magazine and extensive attention to detail to build an incredibly precise and long range rifle, perfectly suited to the sniper's mission demands.

Duplicating the Mauser action almost exactly, the only real change to the design made by the PSG.98 is the location of the safety. Rather than at the rear of the bolt, the safety has been relocated to the receiver, just above the trigger. For maximum hitting power without having to rely on big bore calibers, the original 7.92x57mm round has been retained and a special sniper load optimised for the firing characteristics of the PSG.98 has been developed and is known as the SR36. Although it can fire any 7.92mm round, the best range and maximum accuracy is attained with the SR36 round.

For maximum durability, the receiver and all critical components are made out of stainless steel. This not only lends strength, but also weight. While a heavier weight makes the rifle a bit more difficult to carry, it mitigates the effects of recoil and helps keep the rifle on target. Internal components as well as the barrel are chrome lined, both to lend corrosion resistance and to help keep the rifle functioning when battlefield conditions prevent regular maintenance from being carried out for prolonged durations.

Basic overall construction at first glance suggests a design similar to the M16 assault rifle. This appearance is mostly superficial, however like the M16 the PSG.98 does feature a "split" receiver design; the lower receiver houses the magazine well, the trigger, the sear and the safety, while the upper receiver houses the bolt mechanism, the extractor and feed ramp. The magazine release is fitted to the lower receiver, just above and forward of the trigger, allowing for quick access while the magazine well is of a "drop free" design, allowing for rapid magazine changes on the battlefield.

The "furniture" is made of a high strength, impact resistant polymer, although recently the PSG.98 has been offered with wooden furniture made of high quality walnut. Wood-fitted PSG.98s came about from consumers on the civil weapons market who were interested in a more "traditional" look for their rifles. For either furniture type, a folding bipod is built into the front part of the fore end, while immediately behind it is an angled grip. This grip allows the rifle to be shoulder fired and offers the shooter a more stable and secure hold on the rifle. The shoulder stock features a built in, adjustable cheek rest that allows the shooter to set the rest to his preferences to attain proper eye relief for the telescope. Length of pull for the stock is adjusted with a series of inserts that are fitted between the end-plate and the stock itself, thus allowing for custom fitting to each individual sniper.

The chrome lined barrel is a heavy, cold forged, free floated barrel to maximise the rifle's accuracy and is fitted with a Barrett M107 style "arrowhead" muzzle brake to help reduce recoil. This muzzle brake is detachable and is occasionally replaced with a more traditional circular muzzle brake. The circular muzzle brake is fitted with quick detach mounting lugs enabling the rapid installation of a suppressor for missions requiring reduced sound levels.

For sighting, the PSG.98 features an adjustable 3x-12x rangefinding telescope. In addition to basic magnification optics, the telescope features built in infrared capabilities that allow for use in absolute darkness. When additional optical systems are needed, the telescope is quick-detachable however unlike many current military rifles the telescope is not mounted on an M1913 pattern accessory rail, thus telescope mounts will need to be made specifically for the PSG.98's mount. As as backup should the telescope be damaged or otherwise become inoperable, a set of traditional iron sights are built into the receiver and the fore end. These sights fold down and lay flat to keep clear of the telescope and can be flipped up into position when needed.

Although PSG.98s in Imperial Military service are only had in 7.92x57mm caliber, PSG.98s on the open weapons market can be had in several calibers. In addition to 7.92x57mm, they are available in 7.62x51mm, 7.62x54mm and the venerable 7.62x63mm round, also known as .30-06. PSG.98s sold openly will always come with the arrowhead muzzle brake, but the circular muzzle brake is available as an aftermarket add-on. The buyer will have a choice between wood or polymer furniture and the rifle will come with six magazines, a sling, a cleaning kit, a maintenance manual and a hard case that can carry everything included within.