Romarm FPK Sniper Rifle

One might think that the Romarm FPK (also known as the PSL, a mistake in the West, as “PSL” is actually the designation of the FPK’s standard scope) is merely a version of the Russian SVD sniper rifle at first glance. However, the FPK, designed in the late 1970s, actually uses the RPK automatic rifle as a base, and therefore has an operation virtually identical to the Kalashnikov AK/RPK series rather than the Dragunov (suitably modified for the larger cartridge, and of better-quality construction). The trigger pack is that of an AK and the receiver is based on the RPK. The operation of the FPK Sniper Rifle is also semiautomatic-only, with no automatic fire capability.

The skeletonized wooden stock may have been inspired by that of the SVD, but it is of a different shape and has a thick rubber recoil pad on the butt (though early production models used a steel buttplate resting on springs as a recoil buffer). The barrel is 25.6 inches long; it is of better quality than your average RPK, but not generally up to the quality of a Western-built sniper rifle of the period. The muzzle is equipped with an actual muzzle brake instead of the flash suppressor of the SVD, and there is also a bayonet lug.

The base RPK’s iron sights have been modified into sights which are appropriate for the Romarm FPK, but are otherwise similar to those of the RPK; however, the FPK’s rear sight is more finely adjustable than that of the RPK or SVD, and features a bullet drop compensator. The FPK has a sight rail attached to the left side of the receiver; originally, the Romanians used a modification of the standard PSO-1 with a magnification of 4x24 exclusively on the Romarm FPK (and their other sniper rifles, for that manner; as noted above, this scope is designated the PSL), but recently Romanian-made scopes of 6x42 and 8x42 have been seen on the FPK (and other Romanian sniper rifles). Versions of the PSL with higher magnification and greater eye relief are also made, and are gradually replacing the PSL in Romanian service.

The aiming reticle of the PSL is identical to that of the PSO-1 mounted on the SVD, though it not illuminated. A version of the PSL with an illuminated reticle is also available, and used by many Romanian snipers. The stock and fore-end of the Romarm FPK Sniper Rifle are of dense beech, while the external metalwork is blued with a black finish. The butt has a rubber recoil pad; the stock is similar in design to that of the SVD, but still very different in shape, including a cheek swell and a dropped portion of the stock behind that. The length of pull is a little short at 12.5 inches (31.75 centimeters). The magazines of the FPK are proprietary, and will not fit in any SVD or SVD clone. However, an SVD’s magazines will fit into an FPK and can be used without any problems.

(Of course, this has led to a problem in today’s market the Romanian magazines are much less expensive in real life terms, look very similar to SVD magazines at first glance, and advertisers don’t always make it clear that FPK magazines are not SVD magazines… If other civilian loadings or standard 7.62mm Nagant rounds are used, accuracy will suffer (-1 to hit at short range and medium range, and -2 at long and extreme range with standard or most civilian 7.62mm Nagant ammunition). Western or Eastern match-quality can be substituted for the sniper 7.62mm rounds with no ill effect. The gas piston on the bolt tends to work itself loose and needs periodic tightening, or accuracy will
seriously degrade.

 The barrel heats fast with firing; many experts say that the FPK should not fire more than as little as rounds before it be set aside for cooling for about 30 seconds to prevent damage to the barrel. It should be noted that the Romanians, like the Russians, a different philosophy than in the West (though increasingly, shooters that we would call a sniper in the West are being trained and deployed). Their “snipers” are deployed at squad level and are trained to provide “aimed” fire as opposed to what
in the West would be termed “precision”, and their engagements normally take place at no more than 400 meters.

The Romak 3 is specially designed for the 7N1 and 7N14 sniper versions of the FPK. The only real difference between the Romak 3 and the FPK, other than the possible lack of a muzzle brake, is the deletion of the FPK’s bayonet lug. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Romanians began manufacturing the FPK in a civilian version known as the Romak 3 (also called the SSG-69). This version comes in several alternate calibers and has no bayonet lug, but is otherwise identical to the FPK. However. The standard scope sold with the Romak 3 is the PSL. The Romak 3 has quickly found buyers around the globe, particularly in the US. Romak 3s are often found with modified scope mounts allowing them to mount Western-type optics (particularly civilian scopes). In addition, in anticipation of Romania’s entry into NATO, they started re-chambering their military FPKs to fire the 7.62mm NATO cartridge rather soon after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and these rifles have also been exported. Magazines for these chamberings are also proprietary.

It should be noted that while the Romanians call the FPK a “sniper rifle,” even they do not use it as such; in Romanian service, the FPK is used in a role Western forces would term a “Designated Marksman Rifle.” For game purposes, the Romak 3 is identical to the FPK, except that the Romak 3 is often sold without a muzzle brake. (Romak 3s without a muzzle brake cost $50 less.)

RATMIL Sporting Sniping Rifle

This rifle is a military adaptation of a commercial sporting weapon, typically equipped with a civilian scope, though the PSO-1 sight of the SVD Dragunov may be employed. This weapon also has backup iron sights. The stock and cheekpiece are adjustable. The weapon is referred to in company literature as the “Sporting Sniping Rifle;” the military designation of the weapon
is still unknown. An unusual feature is the magazine; though it is entirely inside the weapon when inserted, the magazine is nonetheless slightly curved, for feed reliability. There are some rumors that the SSR is either a later version of the PL, or the PL is a later version of the SSR.