The Century Arms PSL is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x54mmR, built on the Kalashnikov long-stroke gas piston system rather than the SVD's short-stroke design, despite the family resemblance. The 24.5-inch chrome-lined barrel delivers higher muzzle velocity from the rimmed cartridge and holds up well under sustained fire. At 9.50 lbs and 45.3 inches overall, it's a full-size rifle, not a carbine, and handles accordingly. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Century Arms 
• Model: PSL 
• Type: Modern Sporting Rifle 
• Caliber: 7.62x54mmR 
• Barrel Length: 24.5 inches 
• Weight: 9.50 lbs. 
• Capacity: 10+1 rounds 
• Action: Semi-Auto 
• Sights: Hooded Front & Adjustable Rear 
• Stock Type: Fixed Thumbhole 
• Finish Color: Black with Wood accents 
• Overall Length (OAL): 45.3 inches 
   

Features 

 
The thumbhole stock gives a reasonably solid cheek weld and tames some felt recoil, which matters when you're running the full-power 7.62x54R cartridge. The hooded front sight protects the post in the field, and the adjustable rear sight lets you dial in elevation at range. 
 
The chrome-lined bore is the practical highlight here. It resists corrosion from the corrosive-primed surplus ammunition that's most commonly available for this caliber, and it wears well over time. 
 

Usage 

 
The PSL fills a specific niche: a semi-auto designated marksman-style rifle in a cartridge with real reach. It works for deer-sized game at distance, and its Soviet-lineage design makes it interesting for collectors. The weight and overall length make it less suited to close-quarters use, but that was never the point of the platform.

Owners of the Century Arms PSL tend to have mixed but generally informed opinions, shaped by what they expected going in.

On the positive side, the rifle's Warsaw Pact marksman-rifle history is a genuine draw for collectors and military surplus enthusiasts. The 7.62x54R cartridge gets consistent praise for accuracy and reach. Users report good groupings at distance, and the cartridge performs well on medium game. The wood-and-metal construction has a solid feel that modern polymer rifles don't replicate.

The criticisms are equally consistent. The rifle is heavy and long, and that's not a surprise to anyone who researches it beforehand, but it does limit practical use for extended field carry. Spare parts and aftermarket accessories are harder to source than for more common platforms like the AR or AK, which frustrates users who want to upgrade or repair. Some users find the stock dimensions, particularly cheek weld and length of pull, less comfortable than modern stock designs.

Pricing is a recurring topic. Some buyers feel the PSL is fairly valued given its historical significance and chambering; others think it should be cheaper given the competition from newer precision rifles. The cost of 7.62x54R ammunition, while often available as surplus, can also add up.

Mine was in excellent condition. I still gave it a thorough cleaning before firing, mainly to clear out any remaining cosmoline and reduce the chance of a sticky firing pin before use.