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January 7, 2025Heckler & Koch MSG90 - Detailed Review
Price Range:
$8,000 - $10,000
Specification
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Manufacturer Name | Heckler & Koch |
Country of Origin | Germany |
First Build Date | 1991 |
Action | Semi-Automatic |
Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO |
Magazine Capacity | 5, 10, or 20 rounds |
Barrel Length | 24.5 inches |
Overall Length | 44.8 inches |
Weight | 6.4 KG |
Price Range | $8,000 – $10,000 |
Overview
The Heckler & Koch MSG90 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that was developed in the early 1990s as a precision weapon for military and law enforcement applications. It was primarily designed for long-range engagements, providing excellent accuracy and power with the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. Known for its ruggedness, high-quality construction, and precision, the MSG90 has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable sniper rifles available.
Based on the famous HK G3 rifle, the MSG90 is equipped with a precision barrel, match-grade trigger, and a reliable gas-operated mechanism. It features an adjustable stock, ensuring optimal comfort and fit for the shooter. Its semi-automatic operation provides fast follow-up shots without sacrificing accuracy, making it ideal for both tactical and precision shooting roles.


Strength and Quality
The Heckler & Koch MSG90 is built with the same attention to detail and precision that the company is renowned for. The rifle features a heavy-duty construction, with a solid aluminum receiver and high-quality steel barrel. The match-grade trigger ensures excellent performance, offering a crisp pull with minimal creep. The rifle’s gas-operated system and adjustable stock make it versatile and comfortable for different shooting scenarios. The build quality is top-tier, with a focus on durability and long-term service life.
Safety Features
The MSG90 is equipped with a manual safety selector located near the trigger guard. This allows the shooter to safely engage or disengage the safety with minimal effort. Additionally, the rifle features a robust construction that ensures safety during handling, with no chance of accidental discharge when properly maintained. As with any firearm, users should always ensure the rifle is unloaded before disassembly and cleaning, and follow all standard firearm safety protocols.
Test Results
- Accuracy: The MSG90 is known for its exceptional accuracy, delivering sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) performance at 100 meters with match ammunition.
- Effective Range: The rifle performs best at ranges of 600 to 800 meters, although it can engage targets effectively out to 1,000 meters with the right optics and ammunition.
- Recoil: Due to the larger caliber, recoil is more pronounced compared to smaller caliber rifles, but it is manageable with the weight and design of the rifle.
- Strength: Built to withstand harsh conditions, the MSG90 demonstrates exceptional reliability in extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of operational environments.
Merits
- Accuracy: The MSG90 provides excellent accuracy, with many users reporting consistent sub-MOA performance at medium to long ranges.
- Build Quality: Known for its ruggedness, this rifle is built to withstand the toughest conditions and endure long-term use with minimal maintenance.
- Reliability: The gas-operated system and simple design make the MSG90 an extremely reliable weapon, even in adverse conditions.
- Comfort: With its adjustable stock and ergonomic design, the rifle offers exceptional comfort for shooters of different sizes.
Demerits
- Weight: At 13.2 lbs, the MSG90 is quite heavy, which may make it cumbersome for some shooters, particularly during prolonged use.
- Cost: The price of the MSG90 is quite high, which may make it inaccessible for civilian use or smaller law enforcement agencies.
- Magazine Capacity: The MSG90 uses a relatively low-capacity magazine (5, 10, or 20 rounds), which can be limiting during sustained engagements.
Maintenance
- The MSG90 requires regular cleaning to maintain its accuracy and performance. Cleaning the barrel after extended shooting sessions is crucial to avoid fouling.
- The gas system should be inspected and cleaned periodically to prevent any build-up that could affect performance.
- The trigger and moving parts should be lubricated as needed to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspect the scope and mounting system regularly to ensure it remains securely attached and functioning properly.
Comparison with Other Guns
Heckler & Koch MSG90 vs Other Rifles
Feature | Heckler & Koch MSG90 | FN SCAR 20S | Remington 700 Police | Sig Sauer 716 G2 DMR | Knights Armament SR-25 | Dragunov SVD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Germany | Belgium | United States | United States | United States | Russia |
Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×51mm NATO | .308 Winchester | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×54mmR |
Effective Range | 1,000 m | 1,000 m | 800 m | 800 m | 1,000 m | 800 m |
Weight (Unloaded) | 6.4 kg | 6.8 kg | 4.1 kg | 4.5 kg | 4.5 kg | 4.3 kg |
Barrel Length | 23.6″ | 20″ | 26″ | 16″ | 20″ | 24.4″ |
Action | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | Bolt-action | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
Magazine Capacity | 5 or 20 rounds | 10 or 20 rounds | 4 rounds | 20 rounds | 20 rounds | 10 rounds |
Primary Use | Sniper Operations | Precision Shooting | Law Enforcement | DMR, Tactical | Precision, Tactical | Military Sniping |
Price Range (USD) | $8,000–$10,000 | $4,000–$4,500 | $1,200–$1,500 | $2,500–$3,000 | $5,000–$6,000 | $2,500–$3,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The MSG90 is a precision sniper rifle intended for military and law enforcement use, designed for long-range engagements and exceptional accuracy.
Yes, where permitted by law, civilians can own the MSG90, but it is primarily intended for professional use due to its high cost and specialized purpose.
The MSG90 stands out for its reliability and precision, similar to other high-end sniper rifles. However, its heavy weight and higher price may limit its appeal to some users.