The CENT PSL-54 7.62×54R 24.5″ 10RD refers to the Century Arms Romanian PSL-54 semi-automatic rifle. It is a Romanian designated marksman-style rifle based on the AK operating system and chambered for the Russian 7.62×54R cartridge.

Overview

• Manufacturer/importer: Century Arms (Romanian-built rifles imported by Century Arms)
• Model: PSL-54 / PSL 54
• Caliber: 7.62×54R
• Action: Semi-automatic, long-stroke gas piston (AK-derived design)
• Magazine capacity: 10 rounds (detachable box magazine)
• Barrel length: 24.5 inches
• Barrel type: Chrome-lined barrel
• Country of manufacture: Romania

Specifications

Design & History

The PSL-54 was developed in Romania as a designated marksman rifle, intended to provide infantry units with increased range and accuracy compared with standard assault rifles. It resembles the Soviet Dragunov SVD in appearance, but it is mechanically different and is closer internally to an enlarged AK design adapted for the rimmed 7.62×54R cartridge.

7.62×54R Cartridge

The 7.62×54R is a historic Russian military cartridge introduced in the late 19th century. It is still widely used and is comparable in power class to cartridges such as .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, though the ballistic performance depends heavily on bullet type and load.

Typical characteristics:

• Bullet diameter: ~7.62 mm (.311″)
• Case type: Rimmed
• Effective range from PSL platform: commonly around 600–800 meters depending on ammunition, optic, and shooter skill
• Common loads: FMJ, light ball, heavy ball, match ammunition

Optics

Many PSL-54 rifles are sold with Soviet-pattern optics such as:

• PO 4×24
• POSP scopes
• Other side-mounted Russian/Romanian optics

The factory side rail allows mounting an optic while retaining iron sights.

Accuracy Expectations

Typical performance:

• Military surplus ammunition: often around 2–4 MOA depending on rifle and ammo
• Quality commercial ammunition: some rifles can do better
• Not generally considered a true precision rifle like an SVD or modern DMR

The PSL is designed more as a battlefield designated marksman rifle than a precision competition rifle.

Strengths

✅ Powerful full-size rifle cartridge
✅ Robust AK-style reliability
✅ Chrome-lined barrel
✅ Historic Romanian military design
✅ Large effective range compared with intermediate-caliber rifles
✅ Simple field maintenance

Weaknesses

❌ Not a true Dragunov
❌ Heavy recoil compared with .308 rifles
❌ 10-round magazines only in standard configuration
❌ Thin barrel can heat up quickly during rapid fire
❌ Accuracy varies significantly between rifles and ammunition

Common Issues to Watch

• Avoid excessive rapid fire; PSL barrels are not designed for sustained heat.
• Use quality 7.62×54R ammunition.
• Check optics mounts and screws for loosening.
• Inspect bolt carrier and trunnion areas on used rifles.

Market Position

The PSL-54 has become a collectible Cold War-era rifle. Current examples are generally valued much higher than their original import prices because Romanian PSL imports are limited.

Bottom line: The Century Arms PSL-54 is a rugged Romanian AK-based 7.62×54R designated marksman rifle. It offers classic military character, strong cartridge performance, and reliability, but it should be viewed as a historical battle rifle rather than a modern precision rifle.