[5] Though similar in appearance, mission and specifications[6] to the SVD Dragunov, the PSL rifle is mechanically completely different as it is based on the RPK light machinegun, with its internals simply being scaled up to accommodate the more powerful 7.62×54mmR cartridge.

As the Soviets were not eager to share technical information on the SVD Dragunov, a project commenced to develop the PSL.

Its primary purpose is to be used by a squad level sniper, to engage targets at ranges beyond the capabilities of the standard issue AKM assault rifles.

It is built around a stamped steel receiver similar to that of the RPK light machine gun; having a wider forward section enabling a strengthened, more substantial front trunnion.

Although capable of 1 Minute of angle (approximately 1" at 100 yards) or less, the PSL has had issues with its bolt carriers cracking when used with heavy ball (147 grain or greater) ammo and silencers, in part due to the lack of an adjustable gas system.

Aftermarket gas system upgrades (both PSL dedicated and retrofitted standard AK) have been used to solve this problem.

This weapon is identical in almost every respect to the original military version of the PSL except for modifications to comply with the U.S. import laws regarding sporting rifles.

These modifications include removal of the bayonet lug as well as the replacement of the original military receiver, which has three trigger mechanism axis pin holes instead of two.

All sporting versions of the PSL are constructed using original Romanian parts and assembled either in Romania or in the United States, some using American made receivers.

Examples of the commercial sporting version were also available (on a very limited production run) in the 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) cartridge as opposed to the 7.62×54mmR mm these rifles are typically chambered for.

A PSL with a 16" barrel was also marketed as the FPK Paratrooper, but no such rifle exists within the Romanian military, being purely a US made variant.