Review of the PTR91GI

Warrior Talk News has a review of the PTR91GI (basically, PTR's version of the HK91, which is a semi-auto only version of the HK G-3). I do have a couple of comments.

First, without the paddle-mag release, magazine changes are much slower with HK 91/93 style rifles than many other battle-rifles--the magazine release button is on the right side of the rifle, requiring you to use your shooting hand to operate the release. The paddle-mag release, on the other hand, hangs down just behind the magazine, allowing you to quickly make a magazine change in one fluid motion with your off hand. If you are just wanting a rifle that is fun to shoot at the range, it's not necessary. But otherwise, the paddle-mag release needs to be added to make it an effective combat or self-defense tool.

Second, notwithstanding what the author feels, I think the rear sights on an HK are not all that great. For one thing, the sights are too close to the eye to use the 100m sight. For those unfamiliar with the rifle, the rear sight is a canted drum that can be rotated to provide sights for 100, 200, 300, and 400 meters, respectively; the 100 meter sight is an open sight--basically an open notch sight similar to what you would find on a typical level action or .22 rifle--while the others are peep sights. While the distance from the eye to the rear sight is fine for the peep sights, the 100-meter open rear sight is so close that it blurs out and is essentially useless except for the roughest alignment. There is a reason that most rifles using those types of notch- or V-sights place the rear sight ahead of the receiver.... Frankly, HK would have been better off using a peep or ghost ring sight similar to what was on the FAL or the U.S. rifles. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to improve the rear sight. I would suggest leaving it on the 200m peep for most of your shooting and, if you can, mount a red-dot or telescopic sight.