There’s something inherently interesting about older battle rifles. Compared to so many svelte AR-15’s of late these thirty caliber behemoths speak of an earlier age of engineering and practices. Next to the AK series and the FN FAL, one of the other big names back in the day was the HK G3, or the semi-auto model 91. Actual HK examples of these rifles now sell for good money but there’s an American company who has been keeping the legacy alive for less than half the price of a German marked example.
PTR, which I believe stands for Precision Target Rifle, had first gotten started with the PTR-91. As the name implies it was a direct copy of the HK 91. Since then PTR has grown quite a lot as a company. A few years back they relocated to their current home in South Carolina while ever expanding their product line, notably including newly manufactured copies of the venerable MP5. Earlier firearms had made use of surplus parts from overseas but these days almost every component is made in house. PTR has been known for great quality at great price points but there’s one model in particular which stood out to me as something a little less conventional.
Called the PTR-32, this firearm is modeled after what had been an HK prototype (naturally called the HK 32) from a bygone era. Externally the PTR-32 is identical to the 91 series, the Gen 1 version even shares the PTR-91 stamping on the magazine well and cutout for a 91 style magazine release. What sets these guns apart is that they take 7.62×39 rather than 7.62×51 NATO or .308. The 32 series, same as the old HK example, feed from standard AK pattern magazines. As the platform was designed around a much more stout cartridge, what results is a system with fairly curious handling. It’s not too different from having a .22 LR conversion kit for an AR-15. The bullet diameter is almost the same but the cartridge has a lot less oomph to it.
While I can’t say for certain why PTR developed the 32 series, now being offered both rifles and large format pistols which they list as “PDWs”, I’m glad they did. It combines the iconic 91 series profile with a softer shooting and more economical caliber. The PTR-32 is a unique offering to gun owners and while there are some areas where it falls short of a good old AK there’s plenty about the 32 to take notice of.
Worth noting is that I am reviewing one of the Gen 1 models which has some differences from the current offerings. For a time I believe these were also referred to as the “Legacy” versions on PTR’s website. One of the bigger changes which I am aware of is that the Gen 1 has a shorter forend compared to current models which now share the same profile as the .308 rifles. From what I can gather the Gen 2’s also seem to have a redesigned magwell without the 91 characteristics as well as a tapered barrel to shed some weight.
Because the 32 is based off of the 91 this means that there’s no shortage of parts compatibility. Stocks, recoil pads, buffers, scope mounts, iron sights, lower receivers, trigger packs, safety selectors, charging handles, and forends with the Gen 2. I’m willing to bet that the bolt carriers are identical as well, though the bolt is clearly marked as being for a 32.
The PTR-32 rifles are indeed precision target rifles. The 32 rifle comes with Melonite finished heavy profile sixteen inch barrels with 5/8×24″ threads. Because it uses an intermediate cartridge the 32 has mild, and noteworthy, handling. A friend once referred to it as having a “coil” on top of recoil. Not only does the PTR have a solid chunk of steel for the bolt and carrier but it has a very long length of travel. With a .308 it’s quite jarring but with the 7.62×39 you can feel the bolt throughout its travel. Firing one is almost like being on a small boat as it crests waves, more of a rocking motion than a jackhammering one. Being a roller-delayed blowback further helps with this smooth operation. In being a blowback design there’s also no tensioning on the barrel from a gas tube such as on an AK.
Then there’s that 91 sized magwell. Because the AK mags are smaller than G3 mags this space is now oversized which allows it to act as a sort of funnel for rock and lock feeding. The new mag release is an oversized steel tab which is both easy to find and smooth to operate. On the right side is a small extension which I suppose was intended to be reached by the index finger for right handed shooters but it is quite a stretch!
One more area where the PTR beats out the AK is with the sight profile. Not only are they set quite far apart on the PTR but they’re exact copies of HK’s fantastic hooded front post and diopter rear drum with its four elevation adjustments made up of three peep sights and one open notch. Any HK style claw mount for scopes or Picatinny rails will work as well since the PTR’s receiver shares the same specs as the original HK rifles, although the current 32 models all appear to have rail sections already welded to the receiver.
One more neat trick about the 91 and 32 series is that the lower receivers are all compatible. They come standard with the newer HK style smooth grip but if you want something a little different you can swap in older metal packs with changeable grips or MP5 style ones with molded finger grooves. Just keep in mind that you will need a “cut and pinned” lower as the PTR rifles are what are known as two pin models rather than three pin. Also of note, Magpul recently came out with an MP5 lower which is listed as being compatible.
Aside from the Gen 1 being a bit finicky about certain brands of magazines the PTR-32 is a solid offering all around. It has charisma, it’s fun to shoot, it’s accurate, it’s more affordable to run than a .308, and it can be modified with aftermarket or original HK parts. However, there are also some downsides.
Because the 32 is based off of the full power 91 version the first two details to jump out are: This rifle is quite large and its weight matches its profile. Current models range from 9.3 pounds for the rifle down to 8 pounds for the PDW versions. Compared to any standard AK the PTR looks like a giant! While this does aid in its accuracy and softer shooting it means that there is a LOT of rifle to carry around. When you start adding accessories like a scope and bipod the weight only goes higher. This is definitely more of a target rifle than something you would want to hunt with.
Chambering an empty rifle takes a bit longer than an AK as well as the charging handle folds against the side of the rifle. The trigger, while generously oversized for use with heavy gloves, has a long and hefty pull. The safety selector has a well deserved reputation of being difficult to reach, although there are some extended examples which can somewhat alleviate this. Magpul has also come out with an extended ambidextrous selector for polymer housings.
In addition, whether using typical fixed stocks or the “meat tenderizer” collapsible stocks, the length of pull is quite long. Add in a scope and there won’t be a great cheek weld without some manner of riser. Aftermarket options exist here as well, one stock offered by Spuhr has become quite popular but the downside is that you will lose the ability to use the iron sights. There are also adapters for M4 style stocks and side folders.
To me the PTR-32 is more of a complimentary rifle than a primary one, providing a convenient way to own something uncommon while still retaining common parts availability. If you’re an AK fan or happen to want something a bit more exotic then the 32 is an excellent choice. To the former you have cartridge and magazine compatibility with the bonus of better accuracy, to the latter it’s an interesting and attractive piece which is also a joy to shoot.
