If you are looking for an affordable, yet high-quality option when it comes to a roller delayed blowback system rifle, the PTR 32 may be right up your alley. This rifle is based off of the HK 91 design, and offers shooters a reliable and accurate platform in 7.62×39. The gun has a 16.1 inch barrel and weighs 9.3 lbs empty. This makes it not exactly the lightest rifle on the market, but it does have some features that make it worth considering for purchase. I will get into more details as we do a PTR 32 review in this post.
Some background on the PTR 32
When they first played with the idea of the PTR 32 in 7.62×39, they stretched a HK93 sized rifle to accommodate the 7.62×39, but they decided to make a production run on the HK91 pattern as the bolt and barrel are easier to adapt in that platform size than the HK93 “assault” rifle size.
PTRs have developed a pretty good reputation, and there is a reason for it. My understanding is that they did get the technical data package from HK when PTR used to be called JLD. That is incredibly difficult to get your hands on, but it ensures that they are producing a rifle that is very close to H&K specifications.
The PTR 32 is really just a PTR 91 but chambered in 7.62×39 with a 16” barrel instead of a 18” barrel used on the .308 models (a good idea if you ask me). The barrel is threaded in 5/8×24, a much more convenient pitch for the American market vs the older 15×1 metric thread that HK utilized.
We swapped out the furniture on this one for OD green furniture. It accepts G3/HK91 furniture, stocks, and uses a shelf style lower grip module instead of the two pin HK type lower.
I don’t know if it’s compatible with registered auto sears though, as that’s not territory I’ve bothered to explore.
PTR 32 Review
This PTR 32 is a 2nd generation model. The PTR’s second generation adjusted some internal characteristics and fixed the first generation to accommodate specific magazines.
Speaking of magazines, it does still have some preferences when it comes to them. Drums won’t work, and some steel mags won’t fit from what I understand. Yugo mags work, along with Magpul, Polish, and Bakelite.
Mags that won’t fit that I’ve personally tried: Tapco and US PALM. They both can’t be inserted fully into the magwell.
The rear sight is a true HK style diopter, instead of a CETME style flip sight. It has a picatinny rail that’s welded to the top of the receiver for easy mounting of optics. This is a much better option than using the dated claw mounts prolific on the HK roller delayed weapons.
Accuracy and recoil of the PTR 32
The accuracy is phenomenal. People report near MOA accuracy with military ball ammo. Cheaper stuff like Tula or Wolf won’t impress as much though. However, it is still acceptable for a battle carbine. We have been using it in VIMSAR matches and had some fun with it out there. Iron sights and ranges between 100-400 yards. It will do it’s part if you do yours.
Recoil is silly soft, as you can imagine pushing a 7.62×39 out of a rifle capable of firing 7.62 NATO. It is hefty though, as the weight is listed at 9.3 lbs unloaded. It is even heavier than most AK variants.
Conclusion – PTR 32 review
Build quality is fantastic, really. We’ve had experience with many different H&K clones and CETME style rifles throughout the years and this one is excellent. This is a great rifle. Its biggest downside is that it is heavy.
This sample size of 1 hasn’t had any issues. It’s been 100% from the factory. Granted, we’ve not put more than about 2,000 rounds through it to this point, but we have been impressed with it.
Here’s a few videos we have of us shooting it throughout the years.