PSA AK Lineup: Which Model Is Right for You?
Palmetto State Armory offers a wide range of American-made AK variants. Here is how they break down:
- PSA AK-47 GF3 – 7.62x39. Forged trunnion, carrier, and bolt. The proven budget-friendly AK.
- PSA AK-47 GF4 – 7.62x39. Latest generation with improved internals and fit/finish. (this review)
- PSA AK-74 – 5.45x39. Classic Soviet caliber in an American-made package.
- PSA AK-101 – 5.56 NATO. AK reliability with AR-15 ammo compatibility.
- PSA AK-103 – 7.62x39. Modernized AK with side-folding stock and rail.
- PSA AK-105 – 5.45x39. Compact carbine variant with shorter barrel.
- PSA AKP GF3 – 7.62x39 pistol. Compact AK pistol with brace-ready receiver.
- PSA Krink – Short-barreled AK variant inspired by the AKS-74U.
- PSA AKV – 9mm. Scorpion mag-compatible pistol caliber AK.
This review covers the AK-47 GF4, PSAs latest and most refined AK-47.
I've really been on an AK kick lately, or as the kids say, I'm in my AK ERA.
Maybe it's because of all the Gray Zone Warfare I've been playing or the sweet AK rifle bags we have been making.
It's hard to say; maybe it's both.
But if I had to pick a single American-made AK, it would be the PSA AK-47 GF4, and in this review, I will explain why.
PSA AK-47 GF4 Overview
Trying to pick a specific PSA AK-47 model can be challenging; just look at the sheer number of options.
The easiest way to narrow down what you want is to figure out your feature set.
The reason I went with the GF4 are as follows:
- It's one of the newest in the PSA AK lineup (Released Summer 2020)
- The front trunnion was upgraded to 4340 AQ Hammer Forged steel
- It has a cold hammer forged barrel
- Lastly, the model options have the best choices
There is a complete list of the differences floating around the internet so you'll want to track it down and see which model is best for you.
Features
If you read my list of reasons I chose the GF4 above, you'll know that it isn't a slouch for features.
Muzzle Device
TFB has the best breakdown for AK muzzle devices, so there's no need to recreate the wheel.
The gun comes with a M14x1LH thread pitch, which is important to note if you want to change your muzzle device or suppress the gun.
AK thread pitches are wild and seem all over the place.
So, if you don't love the gun's muzzle device or want to add a silencer later, it's very important to double-check your thread pitch before purchasing.
Trigger
The stock trigger is somewhat upgraded, featuring the PSA EPT, short for "Enhanced Polish Trigger".
It has a distinct nickel look and a smooth crisp pull.
I still think the best AK trigger on the market is the ALG AK trigger.
Pistol Grip
Most 104's come with a standard polymer no-fuss pistol grip.
These are easy to change and there isn't much to say about the grip, it gets the job done!
I will switch this grip out for the US Palm grip, because those are one of my favorite aftermark AK grips.
Magazine
If you get this Gen 4 AK it will come with one magazine, which is a bummer but that's the standard in 2024.
The magazine is a polymer magazine with a metal base and a polymer follower.
I have several of these Soviet Arms-branded magazines, and they seem to work well, at least in the PSA/Soviet Arms AKs.
Bolt/Charging Handle
The bolt is hammer-forged, increasing its durability during hard use.
It's hard to say much about the charging handle because it's a standard AK charging handle fixed to the bolt carrier.
It just works and feels solid.
Optics
Optics options are pretty wide open, but your mounting options are limited, depending on which model you choose.
I've found in my testing that the most reliable optics mounts are the side mounts.
They hold zero better than any dust cover mounting solution due to the moment in the dust cover.
If you can mount to the front handguard, that produces some better results -- personally, I'd just steer clear of the dust cover mounting solutions.
Fit & Feel
One of the most common QC issues I see people mention on the PSA AKs is the front gas block (which in this case also includes the front sight) being installed crooked.
I did not have that experience with mine, and upon breaking down the gun and inspecting it before shooting, everything looked good, as it should.
These guns have gotten a bad rap in the AK purist circles, but they do fill a niche.
These are affordable and mine has run well out of the box thus far.
Shooting
Shooting 7.62x39 is always a good time (unless you're in Europe).
This gun has a typical AK-47 recoil impulse and the sights are, well, iron sights.
It ran well with no feeding or cycling issues running AAC Steel Case 7.62x39.
I will say the gun is probably over-gassed, but that's to ensure you don't have cycling issues with the wild variance of ammo available.
If you want to get into the weeds with the gun, you can upgrade the gas system to tune it.
Range Bag
The GF4's CHF barrel ups the accuracy game. The Bronx transports this premium AK variant securely to the range.
Price & Conclusion
In conclusion, I'd pick the GF4 because of its barrel quality, feature set, and price tag, which are very reasonable.
It currently sits around the $850 mark, which is crazy reasonable.
KlayCo47 recently dropped a video on why owning an AK kinda sucks now, you can watch it here:
The cost was a major factor, including the cost of importing guns, the ban on imported aftermarket accessories, and the Russian ammo ban currently in place.
It's a tough time to be an AK owner. PSA is working to make affordable domestic AKs and is trying to lower steel case 7.62x39 prices with AAC.
If you want to buy an affordable AK, the AK GF4 is a good option.
