Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>

[Review] Palmetto State Armory AK-47 (PSAK-47 GF3) with Video

Looking for an affordable and reliable AK-47...that's made in the US? We test PSA's PSAK-47 for shootability, reliability, look, feel, accuracy, and more.

Looking for an affordable AK-47…that’s built in the USA?

It might seem a little weird, but AKs are now manufactured in the US by a couple companies.

You might know Palmetto State Armory (PSA) for all their AR-15s…but now they are in the AK game with their PSAK-47 GF3.

PSAK-47
PSAK-47

Follow us as we test out their most popular variant…the MOEkov.  A combination of a MOE front handguard and a Zhukov buttstock.

Best Bang-for-Buck AK
699
at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

We’ll put it through lots of different ammo and mags.  Upgrade it with muzzle devices, optics, and triggers.  Then test for reliability and accuracy.

By the end you’ll know if you should go USA…or stick with trying to find a true commie version.

Plus we have a full video review of it too:

If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!

Now let’s get on with the written review…

Table of Contents

Loading...

Who Is It For?

  • Someone venturing into the world of AK-47s who wants it made in the good ole US of A
  • Someone looking for an affordable rifle that will work
  • Someone wanting the MOEkov look without having to buy two sets of furniture
  • Someone who can wait for their specific loadout to come in stock
WASR10, PSAK47, PAP M92
WASR10, PSAK47, PAP M92

About PSA

Yes…it’s that PSA that makes the unbelievably affordable AR-15s (like $350 affordable).

I’ve tested a bunch of them and although some have cosmetic issues…they’ve all gone bang when needed.

Check out my review of 3 PSA AR-15s.

PSA 5.56 & .223 Wylde
PSA 5.56 & .223 Wylde

Or our entire collection of PSA Reviews.

But…how are PSA guns so cheap?

It’s because of vertical integration where they take in raw materials and spit out a finished gun…all in-house.

PSA AR-10 .308
PSA AR-10 .308

Same with their AKs…it’s all USA made by them.

And unless you really got to have the real commie deal…you might have to exclusively buy US soon because of legislation that dried up Russian parts kits.

Now let’s get on to the actual review…

Fit, Feel, & Finish

Everything looked great according to my previous PSA standards.  No purplish hue and all the black metal parts matched.

My tested version is the Gen 2 which is now replaced by the GF3.

Everything is the same except trunnions are now forged (like “normal” AKs) instead of billet in Gen 2.

PSAK Finish
PSAK Finish

I had to add on the furniture myself thanks to some state regulations…but everything fit correctly.  Note the pistol grip is not standard issue MOEkov.

Here’s the Magpul MOE handguard.

Magpul AK Handguard
Magpul AK Handguard

It’s closer to length to an old-school AK…but updated with a futuristic polymer look.

AK-47
AK-47

And here’s the Zhukov buttstock.

Zhukov Buttstock
Zhukov Buttstock

I really like this buttstock since it is adjustable and also folds back.  Unfortunately I had to pin both of these capabilities.

Here’s the full Zhukov furniture set with handguard…which is way too long in my opinion.

Folded Zhukov Stock
Folded Zhukov Stock

Next up in features is the scope attachment rail.

PSAK Scope Attachment
PSAK Scope Attachment

I’m really glad this is becoming a standard since I do not like AK iron sights.

Speaking of the sights…a lot of affordable AKs have canted front sights…I’m happy to say my PSAK-47 is all good in that area.

PSAK-47 Sights
PSAK-47 Sights

This is how my Yugoslavian WASR’s sights need to be adjusted to be on target…

WASR 10 Canted Front Sight
WASR 10 Canted Front Sight

The elevation adjustment also worked well at least out to 300 yards.

PSAK-47 Windage
PSAK-47 Elevation

Also at the front is the standard slant AK brake which sort of does its job (more in the Shootability section).

Slant AK Brake
Slant AK Brake

Moving back a little bit…here’s the safety which works with both the standard trigger and my upgraded one too.

PSAK-47 Safety
PSAK-47 Safety

Now into the guts of the PSAK-47…

PSAK-47 Receiver
PSAK-47 Receiver

Check out that AK roominess that gives it its famed reliability.  Getting gunk in there is like throwing a hotdog down a hallway.

Here’s the bolt, piston, and recoil spring.

PSAK Bolt, Piston, Recoil Spring
PSAK Bolt, Piston, Recoil Spring

Everything seemed to be in order.

And here’s a close-up of the bolt and piston after a couple hundred rounds.

PSAK Bolt and Piston
PSAK Bolt and Piston

I’ll go into potential upgrades at the end…but as it comes from the factory…the PSAK-47 has all the right stuff in the right places.  And looks good too with the MOEkhov package.

Now…how does it shoot?

Shootability

The first time I shot it as stock as possible…and it was not fun for my cheeks (the face kind).

PSA AK-47
PSA AK-47

I let 2 other buddies shoot it (with 3 types of ammo) to make sure it wasn’t just me.  1 agreed and 1 told me to suck it up.  So it’s subjective.

I’m thinking that the combination of the polymer Zhukov furniture, slant brake, and having to get extra low to use the iron sights made it pinch my cheekweld.

But not all was lost

I had my Midwest compensator to swap out for the slant brake.

Midwest AK Muzzle Compensator
Midwest AK Muzzle Compensator

That immediately helped with the cheek abuse.

I also moved it back to the slant brake and added a Midwest optics rail.

Midwest AK Optics Mount with Vortex
Midwest AK Optics Mount with Vortex

Getting higher up on the buttstock also mitigated the initial pain.

Best AK Scope Mounting System
120
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

I liked using the Vortex SPARC since it was the perfect (higher) height compared to a Holosun 510C.  Check out Best Red Dots for my other suggestions.

Having both…made it a true joy to shoot.

PSAK-47, California Compliant
PSAK-47, California Compliant

Here it is in rapid fire glory:

Oh…and the PSAK stock trigger…it’s pretty good!  Much better than whatever came with my WASR-10.  You don’t need to upgrade the PSA one since it comes in 4 lb 5 oz for mine.

But of course…I still did.

Reliability

Besides the cheekweld using irons…there were no failures, after 10 rounds.

The failures I encountered weren’t gas or piston related…it was with the trigger not resetting after each shot.

I figured it needed a few shots to get broken in.  After that everything was flawless in going bang when needed.

I tried 4 different brands of ammo…and most of my shooting was done with mildly-corrosive Yugo M67 brass-cased ammo.

Yugo M67, Slickguns
Yugo M67, Slickguns

I only tested at local ranges which prohibit cheaper steel cased ammo…so I’ll be updating with how those shoot when I can head to some different places.  For my favorites…check out Best AK-47 Ammo.

I also tried 3 magazines…a Magpul, Yugoslavian mil-spec, and a ProMag.  All worked flawlessly with all the types of ammo.

But don’t take my word for it…check out the AK Operator Union’s 5K round test on their Gen 2 with billet trunnions.

Now that the trunnions are forged in the newest GF3 series…it should be even more theoretically robust.

Accuracy

I set up my typical accuracy rig as much as possible.

PSAK-47 Testing
PSAK-47 Testing

And put up some 100 yard targets.

PSAK 100 Yards
PSAK 100 Yards (Between the Two Metal Gongs)

This is about 500 rounds in with barrel cleanings after each range session since I was using corrosive ammo (How to Clean Corrosive Ammo).

I upgraded my trigger to the ALG AK which brought down the pull-weight from a respectable 4 lb 5 oz to 3 lb 1 oz.

115
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

I tightened down my optic mount and shot at a fast pace of whenever the reticle came back on target…probably every 3-5 seconds.  I let the barrel rest about 5 minutes between each load.

Tested AK 7.62x39 Rounds
Tested AK 7.62×39 Rounds (L to R): M67, American Eagle, Fusion, Winchester

Here are the results:

PSAK-47 Groups
PSAK-47 Groups

They all did kind of the same…with around 5-6 MOA (1 MOA is 1 inch at 100 yards) in a horizontal pattern.

That pattern lends me to believe it could be my mount or the attachment.  My scope is pretty good to go.

Update: I tried it 2 more range sessions with another side mount but same scope and got the same results.

I contacted PSA and they told me it’s likely parallax error because I was magnifying to 25x and AKs don’t have the greatest cheekweld especially with the benchrest.  Being off a little each time behind the glass likely produced the horizontal pattern.

Ok…so I went with a gas tube rail, something lower in magnification, and sand bags.

PSAK with Gas Tube Rail and 1-6x Scope
PSAK with Gas Tube Rail and 1-6x Scope

Keep in mind you’ll probably never do this since the viewing angle is super awkward for a magnified optic up front.  But I wanted to see the innate accuracy of the PSAK.

I set my target at roughly 75 yards at another range.

PSAK 75 Yard Target Range
PSAK 75 Yard Target Range

Zeroed it enough to be on the sticky.

PSAK 75 Yard Target
PSAK 75 Yard Target

And a closeup of the results.

PSAK 75 Yard Group
PSAK 75 Yard Group

It’s better…even when you extrapolate to 100 yards.  I’m estimating 4 MOA.

The good thing is that it no longer has a funky horizontal pattern.

AKs aren’t known to be the most accurate…but keep in mind mil-spec M4s are 4 MOA.

M4 Carbine
M4 Carbine

5 or even 6 MOA is still good out to 200 yards at a minute-of-bad-guy accuracy.

For $499 I can’t really complain!

Unlike PSA’s AR-15s…you can’t really buy the upper and lower separately to avoid the complete firearm tax.

Best Bang-for-Buck AK
699
at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

I do really like the MOEkov look but if you don’t want to modify the muzzle or add on an optic…I’m thinking the Classic will be better at recoil management.

Those are pretty much your two choices…or going with a BLEM (blemished) which will work fine but might have cosmetic issues.

And now…if you want to go the “pistol” route…the AK-P GF3.

wet akp
Wet AK-P

Perfect for a truck gun with its shorter barrel.  Check out the full review here.

800
at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

By the Numbers

Reliability: 5/5

~500 rounds with 4 different types of ammo and three different mags…with no malfunctions after 10 rounds the trigger needed to break in.  Also passed AK Operator Union’s 5K torture test.

Now trunnions are forged so there’s even less to possibly complain about online.

On top of all of that, PSA sent one of their PSAK-47s to Battlefield Vegas to be converted into a full-auto AK and used at the range. After over 17,000 rounds, the rifle started to keyhole and was retired from service.

That is a huge amount of fire and abuse to be put through!

Accuracy: 3.5/5

On par with AKs so you’re good up to 200/300 yards minute-of-bad-guy.  You’ll also likely only have a 1x optic so ringing steel at 100 yards will still be very doable.

Ergonomics: 3/5

It’s an AK…so will never be as ergonomic as an AR…but I like the foldability of the Zhukov stock and the feel of the MOE handguard.  Safety latch and everything else were a little stiff but became better after a few hundred rounds.

Looks: 5/5

No blemishes or miscolorings.  Plus the MOEkov looks super sexy.

Customization: 4/5

AKs have come a long way in terms of upgrades.  Very glad the PSAK has an optic mount.  And there’s the gas tube way of attaching an optic as well.

Bang for the Buck: 5/5

AKs are actually not that cheap…even the foreign ones.  A great deal at ~$499 for something made in the USA.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Conclusion

The PSAK is one of the best American-made AKs that has passed reliability tests from us and the AK Operators Union. There’s tons of furniture options and it also comes with an optics rail for further customization. And the price gives it a great bang-for-the-buck value.

PSAK-47
PSAK-47

If you’re starting in the world of AKs and don’t have the cash to splurge $2000 on a Krebs (Best AK-47s), the PSAK-47 is one great place to begin.

It looks great and feels in hand.

Recoil is a little harsher than others without easy modifications.

And accuracy could be better…

But keep in mind this is $499 and you’re supporting South Carolina manufacturing.

Best Bang-for-Buck AK
699
at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And for ALL our PSA reviews…click here.

What do you think about the PSAK-47?  Ready to swap out your commie version?  Check out our favorite AKs you can still buy in our Best AK Guide.  Or…our review of PSA’s AK & AR Hybrid that takes AK mags.

KS-47 Fit and Finish
KS-47 Fit and Finish

The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

20 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Rilian

    Other than ammo availability in a SHTF situation, this (very good) review did nothing to convince me to purchase this over an AR in 300 BLK.

    December 11, 2022 3:16 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    FurniturePolish

    Just a head's up when purchasing any AK furniture from PSA. PSA didn't bother to a) provide the correct size washer for the grip screw, or, b) didn't bother to counter sink the screw hole for the washer size they do provide.

    August 28, 2022 6:08 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Cole

    I’m looking to get into shooting 7.62x39 but don’t want to use the AR-15 platform because of all the reliability issues I’ve heard. I’m also not wanting to spend a ton of money either. Would I be better off going with something like the PSAK/Century VSKA/some other budget tier AK47, or should I go with the PSA KS-47 platform? I don’t need precision accuracy, just something reliable and accurate within 100 yards.

    February 20, 2022 8:19 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Jacki Billings, Editor

      Current Gen PSA AK47 is probably the way to go. The KS-47 was okay, but our resident AK expert was not a huge fan of the extra-long bolt pull (AR-10 length) + lack of bolt hold open on the last round. You could also look into the AK103 if you want the modern AK-100 style look. Hope that helps!

      February 22, 2022 10:22 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Michael

    The customer service at PSA is horrible. Do yourself a huge favor and stay as far away from this company as possible. DO NOT BUY any PSA PRODUCTS.

    October 21, 2021 2:40 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Bobo

      Never had an issue with their CS - I only ever had to contact them once but got a response within 24hr’s - granted this was pre Wuhan but still…I’d buy from them again without question.

      December 8, 2021 9:11 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jeff W.

    You might want to take a look at the Century VSKA. It's virtually identical to the PSAK-47 GF3 and it has been reviewed elsewhere at 10K rounds.

    April 23, 2020 8:43 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Popeye

    What kind of wood furniture swaps onto this without major modification? Standard AKM stuff?

    January 13, 2020 4:26 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      MILES

      Yeah from what i've heard standard AMK furniture works fine.

      September 1, 2020 8:05 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Aaron

    Recoil buffer will fix the shock your cheek feels it makes the fun run smoother

    January 9, 2020 1:33 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Colin Miller

    Thank you for the review. Looks like an interesting budget option.

    Did your expensive high power scope not have a parallax adjustment?

    January 1, 2020 12:05 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    WILLIAM E DUNFORD

    I was getting 2.5 moa at 100 with mine using iron sights and brown bear 123gr fmj. I had a similar experience with recoil using the stock slant brake.

    September 8, 2019 5:21 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Ryan M Staebler

    Eric, get Travis on the phone... order up a Micro Draco article, with a side of drum mag.

    June 28, 2019 8:47 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    J

    I like ak47 but in my opinion most of them out there are built like crap even ones that are imported. Never had a psa ak or ar but the mix reviews from people kinda makes me want to stay away. 1 min they make great stuff next they don't make the stuff right. I was looking to get the pistol version because I always like the crink style ak but I not shure there are some reviews that are good some not. So I don't know if I should trust them.

    June 10, 2019 7:39 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Bobo

    I've read that the UTG Pro side mount is to wide and won't tighten down properly and that the MI side mount doesn't always fit right on the PSAK, it apparently hit's the rear rivet, are there any (side) mounts that work (well) without issue with it?

    June 5, 2019 6:12 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Davin

    "Yugoslavian WASR 10" doesn't bode well for an AK review. Romanian AKM are excellent unless you got a dud as did many when the WASR was first introduced (from blemish factory parts at that time). New ones are very nice rifles. PSA has a way to go before they match European AK metallurgy and experience, but I do appreciate them progressing the AK in America. Their ARs are excellent! Thank you for reviewing nonetheless.

    April 26, 2019 1:20 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Mike

    My only problem with Ak's is they beat you up using the iron sites

    April 20, 2019 11:36 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Mark Bailey

    Looks great, But their website shows all models currently unavailable, with no date listed as to when they will have more of them. Seems strange that you are promoting a product that's not available. Do they have production problems, or are they so popular that their entire line is sold out? Weird!

    March 18, 2019 5:11 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Harold Callahan

    Looks like a cut & paste boo-boo there at the end:

    "Great deal if you build from the kit…but even if you do the complete upper and lower…you’re getting an AR-15 pistol for ~$500."

    I actually ordered this same rifle a few days ago. Waiting for it to arrive.

    October 3, 2018 9:22 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      Thanks for catching that Harold! Awesome...let me know how you like yours.

      October 3, 2018 10:30 pm
Join the community! Log in
Please provide a valid email address.
Password is required.
or
Register
Please provide a valid display name.
Please provide a valid email address.
The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
Please accept in order to continue.
or
Trouble logging in?
Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
Please provide a valid email.
Password
Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

Account in Pew Pew Meter means more

Check what do you get by creating an account
Check and save your reviews!
Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms
Manage your newsletter subscription
pew pew tactical logo

new here?

Personalize your experience.
Select what level shooter you are!

pew pew tactical logo

level up your gun knowledge

Thanks! We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared towards your level.

pew pew tactical logo

welcome!

You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns & gear.

$47 value

yours free!

targets targets
free

practice targets

printer icon printable

our 9 favorite targets and drills

free

practice targets

printer icon printable

enter your email to download

We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy.

success icon

Ready to Download

Click below to begin your download

download pdf