Thoughts on the PSAK (or should can I skip the WASR?)

prolly wasr

I just picked up a PSAK yesterday. The version with Magpul MOE furniture.
WASRs have a good (recent) history IIRC, but in the past have been known for some rough machining, rattly parts, and canted blocks. I believe this has improved recently.
Compared to the WASRs I've inspected--they ran from 'okay' to 'holy crap, seriously?' way back when--the PSA is mechanically nicer in every way.
Disclaimer: I haven't had the opportunity to handle a WASR since an election or two ago. I haven't seen them since the reported improvements.
Only a couple parts not made in America, new barrel instead of imported, everything on this is (at only a quick inspection) of a quality to the Arsenals in the shop I picked it up at. Everything is tight and buttery smooth. Mine has no machining marks on anything you want smooth, and I almost need a magnifying glass to see any on parts that would work just as well if there were shaped with a hatchet. Fit like a sewing machine. I can shake it as hard as I want, even grab the bolt handle or gas tube and try to rattle it, and it doesn't make a sound. I can't wiggle the PMAG it came with if I try. The rear sight, gas block, and front sight block all run perfectly along a straightedge.
Call it being giddy over finally getting a new gun if you want, but I'm seriously impressed so far. My Saiga wasn't this polished. I would have liked a chrome-lined barrel, but for what I got at the price I got it, I'm just fine making sure it's cleaned.
The only thing I can imagine the WASR being better for is 'authenticity'. Assuming the metallurgy proves as good as everything appears, if you don't mind that everything is "inspired in Russia. Made in USA" (according to the PSAK's inspection tag) and don't mind the non-chromed barrel, I can't imagine that WASRs have gotten as nice.

View attachment 883183 View attachment 883181 I really like my PSAK and it is well-made and accurate.

The one unusual thing I've noticed so far is the rifling.
Obviously it doesn't bother the accuracy (I'm going to have to confirm Casefull's testimony the next time I have a day off), but it's the first time I've taken notice of a barrel with broad grooves and narrow lands.
Should make it easier to clean, I guess.

My target was shot at 100 yards with hand loads off a bench with backpack for rest. Groups with steel cased ammo 1.5 to 2”.

The rifle has a great trigger also. For what it’s worth I’ve never been a huge ak fan. The muzzle break makes a big difference for quick follow-up shots compared to the standard AK muzzle device.

Indeed, the trigger is great. Plenty of creep but can't expect anything else from an AK, but it's smoother and has a sharper release than the stock Saiga trigger or the G2 that replaced it.
I bought an el-cheapo (not even Tapco) 74-style for mine. It was stupidly cheap and its quality is dubious, but I'll give it a shot; it's just my opinion that nothing makes an AK look not quite right more than having anything but a slant or 74-style brake on it.

PSA Gen 3 no contest in my book.

Unless it's a Saiga, Vepr, Bulgarian, or Arsenal, I would go with PSA. Just personal preference.

Just whatever you do don't let Century Arms find it's way in your list of contenders.

Wait until SHOT. See how far along the PSAK with CHF/CL FN Barrel is. Save your pennies. Grab one.

PSA probably does make a nice enough AK style rifle in right configuration but I would search high and low for a correctly built European made rifle or all original old school
parts kit/US made receiver rifle depending on the builder. I have $400.00 in this Bulgarian AKS74 and wouldn't trade for a new one.

Bill

Psa passed the akou 5k torture test. So what, so did the century c39 wit it's soft parts. Psa failed to report the performance of the two FA guns they sent to battlefield Vegas, even when pressed (that I'm aware of). Presumably because the guns failed. Big stink at the AK files, guys wanted results, psa was a vendor, so the whole thing got closed. I'd stick with milsurp, probably a basic Romanian G, wasr, or maybe a PAP. I don't yet have faith in psa AK for a go to weapon that will develop high round counts. No psa for me yet even though I want them to succeed.

The Exile said:

I want to but I just can't stand those new combo gas blocks, they work fine I'm sure but they're very ugly to me. I would only consider something like that on a krinkov sbr set up

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I wouldn't assume they'll -only- be available in that format. Wait and see.

The Exile said:

How do you feel about the AK74 style brakes? Was thinking about going with that to preserve some authenticity.

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I am not sure what the AK 74 brake is like? The typical muzzle brake that I put on in place of the AK-47 brake was a big improvement.

I’m sure glad I don’t believe everything I read on the Internet. LOL

I would miss out on a lot a great products.

Bought two side folders within a week of eachother, had to send one back. Issues included:
-No spring tension on rear sight.
-Crooked rear sight
-Folding mechanism would not lock

They fixed everything but the crooked rear sight. The whole trunion appears to be slightly canted. From attempting contact PSA to back in hand was about 1 month.
I have about 100 rounds through one and exactly 5 rounds through the "repaired" one. No malfunctions. I have yet to properly zero.
I have not shot either one enough to pass judgment on other than AK PMAGS are absolute junk in any platform. And that's coming from a magpul fanboy.

I bought theses strictly has fun guns, so we will see.
I do plan on getting an AKP and putting a CNC Warrior brace on it.

Casefull said:

I’m sure glad I don’t believe everything I read on the Internet. LOL

I would miss out on a lot a great products.

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How many rounds do you have through your psa? Glad you are happy with it but think their have been enough issues for people to question whether they are great products or not. Psa does seem long term committed to being the best USA AK maker. Me and every other AK fan want them to succeed massively because AK prices are getting out of hand. I've had their AK-P in my sights for some time but I'm hesitant....

I purchased a PSAK GB2 when they were closing them out prior to the introduction of the GF3. I bought it simply because I had never had an AK, and it was stupid cheap. I didn't expect to run thousands and thousands of rounds through it. At the same time PSA gives a lifetime warranty and I have had good success with some of their ARs.

However, I have been very pleased, and it goes to the range more than I first anticipated. It has functioned 100% since the first day right out of the box.

Do you want an AK made by people who were making them for the Iron Curtain and still using the same spec and machines, or do you want an AK made by people who are treating the whole enterprise as if it were some new adventure?

The Exile said:

I want to but I just can't stand those new combo gas blocks, they work fine I'm sure but they're very ugly to me. I would only consider something like that on a krinkov sbr set up

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And here ya go https://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401637

PSA has really set the bar on US built AKs, and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one. They passed the 5000 rd test on AKU, and currently over 11K rounds on full auto on the AKM out at BFV.
I kinda like the combo block myself, but it's not my only AK. All my AKs have dimples...