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Palmetto State Armory’s Best Selling AK

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PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged Classic Polymer Rifle Review: A Modern Take on a Timeless Design

The PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged Classic Polymer Rifle is Palmetto State Armory’s third-generation attempt to refine the iconic AK-47 platform for American shooters. Built with a blend of traditional design and modern manufacturing, this rifle aims to balance durability, reliability, and affordability. Manufactured by PSA, a company known for its accessible firearms, the GF3 stands out with its hammer-forged components and classic polymer furniture. Here’s a detailed look at its features, background, and what it brings to the table, based on available data and general firearm knowledge.
What Is the PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged Classic Polymer Rifle?
The GF3 (Generation 3) is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, PSA’s evolution of their PSAK-47 series. Introduced around 2018-2019, it builds on earlier models by incorporating hammer-forged parts for enhanced longevity, a hallmark of quality AKs. The “Classic Polymer” variant keeps things simple with traditional AK styling—think polymer stock, handguard, and grip—while maintaining the rugged functionality AKs are known for.
  • Key Specs:
    • Barrel Length: 16 inches
    • Overall Length: Approximately 35.5 inches (stock extended)
    • Weight: Around 7 pounds (unloaded)
    • Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds (ships with one magazine, where legal)
    • Finish: Black polymer furniture; available in colors like Olive Drab Green (ODG), Plum, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), and Gray
  • Design Features:
    • Gas nitride-treated 4150 steel barrel
    • Stamped steel receiver with a 1mm thickness
    • Hammer-forged front trunnion, bolt, and carrier
    • Side scope mount rail (traditional Soviet pattern)
    • Standard 800-yard rear sight leaf and adjustable front sight post
    • Mil-spec single-hook trigger
    • Polymer handguard, stock, and grip for lightweight durability

Background and Development

Palmetto State Armory entered the AK market in 2016, responding to a shrinking supply of imported AKs due to sanctions and dwindling surplus parts kits. The GF3 emerged after PSA refined their initial offerings, addressing early criticisms about reliability and finish quality. By adopting hammer-forged components—a process where metal is shaped under extreme pressure for greater strength—the GF3 aligns more closely with Eastern Bloc standards, like those from Soviet or Yugoslavian AKs. The “Classic Polymer” version nods to the utilitarian roots of the AK-47 while keeping production costs manageable.
  • Historical Context: The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947, became a global icon for its simplicity and toughness. PSA’s GF3 builds on this legacy, modernizing it with American manufacturing and quality control, aiming to compete with imports like Zastava or Century Arms builds.

How It’s Made

The GF3’s barrel is crafted from 4150 steel, treated with a gas nitride finish for corrosion resistance and durability—common in firearms meant for hard use. The hammer-forged trunnion, bolt, and carrier are pressed and riveted into a stamped steel receiver, a construction method that balances cost and strength. The polymer furniture is molded for lightweight consistency, available in multiple colors to suit personal tastes. Each rifle undergoes PSA’s “torture test” of 10,000 rounds during development, a benchmark to ensure it can handle rigorous conditions.
Standout Features
  • Hammer-Forged Components: The bolt, carrier, and trunnion are forged, not cast, mimicking high-end AKs for improved wear resistance—a step up from earlier PSA models with cast parts.
  • Barrel Quality: The 4150 steel with a 1:9.5 twist rate stabilizes a range of 7.62x39mm ammo, from 122-grain FMJ to heavier loads, offering decent accuracy for an AK.
  • Side Rail: The Soviet-style optics mount allows for scopes or red dots via aftermarket rails (e.g., Midwest Industries or RS Regulate), though alignment can vary due to AK tolerances.
  • Classic Furniture: The polymer stock, grip, and handguard keep weight down and maintain the AK’s no-frills aesthetic, with a sling loop for basic carry options.

On the Range

Since I can’t shoot it myself (being an AI), I’ve drawn from user feedback and technical details. The GF3’s 16-inch barrel and long-stroke gas piston system deliver the AK’s signature reliability, cycling steel-cased ammo like Tula or Wolf without issue—a must for budget-conscious shooters. Accuracy typically hovers around 2-4 MOA at 100 yards with iron sights, respectable for an AK not designed as a precision rifle. The nitride barrel holds up under high round counts, and the forged parts suggest it can endure thousands of rounds without major wear.
  • Ergonomics: The polymer grip and stock are functional but basic—AK purists might appreciate the simplicity, though some find it less comfortable than modernized furniture (e.g., Magpul’s Zhukov stock).
  • Trigger: The single-hook mil-spec trigger is serviceable, with a pull around 5-6 pounds, though it’s gritty compared to upgraded options like ALG’s AKT.

Interesting Facts

  • Torture Test Success: AK expert Rob Ski of AK Operators Union reportedly put a GF3 through a 5,000-round gauntlet with no major failures, a first for an American-made AK in his tests.
  • Value Benchmark: Priced around $600-$750 (often lower for “blem” models with minor cosmetic flaws), it undercuts many imported AKs while offering comparable durability.
  • Soviet Arms Transition: Post-March 2023 models may bear a “Soviet Arms” logo on the receiver, a cosmetic shift as PSA rebrands its AK line, though the core design remains unchanged.

Considerations

  • Optics Mounting: The side rail works, but AK tolerances mean mounts might need fitting—Midwest Industries or RS Regulate are recommended for stability.
  • Furniture Limits: The classic polymer doesn’t support M-LOK or Picatinny rails without swapping to an aftermarket handguard, limiting accessory options out of the box.
  • Weight: At 7 pounds, it’s typical for an AK but heavier than some AR-15s, which might matter for extended carry.

Why It Stands Out

The PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged Classic Polymer Rifle shines as an affordable, American-made AK that doesn’t skimp on the essentials. Its forged components and nitride-treated barrel offer longevity that rivals imported classics, while the polymer furniture keeps it true to the AK’s utilitarian roots. It’s not a high-end custom piece—think Zastava M70 or Arsenal SAM7—but it’s built for shooters who want a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank. PSA’s lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, covering defects in materials or craftsmanship.