TheArmedScotsman TheArmedScotsman

PSA AK-E M4 MOE Rifle Review

Get PSA AK’s here: https://alnk.to/ge706CM

 

Review: PSAK-47 GF5-E

Rating: 4.5/5

The PSAK-47 GF5-E from Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is one of the most intriguing and affordable options in the market for those looking for an AK-47 style rifle with a bit of a twist. As a rifle that’s part of PSA’s premium GF5 series, the GF5-E is designed to offer enhanced performance, better quality control, and a more refined shooting experience than earlier PSA AK models, while still maintaining that signature AK-47 reliability.

Design and Build Quality

The PSAK-47 GF5-E is a robust, feature-rich rifle built on a forged 1.5mm receiver. It is chambered in 7.62x39mm, making it compatible with a variety of popular AK mags (including surplus mags and PSA’s proprietary polymer mags). The barrel is chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged, and designed for both durability and consistent performance. The barrel length is 16 inches, which provides an ideal balance between maneuverability and velocity.

The rifle has a nice weight to it, sitting comfortably around 7.7 lbs, which helps to absorb recoil without feeling overly heavy. The build quality is solid, with good fit and finish, which is often a key concern with budget-friendly AKs. The use of forged components over stamped ones in the receiver, trunnion, and other critical parts adds to the overall durability.

Performance and Accuracy

When it comes to performance, the PSAK-47 GF5-E shines with excellent accuracy for an AK-47 platform. The rifle is more than capable of holding tight groups at 50-100 yards with consistent hits on paper. While it’s not quite as precision-focused as an AR-15 or precision rifle, it delivers far better accuracy than the older, more budget-friendly AK models that have plagued the market in the past.

The action of the GF5-E is smooth, with an impressive lack of any significant wobble or slop, a common issue on older, less refined AKs. The recoil, while noticeable due to the 7.62x39mm round, is fairly manageable, and the rifle stays on target relatively well for follow-up shots.

Ergonomics and Features

The PSAK-47 GF5-E comes equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail on top, making it easy to mount optics, which is a nice improvement over traditional AK designs. The rifle also features an updated polymer handguard, which is more comfortable to grip and more heat-resistant than traditional wood or stamped metal handguards. The ergonomics of the rifle are overall quite good, especially considering it’s an AK. The stock is a polymer, which is sturdy and can be replaced with aftermarket options if desired.

However, the rifle’s controls, such as the safety and magazine release, remain true to the traditional AK layout. Some users may find the safety selector a bit stiff or the magazine release somewhat awkward, but it’s part of the charm of the AK-47 platform. The trigger, while not as refined as something like an AR-15, has a predictable pull, and is better than previous iterations of PSA’s AK-style rifles.

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, the PSAK-47 GF5-E lives up to the AK reputation. During testing, the rifle ran through hundreds of rounds without a single malfunction, whether it was steel-case or brass ammo. The rifle is well-known for handling poor-quality ammunition, dirt, and harsh conditions, as expected from the AK platform. It’s a true “get it dirty, get it wet” type of firearm, and the GF5-E doesn’t disappoint in that regard.

Value for Money

One of the biggest selling points of the PSAK-47 GF5-E is its value. PSA has managed to create an AK-47 that offers near-premium performance at a price point far below that of other high-end AK manufacturers. For enthusiasts looking for an AK that’s capable, durable, and doesn’t break the bank, the PSAK-47 GF5-E delivers solid value for money, with a MSRP in the $900–$1,000 range, which is quite competitive given the build quality and performance.

Conclusion

The PSAK-47 GF5-E is a fantastic example of PSA’s commitment to refining their AK offerings. It offers the traditional reliability and durability of an AK-47 with some key upgrades that make it a viable option for both new and experienced shooters. With solid construction, good accuracy, and a price that won’t break the bank, the PSAK-47 GF5-E is an excellent choice for those looking to add a modern AK to their collection without having to spend a fortune.

The few minor ergonomic quirks that remain (like the safety selector) are easily overlooked when considering the rifle’s overall value, and its combination of reliability, performance, and price makes it a standout in the modern AK market.

PSAK-47 GF5-E Specifications:

  • Manufacturer: Palmetto State Armory (PSA)
  • Model: PSAK-47 GF5-E
  • Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt (traditional AK action)
  • Caliber: 7.62x39mm
  • Barrel Length: 16 inches
  • Overall Length: 36 inches
  • Weight: 7.7 lbs
  • Barrel Material: Chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged, 4150 steel
  • Barrel Twist: 1:9.5″ (right-hand twist)
  • Muzzle Device: A2-style flash hider (standard AK style)
  • Receiver: Forged 1.5mm stamped steel
  • Trunnion: Forged steel
  • Stock: Polymer, fixed
  • Handguard: M-LOK polymer handguard
  • Sights: Adjustable rear sight, post front sight (standard AK-style)
  • Picatinny Rail: Full-length top rail for optics mounting
  • Safety Selector: Traditional AK-style (left side)
  • Trigger: Single-stage (AK-type trigger)
  • Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds (compatible with most AK-47 mags, including surplus and PSA polymer mags)
  • Finish: Matte black (blued finish)
  • Operating System: Long stroke gas piston