The American Bastard AK

Published on January 14, 2025
Duration: 13:29

This guide details the assembly and initial testing of the Palmetto State Armory (PSA) AK-104 'American Bastard' variant. It covers the installation of specific furniture and accessories, addresses potential trigger reset issues, and highlights the importance of inspecting bolt carrier wear. The process is explained with an analytical and objective tone, reflecting the speaker's high authority and expertise in AK platforms.

Quick Summary

The PSA AK-104 'American Bastard' is a variant featuring a 12.7-inch barrel and 1/2x28 muzzle threads for easier suppressor mounting. Initial testing revealed trigger reset failures, often requiring trigger polishing for reliability. Bolt carrier wear is also a point of analysis, with differences noted between PSA AK tiers like GF3 and GF5.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the American Bastard AK
  2. 01:42The Reputation of American AKs
  3. 02:44Platform Choice: AK-104 in 7.62x39
  4. 04:37PSA AK Tiers Explained
  5. 05:16American Bastard Specifics
  6. 06:03Furniture and Accessories
  7. 07:11Trigger and Reliability Issues
  8. 08:16Bolt Carrier Wear and Community Consensus
  9. 10:38Final Assessment and Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the PSA AK-104 American Bastard?

The American Bastard variant features a 12.7-inch barrel, 1/2x28 muzzle threads with a proper shoulder for easier suppressor mounting, and is based on the AK-104 platform. It's often built using PSA's GF3 components.

What common issues were found during the build and testing of the American Bastard AK?

Initial testing revealed trigger reset failures with the standard PSA trigger kit. Additionally, bolt carrier tail deformation was observed, with variations noted between different PSA AK generations like the GF3 and GF5.

How do PSA AK tiers (GF3, GF4, GF5) differ?

The GF3 is a base model with a nitrided barrel. GF4 features a cold hammer-forged (CHF) and chrome-lined barrel. The GF5 uses an FN-made CHF and chrome-lined barrel, representing the highest tier in PSA's AK offerings.

Why is the 1/2x28 thread pitch significant on the American Bastard AK?

The 1/2x28 thread pitch is a common Western standard, making it much easier to attach commonly available suppressors and muzzle devices compared to traditional metric AK threads, simplifying accessory integration.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Hop

View all →