Palmetto State Armory AK-74 (American made AK-74)

Published on May 11, 2021
Duration: 26:25

Garand Thumb provides a critical review of the Palmetto State Armory AK-74, highlighting significant metallurgical concerns despite its shootability and affordability goals. The analysis, informed by expert consultation and high-round count testing, reveals premature wear on critical components, leading to a recommendation against its use as a professional-grade weapon. The review details performance aspects like recoil impulse, accuracy, and trigger quality, while also addressing fitment issues with aftermarket accessories.

Quick Summary

Garand Thumb critically reviews the Palmetto State Armory AK-74, highlighting significant metallurgical concerns like excessive wear on the bolt and trunnion lugs, suggesting issues with metal hardness or heat treatment. Despite good shootability and sub-2 MOA accuracy, the rifle is not recommended for professional use due to durability questions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Cinematic Introduction
  2. 01:44Introduction and Disclosures
  3. 03:51Reliability and Firing Pin Failure
  4. 05:38Internal Wear and Metallurgy Concerns
  5. 08:22Comparison with Russian and Bulgarian AKs
  6. 11:32Verdict on Professional Use
  7. 13:06Performance: Gas, Accuracy, and Muzzle Brake
  8. 15:06Furniture and Fitment Issues
  9. 16:41Controls and Trigger
  10. 19:51Final Thoughts and Market Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main concerns with the Palmetto State Armory AK-74?

The primary concerns with the PSA AK-74 involve significant metallurgical issues, specifically excessive wear and deformation on the bolt and trunnion locking lugs, suggesting potential problems with metal hardness or heat treatment. This leads to questions about its long-term durability for professional use.

How does the PSA AK-74 perform in terms of accuracy and recoil?

The PSA AK-74 demonstrates good shootability with a smooth gas system and an effective muzzle brake that helps manage recoil. Accuracy is reported to be sub-2 MOA with military-grade ammunition, making it reasonably accurate for its platform.

Is the PSA AK-74 compatible with aftermarket parts?

While the PSA AK-74 can accept aftermarket parts like Zenitco furniture, users should anticipate potential fitment issues. The rifle's dimensions may not be perfectly to Russian specifications, often requiring custom fitting for aftermarket accessories.

What is the expert opinion on the PSA AK-74's value and reliability?

Garand Thumb, a recognized firearms expert, cannot recommend the PSA AK-74 as a professional-grade weapon due to observed metallurgical failures. While its target MSRP is $700-$800, current market prices are higher, and the reliability trade-off is considered unfavorable.

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