Palmetto State Armory AK102 ! The AK That Shoots .223 / 5.56 First Mag Review

Published on June 15, 2023
Duration: 10:40

This video provides a first-look review of the Palmetto State Armory AK-102, a variant of the AK platform chambered in .223/5.56. The reviewer details modifications made, including a Midwest Industries AK Alpha handguard, Vortex StrikeFire 2 optic, Magpul CTR stock with a JMac Customs folder, and an AC Unity magazine. He discusses the firearm's performance, reliability with .223/5.56 ammunition, and the legal considerations for SBR conversions.

Quick Summary

The Palmetto State Armory AK-102 is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington), offering a common ammunition option. To avoid SBR classification, its 12.5-inch barrel is fitted with a pinned and welded 16-inch flash hider. Modifications include a Midwest Industries handguard, Vortex StrikeFire 2 optic, Magpul CTR stock with a JMac folder, and modified AC Unity magazines for reliable feeding.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to PSA AK-102
  2. 00:06Tabletop Review Start
  3. 00:30First Impressions of PSA AK-102
  4. 01:00AK-102 vs AK-47: Caliber Difference
  5. 01:13SBR vs Carbine Barrel Length
  6. 01:25Pin and Weld for 16-inch Barrel
  7. 02:08ATF Ruling & Brace Considerations
  8. 02:24Original vs Current Configuration
  9. 02:32Midwest Industries AK Alpha Handguard
  10. 03:08Extended Muzzle Device
  11. 03:23Midwest Industries Top Rail
  12. 04:13Vortex StrikeFire 2 Optic
  13. 04:56BCM Front Grip
  14. 05:01Magazine Discussion: AC Unity
  15. 05:14Follower Modification for .223/5.56
  16. 05:515.45x39 vs 5.56x45mm Cost
  17. 06:03AK-105 Explained
  18. 06:34Magpul CTR Stock
  19. 07:05JMac Customs Folder Installation
  20. 07:37Folding Mechanism Functionality
  21. 08:30Shooting Impressions: Smoothness & Recoil
  22. 08:38Trigger Feel
  23. 08:43Reliability: .223/5.56 in AK
  24. 08:58Criticism of Flash Hider Design
  25. 09:15AK-105 Look Goal
  26. 09:23Affordable AK Ammunition
  27. 09:31PSA Zenitco-Style Furniture
  28. 09:52Furniture Swap from AK-103
  29. 10:13AK-103 vs AK-102 Comparison
  30. 10:18AK Platform Smoothness
  31. 10:30Conclusion and Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Palmetto State Armory AK-102 chambered in?

The Palmetto State Armory AK-102 is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, also commonly referred to as .223 Remington. This allows users to leverage a more widely available and often less expensive ammunition compared to traditional AK calibers.

How does the AK-102 avoid being classified as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR)?

The AK-102 discussed in the video has a 12.5-inch barrel, which would normally require an SBR tax stamp. However, a 16-inch extended flash hider is permanently pinned and welded to the barrel, bringing the overall legal barrel length to 16 inches and avoiding SBR classification.

What are some key modifications made to the PSA AK-102 in the video?

The reviewer has upgraded the PSA AK-102 with a Midwest Industries AK Alpha handguard for accessory mounting, a Vortex StrikeFire 2 red dot sight for aiming, a Magpul CTR stock with a JMac Customs folding mechanism for compactness, and an AC Unity magazine modified to feed .223/5.56 ammunition.

Does the AK-102 reliably feed .223/5.56 ammunition?

Yes, according to the reviewer's experience, the AK-102 reliably feeds .223/5.56 ammunition without any feeding issues or hiccups. This is achieved partly through the use of modified AC Unity magazines with specialized followers designed for this caliber.

What is the recoil like on the PSA AK-102 compared to a 7.62x39mm AK?

The reviewer describes the recoil on the PSA AK-102 in 5.56 as 'definitely smooth' and 'not bad,' suggesting it is a smoother shooting experience compared to the traditional 7.62x39mm AK platform, which is also known for its manageable recoil.

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