Palmetto State Armory PSAK-74 - Are they safe to shoot or are the locking lugs defective?

Published on May 25, 2021
Duration: 25:27

This review investigates concerns about the Palmetto State Armory PSAK-74's locking lugs and firing pin. While trunnion lug wear is found to be within normal AK parameters, a significant issue of primers being punctured by the firing pin is identified, causing light primer strikes and potential reliability problems. The rifle is deemed a 'range toy' until these issues are resolved by PSA.

Quick Summary

The PSAK-74's trunnion locking lugs show normal wear comparable to Russian AK-74s and pass headspace tests. However, a significant issue involves the firing pin puncturing primers, causing debris buildup and light primer strikes, making it a 'range toy' until resolved.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: PSAK-74 Concerns
  2. 01:55Mishaco's Firing Pin Report
  3. 02:58Garand Thumb's Trunnion Wear Analysis
  4. 05:43Range Testing & Russian Comparison
  5. 09:08Malfunction: Light Primer Strikes
  6. 11:30Root Cause: Primer Puncturing
  7. 13:30Post-Test Inspection & Headspace
  8. 14:39Final Assessment: Range Toy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the locking lugs on the Palmetto State Armory PSAK-74 defective?

Based on testing, the trunnion locking lugs on the PSAK-74 show wear patterns comparable to high-round-count Russian AK-74s. While there is normal break-in wear, it does not appear to be a catastrophic defect, and the rifle passed a NO-GO headspace test.

What is the main reliability issue with the PSAK-74?

The primary reliability concern identified is the firing pin puncturing primers, which allows debris to enter the bolt carrier group. This causes light primer strikes and malfunctions, a problem observed across multiple reviewers' rifles.

Is the PSAK-74 safe to use for self-defense?

The reviewer classifies the PSAK-74 as a 'range toy' rather than a 'go-to' defensive rifle. The recurring firing pin/primer puncturing issue presents a significant reliability concern that needs to be resolved by Palmetto State Armory before it can be recommended for critical applications.

What causes light primer strikes in the PSAK-74?

Light primer strikes in the PSAK-74 are caused by the firing pin puncturing primers. Debris from the punctured primers can then lodge in the firing pin channel, preventing the pin from traveling fully forward to strike the primer with sufficient force.

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