The PSA Olcan seems unfinished

Published on February 10, 2026
Duration: 16:00

This review of the Palmetto State Armory Olcan bullpup chassis, designed to accept AR-compatible uppers like the Jackal, highlights significant design compromises. The reviewer, identifying as an expert on bullpups, details issues inherent to chassis systems, such as optic mounting challenges due to raised comb height and the need for specific optic riser heights (around 1.93"). Specific criticisms are leveled at the Olcan and Jackal combination, including a poor trigger, weight inefficiency, and severe gassing issues, particularly when suppressed, making it one of the most unpleasant firearms the reviewer has shot. The review suggests the product feels unfinished, with potential improvements like a longer handguard or a dedicated 16-inch barrel Jackal upper being unlikely.

Quick Summary

The PSA Olcan bullpup chassis, designed for AR uppers like the Jackal, faces significant design compromises. Key issues include an appallingly bad trigger, weight inefficiency, and severe gassing, especially when suppressed, making it unpleasant to shoot. Optic mounting is also problematic due to elevated comb height, requiring specific riser heights around 1.93 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to PSA Olcan Bullpup
  2. 00:22Jackal Gen 1.5 Upper Integration
  3. 00:30Olcan: A Half-Baked Design?
  4. 01:22Sponsor: Blue Alpha EDC Belts
  5. 02:30Complaint Categories Explained
  6. 03:08Problems with AR Uppers in Bullpup Chassis
  7. 04:08Optic Mounting Challenges
  8. 05:05Forward Charging & Accessory Interference
  9. 05:34Horrible Trigger Quality
  10. 06:26Added Weight in Lower Design
  11. 07:03Weight Inefficiency of Upper Receiver
  12. 08:06Issues Specific to Olcan & Jackal
  13. 08:14Jackal Upper Weight Analysis
  14. 08:41Long-Stroke Gas Piston Issues
  15. 09:01Piston System Myths Debunked
  16. 09:12Extreme Gassing with Suppressors
  17. 10:07Recoil Impulse of Jackal/Olcan
  18. 10:38Gassing and Cycling Issues
  19. 10:53Half-Baked Product Launch Issues
  20. 11:04Handguard Length Limitations
  21. 11:34Sling Attachment and Ergonomics
  22. 11:55Grip and Sharp Edges
  23. 12:14Overall Length and AOW Classification
  24. 13:35Potential Design Improvements
  25. 13:47Sling Attachment Point Redesign
  26. 14:08Inherent Bullpup Jank
  27. 14:13Compromises of Chassis Systems
  28. 14:24Could Use More Time in Development
  29. 14:30Jackal Upper Performance
  30. 14:59Best Bullpup Recommendation
  31. 15:14Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main issues with the PSA Olcan bullpup chassis?

The PSA Olcan bullpup chassis, when used with AR uppers like the Jackal, suffers from several issues. These include a poorly designed trigger, significant weight inefficiency, and severe gassing problems, especially when suppressed. Optic mounting is also challenging due to the elevated comb height, requiring specific riser heights.

Why is optic mounting difficult on the PSA Olcan bullpup?

The Olcan chassis places the optic mounting surface far back, directly over the receiver. This design necessitates a cheek riser, which raises the comb height considerably. Consequently, standard optic heights are unusable, and a minimum effective optic height of around 1.93 inches is required for proper sight alignment.

How does the PSA Olcan perform with a suppressor?

The PSA Olcan, particularly with the Jackal upper, performs very poorly with a suppressor. The design allows significant gas to escape from the open charging handle track and ejection port, directly into the shooter's face. This makes shooting suppressed extremely unpleasant and gassy, even with the gas system tuned down.

What is the reviewer's recommendation for the best bullpup firearm?

The reviewer considers the Kel-Tech RDB to be the best bullpup firearm currently available on the market. They suggest that other bullpup options, especially chassis conversion systems, are not worth trying in comparison.

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