Why China's Legendary CLAYCO AK Changed Everything

This guide details how to assess the reliability and functionality of Chinese AK-style rifles, drawing on expert insights from Hickok45. It covers visual inspection, function checks, live-fire testing against various targets, and observation of cycling action. The video debunks the myth that Chinese AKs are junk, highlighting their robust construction and consistent performance, often comparable to more expensive alternatives.

This review of the Palmetto State Armory Spiker AK variant highlights its close resemblance to the Chinese Type 56, particularly its spiker bayonet. While generally well-made with a good finish and trigger, minor fitment issues with the bayonet and the absence of a cleaning rod are noted. Initial reliability concerns with high-capacity magazines were addressed by swapping to an extra-power recoil spring, significantly improving performance.

This video provides an in-depth look at a Chinese AK-47 variant, highlighting its quality construction, particularly the stamped receiver and robust folding stock. The speaker discusses the historical context of Chinese AK imports, their reputation for durability, and compares them to other AK platforms. Practical advice on cleaning and maintenance is also offered, emphasizing the importance of proper care for these firearms.

This comprehensive buyer's guide covers a wide range of 5.56 AK platforms, from budget-friendly options like Palmetto State Armory and Pioneer Arms to higher-end imports like WBP, Zastava, and Arsenal. It details price points, technical specifications, magazine compatibility, aftermarket support, and historical context for each model. The guide also touches on rare used market finds and expensive boutique builds, offering insights into value, reliability, and overall performance for each firearm.

This YouTube video focuses on the Palmetto State Armory (PSA) clone of the Chinese Type 56 AK-47. The description highlights that it is a semi-automatic rifle and provides historical context, explaining that the real Type 56 is a licensed derivative of the Soviet AK-47 (Type 3 variant). It details the rifle's adoption by the People's Liberation Army and its production history, mentioning Norinco and PolyTech as manufacturers primarily for export.

This video features a "Sunday Shoot-a-Round" with hickok45 showcasing a Chinese Polytech AKS-762 and a 1918 Colt M1911. He discusses the quality of the Chinese AK, its collectibility, and the challenges of cleaning it. The M1911 segment delves into its historical significance, the issue of hammer bite on earlier models, and its value as an investment. The presenter also touches on the importance of independent thinking and the evolution of firearm design.

This guide details the technique for firing and reloading the Yugo SKS M59/66, as demonstrated by Klayco47. It covers the use of stripper clips for rapid magazine loading and emphasizes the rifle's accuracy potential. The demonstration highlights efficient operation of this classic surplus firearm.

This guide details the technique for firing and cycling the Spanish Cetme FR8 rifle, as demonstrated by Klayco47. It covers manual loading, chambering via bolt action, aiming with iron sights, firing a suppressed shot, and ejecting the spent casing. The demonstration emphasizes proper bolt manipulation and effective use of the rifle's iron sights.

This video details a high-volume fire stress test on a Palmetto State Armory AK-47, pushing the firearm to its limits. Klayco47, a recognized authority in AK-47 testing, demonstrates the rifle's resilience as its polymer handguards ignite and burn during sustained firing. The test progresses to using a 75-round drum magazine, showcasing the AK's ability to function despite extreme heat and visible flames, highlighting the robust nature of the platform under duress.

This video showcases a Palmetto State Armory Spiker AK undergoing a high-stress, full-auto firing test. Instructor Klayco47 demonstrates the potential for thermal failure, with the wooden handguards igniting due to extreme heat buildup. The content highlights the importance of understanding firearm limitations under sustained firing conditions.