The Palmetto State Armory PSAK-47 GF5 Forged Classic Rifle builds on the legacy of the most recognizable rifle in the world, keeping all the grit and reliability of the original while adding some well-thought-out refinements.
Globally, the AK-47/AK-pattern rifle is the most ubiquitous firearm platform, and it’s not even a close race. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947, the AK was produced in huge quantities by the Soviet Union and licensed (or freely copied) by dozens of allied and non-aligned countries. Estimates put total AK-pattern rifles at over 100 million units worldwide. For comparison, it’s estimated that 8 million M16 rifles have been produced since 1959.
Its loose tolerances, simple mechanics, and rugged construction allow it to keep working in mud, sand, extreme cold, and minimal maintenance situations, which makes it ideal for military (as well as anyone who may find themselves in a field with no other tool than a rock). Add the simplicity of learning the platform, its low cost of manufacturing and the global distribution of the 7.62×39mm cartridge and the reason for the AK’s extensive proliferation becomes obvious: it’s the most widely used firearm platform in history.
Due to a steady and continuing uptick in interest in AK-style rifles among U.S. shooters, in 2023 Palmetto State Armory launched the Soviet Arms brand, a focused line of American-made AK-style rifles that respect the classic design features while incorporating modern manufacturing.
But not all AKs are created equal. My favorite of the Soviet Arms line is the PSAK-47 GF5 Forged Classic Rifle; a refined, modern iteration of the classic AK-47 that features some serious upgrades and attention to detail.
A rifle gal at heart, I know my way around an AK and consider myself a fan of the platform, mostly due to its simplicity and reliability. My own collection includes a few AK-47s, an AKV (outfitted in Magpul plum furniture), and a custom-built white Saiga-12 with which I’ve shot many a 3-gun competition.
I also enjoy a fun local AK-centric match called Texas Kalashnikov. With division names that include Gravy Sucking Capitalist Pig and Too Gucci for One Gun, rifles at this match run the gamut, and participants often invite me to try out their tricked-out versions of various AKs, which is one of the best parts. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to take the Soviet Arms PSAK-47 GF5 Forged Classic Rifle to the range to try it out.
PSAK-47 GF5 Forged Classic Rifle at the Range
The PSAK-47 GF5 simply looks great; the nutmeg-colored wood laminate on the handguard, stock, and grip has a nice shine and richness of solid wood, but it doesn’t have the same weight or propensity to warp. Plus, the cheek weld is comfortable.
While the receiver features a side scope mount, I prefer to run iron sights on AKs, and out of the box, the GF5’s sites were dead-on. I emptied the first mag at 30 yards (the maximum distance available at the tactical bay I was using) to prove it. It’s always more fun when sights (or any gear in general) needs zero or little adjustment and you can get right to the task at hand. It’s like starting off a relationship on the right foot.
Weighing in at just shy of 8 pounds (9 pounds with a full 30-round mag), the weight of the PSAK-47 GF5 doesn’t feel at all unmanageable, and due to its balanced weight and efficient gas system, the rifle produces very low recoil, allowing for good control and quick follow-up shots.
Also contributing to faster follow-up shots, and in my opinion the best feature of the GF5, is the ALG AKT Enhanced Trigger from Geissele with Lightning Bow. This single-stage trigger is smooth. The curved blade is ergonomic extremely comfortable, and its short reset greatly improves firing speed and accuracy.
I was curious how the GF5 would perform at a distance greater than what a tactical bay offers. I headed over to the long-range area and set my sights (literally) on one of the three 18-inch steel plates at 200 yards. It only took me two shots before I nailed it shooting offhand.
Final Shots
Price-wise, at $1,049 the PSAK-47 GF5 falls in line with (if not slightly below) other forged AKs or premium models from established manufacturers, which are often in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.
Functionally, the GF5 performed exactly as I’d hoped: flawlessly. Throughout more than 120 rounds fired, the rifle demonstrated perfect reliability in feeding, firing and ejecting. Shot placement was exactly where I wanted it, with zero flyers.
The combination of the rifle’s upgraded features, smooth mechanics and the AAC Soviet Arms 7.62x39mm 122 Grain FMJ I shot made for a perfect day on the range.
PSAK-47 GF5 Features and Specs:
- FN Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel Barrel, Chrome Lined
- Stamped Steel Receiver
- Blended Hammer Forged 4340 Aircraft Quality Front Trunnion
- Hammer Forged Bolt
- Hammer Forged Carrier
- Side Scope Mount
- Enhanced Extended Safety Lever
- 7.62x39 Caliber
- 1:9.5" Twist
- Thread Pitch: M14x1LH
- Std. 800-yard rear sight leaf
- Classic Nutmeg Wood Furniture
- ALG AKT Enhanced Trigger With Lightning Bow
- 30 round magazine (1); Where allowed by law
- Cleaning Rod Included
SPECS:
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Weight: 6.8 pounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Twist Rate: 1:9.5"
Thread Pitch: M14x1LH
Overall Length: 36 inches
Barrel: FN Cold Hammer-Forged Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel; Chrome Lined
Receiver: Stamped Steel
Front Trunnion: Blended Hammer-Forged 4340 Aircraft Quality Steel
Bolt: Hammer-Forged
Carrier: Hammer-Forged
Mount: Side Scope Mount
Safety: Enhanced Extended Safety Lever
Rear Sight: Standard 800-yard Leaf
Furniture: Classic Nutmeg Wood Laminate
Trigger: ALG AKT Enhanced with Lightning Bow
Magazine: 30-round (1 included)
MSRP: $1,049.99
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