Globally, the AK-47/AK-pattern rifle is one of the most recognizable firearm platforms in the world. Palmetto State Armory’s American-made PSAK-47 GF5 Forged Classic Rifle builds on that legacy with wood furniture, forged components and a modern ALG trigger.
But does the premium GF5 deliver enough refinement to justify its price? I ran the 7.62x39mm rifle with factory iron sights and AAC 122-grain FMJ at an outdoor range, starting in a 30-yard tactical bay before moving to an 18-inch steel plate at 200 yards. After more than 120 rounds, its trigger, handling, sight regulation and reliability shaped the answer.
- You want classic wood-stocked AK styling
- You value a smooth trigger and easy control
- Optics require a compatible side mount
How the AK-47 Led to the PSAK-47 GF5
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 the 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 in 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). Compare and contrast with the British military's stock Heckler & Koch SA80 LA2, which had to be adapted to reduce stoppages in desert conditions, and still had issues.
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.
PSAK-47 GF5 Design and Defining Features
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 Range Test: 30 to 200 Yards
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) need 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.
PSAK-47 GF5 Test Results and Purchase Assessment
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.
For a very different modern PSA platform, our PSA JAKL 9 review examines a compact 9mm design built around a different operating system.
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 Review: Final Verdict and Score
- 120-plus rounds with no stoppages at all
- ALG AKT trigger is smooth with a short reset
- Sights arrived dead-on with no zeroing needed
- Undercuts most forged AKs on price
- FN cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel
- Steel rung offhand at 200 yards
- Zeroing range capped at 30 yards
- Ships with only one 30-round magazine
- Test Type
- Range (tactical bay to 30 yards; long-range bay, 200 yards offhand)
- Rounds Fired
- More than 120
- Ammunition Tested
- AAC Soviet Arms 7.62x39mm 122-grain FMJ
- Magazines
- 1 × factory 30-round
- Accessories
- Iron sights only (side scope mount fitted, no optic used)
- Tested By
- Niki Morrison
- Product Origin
- Manufacturer sample
- 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 / 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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