I know pretty much nothing about AKs. Could someone please explain the differences in PSA’s AK-style products to me (besides the AKV)? They all look the same to me, and I definitely want to buy one at some point.
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I’m commenting on this so I remember to give you an answer.
I’m sure other folks will chime in but I’ve got a small write up I did not to long ago.
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I’m not exactly an expert but I’ll try and let you know based on my knowledge
Gen1-Gen2 PSA AK: I’ll be kind here, try and avoid these. They were what I’ll call “proto-ak’s” and were PSA working out the kinks in their design
Gen 3 PSA AK: This was the first AK from PSA I’d be cool with getting. They really upped the quality of build and I’d fully trust one to work. There have been some reported issues with quality control which has lead to some…drama…within the AK community. But chances are you’ll get an AK that’s better made than any other American built AK, and in my opinion, on par with WASRs from Romania
PSA AK-E: This was their first “enhanced” AK offered. Basically a Gen 4, but with a nickel-boron coated bolt carrier group, an ALG trigger, a combo gas block front sight, and a really nice barrel made by FNH. I’m a little biased since I personally own this one. But so far I’m pleased with it. A few things I wish they did better on the quality part, but the rifle is solid and hasn’t given me any failures. Plus that FNH barrel is just beautiful
Gen 4 PSA AK: I don’t really know much about the 4th Gen stuff. Very similar to the AK-E I believe, minus some of the fancy stuff. Some came with a PSA made barrel, you could also get them with the FNH barrel.
PSA AK-103: Basically a PSA clone of the AK-103. Its not an exact clone, so I wouldn’t get it if you are wanting it to be a legit AK-103. But I’ve heard they are well made and definitely look the part from the outside
PSA AK-74: I don’t know a ton about these other than I really want one to make into an AK-105 (PSA please be nice and give me one…for science) but I haven’t heard anything negative about them
Gen 5 PSA AK: These just recently came out. It’s basically just the Gen 4 but streamlined from what I can tell. This is the one I would get if I were you. I’m sure @sean.psa will fill you in with every little detail
And that sums it up from what I know. I think PSA is doing God’s work with bringing the AK to the American market. I know imports from Bulgaria, Serbia, and Russia have a high demand and are very well made. But I will never be mad at a well made AK for a good price coming from America.
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@josh.hof @benscottcollier @sean.psa
Some of the info listed above is incorrect. I will come up with a detailed clean and clear explanation of each, along with videos done on different variants by folks like Robski. Basically a definitive history of our AK’s until now, and the difference between each. I will have this out by 5pm on Wednesday. I am going to work with our lead AK engineer to have as much detail as I can.
ETA: by cob on Friday
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Looking forward to the detailed write up.
i look forward to this write up as well. i think it is going to be a valuable tool.
thanks josiah!
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I’ll discuss the 7.62 current versions. All have gas ports drilled at 90 degrees. All have forged bolts, bolt carriers, and forged 4340AQ front trunnions. The AK-E is the only one different here in that the bolt and bolt carrier are nickel boron coated. The GF3 has a 4150CMV nitrided barrel manufactured by DC Machine (PSA’s sister company). The GF4 has a cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel (CHF CL) manufactured by DC Machine. The 103, GF5, & AK-E have CHF CL barrels manufactured by FN. Colton Sons the lead AK engineer worked first with FN to design the CHF CL barrel. Once that was perfected he worked with DC Machine to develop the in house CHF CL barrel. The GF3, GF4, & GF5 have tradition AKM style 45 degree gas blocks. The 103 has the 100 series 90 degree gas block. The AK-E has a 45 degree combined gas block front sight post. This give it a shorter sight radius and makes it slightly less muzzle heavy. You can feel the difference going from one of the others then to the AK-E. The GF3, GF4, GF5, & AK-E, have threaded barrels M14 x 1 left hand. The 103’s barrel is not threaded. The front sight block has threading on it for the muzzle brake which is M24 x 1.5 right hand. The GF3, GF4, GF5 all come with slant brakes which help to reduce muzzle rise and can reduce muzzle flash to a certain degree. But, they do not do much to reduce recoil back into your shoulder. The 103 has a 74 style brake that significantly reduces muzzle rise and recoil. The AK-E has PSA’s tanker brake which also reduces muzzle rise and recoil. All can be changed for other brakes or flash hiders with proper threading. The GF3 & 103 comes with PSA standard trigger set or fire control group (FCG). These are smooth and fairly light but have no discernible wall. Regardless, I like them very much and find them quite usable. The GF4 comes with PSA’s enhanced FCG which has a nickel boron treatment and polished. It is slightly smoother and perhaps lighter than the standard groups, but hard to tell on my example. I have seen it measured with a trigger gauge at around 2.5 lbs. It is light, smooth, and also has no discernible wall or break. The GF5 and the AK-E have a trigger manufactured by ALG (Geissele’s sister company). It is smooth and light with a very short take up or pull and an equally short reset. I have seen these measured at slightly below 2 lbs. Most examples probably go a bit over that but they are light. Biggest differences will be barrels, triggers, and muzzle devices as they come equipped. I have found all three different barrels to be equally accurate.
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You still planning on releasing that write up today?
@benscottcollier I am working on it at the moment. This week has been busy. We will see. I will make a note if I cannot. The latest would be Friday. Thanks!
ETA: I am going over the info with the Lead AK Engineer on Friday. Will post it then.
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Wow great write ups from several different users! I have several Russian and Bulgarian arsenals and I would put my fit and finish on my GF3 up against either of them. If you are on the fence about a palmetto state ak definitely check out Robskis videos.
I am very tempted myself to get a GF5
Thank you, my pleasure. Hope it helps. I was trying to write it fast while on a short break from working, so hopefully it is legible and helpful.
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@benscottcollier Here it is!
Very nice, ill give it a read
Thanks for all the great info you posted. It will definitely help me make decisions 
I have a saiga ak47 though it still needs the front end conversion done. I bought the psa ak103 when they were 1st released and its and awesome rifle. I wouldnt hesitate to pick the psa ak103 up over the saiga even once i get the conversion done. PSA did an awesome job on it.
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For a first AK, some forums have recommendations for very expensive foreign or domestically manufactured models. I once had a Hungarian AKM that some regarded as a Cadillac for quality. It was functionally inaccurate and I didn’t like it. It was eventually banned in CT and I got rid of it. Moving to a free state I got the PSA AK103 base model and love it. It’s surprisingly accurate for an AK and I actually shoot better with it than with many other rifles.
@Waffenbauer is a huge fan of the 103.
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Love my PSA AK103. Very accurate and the 74 brake greatly reduces recoil. I have the full wood version and the laminated furniture is gorgeous.
I’ve had Norincos, Saigas, Romanians, and Zastavas and PSA’s AKs rank right up there with the best of them. 
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That muzzle brake on the AK103 really does reduce the recoil. One of many things I like about the PSA rifle, besides it being more accurate than most AK’s.
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