There’s something nostalgic about an underfolder. For me, it evokes Red Dawn and my impressionable Cold War-era youth. But there’s not an underfolder in the 1984 Red Dawn (or the 2012 version either, though I haven’t bothered with watching that one). As close as either film comes is a triangle folding stock.
Still, I have to resist the temptation to scream, “Wolverines!” The gun range where I shoot is hardly restrictive, though they maintain an unflinching dedication to professional decorum, and waving rifles over your head and shouting 40-year-old movie dialogue tends to draw unwanted attention. I did fire off a few from the hip, though, scarring the hell out of, but not hitting my target.
I’ve been a dedicated AK fan for at least two decades, and this is a first for me—actually, two firsts: my first under folder and my first Palmetto State Armory AK-47.
Palmetto State’s AK line
There’s a good reason why the PSA AK-47 line looks so much like a classic AK-47. Importing these has become much harder in the last few decades. Let’s take a step back.
AKs used to roll in, like surplus guns. After a crackdown on these guns (they tend to be associated with atrocities and war, and this has a way of drawing the wrong kind of attention from legislators), the guns were still imported. They were, however, neutered before they hit these shores. You may have heard the term “sporterized.” This meant they had modifications (or were manufactured to new specifications) that removed some of the more “terrifying” pistol grips and muzzle device-type things.
These guns typically had single-stack mags, the triggers were farther back (where the grip is on most AKs), the pistol grip and any fancy rails were missing, and the muzzle ended in a simple crown with no threads.
On this side of the pond, companies would reconstruct the guns, typically restoring them to their original design. In doing so, they had to replace some parts with parts made in the US. This is how they complied with what most of us know as “922(r).” In short, the rebuilt, more American guns were legal.
Was rebuilding and replacing parts less expensive than building from scratch? Yes, for a while. We’re talking about evolving laws that have been moving the goalposts for decades here.
In the last decade, though, it has gotten harder to get solid AKs through customs. The restrictions on importation and a shifting political landscape have changed the cost structure. PSA must have done the math, as their AKs are made here in the USA.
The PSA GF3
This is a third-generation build. It has a hammer-forged barrel, bolt, and carrier, and (an upgrade from second-generation guns) the trunnion is milled, too. PSA has performed what they call “torture testing” of over 10,000 rounds with these guns.
The barrel is made of 4150 steel and is nitride-coated. The 1:9.5 twist is in keeping with AK-47s. The receiver and under-folder arm are stamped steel.
The wooden furniture here is listed as redwood. I don’t believe that means it is redwood, but that it is finished to look like redwood. It has a very clean look and none of the forced relic dents that some force onto the wood in an attempt to make new guns look old.
As the length of pull on these is not adjustable and they are very compact, having the standard AK sight set up (with the rear sight placed midway down the gun) is advantageous.
Shooting the PSA AK-47 Under-Folding Rifle
If you haven’t shot a skeletal stock, it may take a minute to get accustomed to the lack of cheek weld. There’s no place to stabilize your face. As such, the gun lends itself to short-range work especially well.
It is a 7.62x39mm, so there’s not a tremendous kick. I’ve heard people complain about getting beaten up by AK stocks, but I haven’t had that experience. Either way, this leaves your face free and clear, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Even with the irons and the lack of a cheek rest, I can still make offhand shots on target at 100 yards. I often put clays on the berm and walk in the sights so I can see shot placement (without a scope). The PSA shoots accurately enough that I can crack clays consistently from that distance.
I shot the under folder with a wide variety of mixed ammo. Tula and Wolf both ran well. I shot for accuracy with some Hornady American Gunner but didn’t see results that were vastly superior to the others. They’re moderately more expensive but far more consistent, and the brass is reloadable.
What would I instantly change?
I’ve yet to own an AK (or an AR, now that I think about it) that I didn’t almost immediately begin messing with. And the PSA has one hiccup that I’d like to fix. I’m a trigger snob, even with AKs.
The trigger on this requires some patience. There’s a gradual stack that pushes through, often unexpectedly. If you yank the trigger back hard, you may not notice the discrepancy. If you shoot for accuracy, you’ll need to practice and use a delicate touch to find that breaking point with any consistency.
I have yet to break it down and clean it. When I do, I’ll check the surfaces and make sure there’s nothing wrong. The pull itself feels light for an AK and measures just over five pounds.
The safety works like a champ. The mag release springs are solid. The sights are functional and offer room for adjustment. Everything else has exceeded my expectations. With a bit of work on the trigger, this will be a rock-solid AK.
And the price?
Now that the imports have slowed to a crawl, and the fear of pending legislation has folks scared (and therefore holding onto guns that would have otherwise made it onto the secondary market), AK prices are up. PSA’s operating model, though, allows them to keep these priced well below what I’d expect.
This model sells for under $800. If you’re looking for your first AK, this is an exceptional option, as PSA makes many models and configurations, all based on the same fundamentals. There may be easier guns to start with, but if your final vision has an under-folding stock, this is it.
At this price, you can add the extras. For me, the first add-on will be five Bulgarian 30-round Steel-Lined Polymer Mags in brown, which should perfectly complement the redwood look. Otherwise, I’d leave it alone and invest in ammo—lots and lots of ammo.
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