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Posted: 6/12/2022 3:56:11 PM EDT
[Last Edit: M4A1OwnsYou][Edited]
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I'm looking to pick up my first AK, just as a plinking range toy. Simple classic setup with wood furniture and iron sights. I think I want a PSA, unless I can find a good deal on a WASR-10 in stock, but even so, the warranty is nice to have with the PSA, and I've dealt with them before on the AR side. Also nice to buy American made. Are the only differences amongst the GF3, GF4, and GF5 the barrel and trigger? I want the nutmeg one, and the GF4 was the only one in stock. They're all out of stock now. GF3 - Nitride barrel, milspec trigger GF4 - CHF Chrome-lined barrel, enhanced polished trigger (EPT) GF5 - FN CHF Chrome-lined barrel, ALG AKT trigger If these descriptions are correct, is the GF5 worth the extra dough? Again, it won't be beat on. I don't think I'd mind the milspec trigger, since it will live as a classic AK with no modifications. Would something like this be a good idea and just find a cheap wood furniture set? I think it was $700 before it went out of stock? https://palmettostatearmory.com/psak-47-gf-5-barrel-assembly-furniture-ready-kit.html |
| I've heard nothing but good things. I have a 104 and love it. I think @panzersergeant has a GF5. edit: yes, the trigger and barrel upgrades are worth it. The ALG trigger is THE trigger for an AK. Those alone if you have to add it is $100+. |
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Originally Posted By d16man: I've heard nothing but good things. I have a 104 and love it. I think @panzersergeant has a GF5. edit: yes, the trigger and barrel upgrades are worth it. The ALG trigger is THE trigger for an AK. Those alone if you have to add it is $100+. Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for a decent deal on a GF5. I don't mind spending a couple hundred more for something I'll have my entire life, as long as it's actually a worthy upgrade. |
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Originally Posted By d16man: I've heard nothing but good things. I have a 104 and love it. I think @panzersergeant has a GF5. edit: yes, the trigger and barrel upgrades are worth it. The ALG trigger is THE trigger for an AK. Those alone if you have to add it is $100+. I actually have the Ak-103. Still has the FN chrome lined barrel and light trigger. Runs like a singer sewing machine.  Best AKs on the market IMHO.  The nutmeg furniture is awesome.  
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Originally Posted By panzersergeant: I actually have the Ak-103. Still has the FN chrome lined barrel and light trigger. Runs like a singer sewing machine. Best AKs on the market IMHO. The nutmeg furniture is awesome. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/25872/IMG_8648-2365515.jpg Dang that's pretty! Good to hear you guys are happy with them. I'm pretty sold on the PSA. Haven't really seen any reason not to get one. Now just to find a good GF5 in stock. Do you guys think it's better to wait and buy complete, or just get the barreled receiver (with internals) and add my own aftermarket wood furniture? Is the muzzle brake the only real difference with a wood AK-103? |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: What's the difference between that and the GF series? I'm an AK noob. As far as the receiver it would be basically the same. However you do get the integrated front sight box/gas block. The FN cold hammer forged barrel and Magpul furniture And a really interesting ni-bor bolt carrier group |
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I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Some will prefer the CL barrel, as it should last longer. But I wouldn't be able to afford enough ammo to wear out the Nitride barrel. It would be cheaper to add the trigger/barrel upgrade from the start as part of the original rifle. I'd also recommend a complete rifle. As any fit & finish issues would be taken care of prior to shipping. I bought a barreled receiver and had to do some fitting of parts. Not a lot of work, but more than I was expecting. |
| The ALG trigger is outstanding for a AK. I dont think nitride is a deal breaker to me atleast. Consider getting the JL Billet rail system unless you want to install your own preferred brand. Having a full length rail to grab improves the handling. |
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Originally Posted By Honda4828: What do you prefer? Originally Posted By Honda4828: Originally Posted By Sputnik556: I have an ALG trigger in my parts box because I hate it, YMMV. What do you prefer? Anything, there is no discernible break with my AKT (maybe mine is defective, I don’t know). It feels like an airsoft trigger. |
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I just picked up a GF-5 Romanian M65 and I love it...only thing was it looked too new, lol, so I had to weather it some. Love the trigger on it, don't think you'll be disappointed. I struggled between the Gf-3 and GF-5, but in the end the CHF chrome lined FN barrel pushed me over to the GF-5. 
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Originally Posted By IT-Gunner: I just picked up a GF-5 Romanian M65 and I love it...only thing was it looked too new, lol, so I had to weather it some. Love the trigger on it, don't think you'll be disappointed. I struggled between the Gf-3 and GF-5, but in the end the CHF chrome lined FN barrel pushed me over to the GF-5. https://i.imgur.com/4Q4HckY.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2p0NVHl.jpg Wow, that bad boy is a work of art.  
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Check out Atlantic Firearms too, they have the PSA's for less than the PSA website. You can get a barrel assembly starting at $699 and finish it with furniture of your choice as well: https://atlanticfirearms.com/search/?q=psa&qt=all_words |
“No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.” - Gen. George S. Patton
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Beautiful! I'm just waiting on a deal on the GF-5 and I'm gonna jump on it I think. I cheaped out after tax and shipping added an additional hundred bucks. They are running some deals on the 103 side folding premiums (fn barreled) with the odg and fde stocks. $999 and it comes with a dagger. Free shipping. |
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Originally Posted By panzersergeant: Wow, that bad boy is a work of art. Thanks man! I had to take the finish down in a few areas to the metal and then come back with some cold blue to get the look I was after. |
“No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.” - Gen. George S. Patton
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Originally Posted By IT-Gunner: Check out Atlantic Firearms too, they have the PSA's for less than the PSA website. You can get a barrel assembly starting at $699 and finish it with furniture of your choice as well: https://atlanticfirearms.com/search/?q=psa&qt=all_words I'm actually thinking about going with that barrel assembly. Same price at PSA. $700 + $115 ALG trigger = $815. That means I'm paying $215 for a stock, handguard, and grip if I get the fully assembled GF-5 at $1030 from PSA (I don't see the one I want at Atlantic). I don't think I want the wood grip anyway. I like the classic wood stock and handguard, but I think it looks better with the black plastic grip. |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: I'm actually thinking about going with that barrel assembly. Same price at PSA. $700 + $115 ALG trigger = $815. That means I'm paying $215 for a stock, handguard, and grip if I get the fully assembled GF-5 at $1030 from PSA (I don't see the one I want at Atlantic). I don't think I want the wood grip anyway. I like the classic wood stock and handguard, but I think it looks better with the black plastic grip. lol, I agree...Best of luck to you on whichever way you go! If we can be of any further assistance, don't hesitate...and would love to see whatever you end up going with, cheers! Here are some ideas for you...I built the M72 and the M70, but most of the others I've picked up in the last couple of months. |
“No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.” - Gen. George S. Patton
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Originally Posted By IT-Gunner: lol, I agree...Best of luck to you on whichever way you go! If we can be of any further assistance, don't hesitate...and would love to see whatever you end up going with, cheers! Here are some ideas for you...I built the M72 and the M70, but most of the others I've picked up in the last couple of months. Wow! Heck of a collection. Thank you again, everyone. I'll post what I eventually end up getting, hopefully within the next month. |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Looks like every other AK went on sale for the 4th except the one I wanted. Welp, the 5% code that popped up in the cart suckered me in, and free shipping. GF-5 direct from PSA. https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/0423dea8e9791990cba1722182d60508/p/s/psak-47-gf5-forged-classic-rifle_-nutmeg.jpg Congrats. Should be a solid rifle. |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Looks like every other AK went on sale for the 4th except the one I wanted. Welp, the 5% code that popped up in the cart suckered me in, and free shipping. GF-5 direct from PSA. https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/0423dea8e9791990cba1722182d60508/p/s/psak-47-gf5-forged-classic-rifle_-nutmeg.jpg Very nice! |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Looks like every other AK went on sale for the 4th except the one I wanted. Welp, the 5% code that popped up in the cart suckered me in, and free shipping. GF-5 direct from PSA. https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/0423dea8e9791990cba1722182d60508/p/s/psak-47-gf5-forged-classic-rifle_-nutmeg.jpg Enjoy! Looks like a beautiful rifle, I'm sure you'll love it, congrats! |
“No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.” - Gen. George S. Patton
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Looks like every other AK went on sale for the 4th except the one I wanted. Welp, the 5% code that popped up in the cart suckered me in, and free shipping. GF-5 direct from PSA. https://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/0423dea8e9791990cba1722182d60508/p/s/psak-47-gf5-forged-classic-rifle_-nutmeg.jpg Same nutmeg furniture as my 103. You're going to love it.
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Just picked up my AK103. Very impressed Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Very nice! I think I want that classic style grip. Looks a little better than the wood one I think that will come with mine. Is that the mag that came with it? Who makes it? Palmetto State mag. I am seriously impressed with the rifle |
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Originally Posted By BWood: Just picked up my AK103. Very impressed https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/C94C4181-330A-4D40-9897-7017E5474A36_jpe-2436825.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/1DA49BCA-622E-47C1-9BD9-0A7328661F68_jpe-2436826.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/4945D8EA-C0E1-4BCA-81D3-AEE2A79C6ACE_jpe-2436829.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/358B1206-6BC1-4C99-925F-964C39CF075E_jpe-2436830.JPG @BWood Damn son that odg is lit  . I was on the fence about a PSA until I fondled a gf3 triangle folder in a local shop. The fit&finish was the best I’ve seen on an AK. Did you get in on the free dagger deal last Friday? My odg 103 & dagger finally shipped today
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Originally Posted By Honda4828: @BWood Damn son that odg is lit . I was on the fence about a PSA until I fondled a gf3 triangle folder in a local shop. The fit&finish was the best I’ve seen on an AK. Did you get in on the free dagger deal last Friday? My odg 103 & dagger finally shipped today I missed the free dagger deal. I saw it but then they shut down the ordering site for system maintenance. |
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Originally Posted By BWood: I missed the free dagger deal. I saw it but then they shut down the ordering site for system maintenance. Originally Posted By BWood: Originally Posted By Honda4828: @BWood Damn son that odg is lit . I was on the fence about a PSA until I fondled a gf3 triangle folder in a local shop. The fit&finish was the best I’ve seen on an AK. Did you get in on the free dagger deal last Friday? My odg 103 & dagger finally shipped today I missed the free dagger deal. I saw it but then they shut down the ordering site for system maintenance. Either way, looks like a hell of a rifle. Let us know how it shoots. I’ve got 500rds of Tula coming In tomorrow just to blow through when I can get outback over the next few weeks. |
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Originally Posted By BWood: Just picked up my AK103. Very impressed https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/C94C4181-330A-4D40-9897-7017E5474A36_jpe-2436825.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/1DA49BCA-622E-47C1-9BD9-0A7328661F68_jpe-2436826.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/4945D8EA-C0E1-4BCA-81D3-AEE2A79C6ACE_jpe-2436829.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/56774/358B1206-6BC1-4C99-925F-964C39CF075E_jpe-2436830.JPG That's nice! I went ODG Magpul furniture on mine recently and really like the looks of it too. I also received mine with that PSA magazine which seems very well made with the metal locking stud and metal inserts on the feed lips and baseplate. |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: We'll see how it shoots but man I'm enjoying looking at it! I think I want to go with a classic grip, but otherwise she's complete. https://i.postimg.cc/XY6hcLhc/AK-47.jpg What are your feelings about this gap? https://i.postimg.cc/ZBSwbZDL/IMG-0248.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/BPZNFp3L/IMG-0249.jpg Very nice. If you're referring to the gap between the upper and lower handguard that is normal. |
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Originally Posted By M4A1OwnsYou: Gotcha. Will I need to put it in the vice for that you think? No, easily done by hand. My 104 I just painted:  Get one of the shock buffers from Carolina Shooters Supply. My 104 has almost zero recoil. https://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/BLACKJACK-BUFFER-AK47-SAIGA-AK-p/ak-buffer-blue.htm |
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Originally Posted By d16man: No, easily done by hand. My 104 I just painted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/337946/20220625_143600-2439066.jpg Get one of the shock buffers from Carolina Shooters Supply. My 104 has almost zero recoil. https://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/BLACKJACK-BUFFER-AK47-SAIGA-AK-p/ak-buffer-blue.htm Thanks I was able to do it without removing the handguard. Dang that paint turned out well! Oh cool I'll check those out. |
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Originally Posted By d16man: No, easily done by hand. My 104 I just painted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/337946/20220625_143600-2439066.jpg Get one of the shock buffers from Carolina Shooters Supply. My 104 has almost zero recoil. https://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/BLACKJACK-BUFFER-AK47-SAIGA-AK-p/ak-buffer-blue.htm 
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Originally Posted By RABIDFOX50: So PSA has lifted the curse of US made AKs? I may purchase a 103 by the end of the year if so. In my opinion yes. Just picked up this 103 on Friday. I’ve only put one mag through it so far. I’ve got company coming in this weekend and I plan to run 470 more through it banging steel with them. The fit & finish of these rifles is impressive. I’ve got a primary arms 3x micro prism on the way, just need to find a railed dust cover. Attached File |
I put about 400 more through my PSA 104 this weekend in a rifle match and general holiday shooting, bringing the round count up to about 1,000 total. In it's lifetime I've had a total of 5 FTE malfunctions, some of which I now think might have been caused by the odd piece of brass bouncing off the QD lever on my red dot and falling back in the action, as evidenced by some nice gnarly wear on that lever.  I've rotated the red dot in it's mount to get that out of the way going forward. Otherwise still very pleased with the rifle. It shoots comfortably and is accurate enough to make consistent hits on 3" steel plates at 100yds with a red dot mounted to the TWS dustcover. |
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Originally Posted By D_Man: I put about 400 more through my PSA 104 this weekend in a rifle match and general holiday shooting, bringing the round count up to about 1,000 total. In it's lifetime I've had a total of 5 FTE malfunctions, some of which I now think might have been caused by the odd piece of brass bouncing off the QD lever on my red dot and falling back in the action, as evidenced by some nice gnarly wear on that lever. I've rotated the red dot in it's mount to get that out of the way going forward. Otherwise still very pleased with the rifle. It shoots comfortably and is accurate enough to make consistent hits on 3" steel plates at 100yds with a red dot mounted to the TWS dustcover. Nice. I keep waiting for the jlbillet/PSA dust cover to come In stock. May just get the tws. |
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