Setting Up A Kalashnikov For Combat: The Palmetto State Armory GF-3E, by NC Scout

(NC Scout / americanpartisan.org) On the last Sons Of Liberty Live we discussed, among a lot of other good topics, the question of obsolescence of the Kalashnikov platform – what some corners of the net may be arguing, albeit rather ignorantly at least from my point of view. The AK is as relevant in 2022 as it was in 1947, in both the 7.62×39 and 5.45 variants, and neither are going away anytime soon.

There’s a reason the AKM, in its newest incarnations, the AK-103 and 203, are being built and fielded for frontline service in Venezuela and India, respectively. The 7.62×39 is a superior cartridge for heavy vegetation and the weapon platform itself requires only a quick trainup time to become proficient. And its an easy statement to say the Kalashnikov is the most combat proven weapon on earth.

So let’s talk about how to maximize the capability of the weapon with the most practical configuration.

Barrel Length

Like I talked about in the past with the review of Palmetto State Armory’s AK-104, the 7.62×39 doesn’t suffer from much velocity or carried energy loss with a shorter barrel. In my experience the 12.5-14in lengths are incredibly handy and quick to bring to the shoulder. Shorter than 12in has a snappy muzzle rise on followup shots, longer than 14 can be a little slower on the draw. Somewhere in the range of the AMD-65 or PM-90 is almost perfect, remaining most of the gas system intact and controls unchanged.

Front Sight

The AK’s traditional front sight on a 16in carbine is a standalone post just behind the muzzle threads, and is incredibly functional even still. But it leaves a bit to be desired when looking to both lighten and shorten the weapon. The integrated front sight with the gas block makes a lot of sense, and has been my preference for some time. It lightens the weight on the end of the weapon making for a faster followup shot.

Folding Stock

Another of the great AK attributes is the ability to have a folding stock with no modifications to the manual of arms. There’s a lot of different ones out there based on the nation of manufacture, but the perennial favorite is the classic triangle side folder. Its not just that you can scream WOLVERINES!!! at the top of your lungs while using it, but its actually the most comfortable AK stock in my opinion, and it certainly looks the best. Folded up, the platform is tight and packs away virtually anywhere.

Furniture and Optics

The Tango Down / US Palm grip has always been my personal favorite on the Kalashnikov. I like it so much I have them on my ARs, too. When it comes to optics, the myth still runs circles around the net that the AK is somehow not optics friendly…and that is, like most else, not true. The Ultimak remains, at least in my opinion, the best platform for mounting a small red dot. The 7.62×39 is not and never was designed to be a precision rifle cartridge nor one for use past intermediate ranges. Inside the 300 meters envelope, it works incredibly well, and inside 300 meters any competent marksman should have no problems making hits. Its all about training.

This led me to really perk up when I noticed a new AK configuration from Palmetto State Armory that was nearly completely unannounced. A GF3 barrel cut down to 13.7in with a pinned and welded Dead Air Sandman suppressor mount, triangle sidefolder, US Palm grip and even the excellent ALG trigger. I had to have one and mount an extra Ultimak and Holosun 403 I had laying around and put it to work. After all, Venezuela is building 50k of them a year down south, probably a good idea to keep those skills sharp.

I’ve said in the past that the 104 just might be my favorite Kalash, and this one might very well take its place. The speed and accuracy during all of my drills (three round, five round, two shot / reload / two shot, 2x2x2) was excellent as I expected it to be, and even though I polish the contacts of AK triggers out of the box, the ALG really is the difference maker.

There’s only two things I’d add to put this one over the top – a KNS piston for optimal performance running suppressed and the FN barrel from the 103 line. I have zero issues with the nitrided barrel of the GF3 line, and have been impressed with the accuracy out of mine, but its hard to beat an FN mil-spec chrome lined barrel in the AK GF5 and 100 series.

Overall, between the lightweight and compact nature of this carbine, its definitely the sleeper of the PSA AK lineup and perhaps the most practical one of the bunch. Until the do a true AMD-65 clone. I’m a fan.

Get one today.