Palmetto State Armory's History in the Industry
Palmetto State Armory (PSA), founded in 2008 by Jamin McCallum, has grown from a small ammunition shop in South Carolina to a well-regarded name in the firearms industry. McCallum, a former Army National Guard officer, started PSA with a vision to offer high-quality, affordable firearms. The company quickly expanded its range, catering to gun enthusiasts with products like AR-15 rifles, handguns, and ammunition. This growth is attributed to PSA‘s commitment to manufacturing excellence and understanding the needs of its customers.
The company’s manufacturing prowess is a cornerstone of its success. With advanced facilities and technology, PSA maintains rigorous quality control and high-volume production. Their focus on automation and precision engineering allows for consistent quality at affordable prices. Known for durable and reliable firearms, PSA‘s investment in innovation is evident in their popular AR-15 and AK-47 lines, as well as in their ongoing product development. This approach solidifies PSA‘s position as an influential player in the firearms market, adept at adapting to the changing demands of gun owners and enthusiasts.
Key Features of the PSA JAKL
The PSA JAKL is a unique and innovative firearm platform that blends the best of both worlds in rifle design. Contrary to a bullpup design, the JAKL is built around a 6105 monolithic upper receiver, compatible with any Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receiver, offering a traditional rifle layout with advanced features. This design includes a fully captured buffer system within the upper receiver, effectively shortening the firearm’s overall length while maintaining a conventional rifle’s balance and handling.
A standout feature of the PSA JAKL is its long-stroke piston system, which is an AK/AR hybrid. This system utilizes a Carpenter 158 bolt and a 4340 carrier, providing the reliability and durability of an AK with the precision and familiarity of an AR. The JAKL‘s ambidextrous side charging handle is another innovative aspect, allowing users to easily switch its position to either side of the receiver without tools, enhancing its versatility and ease of use.
The JAKL also boasts a toolless 4-position gas block, enabling quick and effortless adjustments by hand. This feature is particularly useful in adapting the rifle to different shooting conditions and ammunition types. Furthermore, the ease of field stripping is a significant advantage of the PSA JAKL. The carrier, recoil assembly, and sled assembly can all be removed without any tools, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
Finished with a rear Picatinny stock adapter, the PSA JAKL does not include a pistol brace, focusing instead on a streamlined and functional design. This combination of features makes the PSA JAKL a highly adaptable and efficient firearm, suitable for a wide range of applications, from tactical use to recreational shooting. Its blend of AR-15 compatibility, AK durability, and innovative design elements positions the PSA JAKL as a notable and versatile option in the modern firearms market.
THE PSA JAKL VS AR15
Design and Mechanics:
PSA JAKL: The JAKL features a unique design that incorporates a long-stroke piston system, akin to an AK/AR hybrid. This design offers a blend of the reliability and durability found in AKs with the precision and modularity of ARs. The JAKL is built around a 6105 monolithic upper receiver compatible with Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receivers, and it includes a fully captured buffer system within the upper receiver. This results in a shortened overall length without compromising the balance and handling typical of a conventional rifle.
AR-15: The AR-15 is known for its direct impingement system (though piston-driven systems are available), where the propellant gas from a fired round travels through a gas tube back into the bolt carrier to cycle the action. This design contributes to the AR-15’s lightweight and accurate shooting experience. The AR-15 platform is also famous for its modularity, allowing extensive customization and adaptability.
Charging Handle and Gas Block:
PSA JAKL: It features an ambidextrous side charging handle, which can be switched to either side of the receiver without tools, enhancing its ease of use. The JAKL also boasts a toolless 4-position gas block, allowing for quick, hand-operated adjustments to adapt to different shooting conditions and ammo types.
AR-15: Traditional AR-15 models typically come with a rear charging handle located above the buttstock. This design might require a bit more familiarity for new shooters. The gas block in standard AR-15s is less frequently adjustable, usually fixed or requiring tools for adjustment.
Maintenance and Field Stripping:
PSA JAKL: One of the notable features of the JAKL is its ease of maintenance. The carrier, recoil assembly, and sled assembly can all be removed without any tools, making cleaning and upkeep straightforward.
AR-15: While the AR-15 is also known for its ease of disassembly and maintenance, it typically involves more components than the JAKL, and some models may require tools for complete disassembly.
Overall Use and Application:
PSA JAKL: With its hybrid design, the JAKL is suitable for those who appreciate the reliability of an AK-style system but prefer the familiarity and customization options of an AR-15. Its compact design and toolless features make it a versatile choice for various scenarios, including tactical and recreational use.
AR-15: The AR-15 is a versatile rifle that suits a wide range of applications, from sporting and hunting to tactical uses. Its widespread popularity stems from its ease of use, accuracy, and the extensive aftermarket support allowing for endless customization.
JAKL Costs at the Time of Writing
