He indeed does. Jim had some very dedicated and talented people working for him until around 2014/15 when he stepped away to "Rebuild from the ashes", Jim's quote, with the much smaller Fuller Phoenix👍 More to it than just a name. Jim and Chris Butler are the most knowledgeable AK builders our Country has ever had😉
@@alu.304 Jim has so much to teach!! I love it that he does a monthly build class with only 5 students!! When I registered, was for September 2023, the first date available!! Almost a year out!!
Jim Fuller considers PSA AK's a decent middle quality gun. That's pretty high praise. I like his take on the AK12. Wish I could afford one of his guns.
I wonder what parts on the PSA guns make him consider it "middle". I am an AR guy and have several AR15s and 2 AR10s but I have the GF4 AK. I would think that with the forged parts, improved trigger and cold hammer forged barrels, they would be 1-2 steps above comm-bloc guns.
@@markdavidson1049 well the GF3 doesnt use a CHFB its just a nitride 4150 barrel. that's probably why he considers it a mid grade ak because all of your high spec AK's have CHFB's and chrome lining.
I have had some outstanding WASR 10/63s and literally ran the crap out of them. This was back in the day where everyone was bashing the WASR rifles. I did 3 gun with them and they always went bang and hit the target. They worked for me so I stuck with them. I have built a few AKs and they aren't perfect but run very well. Having a Jim Fuller built AK is still a dream for me.
For all of the assembly problems that the Romanian wasr had, mine with some decent chinese ammo is a 3 moa gun once I removed the loose slant muzzle brake. I read on one Forum that the Romanians were making at their own cost of $75 per gun. If you have a properly set up factory the AKM was never intended to be an expensive gun, but it still needs heat treatment at critical places and also properly made trunions secured with good rivets. There are maybe one or two other parts that need to be well made.
I'm glad I got into AK's when they were still cheap and available.. My mak90, two Arsenal's, Vepr, and Meridian Def, guns have all skyrocketed in value.. Its literally crazy what people will pay for one of them..
What often gets lost in the conversation with AKs, that Mr. Fuller mentioned during this conversation, is that it's more important that the gun be accessible price wise for your average John Doe, then be the most premium Com-Bloc AK out there. Way better to have a gun, then have nothing at all, so if someone wants a Riley or a PSA, then there's nothing wrong with that.
@@damil5721 It is your choice, I have only had ONE issue and it got resolved within 2-3 days!! Other than that, never had an issue with any of their firearms.
I have their 103s with the FN barrel. I put Magpul furniture and foregrip on the frontend. I love it, not the best in the world, but I knew that when I bought it. JMAC tube adapter and a stock is next. I don't know what optic I want yet?
I’ve got a couple of the PSA AKs. A 103 and a GF5. I’m not an AK guy. I have them as range toys. I shoot them enough to be familiar and proficient with AK type rifles … that’s it. For my purposes, These rifles have been more than adequate. Both are quite good … for AKs.
I've owned a few PSA AKs and never had a problem with them. The ones that performed particularly well were awarded with Zenitco furniture (before becoming unobtainium).
@@yrsued dang, that's right. I own a Lee Enfield No 4 Mk1 Canadian Longbranch one. It's a shame what's happening in the UK, Australia, and Canada. That is why we'll never compromise on gun ownership. I hope it gets better for you all.
Thanks for this video guys 🍻 I've got lots of ARs, but started off with a WASR 10/63 and so I will always love AKs. My AK arsenal list has evolved into.. 1. WASR 10/63 2. Arsenal SAM7SF 3. PSA AKV 4. Zastava M90 5. Zastava M85
Giving a full clear descriptive arsenal list for the left wing anti 2A ATF brown shirt scrolling douche bags, and google; anti 2A left wing censoring big tech. Like your style
I have a GF3. It shoots good and it's as accurate as it needs to be. I have a WASR too that I like. I'd like to get a 5.45 AK but the ammo situation really concerns me.
@@bigchomnk2934 That's what I was hoping for. I have a really early KUSA KR-103, pre-sidefolder release. The thing is just immaculate. At the rate they were going in mid 2021, if they'd kept the quality and delivered KR-101s, that would be my favorite AK of all time. Like an AK-74, but 5.56, immaculate, side folding, a true 100 series gun, etc. Alas, KUSA has completely lost its grip on seemingly everything since and it is a huge shame. One of the worst things that could've happened to American made AKs.
I run kit builds, wasrs, old yugos ( o paps, n paps ), new zastavas, arsenals etc and my gf3 has had no issues and over 10k thru it so far. With that said, I bought a gf5 and it wouldn't make it thru one mag without bursting primers and getting primer debre stuck in the firing pin channel. All the problems they had, I've heard they have fixed these issues. We will see. Still love my gf3.
@@yrsued the firing pin hole in the bolt was a bit too big and out of spec. Allowing the firing pin to extend too far puncturing the primer causing debre to shoot back into the pin hole causing the firing pin to get stuck. Could of sent it back to get fixed for free but I just sold it and bought another zastava.
I am a PSA Fanboy. But I only shoot 1000 rds a year thru mine. It would be awesome if I could shoot 1000 rds a month! I just don't have time...even if I could afford it. I'd say this video if very fair and accurate. Even though they didn't mention the lifetime warranty.
I have a well rounded collection of AK’s. Including a VEPR, WASR, Arsenal, etc The fit and finish on the PSA is the best. I don’t baby my PSA’s. I run them hard suppressed and put them away wet.
@@yrsued I built some and they too run like clockwork. AK'S are one of my favorite rifle systems. When properly assembled, they run flawlessly. The only AK I ever got rid of was an Inter Ordinance Inc. underfolder. I didn't trust it after reading about major issues that people were having with them.
@@yrsued Check out Robski's run in with IO inc on his channel AK Operators Union. The rifles had bad metallurgy in the trunions and bolt carriers. The receivers were so badly out of spec that they had to have a nylon bushing installed at the rear of the recoil spring to keep the bolt carrier from jumping out of the receiver during ejection of spent brass. They were very poorly made.
I've got a Riley Defense AK and from what I understand some of their first had some issues but their newer rifles are pretty decent rifles. I've shot about 700 rounds through it and have had zero issues with it. I'm no gun smith though, but that Riley Defense rifle easily has the best stock trigger in any of the firearms I own.
I am in total agreement with them. The weapon that works for the shooter is a good weapon. To hell what others think. The shooter gets to know his/her weapon. It is good to get input from experience shooters, however, the one pressing the trigger will make the decision what is good for him/her.
The only US made AK I would buy would be a BFT47. They are made well, accurate and cheap. Bulged forged trunion, forged parts carrier, chrome lined barrel etc
I miss the good old days of affordable milled AKs like the MAK 90 and Polish model 1960. Those guns were affordable and were durable enough to go the distance. I guess once you move away from imports and parts kit builds due to import restrictions, cheap and durable milled AKs are out of the question. Century tried to make affordable American made milled AKs with the C39s but response regarding the durability of those rifles was mixed to say the least.
@@yrsued Yeah some people said the C39s were great but then again those people probably didn't have high round counts in their rifles. I would think if they was so great, century would still be making them.
and most people will never shoot 600 rounds out of them. they are basically reverse engineering these things. you can buy a 500 dollar ar15 from them and it will last 8000 rounds.
I think KUSA gets less hate mainly because they never had a history of making terrible AKs and started off building fairly decently rifles while PSA had a very rough start using cast parts like Century and IO, but PSA actually fixed their issues unlike Century(domestic production) and IO, and have been making fairly good guns for its price range, but there's a reason why PSA GF1 and GF2 isn't being sold anymore. as someone who owns both domestic(PSA+KUSA) and import(Zastava+WASR), I don't know I'll ever get a Jim Fuller AK, but a reputable custom built AK from authentic Combloc parts is definitely something I definitely want.
I would love to find a KUSA, but I haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price, that I why I have two PSAK GF-3's , I might get a third one for a project!!
I have a gf4 with 2k round through it. I have to grind the back of the carrier down a little bit. But I believe it will harden over time. Other than that it functions flawlessly
This was like a name-drop for me and walk down my early career. LtCol Blish kickstarted my Instruction Career when he was the Training Ops O at Group 47 in Miramar. I did 250, 260, met LtCol Cooper, Hans Vang, and Louis Awerbuck in a 2 week span. I had the honor to IA for my friend Louis for 3 weeks at Camp Pen teaching Combat Shotgun. Off to my 1st Iraq deployment in August 04. Left the Marine Corps as a SSGT in 2005 after 14 years to be CATM in the Air Force Reserve. Deployment to Iraq once more in 09 and some life challenge stuff after returning. Sent a "new" Romy G and a NiB Arsenal SLR107F off to Rifle Dynamics in late 2011 to have them rebuilt by then the Jim owned RD, JB Perrier built mine👍. Gifted the completed Romy G to my best friend and 3x Deployment buddy Nic. Done a couple classes with both guns. Absolute working art👍
That is so cool, thanks for sharing!! I met Jeff in the early 90's, at SHOT Show, never met Lous. Hans is a friend and Freddie is a GREAT Friend, we do a lot of Videos for this channel, look them up!! Freddie and I will do more Videos coming up soon!!
They aren’t worth the cost. RD makes good rifles but they are way overpriced. $2500+ for a Romanian parts kit built on a stamped receiver with a nitrided non chrome lined barrel is absurd, I don’t care who built it. I’m glad I bought my arsenal before ak prices skyrocketed
I have two PSA rifles (gf5 and 103) they’re great for me. They have run flawless so far but I only have a few hundred rounds through each, so I’m still vetting them. They shoot very soft compared to my SKS’s. If you get one just be sure to shoot them enough to work out any quirks. in my experience PSA has good customer service. My GF5 had a loose front sight post that would lose zero easily. I contacted them and they told me to send it in, they fixed it for free and reimbursed all shipping costs. So again, they can make great rifles just shoot yours to enough to know yours is up to par, otherwise they will fix it.
@@yrsued yea try the rrd4c I think it's called it cuts recoil in half and keeps the muzzle super flat it tames the 762 aks good I use the 4 chamber ones on my 762 aks and 2 chamber on my 9mm and 556 aks just use standard ak74 brakes on my 545x39 tho but u will be shocked they make one in 14x1 and 24 mm for 100 series
Myself and a few family members have dealt with PSA and their products are really up for discussion per your budget. You want and pay for quality you get it- you want cheap you get cheap. I appreciate the variety of products(AK platform choices could be better) and appreciate your opinion Jim. Thank you fellas
It is a very rare person who needs a $3000-$4000 AK or AR or practically any gun in that price range. If you’re a competitive shooter that’s one thing. Going through a thousand rounds a week, yeah, that might require such a firearm. For the other 99% of gun owners, you’re looking at 200 rounds per month on the outside for an individual firearm, and probably a lot less for most people. I haven’t done any polling, but within my circle of friends, coworkers, etc., most are fellow gun owners. The people in my daily universe are just about all gun owners. I go to the range more than most of them, and I only go once or twice a month, three times at most. I’ve got two AKs, among other firearms, and those two rifles get maybe 700 rounds each per year through them. I don’t have a GF-3 but if I didn’t have an AK yet and I was looking to get one, I’m sure it would fully satisfy my requirements. It will work just fine for the vast majority of shooters who want an AK. One of my AKs is a Century Arms C39v2. Yes, that “terrible” AK, that “piece of junk”. I customized it; it has an East German bolt carrier and recoil spring assembly, and a Polish WBP new-build bolt that I had fitted to it by a gunsmith. I’ve got probably just south of 6000 rounds on it by now, and it still at least passes a field gauge. Just had it out to the range earlier today as I write this and it still shoots just dandy. My other AK is a Zastava M70 ZPAP that I got for about a grand; I could probably pass that down to my grandkids if I ever have any; it’s all the AK I will EVER need or want. Yes, Mr. Fuller, you serve a niche and a very small one at that. I wish you every success, but for everyone I know, the idea of spending that kind of coin on an AK just leaves us scratching our heads. Cheers.
I can"t speak to the quality of PSA AKs but I do own 3 PSA AR 15s. Two have only a few trouble free mags thu them but one has somewhere between 4 and 5 thousand rounds with zero malfunctions and 2000+ rounds before first cleaning.
I own a zastava m70. I probably have somewhere around 800 to 1000 rounds in it give or take. It really is a nice shooting gun my only issue with it is the safety selector is super stiff. I do plan on addressing that issue soon but I feel a 1200 dollar rifle shouldn't have a issue like that as minor as it is.
Had a century C39v2 that shot like a dream, but the bolt was slowly melting away. Got a Zastava ZPAP now, and I couldn't be happier with it. Doesn't shoot tiny groups like the Century did, but other than that it's way better.
its really nice the Jim Fuller said that the GF3 is mid grade because PSA does make higher quality AK's that could stand the test of time however they are significantly more expensive. I've had my Gf3 (among other AK's) for about 3 years now and im not going to saying ive run tens of thousands of rounds through it but it has run very well for the meager 1,800 rounds i've put through it. So for the American market that is more than fine, its not like the RAS-47 or any of the terrible other low quality AK's that are pretty much unsafe to shoot. The PSA rifles just dont last nearly as long before replacing parts as your combloc AK's
No way a stock Comblock is going to touch a GF5 especially in price to performance. A basic comblok AK is now more expensive than PSA's top level GF5 AK.
And yet even the great AK master Jim Fuller would not be able to say why combloc AKs are actually "better" than a PSA AK. Just because they were required to do it like slaves in those combloc times, steyr forgings, tried and true building steps that never really evolved means nothing. Only time will show what is "good" and what is "bad." The fact that PSA is cheap is only because they build it all in house, not because they're cutting corners. And to produce such high quality first generation models (their 100 line) is astonishing. They didn't learn the hard way like they did when they started out of a garage and made questionable ARs long, long ago. See MAC's tour of PSA and you'll know they are high quality guns.
Tim from Military Arms Channel just finished a tour of PSA's production facility. Given PSA's QC implementation and structure it's probably fair to say that Palmetto is or will soon be building some of the world's finest AK variants.
I knew that without visiting their facility, you can see it in the build quality of the finished guns!! I have two PSAK's and FOUR Daggers. They work!!
@@yrsued I own a PSA upper and other misc items. Nothing bad to say about them. Palmetto appears set to become another of America's great small arms manufacturers on par with Ruger and S&W. Palmetto's CEO (can't remember his name) is quite the dude and still young. Will be interesting to see where he takes his company.
@@bdockett Yes the psa facility is huge. It's one of the largest producers of multiple platforms today. And they are well proven. And getting better day by day. The FN cold hammer forged barrel enhanced ak is the best u can get for the money.
@@yrsued I love the look on people's faces, especially when I hand them my vska and tell them "the internet claims it will blow up in your face if you shoot it"... just before they shoot it for the first time..... hahahaha... Haters are gonna hate, and the internet gives haters the chance to really show their hate. Lol. I own several firearms that the internet haters claim are nothing but garbage, but, for me, they just work and work and work. My VSKA, my R51, my "5.45x39 steel case only AR-15", and an assortment of cheap to high quality 1911's. My Taurus 1911 is very dependable... every bit as dependable as my Remington R1 or my kimber. The quality of some of it's components like the barrel link were questionable, but they worked. I have no problem with lower tier firearms. A 150 dollar SKKY will make you just as dead as a 3000 dollar wilson...
@@MrFlathead45 That is the point!! Like I said before, I'm learning the guitar with a free Squier bullet HardTail Strat, if you gave me the EVH $50K special, I will still sound like shit!!
Would love to hear Jim's opinion on the Premium series from PSA, particularly their 103s. The trunions and bolt are made with substantially better materials and they're the only ak in the world with a cold hammer forged FN barrel. Mine's an utter tack driver and AKOU has around 10k rounds through one and it's ticking like a clock still. Had nothing but great luck with everything I have from PSA. They had some growing pains in the early years, but even their budget ARs are more than sufficient now. A lot of people are just elitists when in reality they don't even have the Gucci guns they're railing on your middle level gun for.
They have the same trunnions in the 101’s and GF3’s now as well, is what I was informed about a week ago when I called their customer service to inquire about specs. But the FN barrels are really nice. Love my GF5.
@@b.anthony9214 Interesting, I was told that beginning with the GF-3's is when they started the Forged Bolts, Bolt Carriers and Trunions, but I reserve my right to be wrong or being told the wrong information or even understanding the information the wrong way...
@@yrsued Your not wrong my friend. I was just stating what I was told from their staff on the phone. Awesome group of guys and very informative when you talk to them. It’s my fault for not being more clear in my comment, in the GF3 it supposedly the same metal spec as the tool craft trunnions, whereas the 101-105 series have the tool craft. I might of misheard him or gotten my info boggled. My apologies if so.
Most of these import parts kit builds lack the quality and warranty that PSA provides today. Unless you have men like Jim building them. Many are pieced together like Frankenstein with no true spec as a foundation to build off of. PSA has been improving at every iteration on their in house built AK’s. I mean they are using FN barrels in some of their new models. That is absolutely wild for a gun that costs 1000 bucks. PSA is one of the best things to happen for Americans today. Not only economically but constitutionally. PSA wants to arm as many Americans as they can. Not only that, but they decided to purchase tooling to manufacture their own 7.62x39 ammo due to the import regulations. Call me what I am. A mf fan boy, but more importantly I’m a patriot that appreciates a company that appreciates us.
You are preaching to the Choir with me, I have two PSAK's and they are GREAT!! I don't have the most expensive ones, I have GF3's, they are battle rifles,, but they perform better than me.
Most people cannot afford enough ammo to shoot out a PSA, and never a combloc. Combloc''s are done, more or less, so get a good American made rifle and relax and enjoy.
I have a MAK90 with an aimpoint on an ultimak, but I am going to the AR platform for a lot of reasons. The AR is quite modular and anyone can do basic part switching on it. Parts are everywhere and even a defect cheap BCA AR can be fixed by someone like me. ARs will handle 7.62x39, but the bolt lugs will fail sooner. The AR is a more accurate platform and decent triggers are not hard to install. The main thing making take another look at the AK is the new pending final rule on AR pistol guns with braces. My mak90 with a folded stock is about the same overall length as many of the pistol brace guns and so for transport in a tennis racket case, it is just about as good as the short barrel AR pistols, but this is with its 16 inch barrel.
@@yrsued The best reason is that i already own it. I overpaid and gave $350 for it at a pawn and gun shop in my town in either 93 or 94. I had no idea just how good were the chinese AKMs. They are made with 1.5 mm thick sheet metal for the receiver vs the russian that is only 1 mm thick. A few years later I ran into a fellow that was collecting the milled chinese AKs and i bet those cost a lot of money these days.
@@yrsued At the time I thought it to be very expensive. My sks rifle only cost $100. But all of the chicom and eastern comboc guns have soared in price. But the ARs have gone down in price. I am retired now and can buy what want as long the dollar does not crash.
The only negative stuff I've seen about PSA comes from their AK's and it's all about QC on assembly. I've dealt directly with KUSA and the only problem there is getting additional responses. I had issues installing the AK 2.0 trigger and they just pushed me off to CMC Triggers. CMC Triggers was beyond helpful but KUSA eventually got back to responding to emails. I went with KUSA for my AK b/c I wanted to install ZenitCo I had purchased and KUSA's firearms are all Russian pattern so the installation was really easy and didn't require any alterations, where as PSA seems like they threw together their AK's with the parts they thought would be best. They do use cold hammer forged components where KUSA just started doing earlier this year, but it also increased the price of their rifles by $300-$400. PSA uses a mix of 47's, 74's, and RPK parts. I also was on a budget.
Jim makes it pretty clear. PSA rifles did start off a little rocky but they’re turning out some nice quality rifles now. Anyone that likes AKs would obviously love to have a fuller build. But like the man himself said. Do you really need it? And for the vast majority of people no, you don’t. If you can afford one or have a job as a guntuber or just a collector then it’s understandable but if you’re spending outside your means or just buying it to impress internet nobody’s, you’re doing it wrong.
Classic sit-down. Is the honey badger the best MB for an AK? Looking to change my standard MB on a PSA AK 103. Was told it seems to cause a tilt to the left. Which, I notice.
I thought me shooting 2k rounds of steel a month was light duty? Am I way wrong haha. I love my PSAs as much as my arsenals Galils Zastava’s and even love my pioneers
Jim was right ,PSA make a great AK for the average Joe who wants to do a little training go to the range a bit and protect his family and he can get an AK with quite a bit of ammo to get him started for under a grand ,,i think PSA are great ,,betya half the haters dont own or never shot an AK before and bet if they went and had a look at there factory they would walk away lovers not haters!
Some people are ak guys and some people are AR guys I like both but aks have always been my favorite platform since the first day I've handled one but ar and ak guys need to stop hating on each other its ridiculous
@@fernandofranco663 I hear ya I love my aks more than my ars for sure but I'm ruff as he'll on all of them they get beat up on barricades shot in the pouring down rain if we have to run drills that day my glocks to they get beat and banged up and rained on
I say support 2 great companies. Go buy a PSA AK while you're waiting the 2 plus years for Rifle Dynamics to make you an AK. If old Jim Fuller says that PSA AKs are middle of the road........ they're probably pretty damn good. That's nothing to scoff at.
I thought the main selling point of the original AK was that it was cheap to make and reliable. So how did we go from cheap to make and reliable to… expensive and moderately reliable(depending on how much you pay)?
The AK is exponentially expensive to start manufacturing thanks to it's particular tooling machines for it. The raw materials are what make it cheaper in the long run after production has been out for a while. The Ak is only expensive in America since the AR dominates the market.
Government backed producers don't have to make a profit, as stated by Jim. A gun built to military standards with 0% profit has an advantage over a civilian gun that has 15% profit
There's no better machine than a Zastava when it comes to AK clones. If you can get your hands on a russian AK take it but if not get a serbian Zastava.
@@lancelittleton9802 Grips, stocks and hand guards change the feel and performance of your rifle, when you're comfortable, your shooting will improve!!
I hear what you guys are saying and I don’t shit on what anyone runs, personally all my AKs are kit builds our imports… but I gotta say it’s hard for me to understand why anyone would buy PSA when there’s WBP rifles coming in at $1200-$1300 or even M70s for less… everyone doesn’t need a rare kit build from a high end builder but when the difference between ok and really squared away is saving up for another week or two I say go for quality.
@@yrsued for the same quality? My brother there is just no way you can argue that PSA rifles are the same quality as either of the two rifles I mentioned, I could go on and on about wear patterns, parts quality, quality control in general, materials and manufacturing procedures but it would be silly because if you know AKs you know the difference plain and simple. I don’t hate PSA or the people who use them but there is a difference between a range grade rifle and a heavy use rifle…. To be honest you don’t need to buy a custom gun from Fuller, Krebs or anyone else to get a heavy use rifle but you do need to go beyond PSA
@@KeithT1992 Well, Good for you!! I'm happy with my PSA, when I get a KUSA rifle, I will post about it, but the ONLY way to compare rifles is to TRY BOTH!!! Listening to someone talk about them and not testing them, you will NEVER get the correct information!!!
PSA GF5 AKs with the FN barrel and parts kits are badazz great value. Fuller Phoenix / Rifle Dynamics have to make a profit just like PSA has to make a profit.
Like Springfield Armory vs Wilson Combat. Both make great reliable guns, but if you only go to the range 3 days a year, do you need a gun with all billet parts hand fitted by some of the best gunsmiths in the world with top tier fit and finish that can survive an unreasonable amount of abuse before breaking?
Like someone already said. Metallurgy is what is not up to par when comparing Amerian made AKs versus comblock AKs. Drop a Molot VEPR from 4ft onto concrete and do the same with a PSA AK1-5 and you not only going to hear the difference, but also see the difference.
The psa AK's are plenty good for most civilians even the guys that shoot alot if you need a new barrel psa will do that for you at no cost. The premium rifles have fn chf barrels too. Also the reason why psa gets hate is what jim fuller said about their AR15 stuff. They started off as a budget builder and since they would crank out a ton of inventory the quality control on the assembly was hit and miss so many ppl just dont trust them. Ppl used to say if you buy psa you'd better know how to build AR's because it was likely you would end up having to correct a psa assembled rifle in some way. They seem to have buttoned down operations since.
I wonder if you had a chance to try actual ak-12 build by KK and that passed QA not a home build out of deactivated gun. Deactivates are made out of gunt that fails QA in a way that can't be fixed
@@Dub762 For me, I prefer a Long Eye Relief Scope or even a Red Dot mounted on the Gas Tube with an UltiMak Mount. For me, I get a wider field of view while shooting with both eyes open, that is just my opinion. I can see more and be aware of what's happening around me.
@@yrsued because I own a century arms ak47 I changed out the handguard but now im looking into optics but I also want an optic that sits high because I will be running a pressure light as well so
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/1.gif)
As a guy who owns a Fuller AK from 2009 that hit over 15,000 trouble-free rounds...Jim knows what he's talking about.
I love mine, I got it in November 2015, Jim just refinished it for me!!
He indeed does. Jim had some very dedicated and talented people working for him until around 2014/15 when he stepped away to "Rebuild from the ashes", Jim's quote, with the much smaller Fuller Phoenix👍 More to it than just a name. Jim and Chris Butler are the most knowledgeable AK builders our Country has ever had😉
@@alu.304 Jim has so much to teach!! I love it that he does a monthly build class with only 5 students!! When I registered, was for September 2023, the first date available!! Almost a year out!!
There's PSA AK out there with 10k rounds and no issues.
@@TingTingalingy yeah I would put a original com block AK up against a PSA GF5-E any day.
Jim Fuller considers PSA AK's a decent middle quality gun. That's pretty high praise. I like his take on the AK12. Wish I could afford one of his guns.
It is a well deserved praise from Jim, this is a great gun!!
I wonder what parts on the PSA guns make him consider it "middle". I am an AR guy and have several AR15s and 2 AR10s but I have the GF4 AK. I would think that with the forged parts, improved trigger and cold hammer forged barrels, they would be 1-2 steps above comm-bloc guns.
@@markdavidson1049 well the GF3 doesnt use a CHFB its just a nitride 4150 barrel. that's probably why he considers it a mid grade ak because all of your high spec AK's have CHFB's and chrome lining.
@@nemisous83 he has an odd way of measuring imho.
PSA AK with FN chrome barrel is best AK I have shot, and I have shot a lot of import, Russian too.
I have had some outstanding WASR 10/63s and literally ran the crap out of them. This was back in the day where everyone was bashing the WASR rifles. I did 3 gun with them and they always went bang and hit the target.
They worked for me so I stuck with them.
I have built a few AKs and they aren't perfect but run very well.
Having a Jim Fuller built AK is still a dream for me.
For all of the assembly problems that the Romanian wasr had, mine with some decent chinese ammo is a 3 moa gun once I removed the loose slant muzzle brake. I read on one Forum that the Romanians were making at their own cost of $75 per gun. If you have a properly set up factory the AKM was never intended to be an expensive gun, but it still needs heat treatment at critical places and also properly made trunions secured with good rivets. There are maybe one or two other parts that need to be well made.
I stopped by Jim’s shop when he was still the owner in Vegas. Nicest guy on earth. He even took us to breakfast lol.
Jim is a wonderful person!!
I'm glad I got into AK's when they were still cheap and available.. My mak90, two Arsenal's, Vepr, and Meridian Def, guns have all skyrocketed in value.. Its literally crazy what people will pay for one of them..
I remember when you couldn't give these things away..
What often gets lost in the conversation with AKs, that Mr. Fuller mentioned during this conversation, is that it's more important that the gun be accessible price wise for your average John Doe, then be the most premium Com-Bloc AK out there. Way better to have a gun, then have nothing at all, so if someone wants a Riley or a PSA, then there's nothing wrong with that.
I don't know much about Riley, but I know first hand PSA's are Great guns!!
@@yrsued After years of dealing with problem after problem, poor QC, returns, failures, ect. PSA is a joke.
@@damil5721 It is your choice, I have only had ONE issue and it got resolved within 2-3 days!! Other than that, never had an issue with any of their firearms.
I love my PSA
@@devinnewman2397I agree. I love my gf5. I’ve put over 7,000 rounds thru it and never had any issues. Still goin strong
That PSA GF5 is pretty solid. FN barrel, forged components - good foundation.
The meridian defense guns are pretty nice too.
That is next on my list
I have their 103s with the FN barrel. I put Magpul furniture and foregrip on the frontend. I love it, not the best in the world, but I knew that when I bought it. JMAC tube adapter and a stock is next. I don't know what optic I want yet?
@@Wes_Is_A_Mess Nice setup, I wish I could see it!! Better yet, shoot it...
GF5 for the win!!!
So PSA has CHF Fabrique Nationale barrels?
A Fuller AKM is The Apex of AKM's , The Man is a Living Legend.
Yes, he is!!
I love hearing Jim Fuller talk about AK.
I mean, I could do it aaaaaall day.
I’ve got a couple of the PSA AKs. A 103 and a GF5. I’m not an AK guy. I have them as range toys. I shoot them enough to be familiar and proficient with AK type rifles … that’s it. For my purposes, These rifles have been more than adequate. Both are quite good … for AKs.
The two GF3's I have work great!!
I've owned a few PSA AKs and never had a problem with them. The ones that performed particularly well were awarded with Zenitco furniture (before becoming unobtainium).
@@robk5943 One of mine has a Magpul MOE Kit, the other has a PSA Fakelite Kit. I like both!
What an icon Fuller is!
The best!!
He dang right though. I only run combloc factory AK’s and they are the only ones I trust other than maybe KUSA AK103SFS. Arsenal guns are my go-to.
It's your money and I believe you should buy whatever makes you happy!!
I love Jim Fuller's sass. Imagine thinking you know better than he does.
Not many people alive know the AK Platform more than he does..
I watch all videos with Mr Fuller, always a way to learn AK stuff 👍👍
Glad to hear, Jim is full of great information and more to come!!
Watching from UK. Jim as always a totally stand up guy. Love his stuff with Mike Jones and his Dad.
Jim is a GREAT guy!!
Doesn't it suck not to be able to own a tool as useful as these? Can you still own bolt actions in the UK?
@@KennyP.Gemstone Good question, they were asking people to turn in knives in the UK...
@@yrsued dang, that's right. I own a Lee Enfield No 4 Mk1 Canadian Longbranch one. It's a shame what's happening in the UK, Australia, and Canada. That is why we'll never compromise on gun ownership. I hope it gets better for you all.
I live a mile from palmetto state armory and they have in store deals on parts and i built a AR15 for $225
Love Jim Fuller. He's genuine and honest. I wish i could afford his guns, but i had ZERO Issue with my KUSA its a laser an reliable.
KUSA and PSA are both GREAT guns!! You can't make a bad choice with either brand!!
Thanks for this video guys 🍻
I've got lots of ARs, but started off with a WASR 10/63 and so I will always love AKs.
My AK arsenal list has evolved into..
1. WASR 10/63
2. Arsenal SAM7SF
3. PSA AKV
4. Zastava M90
5. Zastava M85
Giving a full clear descriptive arsenal list for the left wing anti 2A ATF brown shirt scrolling douche bags, and google; anti 2A left wing censoring big tech. Like your style
Nice 👍
I have a GF3. It shoots good and it's as accurate as it needs to be. I have a WASR too that I like. I'd like to get a 5.45 AK but the ammo situation really concerns me.
Ak101 over ak74 you get the aesthetic and ammo availability
7.62 is still plentiful in the US, I hope it stays that way!!
@@yrsued isn't PSA still going to be producing 7.62 and 5.45 on a grand scale in 2023, I heard they were or had bought presses from the Tula plant
@@DarkWolff. I’m not saying you’re wrong, just that I don’t know about it, but I will find out about it for sure
@@bigchomnk2934 That's what I was hoping for. I have a really early KUSA KR-103, pre-sidefolder release. The thing is just immaculate. At the rate they were going in mid 2021, if they'd kept the quality and delivered KR-101s, that would be my favorite AK of all time. Like an AK-74, but 5.56, immaculate, side folding, a true 100 series gun, etc. Alas, KUSA has completely lost its grip on seemingly everything since and it is a huge shame. One of the worst things that could've happened to American made AKs.
Rifle dynamic is famous from that man right there 👍
Jim no longer owns Rifle Dynamics, his new company is Fuller Phoenix.
I run kit builds, wasrs, old yugos ( o paps, n paps ), new zastavas, arsenals etc and my gf3 has had no issues and over 10k thru it so far. With that said, I bought a gf5 and it wouldn't make it thru one mag without bursting primers and getting primer debre stuck in the firing pin channel. All the problems they had, I've heard they have fixed these issues. We will see. Still love my gf3.
I wonder what was wrong with your GF5, I don't have one, but thought about getting one. I do have two GF3 Blems!!
@@yrsued the firing pin hole in the bolt was a bit too big and out of spec. Allowing the firing pin to extend too far puncturing the primer causing debre to shoot back into the pin hole causing the firing pin to get stuck. Could of sent it back to get fixed for free but I just sold it and bought another zastava.
@@richardrobinson9534 Cool, but their Customer Service is awesome, they can fix it.
How’s your psa doing? I just got a GF5 and would love feedback
@@Grizzlyman420 I sold it soon after, the GF3 is still running strong.
I am a PSA Fanboy. But I only shoot 1000 rds a year thru mine.
It would be awesome if I could shoot 1000 rds a month! I just don't have time...even if I could afford it.
I'd say this video if very fair and accurate. Even though they didn't mention the lifetime warranty.
Thanks for the reminder, PSA does make a GREAT AK and yes, their warranty is great!!
I have a well rounded collection of AK’s. Including a VEPR, WASR, Arsenal, etc
The fit and finish on the PSA is the best. I don’t baby my PSA’s. I run them hard suppressed and put them away wet.
@@Widemouth1832 Me too, they are not meant to be babied, they are meant to be shot!!
THANK YOU JIM FULLER FOR HONESTY AND INFO!!!! IF ONLY OTHERS WOULD JUST SPEAK THE FACTS ON ALL MANUFACTURES AND GEAR.
Well, Jim does have the info and he loves sharing it!!
I have a GF3, Maadi, WASR10, MAK90, and Galil Ace. They all work flawlessly. Never had any issues, no matter the price.
I only had one issue with an AK ever, and it's a long story!!
@@yrsued I built some and they too run like clockwork. AK'S are one of my favorite rifle systems. When properly assembled, they run flawlessly. The only AK I ever got rid of was an Inter Ordinance Inc. underfolder. I didn't trust it after reading about major issues that people were having with them.
@@JohnnyBGoode215 HMM, never had one of those or even heard anything good or bad.
@@yrsued Check out Robski's run in with IO inc on his channel AK Operators Union. The rifles had bad metallurgy in the trunions and bolt carriers. The receivers were so badly out of spec that they had to have a nylon bushing installed at the rear of the recoil spring to keep the bolt carrier from jumping out of the receiver during ejection of spent brass. They were very poorly made.
@@JohnnyBGoode215 Well, glad I didn't buy one of those turds!!
Pretty high praise for PSA from Fuller himself. Even if he considers them mid-tier AK's. This was refreshing to watch.
HNNHe knows a decent AK when he sees one!!
I've got a Riley Defense AK and from what I understand some of their first had some issues but their newer rifles are pretty decent rifles. I've shot about 700 rounds through it and have had zero issues with it.
I'm no gun smith though, but that Riley Defense rifle easily has the best stock trigger in any of the firearms I own.
There you have it, if it works, it's a good gun!!
I could listen to Jim Fuller all day.
Me too!!!
He's been quiet lately, guess he's busy. Just announced the other day they are coming out with some rifles, no more custom work for now.
I am in total agreement with them. The weapon that works for the shooter is a good weapon. To hell what others think. The shooter gets to know his/her weapon. It is good to get input from experience shooters, however, the one pressing the trigger will make the decision what is good for him/her.
Indeed, the firearm you have one hand is the firearm that will save your life!!
I think PSA and KUSA are probably the first US guns that got the metallurgy closer to import . Maybe the first companies to really understand it .
YUP, if Jim says so, I believe him!!
The only US made AK I would buy would be a BFT47. They are made well, accurate and cheap. Bulged forged trunion, forged parts carrier, chrome lined barrel etc
BFT?? Please expand. Please share.
I miss the good old days of affordable milled AKs like the MAK 90 and Polish model 1960. Those guns were affordable and were durable enough to go the distance. I guess once you move away from imports and parts kit builds due to import restrictions, cheap and durable milled AKs are out of the question. Century tried to make affordable American made milled AKs with the C39s but response regarding the durability of those rifles was mixed to say the least.
I know, a lot of AK guys didn't like them at all!!
@@yrsued Yeah some people said the C39s were great but then again those people probably didn't have high round counts in their rifles. I would think if they was so great, century would still be making them.
@@dancortes3062 Exactly!!
I have two re stocked MAC 90s and pre ban Norico under folder…I used to sell them
They all shoot fine
I have a gf3 with 2,000 rounds through it, runs fine and is plenty accurate.
Yes it is!! I have two of them!!
and most people will never shoot 600 rounds out of them. they are basically reverse engineering these things. you can buy a 500 dollar ar15 from them and it will last 8000 rounds.
@@laurencefidhburn1845 Most decent AR's last more than 8000 rounds, trust me, I have AR's that have lasted MUCH more than that!!
@@yrsued and? do you want a cookie or something?
@@laurencefidhburn1845 Can't have it, Type 2 Diabetic, but I would love to
I think KUSA gets less hate mainly because they never had a history of making terrible AKs and started off building fairly decently rifles while PSA had a very rough start using cast parts like Century and IO, but PSA actually fixed their issues unlike Century(domestic production) and IO, and have been making fairly good guns for its price range, but there's a reason why PSA GF1 and GF2 isn't being sold anymore. as someone who owns both domestic(PSA+KUSA) and import(Zastava+WASR), I don't know I'll ever get a Jim Fuller AK, but a reputable custom built AK from authentic Combloc parts is definitely something I definitely want.
I would love to find a KUSA, but I haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price, that I why I have two PSAK GF-3's , I might get a third one for a project!!
I have a gf4 with 2k round through it. I have to grind the back of the carrier down a little bit. But I believe it will harden over time. Other than that it functions flawlessly
Why didn't you send it back, they do have a great customer service at PSA.
I have a PSA GF4 pistol, I 6:02 love it! I don't shoot any kinda comps and it works well for me
I like PSA AK's!! They're very well made!!
This was like a name-drop for me and walk down my early career. LtCol Blish kickstarted my Instruction Career when he was the Training Ops O at Group 47 in Miramar. I did 250, 260, met LtCol Cooper, Hans Vang, and Louis Awerbuck in a 2 week span. I had the honor to IA for my friend Louis for 3 weeks at Camp Pen teaching Combat Shotgun. Off to my 1st Iraq deployment in August 04. Left the Marine Corps as a SSGT in 2005 after 14 years to be CATM in the Air Force Reserve. Deployment to Iraq once more in 09 and some life challenge stuff after returning. Sent a "new" Romy G and a NiB Arsenal SLR107F off to Rifle Dynamics in late 2011 to have them rebuilt by then the Jim owned RD, JB Perrier built mine👍. Gifted the completed Romy G to my best friend and 3x Deployment buddy Nic. Done a couple classes with both guns. Absolute working art👍
That is so cool, thanks for sharing!! I met Jeff in the early 90's, at SHOT Show, never met Lous. Hans is a friend and Freddie is a GREAT Friend, we do a lot of Videos for this channel, look them up!! Freddie and I will do more Videos coming up soon!!
@@yrsued subscribed👍
@@alu.304 Thanks!! Let me know when you're back to AZ, I'm in Peoria!! Freddie lives close by.
@@yrsued Wife loved the area so we will definitely be back👍
@@alu.304 Please do, stay in touch!!
Jim is the GOAT! I have his RD but now need a FP one!
Man I don’t think they are worth the cost anymore. It’s getting to be a status symbol. Even the arsenals are getting out of hand
@@neilkarella1191 If you shot a lot you wouldn't say that.
Over priced and over hyped
@@raptorman6589 you probably don't run more than 1,000 rds a year in your guns do you? lol
They aren’t worth the cost. RD makes good rifles but they are way overpriced. $2500+ for a Romanian parts kit built on a stamped receiver with a nitrided non chrome lined barrel is absurd, I don’t care who built it. I’m glad I bought my arsenal before ak prices skyrocketed
The Meridian defense volk is the best ak I've ever shot. I own several ak's and the volk is hands down the best.
Never tried it, but I will look into it!!
I have two PSA rifles (gf5 and 103) they’re great for me. They have run flawless so far but I only have a few hundred rounds through each, so I’m still vetting them.
They shoot very soft compared to my SKS’s.
If you get one just be sure to shoot them enough to work out any quirks. in my experience PSA has good customer service.
My GF5 had a loose front sight post that would lose zero easily. I contacted them and they told me to send it in, they fixed it for free and reimbursed all shipping costs.
So again, they can make great rifles just shoot yours to enough to know yours is up to par, otherwise they will fix it.
YUP, they do take care of their customers!!
The jmac brakes work really nice on 762x39 aks they cut the recoil in half
Cool, I will test one
@@yrsued yea try the rrd4c I think it's called it cuts recoil in half and keeps the muzzle super flat it tames the 762 aks good I use the 4 chamber ones on my 762 aks and 2 chamber on my 9mm and 556 aks just use standard ak74 brakes on my 545x39 tho but u will be shocked they make one in 14x1 and 24 mm for 100 series
@@timothycain4512 I will look into them, thanks
Myself and a few family members have dealt with PSA and their products are really up for discussion per your budget. You want and pay for quality you get it- you want cheap you get cheap. I appreciate the variety of products(AK platform choices could be better) and appreciate your opinion Jim. Thank you fellas
There is an AK for everyone's budget!! I got a couple of GF3's, so far, so good, but a GF5 is in my future!!
Great interview! Fuller knocked it out the park with his comments on selecting a AK or any weapon.
What do you need ? Not want.
Jim knows the AK platform very well, he has great insight on what you should buy and should not buy.
It is a very rare person who needs a $3000-$4000 AK or AR or practically any gun in that price range.
If you’re a competitive shooter that’s one thing. Going through a thousand rounds a week, yeah, that might require such a firearm.
For the other 99% of gun owners, you’re looking at 200 rounds per month on the outside for an individual firearm, and probably a lot less for most people.
I haven’t done any polling, but within my circle of friends, coworkers, etc., most are fellow gun owners. The people in my daily universe are just about all gun owners. I go to the range more than most of them, and I only go once or twice a month, three times at most. I’ve got two AKs, among other firearms, and those two rifles get maybe 700 rounds each per year through them.
I don’t have a GF-3 but if I didn’t have an AK yet and I was looking to get one, I’m sure it would fully satisfy my requirements. It will work just fine for the vast majority of shooters who want an AK.
One of my AKs is a Century Arms C39v2. Yes, that “terrible” AK, that “piece of junk”. I customized it; it has an East German bolt carrier and recoil spring assembly, and a Polish WBP new-build bolt that I had fitted to it by a gunsmith. I’ve got probably just south of 6000 rounds on it by now, and it still at least passes a field gauge. Just had it out to the range earlier today as I write this and it still shoots just dandy.
My other AK is a Zastava M70 ZPAP that I got for about a grand; I could probably pass that down to my grandkids if I ever have any; it’s all the AK I will EVER need or want.
Yes, Mr. Fuller, you serve a niche and a very small one at that. I wish you every success, but for everyone I know, the idea of spending that kind of coin on an AK just leaves us scratching our heads.
Cheers.
I know someone that shoots AK Matches with a PSA GF5, not an issue yet, he's been doing it for a couple of years now!! CONSISTENTLY!!
I'd imagine the majority of those owners who "think" they need a $3K-$5K AK...don't actually need a $3K-$5K at all. It's just a status symbol.
For the price Zastava post Century's disaster is the best and gives option for caliber 5,56 ,Grandel 6.5 or 7 62
I had one of those early ZPZP's, I had to spend a ton of money to make it run properly!
A Great and Honest Discussion Folks! I Wish I could Try one of Jim's Rifle's.
Thanks for watching, we like what we do!!
I sure do you love my ak103 from PSA runs like a champ
One of these days, I will get one!!
That Midwest industries brake is great!
Yes it is, the first one I tried was the AR version, that is why I ordered the AK Version, just because how well it performed on the 5.56 AR!!
I can"t speak to the quality of PSA AKs but I do own 3 PSA AR 15s. Two have only a few trouble free mags thu them but one has somewhere between 4 and 5 thousand rounds with zero malfunctions and 2000+ rounds before first cleaning.
They got their AR's together, then, they purchased DPMS, now, they are at a totally different level!!
I own a zastava m70. I probably have somewhere around 800 to 1000 rounds in it give or take. It really is a nice shooting gun my only issue with it is the safety selector is super stiff. I do plan on addressing that issue soon but I feel a 1200 dollar rifle shouldn't have a issue like that as minor as it is.
I agree!! Never had an issue like that with my n$600 Blem PSA's!!
Had a century C39v2 that shot like a dream, but the bolt was slowly melting away.
Got a Zastava ZPAP now, and I couldn't be happier with it. Doesn't shoot tiny groups like the Century did, but other than that it's way better.
My Original ZPAP wasn't as good as the modern ones.
@@yrsued You must mean NPAP or OPAP. The ZPAP was newly introduced by the newly established Zastava USA two years ago.
@@cameronnorton5898 I don't remember!! I will have to look at my books
Man 😮I love ❤️ Palmetto State armory AK and I have like 8 😂😂😭😭
And I thought the two I have were a lot....
its really nice the Jim Fuller said that the GF3 is mid grade because PSA does make higher quality AK's that could stand the test of time however they are significantly more expensive. I've had my Gf3 (among other AK's) for about 3 years now and im not going to saying ive run tens of thousands of rounds through it but it has run very well for the meager 1,800 rounds i've put through it. So for the American market that is more than fine, its not like the RAS-47 or any of the terrible other low quality AK's that are pretty much unsafe to shoot. The PSA rifles just dont last nearly as long before replacing parts as your combloc AK's
So far, both my PSAK's are running great. I know folks that shoot Red October Matches with PSA's and they run flawlessly!!
No way a stock Comblock is going to touch a GF5 especially in price to performance. A basic comblok AK is now more expensive than PSA's top level GF5 AK.
@@ShizawnSanders For the most part, yes, you get a whole lot more quality for less with PSA.
And yet even the great AK master Jim Fuller would not be able to say why combloc AKs are actually "better" than a PSA AK. Just because they were required to do it like slaves in those combloc times, steyr forgings, tried and true building steps that never really evolved means nothing. Only time will show what is "good" and what is "bad." The fact that PSA is cheap is only because they build it all in house, not because they're cutting corners. And to produce such high quality first generation models (their 100 line) is astonishing. They didn't learn the hard way like they did when they started out of a garage and made questionable ARs long, long ago. See MAC's tour of PSA and you'll know they are high quality guns.
They are making REALLY GOOD quality guns now!! After the DPMS Purchase, they got a lot of REALLY GOOD info from DPMS...
Tim from Military Arms Channel just finished a tour of PSA's production facility. Given PSA's QC implementation and structure it's probably fair to say that Palmetto is or will soon be building some of the world's finest AK variants.
I knew that without visiting their facility, you can see it in the build quality of the finished guns!! I have two PSAK's and FOUR Daggers. They work!!
@@yrsued I own a PSA upper and other misc items. Nothing bad to say about them. Palmetto appears set to become another of America's great small arms manufacturers on par with Ruger and S&W. Palmetto's CEO (can't remember his name) is quite the dude and still young. Will be interesting to see where he takes his company.
@@bdockett After Buying DPMS, AAC, Parker and Storm Lake Machine Barrels from the Remington Bankruptcy, YES, he is headed that way!!
@@bdockett Yes the psa facility is huge. It's one of the largest producers of multiple platforms today. And they are well proven. And getting better day by day. The FN cold hammer forged barrel enhanced ak is the best u can get for the money.
I don’t need Tim from MAC to tell me how shitty Psa QC is . All over the net bud . Try again
I have a VSKA and it outshoots my saiga lol. It also has 6,000 rds ive had it for some tome
They work!!
I don't have a huge round count through my VSKA, but it has never failed to go bang...
@@MrFlathead45 So that is the gun you need, it will help you when you need it!!
@@yrsued I love the look on people's faces, especially when I hand them my vska and tell them "the internet claims it will blow up in your face if you shoot it"... just before they shoot it for the first time..... hahahaha...
Haters are gonna hate, and the internet gives haters the chance to really show their hate. Lol. I own several firearms that the internet haters claim are nothing but garbage, but, for me, they just work and work and work. My VSKA, my R51, my "5.45x39 steel case only AR-15", and an assortment of cheap to high quality 1911's. My Taurus 1911 is very dependable... every bit as dependable as my Remington R1 or my kimber. The quality of some of it's components like the barrel link were questionable, but they worked.
I have no problem with lower tier firearms. A 150 dollar SKKY will make you just as dead as a 3000 dollar wilson...
@@MrFlathead45 That is the point!! Like I said before, I'm learning the guitar with a free Squier bullet HardTail Strat, if you gave me the EVH $50K special, I will still sound like shit!!
Would love to hear Jim's opinion on the Premium series from PSA, particularly their 103s. The trunions and bolt are made with substantially better materials and they're the only ak in the world with a cold hammer forged FN barrel. Mine's an utter tack driver and AKOU has around 10k rounds through one and it's ticking like a clock still. Had nothing but great luck with everything I have from PSA. They had some growing pains in the early years, but even their budget ARs are more than sufficient now. A lot of people are just elitists when in reality they don't even have the Gucci guns they're railing on your middle level gun for.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I'm yet to see the loudest voices produce even a cap gun.
I'm very happy with my PSA's, like Jim said, not everyone can afford a custom gun, this is a very high quality firearm for the price!!
They have the same trunnions in the 101’s and GF3’s now as well, is what I was informed about a week ago when I called their customer service to inquire about specs. But the FN barrels are really nice. Love my GF5.
@@b.anthony9214 Interesting, I was told that beginning with the GF-3's is when they started the Forged Bolts, Bolt Carriers and Trunions, but I reserve my right to be wrong or being told the wrong information or even understanding the information the wrong way...
@@yrsued Your not wrong my friend. I was just stating what I was told from their staff on the phone. Awesome group of guys and very informative when you talk to them. It’s my fault for not being more clear in my comment, in the GF3 it supposedly the same metal spec as the tool craft trunnions, whereas the 101-105 series have the tool craft. I might of misheard him or gotten my info boggled. My apologies if so.
Jim is the man, and Buster is my dream gun!!!
You can own a similar one
@@yrsued there is no way sir, I am too poor. That's why it's my dream gun.
I love Jim! The American AK father.
Yes he is!! He hast taught many that now call themselves Gurus..
Well said guy’s.
✌🏾
Jim is the one that deserves all the credit!!
They should build them with milled receivers.
The question is who makes good Milled Receivers nowadays?? I honestly don't know!!
Most of these import parts kit builds lack the quality and warranty that PSA provides today. Unless you have men like Jim building them. Many are pieced together like Frankenstein with no true spec as a foundation to build off of. PSA has been improving at every iteration on their in house built AK’s. I mean they are using FN barrels in some of their new models. That is absolutely wild for a gun that costs 1000 bucks. PSA is one of the best things to happen for Americans today. Not only economically but constitutionally. PSA wants to arm as many Americans as they can. Not only that, but they decided to purchase tooling to manufacture their own 7.62x39 ammo due to the import regulations. Call me what I am. A mf fan boy, but more importantly I’m a patriot that appreciates a company that appreciates us.
You are preaching to the Choir with me, I have two PSAK's and they are GREAT!! I don't have the most expensive ones, I have GF3's, they are battle rifles,, but they perform better than me.
I need a Fuller AK going to order 1 next year .
I love mine, Great shooter!!
Most people cannot afford enough ammo to shoot out a PSA, and never a combloc. Combloc''s are done, more or less, so get a good American made rifle and relax and enjoy.
EXACTLY, you will never afford to wear out a PSA!!
Still hope out of Poland.
I have a MAK90 with an aimpoint on an ultimak, but I am going to the AR platform for a lot of reasons. The AR is quite modular and anyone can do basic part switching on it. Parts are everywhere and even a defect cheap BCA AR can be fixed by someone like me. ARs will handle 7.62x39, but the bolt lugs will fail sooner.
The AR is a more accurate platform and decent triggers are not hard to install.
The main thing making take another look at the AK is the new pending final rule on AR pistol guns with braces. My mak90 with a folded stock is about the same overall length as many of the pistol brace guns and so for transport in a tennis racket case, it is just about as good as the short barrel AR pistols, but this is with its 16 inch barrel.
There are AMNY goos reason to pick the AK platform and you just mentioned a couple of good ones!!
@@yrsued The best reason is that i already own it. I overpaid and gave $350 for it at a pawn and gun shop in my town in either 93 or 94. I had no idea just how good were the chinese AKMs. They are made with 1.5 mm thick sheet metal for the receiver vs the russian that is only 1 mm thick. A few years later I ran into a fellow that was collecting the milled chinese AKs and i bet those cost a lot of money these days.
@@loquat44-40 You did good, it is a great AK. If you already have one and you got it so cheap, you're golden!!
@@yrsued At the time I thought it to be very expensive. My sks rifle only cost $100. But all of the chicom and eastern comboc guns have soared in price. But the ARs have gone down in price.
I am retired now and can buy what want as long the dollar does not crash.
@@loquat44-40 Just like I thought that SKS's were too much money at $79!! I'm not retired yet, but Understand how you feel!!
just bought one of those KUSA blem rifles.. waiting on it currently but figured 949$ might give this a try and see where it takes me.
I’ve never owned one. Jim says they are good, I trust him.
@@yrsued i am looking forward to trying something else other than 556.
@@DREKOWICK69 you will definitely like the 7.62x39 caliber…
I like the AK-12 it's aesthetically cool, and I'd buy it.
Jim's done a fare amount of welding I see.
Quite a bit
The M10-762 by M+M ... its a sweet romanian AK.
Good
I have one as well , I have the 12" pistol I SBR'd with a fixed stock . Its fantastic.
I have it. Not the M10X.
Any suggestions on rail replacement for mlok?
I love my psa AK.
I do too!!
I wonder what does Jim think about the Saiga sporter?
I think fuler use to do alot of conversion on saiga
I will ask him for sure!!
@@josephshadrach8795 We will do a show on that!!
The only negative stuff I've seen about PSA comes from their AK's and it's all about QC on assembly. I've dealt directly with KUSA and the only problem there is getting additional responses. I had issues installing the AK 2.0 trigger and they just pushed me off to CMC Triggers. CMC Triggers was beyond helpful but KUSA eventually got back to responding to emails. I went with KUSA for my AK b/c I wanted to install ZenitCo I had purchased and KUSA's firearms are all Russian pattern so the installation was really easy and didn't require any alterations, where as PSA seems like they threw together their AK's with the parts they thought would be best. They do use cold hammer forged components where KUSA just started doing earlier this year, but it also increased the price of their rifles by $300-$400. PSA uses a mix of 47's, 74's, and RPK parts. I also was on a budget.
Cool, you're happy, that is all that matter!!
@@yrsued Yeah I can say I'm satisfied with my decision. But I also know I intend to buy parts kits one day and will buy parts from PSA.
@@Dragotto Ya, doing a build is rewarding
What exactly wears out or fails quicker on an American made AK? Broad statements but I would like a bit more
specifics.
I would like to know too!! Empirical Evidence, NOT hearsay!!
Jim makes it pretty clear. PSA rifles did start off a little rocky but they’re turning out some nice quality rifles now. Anyone that likes AKs would obviously love to have a fuller build. But like the man himself said. Do you really need it? And for the vast majority of people no, you don’t. If you can afford one or have a job as a guntuber or just a collector then it’s understandable but if you’re spending outside your means or just buying it to impress internet nobody’s, you’re doing it wrong.
Very well said, I have two PSA's and one Fuller Gun, love all three of them!!
It would be interesting to see what handguns Jim likes!
I can ask him!!
those voice overs from jim had me dying lol
Jim is really funny
42 state governments currently say you have their permission to buy one
Yes, I know. But that is not what this video was about... I don't understand your post, please expand.
Classic sit-down. Is the honey badger the best MB for an AK? Looking to change my standard MB on a PSA AK 103. Was told it seems to cause a tilt to the left. Which, I notice.
That is a Jim question for sure!!
I thought me shooting 2k rounds of steel a month was light duty? Am I way wrong haha. I love my PSAs as much as my arsenals Galils Zastava’s and even love my pioneers
They are all good, but I prefer PSA for sure!!
Jim was right ,PSA make a great AK for the average Joe who wants to do a little training go to the range a bit and protect his family and he can get an AK with quite a bit of ammo to get him started for under a grand ,,i think PSA are great ,,betya half the haters dont own or never shot an AK before and bet if they went and had a look at there factory they would walk away lovers not haters!
Most of them can't afford a $600 PSAK, they can't barely afford a $100 used POS, that is why they're haters!!
Some people are ak guys and some people are AR guys I like both but aks have always been my favorite platform since the first day I've handled one but ar and ak guys need to stop hating on each other its ridiculous
I like and use both!!
@@yrsued agreed I probly shoot both as often as the other I just prefer ak platforms but enjoy my ars
I love my AKs as much as my ARs, but I have to admit, I'm more delicate with my ARs than with my AKs. I know my Aks can take the abuse.
@@fernandofranco663 I hear ya I love my aks more than my ars for sure but I'm ruff as he'll on all of them they get beat up on barricades shot in the pouring down rain if we have to run drills that day my glocks to they get beat and banged up and rained on
love Jim Fuller !!!!!!!!!!1
We all do!!
Picked up a feg sa85m underfolder from a gun shop for $550 out the door
Nice rifle. It should last you a VERY long time and your kids too.
Good find!!
I got a lot of good chit. But I still ain't got an AK yet. So I'm kinda drooling. Thanks guys.
Try it, get your feet wet with an American AK, then get a build!!
I used to buy Bulgarian barreled receiver and a Hungarian kit and put together the closest to the real deal as possible.
That sounds like a good plan!! Nothing wrong with that!
I really like my psa ak104
You should
I say support 2 great companies. Go buy a PSA AK while you're waiting the 2 plus years for Rifle Dynamics to make you an AK. If old Jim Fuller says that PSA AKs are middle of the road........ they're probably pretty damn good. That's nothing to scoff at.
Remember, Jim no longer owns Rifle Dynamics, I would buy a Fuller AK from Fuller Phoenix, his new company!!
BADASS.
YUP, it will be much better soon!!
I thought the main selling point of the original AK was that it was cheap to make and reliable. So how did we go from cheap to make and reliable to… expensive and moderately reliable(depending on how much you pay)?
The AK is exponentially expensive to start manufacturing thanks to it's particular tooling machines for it. The raw materials are what make it cheaper in the long run after production has been out for a while. The Ak is only expensive in America since the AR dominates the market.
Government backed producers don't have to make a profit, as stated by Jim. A gun built to military standards with 0% profit has an advantage over a civilian gun that has 15% profit
It got expensive thanks to Import Bans, some got unreliable by crappy manufacturing!!
Years ago we could import AKs from overseas and sell them here for $300. Then our government banned those imports.
There's no better machine than a Zastava when it comes to AK clones.
If you can get your hands on a russian AK take it but if not get a serbian Zastava.
I had ZPAP, didn't like it, due to the fact that Handguards and stocks don't match standard AK patterns, if you don't like what you got, you're SOL.
@@yrsued I put a Tango Down grip on mine. Completely changed the feel of the rifle. Sad you gave up so easily on a wonderful rifle.
@@lancelittleton9802 Grips, stocks and hand guards change the feel and performance of your rifle, when you're comfortable, your shooting will improve!!
I hear what you guys are saying and I don’t shit on what anyone runs, personally all my AKs are kit builds our imports… but I gotta say it’s hard for me to understand why anyone would buy PSA when there’s WBP rifles coming in at $1200-$1300 or even M70s for less… everyone doesn’t need a rare kit build from a high end builder but when the difference between ok and really squared away is saving up for another week or two I say go for quality.
Because PSA's are half the price, for the same quality!! My PSA's are right under $600
@@yrsued for the same quality? My brother there is just no way you can argue that PSA rifles are the same quality as either of the two rifles I mentioned, I could go on and on about wear patterns, parts quality, quality control in general, materials and manufacturing procedures but it would be silly because if you know AKs you know the difference plain and simple. I don’t hate PSA or the people who use them but there is a difference between a range grade rifle and a heavy use rifle…. To be honest you don’t need to buy a custom gun from Fuller, Krebs or anyone else to get a heavy use rifle but you do need to go beyond PSA
@@KeithT1992 Well, Good for you!! I'm happy with my PSA, when I get a KUSA rifle, I will post about it, but the ONLY way to compare rifles is to TRY BOTH!!! Listening to someone talk about them and not testing them, you will NEVER get the correct information!!!
@@yrsued I’ve owned a PSA and a KUSA….
@@yrsued PSA rifles don't even come close to a COMBLOC ak from any country.
PSA GF5 AKs with the FN barrel and parts kits are badazz great value. Fuller Phoenix / Rifle Dynamics have to make a profit just like PSA has to make a profit.
Two different companies, Jim makes Custom AK's, PSA makes GREAT high Volume guns!!
Like Springfield Armory vs Wilson Combat. Both make great reliable guns, but if you only go to the range 3 days a year, do you need a gun with all billet parts hand fitted by some of the best gunsmiths in the world with top tier fit and finish that can survive an unreasonable amount of abuse before breaking?
@@danielhenderson8316 BTW, Springfield makes great pistols from $400 to $4K, you should get the one that fits your needs and budget!!
What’s the sling set up on Mr fullers gun?
I think he is using the Haley Sling, I need to go get one one of those!!
@@yrsued Cool, I’ll look into,👍🏻
Are the forging on the American AKs not as good or is it the fitting process that is not as good?
Mainly the forgings are trash. The material hardness is just not up to par.
OK for a range toy (even then), but a definite no go for hard use.
Like someone already said. Metallurgy is what is not up to par when comparing Amerian made AKs versus comblock AKs. Drop a Molot VEPR from 4ft onto concrete and do the same with a PSA AK1-5 and you not only going to hear the difference, but also see the difference.
IWI Galil Ace 💯
Great choice too!!
Thank you gents for your honesty. Does Jim have a current web address?
Search Fuller Phoenix!!
@@yrsued thx
@@dgunearthed7859 My pleasure
The psa AK's are plenty good for most civilians even the guys that shoot alot if you need a new barrel psa will do that for you at no cost. The premium rifles have fn chf barrels too. Also the reason why psa gets hate is what jim fuller said about their AR15 stuff. They started off as a budget builder and since they would crank out a ton of inventory the quality control on the assembly was hit and miss so many ppl just dont trust them. Ppl used to say if you buy psa you'd better know how to build AR's because it was likely you would end up having to correct a psa assembled rifle in some way. They seem to have buttoned down operations since.
Since they purchased DPMS, they acquired a lot of good information and blueprints!! Their AK's are top notch now!!
I wish I could afford one of Jim Fuller's AKs but since I can't I will stick with my Chinese made
If it works for you, then keep it!!
Krebs AC15 here.
Krebs makes GREAT guns, I met Marc in the 90's, when he was making IPSC Open Guns!!
I wonder if you had a chance to try actual ak-12 build by KK and that passed QA not a home build out of deactivated gun. Deactivates are made out of gunt that fails QA in a way that can't be fixed
I could not tell you. Question for Jim!!
Can anyone explain the difference between a close and far optic on a ak47?
Are you asking about the "Eye Relief" on the Optic?? Whether you place it close to your eyes or father down the firearm away from your eyes?
@@yrsued yes because I heard mix reviews but nobody really explained in detail the major differences between them
@@Dub762 For me, I prefer a Long Eye Relief Scope or even a Red Dot mounted on the Gas Tube with an UltiMak Mount. For me, I get a wider field of view while shooting with both eyes open, that is just my opinion. I can see more and be aware of what's happening around me.
@@yrsued because I own a century arms ak47 I changed out the handguard but now im looking into optics but I also want an optic that sits high because I will be running a pressure light as well so
@@Dub762 You can run a dot in the hand guard, like I did and still use a light on it. I don't know what one has to do with the other!!
Luv my Saiga
Not a bad choice!!