When it comes to AK-47s, three things matter most: durability, reliability, and affordability.
The AK platform has earned its reputation as the rifle that just keeps running, no matter the abuse. But finding an AK that delivers on performance without draining your wallet? That’s been a challenge—until now.
Enter the Palmetto State Armory AK-47 GF3, an American-made rifle that brings legendary AK toughness at a price point that’s hard to beat. This rifle is built for longevity and features a hammer-forged bolt, carrier, and front trunnion.
PSA didn’t just throw together an AK with off-the-shelf parts; they engineered the GF3 from scratch, ensuring every component is precision-manufactured to meet higher-than-average budget-tier standards.
But does the PSA AK-47 GF3 live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Build Quality & Features: Raising the Bar for Budget AKs
The first thing you notice when handling the PSA AK-47 GF3? It feels solid. Unlike some budget AKs that feel loose or rattly, the GF3 is tight, well-built, and well-finished. The stamped steel receiver is smooth, and the rivets are clean and secure—crucial factors in long-term AK reliability.
The biggest highlight? The hammer-forged bolt, carrier, and front trunnion. These are the most stressed parts of an AK, and PSA took the extra step to forge them—just like you’d find in high-end imported rifles. This is a significant upgrade because early budget AKs (from PSA and others) had soft trunnions that wore out quickly. That’s no longer a concern with the GF3.
Other standout features include:
- 4150 Nitride-Treated Barrel – A 16-inch barrel with a 1:9.5 twist. While it’s not chrome-lined like some imports, the nitride treatment is extremely wear-resistant and adds solid corrosion protection.
- Side Optic Rail – A traditional AK side rail for mounting optics. PSA recommends Midwest Industries or RS Regulate mounts since AK tolerances can vary.
- Classic Polymer Furniture – The Olive Drab Green stock, handguard, and grip offer a traditional AK look with a modern feel. The stock is functional but basic—many will want to swap in Magpul or wood furniture.
- Standard Slant Brake & Bayonet Lug – Keeping with AK tradition, the GF3 comes with a classic slant brake and a bayonet lug for authenticity.
- 800-Yard Rear Sight Leaf – It’s standard for AKs, though let’s be honest, you’re not hitting targets at 800 yards with iron sights. It’s more of a historical touch than a practical feature.
At the end of the day, PSA set out to make a budget AK without cutting corners on the essentials, and they nailed it.
Performance & Reliability: Does It Hold Up?
Palmetto State Armory torture-tested the GF3 up to 10,000 rounds, but while we didn’t push it that far, we put several hundred rounds through it without a single malfunction. It ate everything we fed it.
We tested the GF3 with a mix of ammo, including:
- Sterling Steel Cased 123-gr FMJ
- Soviet Arms Steel Cased 122-gr FMJ
- Sellier & Bellot Brass Cased 124-gr FMJ
- Sabre Steel Cased Black Tip 123-gr FMJ
Sadly, it was still hungry for more, but we ran out of food 🙂
The GF3 ran flawlessly with steel and brass ammo, which is exactly what you expect from an AK.
Accuracy? While AKs aren’t known for pinpoint precision, we had no trouble ringing steel at 100 yards with the factory iron sights.
I probably wouldn’t trust iron sights for anything beyond 50 yards in a defensive situation, but it’s more than capable within that range.
Some other things we tested:
- Mag Changes – The mag release has good tension but is slightly small. Standard AK mags lock in fine, though some shooters may prefer an extended-release for quicker mag changes.
- Recoil & Handling – It shoots like a classic AK—moderate recoil, smooth cycling. The piston-driven system keeps things running clean, and the safety lever is easy to manipulate.
- Durability – The GF3 survived some accidental drops (oops) during testing without any dents, dings, or malfunctions.
Room for Improvement
The PSA GF3 is an incredible value, but it’s not perfect. A few minor drawbacks:
- Stock & Grip – The included polymer furniture is functional but basic. Many will want to swap in Magpul, wood, or another AKM-compatible set.
- No Cleaning Rod – Not a big deal, but some AK purists will miss it. It would be a nice touch for authenticity.
- Muzzle Device – The standard slant brake is fine, but a lot of shooters will want to upgrade to a compensator or suppressor-ready mount.
None of these are dealbreakers at this price point—they’re easy fixes rather than flaws.
I’m going to upgrade the handguard, stock, and grip and add a bungee sling from SOE Tactical Gear. I’ll also run this rifle through more testing in the coming months.
Final Verdict: Best Budget AK Right Now?
For around $600-700, the PSA AK-47 GF3 is one of the best budget AKs available today.
It delivers durability, reliability, and affordability without sacrificing critical components. With hammer-forged internals, a 4150 nitrided barrel, and rock-solid performance, it stands above most other American-made budget AKs.
Sure, the furniture is basic and some might prefer a chrome-lined barrel, but at this price, it’s the best option for anyone looking for a dependable, affordable AK.
Whether you’re new to AK-47s or an experienced shooter looking for a solid workhorse, the PSA GF3 is a fantastic choice.
We’ll be running this rifle all spring and summer and, if time allows, putting it through a few rifle courses—stay tuned for updates!
If you want a budget-friendly AK that won’t disappoint you, the PSA AK-47 GF3 is easily one of the best values on the market today.
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