DDI and PSA Both Release New AKs
September 30, 2016Yesterday and within hours of one another, both Destructive Devices Industries (DDI) and Palmetto State Armory (PSA) officially released new American-made Kalashnikovs. Both releases, chambered in 7.62x39mm, add to a slow but steadily growing supply of domestic AKs, and to be honest, these are the most interesting we’ve seen yet.
DDI’s new rifles are definitely intended to be high-end builds. They feature hammer-forged trunnions, bolts, and bolt carriers. The barrels are button rifled and nitrided 4150 steel, but hammer-forged versions are apparently on the horizon. DDI has also incorporated a custom gas block/front sight combo that vaguely resembles the ones on AK-105s, minus the 24mm threads. These rifles will be offered with fixed stocks, polymer side folders, and triangle side folders, with prices expected to be under $1,000, but that is subject to change. They should be available in two weeks or so.
PSA’s new additions to the PSAK-47 line bring two sought-after features to the market. While they’re mostly similar to current PSAK-47 GB2 offerings, the new versions come with under and side-folding stocks. Unlike the DDI guns, these aren’t 100% made in America, as some of the castings are done overseas, but they’re close to full US rifles. Pricing remains unknown at this point, but they should be very competitive.
An information security professional by day and gun blogger by night, Nathan started his firearms journey at 16 years old as a collector of C&R rifles. These days, you’re likely to find him shooting something a bit more modern – and usually equipped with a suppressor – but his passion for firearms with military heritage has never waned. Over the last five years, Nathan has written about a variety of firearms topics, including Second Amendment politics and gun and gear reviews. When he isn’t shooting or writing, Nathan nerds out over computers, 3D printing, and Star Wars.