PSA AK-V: Features, Specifications & Complete Review

The PSA AK-V is a 9mm AK-style firearm developed by Palmetto State Armory. It combines the familiar appearance and controls of the AK platform with a blowback-operated 9mm design.

The AK-V was inspired by the Russian Vityaz platform. However, PSA developed its own design and added several modern features. These include a hinged top cover, last-round bolt hold-open system, and compatibility with PSA U9 and CZ Scorpion-pattern magazines.

This guide looks at the PSA AK-V, its design, specifications, features, history, and independent testing.

What Is the PSA AKs?

The PSA AK-V is a 9mm AK-style platform from Palmetto State Armory.

The V in AK-V refers to the Vityaz influence behind the design. PSA has explained that its engineers used photographs of the Russian Vityaz as a reference because the original platform was not available to them during development.

However, the PSA AK-V is not simply a copy.

Instead, PSA developed the platform with its own receiver, operating system, magazines, and modern features.

PSA AKs Specifications

Specifications can vary between AK-V configurations. Therefore, it is important to check the exact model when comparing versions.

Common specifications include:

PSA’s current information lists a 10.5-inch 4150 nitrided steel barrel, forged trunnion, bolt and carrier, and a stamped receiver for the AK-V.

Because PSA has produced different configurations, specifications should always be confirmed for the individual model.

PSA AK Design

The design is one of the most interesting parts of the PSA AK

At first glance, it looks like a compact AK. The charging handle, safety, magazine release, and general layout all have strong AK influences.

At the same time, PSA added features that are less common on traditional AK platforms.

For example, the AK-V uses a hinged top cover. This design allows the cover to remain attached to the receiver rather than being completely removed during routine field stripping.

The platform also includes a last-round bolt hold-open feature.

These changes give the PSA AK-V a modern character while keeping its classic AK-inspired appearance.

PSA AK-V 9mm Operating System

The PSA AK-V uses a direct-blowback operating system.

This differs from the long-stroke gas-piston system found on traditional AK rifles.

The blowback system is well suited to the 9mm cartridge and gives the AK a distinct operating design. PSA’s own documentation identifies the AK-V as a 9mm blowback-operated platform.

The result is an AK-style firearm that operates differently from a conventional 7.62x39mm AK.

PSA AK-V Magazine Compatibility

Magazine compatibility is one of the most notable features of the platform.

The PSA AK-V uses PSA U9 magazines based on the CZ Scorpion magazine pattern. PSA states that its U9 magazines are compatible with the CZ Scorpion platform as well.

The AK-V has commonly been associated with 35-round magazines.

This magazine design helped make the platform stand out from other AK-style firearms.

Last-Round Bolt Hold Open

Another important feature is the last-round bolt hold open system.

Traditional AK platforms generally do not use the same type of bolt hold-open system found on many modern firearms.

PSA incorporated one into the AK-V.

This feature gives the platform a more modern operating feel while still retaining its AK-style controls. Both PSA and independent reviewers identify the bolt hold-open system as an important AK-V feature.

PSA AK and the Vityaz Connection

The PSA AK has a clear connection to the Russian Vityaz design.

The Vityaz-SN was developed as a 9mm submachine gun based around an AK-style design.

PSA used photographs of the Vityaz as a reference during the development of the AK

However, the AK-V was developed for the U.S. market and includes several changes from the original concept.

That makes it better described as a Vityaz-inspired American design rather than an exact reproduction.

PSA AK Features

The main features associated with the PSA AK include:

• 9mm chambering
• Direct-blowback operation
• Stamped receiver
• Hinged top cover
• Last-round bolt hold open
• AK-style safety
• AK-style charging handle
• Paddle-style magazine release
• PSA U9 magazine compatibility
• CZ Scorpion-pattern magazine compatibility
• 1/2×28 right-hand barrel threading on listed configurations

PSA’s current AK information also lists a forged trunnion, bolt, and carrier.

PSA AK Reliability

Reliability has been an important part of the AK history.

Early production examples experienced problems, including failures to eject and failures to go into battery. Independent testing also reported a serious firing issue with an early example.

PSA investigated those early problems and made manufacturing and design changes.

Later testing produced significantly better results. Pew Pew Tactical reported zero malfunctions during its later range testing, including testing with both brass- and steel-case ammunition.

PSA also reported more than 3,000 rounds fired through a later-production AK during a media testing event without malfunctions.

These results should be viewed as individual test samples rather than a guarantee for every firearm.

PSA AK-V Accuracy

The PSA AK is designed around a compact 9mm platform.

Independent testing has reported useful practical accuracy for the platform. Pew Pew Tactical rated the AK accuracy positively in its hands-on review and described it as capable of putting shots where intended at typical distances for the design.

Actual results can vary.

Ammunition, sights, configuration, maintenance, and the individual firearm can all affect accuracy.

PSA AK Ergonomics

The AK-V keeps several familiar AK controls.

These include an AK-style safety and paddle magazine release.

However, PSA added changes to make the platform easier to operate.

The safety includes an extended tab that allows it to be manipulated without completely changing the shooter’s grip. The hinged top cover also provides a modern touch to the traditional AK layout.

The result is a combination of traditional AK ergonomics and newer design elements.

PSA AK-V vs Traditional AK

The PSA AK looks like an AK, but there are important differences.

Therefore, the AK should not be viewed as simply a smaller traditional AK.

It is a separate 9mm design that borrows heavily from AK styling and controls.

PSA AK vs PSA AR

The PSA AK and PSA AR are both 9mm platforms, but they have different designs.

The AK is based around an AK-style layout.

The AR-V uses an AR-style receiver and controls while also using the same general Scorpion-pattern magazine family.

This makes the AK the more obvious choice for readers interested in an AK-inspired 9mm platform, while the AR-V follows a different design philosophy.

PSA AK Development

The AK-V went through several development stages.

PSA originally introduced the platform in the late 2010s. Early production firearms experienced problems, which led to changes before the updated version returned to production.

Later versions incorporated improvements based on testing and customer feedback.

This development history is important because older reviews may describe problems that were associated with early production rather than later versions.

Why the PSA AK Gets Attention

The PSA AK stands out for several reasons.

First, it combines the classic AK appearance with the 9mm cartridge.

Second, it uses a magazine pattern associated with the CZ Scorpion platform.

Third, it includes modern features such as a last-round bolt hold open and hinged top cover.

Finally, the platform has an unusual history because PSA developed its Vityaz-inspired design without access to an original working Vityaz firearm during development.

These characteristics have helped the AK-V develop a strong following among people interested in AK-style 9mm platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSA AK-V?

The PSA AK-V is a 9mm, direct-blowback, AK-style platform produced by Palmetto State Armory. It was inspired by the Russian Vityaz design.

What caliber is the PSA AK?

The PSA AK-V is chambered in 9mm.

What magazines does the PSA AK use?

The platform uses PSA U9 magazines based on the CZ Scorpion magazine pattern. PSA states that its U9 magazines can also work with the CZ Scorpion platform.

Does the PSA AK have a bolt hold open?

Yes. The PSA AK includes a last-round bolt hold-open feature.

Is the PSA AK based on the Vityaz?

Yes. The AK was inspired by the Russian Vityaz platform. However, PSA developed its own design rather than producing an exact copy.

Does the PSA AK use a gas piston?

No. The AK-V uses a direct-blowback operating system rather than the traditional long-stroke gas system associated with standard AK rifles.

Final Thoughts

The PSA AK is an unusual combination of classic AK styling and a modern 9mm platform.

Its Vityaz-inspired design, direct-blowback operation, hinged top cover, last-round bolt hold open, and Scorpion-pattern magazine compatibility give it a distinct identity.

The platform also has an interesting development history. Early production problems were followed by manufacturing changes and improved later-production testing results.

For anyone researching the PSA AK the key point is simple: it is not a traditional rifle-caliber AK. Instead, it is a purpose-built 9mm AK-style platform with its own operating system and features.