Anyone here have a PSA KS47 AR rifle that accepts AK mags?

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    Sirex

    Sirex

    Powered by natural gas
    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    I had some questions?

    1. Will a standard 223/.556 upper fit/mount on the lower?

    2. What has the reliability and build quality been like?

    3. Would the insertion tabs on the Gen2 lower interfere with a 223 upper being mounted to the lower, ignoring the magazine thing for now.

    Thanks for any insight
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

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    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    DutchV said:
    It's an odd size that doesn't fit standard AR15 uppers.

    " The KS-47 G2 upper will not work with a standard AR-15 lower." from

    https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...htweight-m-lok-nitride-upper-with-bcg-ch.html

    Reliability with PSA is a real crapshoot. FYI - CMMG who has a similar product so maybe that's where PSA is getting some of the parts.
    Click to expand...

    That is the KS47 upper. My main focus is on the lower being able to physically mount up a standard 5.56 upper. The upper won't work with a standard AR15 lower, but to specify, my question is, would a standard AR15 upper physically fit on the KS47 lower? Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

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    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    This is from their site;

    "The Palmetto State Armory KS47 is a variant of AR15 that combines the modular construction, accuracy and precision of the AR platform with the stopping power and the magazine options of the AK. ... The KS47 lower requires the use of the PSA KS47 upper to accept AK magazines. Do not try to use standard AR uppers."

    It specifies use of AK mags, which RIGHT NOW, is not the focus of my query.
     
    Straightbolt

    Straightbolt

    unindicted co-conspirator
    Apr 4, 2015
    2,504
    The 'Burbs
    Sirex said:
    This is from their site;

    "The Palmetto State Armory KS47 is a variant of AR15 that combines the modular construction, accuracy and precision of the AR platform with the stopping power and the magazine options of the AK. ... The KS47 lower requires the use of the PSA KS47 upper to accept AK magazines. Do not try to use standard AR uppers."

    It specifies use of AK mags, which RIGHT NOW, is not the focus of my query.
    Click to expand...

    No, 5.56/.223 mags will not work with that lower. It's set up for rock in AK mags not AR15 mags
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

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    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    clandestine said:
    The KS47 Gen 1 is not a good gun. The Gen 2 is slightly better, but it is rough still.

    I can't answer about the upper fitment.
    Click to expand...

    Can they be tweaked like a some budget ARs to be a decent gun, or is it mostly the differences from a regular AR that make it bad? I am trying to think outside the box in case they do ban Hbar ARs here in MD. I am just brain storming right now. Nothing set in stone, just considering options before it is too late.
     
    clandestine

    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,031
    Elkton, MD
    Sirex said:
    Can they be tweaked like a some budget ARs to be a decent gun, or is it mostly the differences from a regular AR that make it bad? I am trying to think outside the box in case they do ban Hbar ARs here in MD. I am just brain storming right now. Nothing set in stone, just considering options before it is too late.
    Click to expand...

    Yes, the G2 can be made to be very reliable. Just some basic checks and a few tweaks.

    The G1's can be made reliable as well but the mods are very pricey if you pay someone to do it right.

    They prefer steel surplus mags. They may need some tweaking to work well on Bakelite or polymer mags.

    Better Springs (Colt Gold Extractor/Springco or Tubbs Flatwire)

    Polished Barrel Extension Ramps

    Good Magazines (Degrease Well if they are Surplus)

    Gauge Chamber and Barrel Bore with CIP or Soviet Spec Headspace Gauges and Barrel Straightness Gauge.

    Check F.P. Protrusion and Extractor Recess for proper specs


    FYI if you install an aftermarket trigger the nose on the trigger has to be relieved to clear the magazine catch spring in the lower.

    If I still had a bunch of surplus AK mags I would buy one. They are really neat guns.
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

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    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    clandestine said:
    Yes, the G2 can be made to be very reliable. Just some basic checks and a few tweaks.

    The G1's can be made reliable as well but the mods are very pricey if you pay someone to do it right.

    They prefer steel surplus mags. They may need some tweaking to work well on Bakelite or polymer mags.

    Better Springs (Colt Gold Extractor/Springco or Tubbs Flatwire)

    Polished Barrel Extension Ramps

    Good Magazines (Degrease Well if they are Surplus)

    Gauge Chamber and Barrel Bore with CIP or Soviet Spec Headspace Gauges and Barrel Straightness Gauge.

    Check F.P. Protrusion and Extractor Recess for proper specs


    FYI if you install an aftermarket trigger the nose on the trigger has to be relieved to clear the magazine catch spring in the lower.

    If I still had a bunch of surplus AK mags I would buy one. They are really neat guns.
    Click to expand...

    Thank you
     
    Wayne1one

    Wayne1one

    gun aficionado
    Feb 13, 2011
    3,131
    Bowie, MD
    Sirex said:
    Can they be tweaked like a some budget ARs to be a decent gun, or is it mostly the differences from a regular AR that make it bad? I am trying to think outside the box in case they do ban Hbar ARs here in MD. I am just brain storming right now. Nothing set in stone, just considering options before it is too late.
    Click to expand...

    I have a nice 5.45x39 AR that runs like a top, you could look into those too. Piston upper or conversion and .300Blk are other option you could/should investigate.


    IMG_5609     by 556 Channel (HD), on Flickr
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

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    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    Wayne1one said:
    I have a nice 5.45x39 AR that runs like a top, you could look into those too. Piston upper or conversion and .300Blk are other option you could/should investigate.


    IMG_5609     by 556 Channel (HD), on Flickr
    Click to expand...

    I don't have any 5.45 ammo unfortunately. I missed the boat on cheaper milsurp ammo for that.

    Since Hbars "might" get banned, I was thinking about getting a KS47, since I primarily shoot 7.62x39. My first AR was a 7.62x39 AR. I got my Windham last year to replace it and got another 7.62x39 upper. I like the 7.62x39 upper but mags are iffy. If I got the KS47, I was looking at the possibility of keeping it, since it isn't an AR15. Getting a spare Gen2 upper, swapping the barrel assembly with a .223 barrel assembly, and using .223 AK mags. Of course swap the bolt head on the spare's BCG, and have him check bolt lug clearance with the mag. The PSA bolt looks like they shaved a hair off 2 bolt lugs to clear AK mags.

    Again, right now just brain storming for the big what if.
     
    erwos

    erwos

    The Hebrew Hammer
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 25, 2009
    13,884
    Rockville, MD
    Sirex said:
    I wonder if they do ban Hbars if just popping a 6.5G or 7.62x39 upper on it would legalize it?
    Click to expand...
    Colt made 7.62x39 sporter ARs, so I would not be jump to hop on that train due to clone interpretation concerns. I also have concerns about .300AAC due to the fact that it's 100% parts interchangeable with a normal AR (as in, you could swap anything and wind up with a working rifle, albeit in a different caliber). I don't know about 6.5G. Bolt and barrel are different, which does seem to kill interchangeability.

    It seems like the MSP has been fairly consistent vis a vis piston guns being different, which is reasonable given how proprietary they are. You could probably also make a semi-sane argument that side-chargers are GTG, but haven't seen that rigorously tested yet.
     
    clandestine

    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,031
    Elkton, MD
    Sirex said:
    I don't have any 5.45 ammo unfortunately. I missed the boat on cheaper milsurp ammo for that.

    Since Hbars "might" get banned, I was thinking about getting a KS47, since I primarily shoot 7.62x39. My first AR was a 7.62x39 AR. I got my Windham last year to replace it and got another 7.62x39 upper. I like the 7.62x39 upper but mags are iffy. If I got the KS47, I was looking at the possibility of keeping it, since it isn't an AR15. Getting a spare Gen2 upper, swapping the barrel assembly with a .223 barrel assembly, and using .223 AK mags. Of course swap the bolt head on the spare's BCG, and have him check bolt lug clearance with the mag. The PSA bolt looks like they shaved a hair off 2 bolt lugs to clear AK mags.

    Again, right now just brain storming for the big what if.
    Click to expand...

    It's a good idea and would likely work.
     
    clandestine

    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,031
    Elkton, MD
    If you try the 5.56 upper idea, I suggest you get a mid gas barrel?

    It's easier on the bolt lugs and since you have to remove material on them to work with AK mage, that softer gas system will preserve bolt life.

    I'm not sure about 5.56 AK Mags fitting in a 7.62 AK Mag well. I have been out of the game for a while.
     
    Sirex

    Sirex

    Powered by natural gas
    Oct 30, 2010
    10,405
    Westminster, MD
    clandestine said:
    If you try the 5.56 upper idea, I suggest you get a mid gas barrel?

    It's easier on the bolt lugs and since you have to remove material on them to work with AK mage, that softer gas system will preserve bolt life.

    I'm not sure about 5.56 AK Mags fitting in a 7.62 AK Mag well. I have been out of the game for a while.
    Click to expand...

    Good suggestion, thank you. I am only brainstorming now in case the worst happens. I made a list of some guns to replace my ARs, should the be backbanned. I am waiting to hear back from a friend who has a Sar 3 in .223, and Sar 1 in 7.62x39. I am trying the get some measurements and fitment tests between them.

    My initial thought was just using a regular 5.56 AR upper if it would fit, with .223 AK mags, but it appears the mags go up high enough the upper has to be widened up a bit. Promag ( I know, but steel .223 AK mags might be pricey, and the poly mags might be more forgiving) makes some mags that sell for about $10 each and go to my buddy in PA. I wondered since the 7.62x39 AR mags are the same width as 5.56 AR mags, and the Combloc countries tried to do things kinda simple they might use common width magwell. I don't have any .223 or 5.45 AKs, so I am not sure yet. Waiting for some more info from a guy with a few AKs.
     
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