PSA "Spiker": A Clone of the Chinese Type 56 AK

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Palmetto State Armory (PSA) makes a really wide variety of different guns, but one that they came out with a little while back that appealed to me in particular is their "Spiker". This is a reproduction of the Chinese Type 56 stamped AK with a permanently attached underfolding bayonet. These rifles were available as semiautos directly form China until the late 1980s, when import laws (and Presidential Executive Orders) changed to prohibit their importation. The prices on those original has risen dramatically since, and there has not been any significant source of parts kits or other reproductions until now, with PSA's release.
The Type 56 is a particularly significant model of AK in military history, as China provided them (both models with and without the fixed bayonets) to a wide array of nations and militant forces. They remain very common today in conflict zones around the world. They are also rather distinct from Russian AK patterns. The Chinese were allied with the Soviet Union early on, and received Russian technical assistance in producing milled AKs. By the time the stamped AKM was in production, however, there had been a rift in Sino-Soviet relations, and China was left to reverse engineer the stamped receiver on its own. The result was a hybrid design with some milled AK elements and some stamped AKM ones. PSA has done a remarkably good job (although not completely perfect) job of recreating this hybrid design, and they have done it at a surprisingly good price point.
For more on Chinese AK design, I have a video on the milled Chinese Type 56 here:
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[@madmaxd1]

I really appreciate the path that PSA is taking. They're truly providing the consumer with some very cool options with functional & reliable platforms.

[@CrysResan]

I have heard they have gotten the technical data package for the M1 rifle, so they may well start making new Garand's before very long(I have no idea on the time table)

[@chicorodriguez3964]

I love PSA I gave them a chance early on when all they made was AR'S and for as cheap as they were they are the best of the cheap stuff and they pretty much just got better and better now they are a great company

[@madmaxd1]

@@CrysResan Not surprised... PSA is truly carving a niche of new reproduction units. Although they may never be as perfect as the original, it certainly gives the opportunity for many to obtain a close representation of history and the consumer market is definitely showing a positive reception from this.

[@shmoop357]

@@CrysResanyou just made me realize what i’ve been wanting

[@spartanalex9006]

A PSA AR-15 was my first rifle and I still shoot it often (M16a2 clone). I’ve always respected them as a brand.

[@timothyedge6100]

Cloning a clone can produce DNA variations. Learned that in Kamino

[@adamregiel8044]

Men way too much Clone Wars references

[@maxo.9928]

It's nothing like the simulations though....

[@maxo.9928]

​@@adamregiel8044never enough Clone Wars 😎👌

[@billstevens5277]

I learned it in Multiplicity with Michael Keaton.

[@jamesuthmann940]

@@billstevens5277 "You know how when you make a copy of a copy it's not quite as ... sharp ... as the original?"

[@madatlas3806]

Around the 9 minute mark, I actually have a correction. There is a hole drilled already, with enough space for a cleaning kit. I have a red wood version of this PSA Spiker, and I just had to order a new butt plate with the trap door and it was good to go, the cleaning kit and spring snapped right in.

[@KentuckyAk101guy]

It’s weird that they haven’t put the butt plates on these when their other models have them like my Ak 101 does

[@madeconomist458]

@@KentuckyAk101guy You're right, that *IS* weird!

[@ben501st]

Norinco Type 56: the chosen weapon of the enemy forces of every 80s action movie ever.

[@thesadprepper3722]

Rick Grimes from TWD had a Type 56 in Season 5-6

[@chlebowg]

I had bought a Noricno AK back in 82-83' when they first came into the US and traded it away later. I've also used countless Chicom Type 56s outside the US for decades. Kudos to PSA to bringing this to market.

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

I kept mine. 😁

[@KrikZ32]

The chinese front AK sight is so good.

[@chicorodriguez3964]

I still have the first one I bought when I turned 18 that was many moons ago in a galaxy far far away but it was $300 brand new and I still love it

[@Jason_556]

@@KrikZ32I love the triggers in the Chinese AKs!!

[@jongriggs85]

I bought 2 chines ak’s one was a Norinco the other a polytech but I think jts the same company was early 2000s from a guy walking out of a pawn shop I asked him if he got anything good he said they didn’t offer him hardly anything. This was long before you could pull out a phone and know their value so I said will you take $500 for both and this random guy rode with me to the bank 😂. I traded one at a gun show in 2012 for a new xm15 with a bunch of ammo. That polytech had a smooooth trigger surprisingly.

[@rando3939]

PSA really keeps blessing us

[@oso9809]

They a capitalist and see a market.

[@davidholman6276]

Yes sir they have come along way in a short period of time

[@ShootAUT]

​@@oso9809And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as they keep giving people what they actually want, in good quality at a decent price.

[@rando3939]

@@oso9809 they sure care about average Joe, most others can’t say the same. Extremely rare capitalist W

[@andrewdamore2571]

A coworker of mine bought a JAKL and ive been pretty jealous

[@MatthewOfGilead]

When we were first getting these from PSA, somebody mentioned that they had taken the buttplate off the gun to drill a hole for the cleaning kit but found there was already a hole there so he just took the replacement and installed a new spring and it was good to go. Might check that out.

[@madatlas3806]

Can confirm, that's all I had to do. No drilling necessary.

[@mhans79]

I can as well. I saw that in a comment on a video that MAC did on this rifle. As soon as I got mine I removed the buttplate and it was already milled out for a cleaning kit. I bought an AK buttplate with trapdoor and spring and swapped it out. IDK why PSA doesnt ship them like that since the hardest job of milling out the stock has already been done.

[@sleepingbee8997]

Might be that getting the right buttplates in bulk was too expensive?

[@Ren505nm]

Import rules the butt plate it us made.

[@gussie88bunny]

WBP of Poland make those trapdoor butt-plates. They're like $30 brand new to random one-off customers. There are no laws preventing the fitnent of the odd foreign part here or there on an otherwise US made firearm. Ergo, PSA could easily buy those in bulk and fit them, adding perhaps $20 or so to the price of the rifle. Whilst they're at it, they could also properly dimple the receiver into the front and rear trunnions and use swell-neck rivets ...... blows my mind they chamfer their trunninon rivet holes for this, but don't bother squishing the receiver holes into the chamfer and then rivet properly. PSA almost get there ..... then just sort of give up before finishing the job properly. So weird, especially since the additional cost would be a mere handful of extra dollars.

[@fungusamongus69420]

Small correction at 8:20 regarding the markings: L stands for Lian, 连发, or "continous shooting", meaning full auto. D stands for Dan, 单发, or "single shooting", meaning semiauto. So the markings 连 and 单 means full auto and semiauto, not safe and semi.

[@bravo_cj]

I came to the comment section for the same issue lol

[@charlesmckinley29]

The PSA Gen 2 AK fail Rob Ski’s test. Rob sent PSA a laundry list of what needed fixed and PSA listened and put the improvements on the Gen 3.

[@Spartan73799]

Right now he is still testing the 102

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got the GF5 AKM and I’m actually impressed! Also have a M70

[@ck2503]

I never ever feel bad giving PSA my money, everything I've ever got from them has been super top-notch. Good on them for doing a very very close replica.

[@Grizzlyman420]

Just got a GF5 AKM and man I’m pretty impressed

[@SuperMarshall2009]

Bayonets needed to be removed - Ironically Bayonets should be the most protected arm under the constitution, given Text History and Tradition - A blade on the end of any rifle is essentially the most primitive and consistent feature - making any ban unconstitutional - I know don't banter on this - but its ironic a bayonet is the feature which is most removed yet should be most protected.

[@ShellShock794]

I never thought about it like that. That's an extremely good point

[@ianj8505]

You know, Ian never really talks about the politics of 2A or anything political which is cool I guess. But I’d love it if he did a deep dive into the topic.

[@RedXlV]

Ostensibly, such import restrictions were supposed to be about making the imported guns less suitable for criminal use. But even from that standpoint, requiring the bayonet be removed still makes no sense. I mean, when was the last time you heard of a drive-by bayoneting? Or a bayonet murder of any kind, for that matter? That said, from a purely constitutional basis, I don't think there's any valid issue to raise against import bans. They're annoying, but the 2nd Amendment clearly only applies inside US borders. Congress very much has the power under the Constitution to regulate what can be imported, even if the regulations they impose are stupid. There's nothing in the Constitution requiring that the laws Congress passes must be smart. If there were, a *lot* more laws would be getting struck down on those grounds.

[@gawkthimm6030]

US gun laws where originally made for a nation without an army that relied on its militias and national guards, thus a need for guns in legislation, taken from the swiss model, but US laws regarding a large standing army changed during and after ww2, thus modern gun laws are a relic from a time when each state militias and national guards where the only military the US had... going from a part of pre-ww1 US states militias duties to an individualistic choice and right after ww2.

[@austindecker7643]

@@RedXlVthe king did he same thing and restricted access to arms and then made it so they couldn’t make their own weird how our government is doing the exact same thing I think the 2nd amendment protects the right to acquire arms as that is part of bearing Arms

[@justhere4637]

Clone of a clone?

[@Skenderbeuismyhero]

They need to make a clone of the Albanian version, a clone of a clone of a clone.

[@davidholman6276]

Yup

[@JosephShemelewski]

Exactly first thing I thought

[@johnwilliams9179]

Clone²

[@LordRambo]

Yes. So the clone wouldn't be alone.

[@timbaskett6299]

I can remember seeing originals in the late eighties, early ninties going for around $500. That was back when you could get a Type 56 (SKS) carbine for $100, and a 20 round box of steel cased chinese 7.62x39mm for $1.

[@nathanbanks7091]

I miss those days...Bill Clinton ruined that.

[@wurfyy]

So to adjust for inflation, multiply by about 2 to 2.5. The rifles become less impressive this way, but god almighty, imagine $0.10 per round for 7.62x39 today.

[@HakimFinger1953]

@@wurfyy Would wages effect it either too?

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

In 1988, these were going at the gun show for around 269-279.00 Stacks and stacks of them.

[@ambivalentonion2620]

​@@HakimFinger1953 yes the correct way to work out the inflation would be to work out the cost of guns and ammunition as a percentage of the average wage

[@eclecticpyrat9283]

Love some PSA....waiting for the STG 44 clone

[@commandZee]

I hope someday PSA makes a Valmet M76 clone.

[@Starless85]

Especially now that PSA has bought H&R, I look forward to seeing your thoughts on their different products as the come out, either their own or ones from the Battlefield series.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

I will definitely be looking at their H&R line.

[@hendrikg3616]

​@@ForgottenWeapons And if you can, talk them into exporting them to the EU! I really need the H&R M16A1 ❤

[@KennethSchmitt]

I own one of their H&R 654 slick slide car15s and it’s SO GOOD. Owned it for a year no malfunctions. Only 30in collapsed and with 20 rd mags it’s such nice and small unit without going SBR. Many of their H&R models are limited or seasonal production they only made 2 batches of mine and took it off their site.

[@frankb4517]

Hopefully the start making the Topper wood stocked shotguns again.

[@frankb4517]

@@ForgottenWeapons12ga Topper please.

[@DeathMond.]

Did you know the type 56 was at one time allowed in Canada, but had a special barrel of 18.5" . They were then made prohibited and confiscated. They didn't come with spikes but actual bayonet. Though they didn't fit the firearm, because of the barrel length

[@bobhill3941]

Yes, as a Canadian, I knew that, but I didn't know about the bayonet. That's why my first thought when watching this was a clone of a clone.

[@krissteel4074]

We ended up with some kind of crazy numbers of them in Australia as well, anything and everything from old milsurp-bangers with darker wood all the way through to the lighter timber on SKK's. At the time China owed us a lot of money and they didn't really have that kind of cash on them, so a trade was agreed on and they sent over 1000's with cans of ammo, magazines in some cases, some with spike bayonets and every farmer and pig shooter bought one for usually about 250-400 bucks depending on the rifle. Some would throw you in a can of ammo with the whole deal and off you went. The numbers vary between about 100-150,000 ended up here but no one really knows exactly how many were actually imported as I think it was basically 'by the tonne' Then came the big sad of the 1990's Fairly sure a couple of hundred were handed in and bought back. The rest, I guess they were responsibly disposed of 🤔

[@DeathMond.]

@@bobhill3941 seen one in family pictures, our family used to have huge picnics in summer and apparently they shot guns. I love my family.

[@bobhill3941]

@@DeathMond. That's awesome.

[@DeathMond.]

@@krissteel4074 when I first got my firearms license, I sold a waterbed very popular at the time, went to my local gun store, wanted a Steyr Aug. It was way to expensive. Ended up with a crate of AKs. My mother came to pick me up as they wouldn't allow a crate of guns on the city bus. Who knew. She flipped out on the poor old guy from the gun store. I ended up with a compound bow set up PSE and Easton arrows. A 3 year subscription to soldier of fortune magazine and a pocket knife.

[@chicorodriguez3964]

I'm so happy I still own my original type 56 spiker I bought it brand new for $300 when I was 18 it was my first AK and I still love it after all these years and unfortunately it's been a lot of years now

[@andreahighsides7756]

I’ll give you $350 for it

[@SuperMarshall2009]

The Spiker is cool but I think PSA would have made or should make the Chinese Side Folder Bakelite variant - We all have our own favorite Chinese AK.

[@Yeeoldman63]

Yeah and they need to have the og milled ak style cut out on The rifle as the Type 56 was based on the AK-47 type 3 and it is missing that cut. Also it would be cool if psa could make a Type 63 or a type 81 in semi automatic. Because we can’t get type 81 and there are only 10 In the us. And their cool rifles.

[@Dylan.More-Veiny]

The type 56S-2

[@TacShooter]

That will surely be dependent on the success of sales of this repro.

[@rambie2131]

​@@Yeeoldman63ask any canadian, the type 81s are mediocre at best rifles. I'd rather use the type 56.

[@ShowaEraGaijin]

Sorry. No ordering off the menu.

[@bebopwing1]

Its weird to me they dont have a cleaning kit trap because their normal GF3 AKs do have a cleaning kit trap. PSA has really come a long way in 5 years!

[@MG-wi1eq]

​@user-vd3rk1et9u Yep I heard you just have to remove the one it comes with and put one in with a trapdoor since the stock is already drilled out for one.

[@red9man2130]

PSA STRONGLY deserves our support here in the 2a community!!! I see some haters on youtube attacking their ak clones. The president of PSA has a GREAT vision and mission statement! I fully intend to buy a few and help support the company.

[@Jason_556]

He’s also fighting the communist in this administration. He jump into some court cases lately. I love PSA!! I just with they would start making steel case ammo.

[@projectblack2462]

I like my mak 90 and my hunter they should make a double underfolder. Those were nifty

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Don't know why those haven't come out yet, they were announced at the same time and they already make underfolders.

[@daviddundrea3424]

I picked one up, couldn’t help myself, always wanted a Chinese AK spiker. Looks fantastic!! My only issue is the mags can be a little tight and difficult to insert. Otherwise it’s great!!

[@dandutre]

PSA is doing some really awesome stuff. I would like to see them bring out a hk93 clone.

[@Jason_556]

91 also

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

But why? PTR is like 60 minutes down the road from them.

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got a GF5 AKM and it’s a solid build! Also have a M70

[@jessicasimp4459]

And as of the prices for both the AK and the AR, the AK used to be the cheapest but are now going for $1000 and the AR on the flip side is now going for $500, so half the price of the AK. What makes the AR cheaper nowadays is that a mountainous stockpile of AR spare parts are available and the AR being fully modular from the ground up, and overall logistics.

[@jeromethiel4323]

That and parts are still being manufactured in the good old US of A for the AR platform. I have worked in several metals plants that make parts for the AR and other firearms. So that stockpile isn't getting any smaller... ^-^ There's more than one in the state i live in, for goodness sakes.

[@GeseppiOoodblast]

​@@jeromethiel4323I just hope those parts have better quality control than the Hyundai factory I worked at did. I'm surprised that Hyundai vehicles don't spontaneously combust more often or blow up

[@jeromethiel4323]

@@GeseppiOoodblast I'd rather have made in America than made in China. Just saying, there is a difference in quality. Not that there aren't shady or cheap companies in the US, there are, but there are regulations here that just don't exist in China, or other countries that have the same "don't give a crap" ethics. I've been in automotive parts manufacturing as well, and QC is always part of the process. You might not see it, but it's definitely there. Even if the plant you worked at didn't, the people buying those parts sure as heck did.

[@GeseppiOoodblast]

@@jeromethiel4323 my point is that so many of those parts were bad that a significant portion of them had to of gotten to the assembly line

[@SVTeel]

I want to see PSA make a double folder with an underfolding stock

[@GIITW.5OKC]

5:20 some audio issues, Dunno if they're fixable though.

[@YouTubeLovestoHideComments]

Sounds like the mic. He'd probably need to redo the audio.

[@Jason_556]

I’m get a black screen all the way through the whole video.

[@948320z]

Thanks, I thought it's my bluetooth earbuds dying lol

[@DeliciousBoi]

Please PSA, make a double underfolder and a 56s-2 sidefolder.

[@luger700]

I really like when you do videos on guns we can currently acquire here in the US!

[@ShellShock794]

I love how PSA gets a bunch of shade for everything they do (wrongfully so) but everyone shuts the hell up when AKs are mentioned

[@Rampageotron]

Really? All I see is high praise for PSA and their products.

[@airsoftdude1990]

I think a lot of the criticism is fair. They bring cool stuff to the market but they’ve been plagued with QC issues and can’t seem to fix it. Like the out of spec firing pin holes on AK bolts

[@JD-tn5lz]

​@@Rampageotronthen I suggest you take a deep dive and do more research. Not that PSA makes a lot of junk, they only make some. More importantly they're using much of the Springfield Armory business model...spending as much on promotion as on development to build your brand. Their niche right now is building product that's unavailable for the general consumer and only available to a well-funded collector. Essentially, so much of their stuff doesn't have anything genuine to compare itself to. Sort of "one-man" races.

[@KalashniKEV762]

@@JD-tn5lz The "Springfield Armory" model was to import legitimate and authentic weapons from world class producers. PSA model is cheap crap for poors.

[@pc5440]

no, PSA ak are trash. firing pins break at minimum. why would you pay 1100 for a us clone of dubious quality when you can get an import for the same money?

[@RT-hi1ms]

I personally own one of their AKs (not the type 56 clone) and it's a fantastic product, so there's no doubt in my mind that this one is as well. I also own several of their ARs and I'm told that the barrels are made by FN, but I've yet to verify that notion. They also make a really good 5.7x 28 pistol (The Rock) that's in the $300 range and is well made and I certainly love mine!

[@oskar6661]

I own a few PSA AK products, and while I like them so far...the jury is still out. I live in PSA land (local to two of their shopfronts), and my experience at ranges with other people's PSA products has been...mixed? Seen several of their AK's fail almost out of the box. I think they're making significant progress, but I'll have to wait till I have more than 3K through these things to really judge them against my older Saigas/Arsenals, etc.

[@Jason_556]

@@oskar6661someone tested this spiker and it did very well. It got a high round count before a minor failure.

[@tomtom7955]

@@oskar6661 I feel like there will always be some lemons when mass manufacturing, PSA is usually pretty good about making it right, though i have heard read a few horror stories as well. imo they have a good quality to price ratio. my gen 2 has over 3k and doing good, it doesnt like most tula ammo for whatever reason and i can pretty much count on a failure to eject at some point with that particular ammo, other than that shes been a cherry. I use it as a truck gun and sometimes I hunt with it, killed and 8pt and a big doe last october and a couple hogs this year so far.

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got the GF5 AKM. Solid build

[@bidanchi1]

Still have my original Type 56 Spiker too. Had an FFL back then, got quantity discounts. Sold a number, kept the best of the lot. Had no idea that its value had accrued so much over the years until I broke it out of the box for a range day with friends. It just goes to show that you never know what the future will bring.

[@TimB-do2vi]

The two selector markings stand for auto and semi, not safe and fire. Safe on an AK is when the selector is all the way up (apparently unmarked on this rifle), and most older us import chinese semi auto ak's only have a detent for "fire". The PSA one you have there has detents for both semi (the bottom detent) and full auto (the upper of the two detents). The markings stand for "automatic" and "semi". Not semi and safe.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yeah, I misspoke. Sorry!

[@sgtnick04]

PSA is epic.

[@ChopBulldog]

Thanks Ian.... My resolution of buying no guns this year has faded. Keep up the great work!

[@donwyoming1936]

Probably my favorite AK, the Chinese Spiker that is. Had an under-folder with spike bayonet back in the day.

[@LAHFaust]

I've got a double folder Type 56 and I love that damn thing. It's heavy as sin for what it is and under folding stocks suck (not as much as the German side folders though) but it's just so damn cool.

[@Kaze919]

China: “hey you can’t copy us. That’s our thing”

[@ratagris21]

PSA says otherwise

[@ryth-2401]

everyone copies everyone except for keltec

[@paperclip6377]

I immediately thought of the Halo spiker. Especially since he made a vid on the halo shotgun.

[@knightofavalon86]

"today we're at the Museum of Humanity again, taking a look at a T-25 C Spike Rifle, or Spiker."

[@k.k.52]

Thanks for bringing this to us, Ian.

[@moshedayan9049]

My next purchase PSA is hitting home runs!

[@Codevil.]

My first Rifle, Norinco SKS with spike , New Form Stocaide 211$ out the door in 2000

[@scottrobinson3281]

As a matter of interest, the Norinco 56S (no bayonet, fixed stock) is selling in Cape Town, South Africa for the equivalent of $600.00

[@shoelessbandit1581]

I wish they were that cheap in the states. The price skyrocketed after norinco got banned for importing back in the 90s

[@richardturk7162]

Now that would be nice to have to go along with my 93 MAK 90 which is that minus the bayonet. I am interested for sure. Great video and can't wait for the range video.

[@Jason_556]

You can find an American made Spiker for that MAK90. I’ve got one for my 89 Polytech that got caught up in the 89 Bush AW import ban. They shaved the lug off so I bought the spiker and bayonet. Paid 250 for it on GB.

[@OATMEALMAN147]

Ian, polytech is still making spiker front sight assemblies with the bayonet and all that, and I know because I bought one for my Norinco mak90. There was some QC issues with it that they never replied to haha but the gunsmith who installed it made it work perfectly. Now, if they were somehow using old Chinese parts then maybe they're not producing new. But my point with this comment is that PSA might not be making the front sight and bayo mount from new production lines under their control

[@Jason_556]

I’ve got one also. What did you pay for yours? I paid 250 for the kit.

[@OATMEALMAN147]

@@Jason_556 yup around 250 also, in 2021. Mine had a defect and no one ever contacted me back. The gunsmith fixed it and it shoots great but still annoying. The inner part of the fsb wasn't concentric? Not sure best way to describe it and I only saw a photo of it before he fixed.

[@calv279]

There is actually a hole for the trapdoor In the wood Ian just need to get a butt plate with the cutout

[@GUNSMITH44]

If you shoot a match it has to be with the black pajamas, Chinese chest rig, and cone type rice farmer hats.

[@SCTitan06]

With bamboo slippers and a Fu Manchu

[@Jason_556]

😂🤣😂👍👍👍❤️❤️ I can see it now!!! 😂

[@hopewilliams6705]

I think the milled Chinese is the most iconic

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

I have both. To be honest the milled doesn't perform any better than the stamped. The only plus to the milled is the spring loaded firing pin...and it looks cooler. 😁

[@hopewilliams6705]

@@nucleargrizzly1776 I agree 💯 I just remember as a kid that the first AK I came in contact with was a milled gun and I love the look

[@Jason_556]

@@nucleargrizzly1776my stamped Polytech has a spring loaded firing pin.

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

@@Jason_556 Didn't know that. I have a stamped Norinco and a milled Polytech. Never seen a stamped Polytech in person.

[@petrimakela5978]

This is going to trigger PTSD on some Finnish armorers

[@DefNotCriss]

Why?

[@petrimakela5978]

@@DefNotCriss We bough a metric shit ton of Type 56's and armorers were ordered to make sure that they meet our accuracy spec. Our spec was made for Valmet RK-62:s 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@DefNotCriss]

Ui, from made in China to finnish precision machinery. That would be enough to drive lesser men mad. @@petrimakela5978

[@bored383]

IMO - the folding bayonet being almost but not quite a good fit when deployed, while being entirely functional, frankly just adds to the authenticity of the repro. When the chinese imports had to compete with stuff from Maadi back when, they were generally considered the lesser option

[@DSS-jj2cw]

Looks like PSA did a good job. I always thought the spiked bayonet was hazardous looking.

[@LAHFaust]

The spike isn't really sharp so much as a big flathead screwdriver. Only real downside to them is after awhile the spring that holds them closed can get worn and they flop down when you fire.

[@kmech3rd]

I came of age in the 2A at just the wrong time... turned 21 in the second or third year of the Clinton AWB, didn't own a house and shop until well after parts kits no longer came with barrels. $69 parts kits with tubes intact make me jealous AF.

[@therideneverends1697]

eh if it makes you feel any better your the last generation that was reliably able to buy a house so

[@kmech3rd]

​@therideneverends1697 feel ya, man. I hate real estate investors and the effect they have had on real individual freedom. I bought my home so I could live in it, and will sell it someday so someone else can.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

I felt the same way talking to friends who were buying machine guns before 86...

[@mhans79]

I love my PSA "Spiker" As someone else said in another comment if you pull that buttplate off it is already drilled for a cleaning kit. Just get a trapdoor buttplate and a spring. I don' know why all that work was done to the stock and they ship it with a solid buttplate.

[@MSgtofMarines]

I've got a PSA AR15. I like it. For the price point it's pretty nice. That little AK is going to be Next.❤❤❤

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got their AKM GF5

[@j.van.5335]

My first AK was a Chinese type 56. I bought it for 400 in 1999. I am on my third and fourth now, one is a PSA AKM, the other is a Zastava which I do not shoot as often.

[@keithplymale2374]

It has 5 stars in review on the PSA page but is out of stock.

[@fun2916]

One good point made in this video is why, for decades, imported AKs were the only choices we had in the US for AK purchases. Like many people at the time, Shotgun News magazine was where I made my first Chinese AKS AK purchase for $299. I still have it to this day and it runs no matter what I do to it. I recently purchased an American made AK and it died after 1.2k rounds. Sheared bolt lug as discussed in the video.

[@s1ck845t4rd]

PSA for the win it seems

[@3rdyoutubechannelstopdelet914]

Psa is killing it.. im a broke single dad so i can't even afford to buy their cheaper guns but damn they are on top of the game when it comes to being a good firearm company

[@Grizzlyman420]

I just got their GF5 AKM and it’s a solid build

[@Goc4ever]

Thank you for this video Ian. This semi-automatic assault rifle is a very unique and well-done copy of the Type 56.

[@AdamNewell_]

I like when you do videos on guns we can currently obtain in the US!

[@jarlgawain8876]

The true hero of the people: PSA

[@Gregiorp]

PSA doing this retro/repro stuff is awesome.

[@darrylsmith7908]

Man I’m staring to love PSA. An STG-44 and now this. Awesome, I can’t wait for a more!

[@markyoung2981]

I appreciate PSA and the business model they use to support our rights under the Second Amendment. I have been very pleased with the products I have purchased from them.

[@Dr.OngoGablogian]

I think it's one of the few American companies that make me feel a sense of pride 🇺🇸

[@chicorodriguez3964]

People talk a lot of shit about PSA but I own many of their products and have had no big issues with any of it and it's a fully American product which is awesome

[@Xristoforos41493]

Commies love spike bayonets. It’s so much more handy to have a knife bayonet.

[@Ryan-T-Hart]

I def want one. Sadly my state doesn’t allow me

[@Jason_556]

Have a friend or family out of state? Have them order and drive to that state and pick it up.

[@alanniederlitz8630]

ALWAYS LOVE your videos bossman

[@adrn-re4ll]

The Panda Express version of Type 56 AK's

[@jefferyboring4410]

I’ve got a old psa freedom rifle with a fn barrel x From long ago it was in a house fire and melted all the aluminum off ! I re assembled it on new aluminum and plastic 1800 rds later it’s still a good shooter trust me it was rough the hose water made it corrode a bit also the barrel is spray bombed but it’s a good accurate reliable rifle

[@samsham8218]

Love that PSA are doing things like this. Wish they would make the red Polytech AKS-762 side folder furniture.. One of my favorites..

[@Sherrodja]

Just got a PSA AR, 16" barrel, 5.56 NATO M4. Great quality carbine.

[@its_clean]

Between H&R, the STG, and this Spiker, PSA is about to own the retro rifle market

[@Redneck2393]

Nice job, Ian. And a very awesome job PSA for making a cool military AK clone. Would love to see more clones in the future like the Type 56-1 and Type 56-2 or the East German MPi-KM and MPi-KMS.

[@doncarr9860]

Excellent video sir!

[@nicholasmaugeri759]

Def need to get some of PSAs “retro” line

[@smonchie]

2 gun match? Will be exciting to see if Ian goes in Chinese gear and what the second gun will be.

[@andrewp5130]

PSA Episode ll Attack of The Clones

[@robertpace8338]

I bought one in the late 80’s. It was rugged and reliable. Accuracy was 2moa with surplus ammo. I shot cases of ammo! I sold it at a gun show after a couple years. Apparently that was a mistake! Lol

[@kdkerr2]

I just went to the PSA website and their PSA Spiker wasn't up on their AK sales pages yet. Belay the first part! I typed in PSA AK Spiker on the search and voila, it came up however they're currently out of stock. What a bummer!

[@kwb377]

In '92 I bought an underfolder-receivered thumbhole MAK90 for $159 (LGS dropped them to $139 a week later), a case of Norinco 7.62 ammo for $79, and a Chinese underfolder stock at a gun show for $69. I traded it a few years later for something I obviously thought I liked better (and can't remember what it was).

[@propdoctor21564]

Very nice review as always.. I've bought a lot of stuff from PSA over the years and think they are a fantastic company with great products.

[@Grizzlyman420]

Any feedback on their aks? I just got the GF5

[@propdoctor21564]

@@Grizzlyman420 I've had a GF3 since they were released however many years ago that was and it has been perfect all this time.

[@Grizzlyman420]

@@propdoctor21564 heck yeah nice! I was a little nervous with this GF5. Lots of people bash psa. I also have a m70 but wanted to support PSA. I have a few hundred through it now running aac 762 and have had no issues

[@propdoctor21564]

@@Grizzlyman420 I have bought lots of stuff from PSA over the past 15 years and have never had a problem with anything. Pistols rifles shotguns ammunition and lots of parts... I also have a M70 Opap and a M90np which is basically the same thing but in 223 caliber and uses AR mags... Also have a WASR 10 and a Bulgarian AK-74... I'm extremely happy with the PSA GF3 in all aspects of fit finish and function.. I bought it when they were first released and were selling for $559 and free shipping.

[@Grizzlyman420]

@@propdoctor21564 thanks for the feedback! I’ve also not had any issues with PSA and they seem to be on the come up.

[@khoinguyenphamtrong4637]

the rivet pattern looks like ones from the RPK on Type 56 rifle

[@foleymaj]

Ian here said they reverse engineered these from captured AKMs, Bloke on the Range said these were reverse engineered from RPKs. Which would also explain that 0,5mm thicker steel used compared to the Russians.

[@sylviajones3355]

I haven't kept a round count but my GF4 has been flawless with many brands of brass/steel ammo.

[@jarink1]

I had a Norinco "AKM" and stupidity sold it in 1988. Bought it for about $300 back then; I can't imagine what it would be worth now.

[@LAHFaust]

I grabbed a double folder from a coworker for $1500 about 3 years ago and that was quite a bit below market.

[@ThePizzaGoblin]

I love PSA

[@tombogan03884]

I bought a Norinco in the 1980's for $300, included a case of ammo.

[@Sman7290]

$300 was a lot of money in the 1980s. That was a full week's pay... maybe more.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

I recall minimum wage was like $3.85 a hour. I bought 3 sks instead. I really wanted the ak though

[@jic1]

@@Sman7290 $300 in 1984 is $891 in 2024.

[@ForniteJeffReal]

@@brianhoxworth3881 Hope you didn't get rid of them.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

@ForniteJeffReal gave one to my son-in-law for a wedding present, kept the other 2.

[@donalddicorcia2433]

Thank you for sharing your expertise, Sir.

[@stonehalo1632]

Fun fact, ice cube was talking about an underfolder norinco in his song good day, and there are several photos of him with it in the studio.

[@jamescharron8550]

Marathon TSAR, nice watch!!

[@DailyDroneFPV]

the spike locking mechanism on mine definitely recesses a few millimeters further in the deployed position than yours. Also, FYI the stocks are already pre-drilled for a cleaning kit. They just lack the trap door. Lastly, you missed my biggest pet peeve: the front handguard is missing the slot for the spike to recess all the way into the handguard!

[@MegadethTillDeth]

Massive PSA fan. Love those guys. Good video Ian thanks.

[@fredboat]

Thanks,Enjoyed, I saw one of those last year at a gun show. Looked good. Bought my first GSAD spiker AK in 85 for $450. . lol

[@KombuchaPants]

I had a 20 inch type 56 rpk one. . Loved it, was accurate too, it had "minute of soda can" at 100ish yards all day long.

[@michaelm9211]

Psa must have dropped some money on ads on KZbin. Ian, micha mayfield, and administrative results all made psa themed videos very recently.

[@JohnWaldron-cm7ce]

Ian-Nice AK. You should finish fitting the bayonet catch so that the bayo locks all of the way back. Had to do it with my 1968 Albanian SKS. Use a quality emery paper or a small file and emery paper. Not that difficult-John in Texas

[@Yorgar]

What I like is that PSA has gone from a company to stay away from due to QC issues to one of the go to companies. I've only had one issue on a something I bought from them but it was a blem and on part I normally replace anyway.

[@Echomage1215]

Can you review their stg44 clone, id love to hear your take on it?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

If/when they actually have it ready, of course. We had a number of videos about the project from many years ago on InRange, but it looks like Karl purged them all for some reason.

[@_ArsNova]

@@ForgottenWeapons I remember those videos, they were really good. What a bummer. I enjoyed the heck out of the video of you reading the bolt-action comments too! Why would he remove them?

[@stickfighter1038]

Remember the Type 56 so very cool that PSA is making an affordable clone.

[@paulfryejr2918]

Looks like good gun. Thanks for bringing it to us. Interesting,informative review.

[@thedavidleveraction1776]

I got one of these last year. It's not a perfect clone, but it's pretty close, and it works well, so I'm happy with it.