[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Magazine Ready PSA AK-556 Rifle

Palmetto State Armory unveiled their new STANAG magazine compatible AK-556 at NRAAM 2022.  The new model comes ready to accept your favorite AR-pattern magazines and is loaded with new features.  I had a chance to sit down with Palmetto State Armory to go over the new AK-556 at this year’s NRA Annual Meeting.

Palmetto State Armory @ TFB:

• Now Available: The Palmetto State Armory 5.7 Rock Pistol
• New Palmetto State Armory PSAK-101 and 102
• TFB Review: Palmetto State Armory AK-V Pistol
• Palmetto State Armory Parent Company JJE to Acquire Nodak Spud

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Magazine Ready PSA AK-556 Rifle

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

The AK-556 comes from the factory with a 1:7 twist nitride-coated barrel.  A factory muzzle brake sits atop what’s now AR-15 industry-standard 1/2×28 muzzle threads.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

PSA manufactures the STANAG mag adapter for the AK-556 in-house.  It functions the same way as your typical AKM paddle mag release, but with a few extra features we’ll get to in a moment.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

The receiver features a bulged front trunion that’s commonly seen on Serbian pattern AKM rifles.  This extra bend in the receiver adds rigidity where it’s needed at the front trunion.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

On the right-hand side of the receiver is an AR-style mag release.  If you’re familiar with AR controls the button and placement feel almost identical.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

The left-hand side of the receiver features an accessory rail for mounting an AKM optic or optic mount.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

However, the driving feature on this new PSA rifle is the bolt release on the left-hand side of the STANAG mag adapter.  This rifle has a functioning last-round bolt hold open (LRBHO) system, and you can send the bolt home by simply pushing down the tab on the left-hand side of the mag adapter.  This makes mag changes on an empty mag AR-esque and much faster.

Palmetto State Armory’s AK-556 is available now and has an MSRP of $1,100.

[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556

Product Specs

• Caliber: 5.56x45MM
• Model: AK-556Barrel Length: 16″
• Thread Pitch: 1/2x28mm
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1:7″
• MSRP: $1,100
• Barrel Material: Gas Nitride 4150 steel treated barrel
• Barrel Finish: Nitride
• Front Trunnion: Toolcraft Bulged Hammer Forged 4340AQ
• Bolt: Toolcraft Hammer Forged
• Carrier: Toolcraft Hammer Forged
• Handguard Type: PSA Classic Polymer AK-47 Handguard, Black
• Grip: PSA Classic Polymer AK-47 Pistol Grip, Black
• Stock: PSA Classic Polymer AK-47 Stock, Black
• Fire Control Group: Single Stage, Single Hook
• Sights: Standard 1000 Yard Rear Sight Leaf & Fixed Front Sight
• Side Scope Mount: Yes
• Dust Cover: Ribbed Dust Cover
• Mag Release: AR-15 Style Button and Paddle
• Last Round Bolt Hold Open: Yes
• Magazine: Includes (1) 30rd Magazine; Where Allowed by Law
• Cleaning Rod: Not Included

Thank you to the team at PSA for walking me through their newest AKM pattern rifle.

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