PSA AK-V 9mm Review: Range Report

PSA has brought us an AK PCC at a downright scary affordable price point. The PSA AK-V offers us a very economical 9mm AK platform, but does it hold up to scrutiny? Find out in Gun University’s PSA AK-V review.

PSA AK-V Background

AKs in 9mm is nothing new. The AK design is much like the AR design in that it can adapt to numerous calibers and configurations. The Russians first produced a 9mm SMG in the form of the Bizon in the mid-90s and, in 2008, adopted the more traditional PP-19 Vityaz. AK fans in the United States understandably wanted something similar, but the market remained dry for quite some time.

Only recently has any form of AK PCC or subgun hit the American market, and PSA is leading the way with the AK-V. Much like its Russian counterparts, the PSA AK-V is a blowback-operated weapon that is only similar to an AK in its ergonomic layout. The AK-V’s simple design and PSA mass market appeal lead to this being far and away the most featured filled AK PCC and one of the most affordable.

The AK-V comes in a wide variety of configurations, including braced pistols and complete rifles. This is a braced pistol variant, but even that isn’t the whole story. Due to the great variety of different models, it’s best to be specific.

This gun features the folding triangle brace and Magpul MOE forend and pistol grip. PSA makes seemingly dozens of configurations of this gun, so specificity is required.

PSA made a smart move and utilized the CZ Scorpion pattern magazines. This is smart for a few reasons. One, they are reliable PCC magazines that are proven and flush in the market. Second, and more importantly, they are curved and give you that distinct AK-like appearance. Looks are half the battle, right? PSA also produces its own version, which holds 35 rounds of 9mm.

Overall the AK-V appears to be an impressive package.

That’s what she said.

PSA AK-V Features

1 Hinged dust cover

You have to put that optic somewhere!

2 Tanker muzzle brake

2-pot muzzle brake to control the already mild recoil.

3 Folding triangle brace

This is what’s on my PCC and I like it – your mileage may vary, but I’m a fan of the pseudo-classic look.

4 Magpul furniture

Good accessories put you a step ahead on value, form, and function.

5 Picatinny stock/brace adapter

Allows you to swap ends around.

PSA AK-V Models and Colors

The AKV 9mm is available in MOE, Classic, and ALG models, with further distinctions and features to provide additional variety.

PSA AK-V Review – Our Take

Taking it for a spin.

Let’s talk about accuracy first. AKs are not 1 MOA weapons, and PCCs aren’t exceptionally accurate either. Still, I figured we could ring some decent accuracy out of this gun. It does have the AK’s short sight radius, and it’s even shorter than average with the 10.5-inch barrel. The short-sight radius doesn’t help, and the trigger isn’t fantastic.

It’s not bad, but there is a fair bit of travel and a forceful reset. I’ve handled a lot of AKs, and there are certainly worse AK triggers out there. At 50 yards, I could produce groups of just under three inches which varied depending on the ammo. That’s standard for a 9mm carbine. At 25 yards, I’m keeping my groups inside the T-Zone of a target, and ultimately, that’s what matters with a gun like this.

Like any AK platform, it will be somewhat challenged ergonomically. It’s a gun designed in the 40s. What do you expect? You won’t get any ambidexterity or fancy features. Although for an AK, PSA did a great job. The AK has a thumb shelf to make manipulating the safety easy. The Magpul pistol grip is a nice touch, and the brace is fantastic.

PSA’s use of Scorpion magazines was also an excellent choice. The mag release is AK-like and ambidextrous. On top of that, the magazine goes straight in. No rocking motion is required. The gun also has a last-round bolt hold open, a rarity on AK firearms. This all makes the firearm very easy to reload and gives it a step above the normal AK in ergonomics.

The MOE forend is absolutely fantastic. It’s textured nicely, has a slight forward and rear hand stop, and obviously offers M-LOK compatibility.

Blasting off

I used a mixed bag of ammunition. This includes brass cased 115 grain; steel cased 115 grain, and some 124-grain JHPs and hefty 147-grain JHPs. The gun didn’t seem to mind any of the rounds I put through it. It ate ’em up and spat ’em out without complaint. The mags worked well and are very similar in construction to the factory CZ mags.

I used the factory mag as well as the Magpul P-MAGs and CZ factory mags. They all worked without complaint. The gun didn’t mind, and I’m curious about the PSA drum for these guns now.

I absolutely love shooting this gun. The straight blowback design should be less friendly, but it’s surprisingly soft recoiling. That’s likely due to the big break at the end of the gun that is a bit obnoxious for a 9mm, but excellent all around. The gun barely moves between shots and is very easy to hold onto.

Watching that front sight barely move between shots is entertaining. That little extra weight does a great job of reducing recoil and keeping the gun plenty controllable and fun to shoot. Some blowback guns are a harsh mistress but not the AK-V.

How much value does the gun offer? It’s not the cheapest PCC or subgun and does rise into that CZ price point, but it doesn’t touch the level of other premium options like SIG and CMMG. Some value is certainly added by the addition of a 150-dollar brace, as well as Magpul furniture. Plus, you are getting very affordable and common magazines.

PSA AK-V: Pros and Cons

To me, this gun is an A+ because it’s a 9mm AK, and I have wanted one for so long. It’s absolutely the best 9mm AK on the market. However, I have to be objective, and it still some AK issues, namely ergonomics.

If you want an AK and can accept the AK for its flaws, then the AK-V is outstanding. If you want a good all-around PCC with more modern features, then check out the PSA AR-V. Similar but AR-like. See if either of these made our list of best Pistol Caliber Carbines.

Preferred PSA AK-V Ammo 

Pretty much any 9x19mm ammunition will run in this, steel-cased or not.

Some kinds to consider include:

Targets? Targets!

If you’re going to shoot, you’ll need some targets. We have ’em for you. You’re welcome.

AK-V PCC Accessories 

Whether you’re an AR or an AK fan, you can’t deny that both platforms have the near-endless potential for individualization. The AK-V is no different.

Some customization options are:

1. Vickers AK Sling		Classic Blue Force Gear AK47 sling from LAV Quickly adjustable AK-47, AK-74, or other AKM Style Rifles 1.25” sling webbing	Check price
2. GAT Monkey Red Dawn Camo Sling		Everything COMBLOC goes better with a Red Dawn movie reference This camo pattern is as unusual as it is iconic Every long gun should have a sling. Period.	Check price
3. OneTigris SMG Mag Pouch Placard		Modular manner for more mags 5000D Nylon Hook face with UTX Duraflex 1″ buckles Drain grommets at the bottom	Check price
4. Magpul D-50 Scorpion Drum Mag		50-round capacity Lightweight, next-gen polymer construction Stainless steel spring Injection-molded polymer follower Translucent witness window	Check price
5. Surefire M640U Scout Light Pro		Proven WML option 1000 Lumen Ultra Hight Output LED Rugged and reliable Mil-Spec Hard Anodized finish, and O-ring sealed to keep out the elements.	Check price
6. Streamlight ProTac HL-X Rechargeable Long Gun Light		Less expensive WML option Up to 22-hour battery life TEN-TAP Programming Includes 2 switch controls (single button & remote pressure switch) Dual fuel capable Includes USB-rechargeable battery pack with charging cord	Check price
7. SIG Romeo5		Good budget RDS option 2 MOA Red-Dot Motion Activated Illumination Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface	Check price
8. Aimpoint CompM5b		Excellent (higher end) WML option Quickly adjust the reticle in accordance with projectile ballistics and distance to target Wind compensation adjustment in 3 levels Compatible with the Aimpoint 3X & 6XMag-1 magnifiers	On Amazon
9. Paragon Optic Cleaning Lens Cleaner		Clean your optics and weapon light lens 5ml Weapon Light Cleaner 10ml Optic Lens Cleaner Micro Fiber Cloth	Check price
10. The first half of “Eyes and Ears”		Proper eye protection is critical and should always be worn Ballistic rated, not just sunglasses	Compare top eyepro
11. The second half of “Eyes and Ears”		Ear protection is also critical. Protect your hearing! Many styles (some stackable) are available	Compare best earpro
12. Appropriate cleaning kit		For cleaning, care, and maintenance Not all kits are created equal	Compare top kits
13. Dark Angel D.A.R.K. Trauma Kit		You should always have medical gear when shooting (any gun) External Tourniquet for easy access Pull handle for rapid deployment Vacuumed sealed insert to keep your contents protected Kit content scalability	Check price

More About Your AK-V

Need a guide to breaking down and cleaning up your AK-V? Here ya go.

Important Links And Manuals For Your PSA AK-V

For more info regarding your AK9 (and some ways to train), check out the following resources.

• AK-V Owners Manual
• The Right to Keep and Bear Arms
• How much ammo do you need?
• Hope you don’t need to know, but..cover vs. concealment