Last updated on April 26th, 2026
Clone rifles are a great niche appealing to those with an interest in military firearms, and the Palmetto State Armory AK-103 copies a classic. There are fixed and folding stock variants, with the folding stock coming in at a slightly higher price point compared to the fixed stock version.
Quick Take
The Palmetto State Armory AK-103 is worth judging by practical field use rather than product-page claims. The best gear solves a real problem in your shooting or hunting setup.
- Best use case: buy it for a specific role, not because it looks useful in theory.
- Check before buying: durability, comfort, size, warranty and whether it fits your current setup.
- Value tip: spend more only where it improves reliability, safety or repeatability.
These have passed numerous torture tests in the US and proved their reliability and performance. The Palmetto State Armory AK-103 takes classic metal mags and the polymer ones without any issues.
The stock has a fixed length of pull and a nice cheek weld. The classic AK pistol grip is on show
accuracy reports show its also got the standard performance of an AK being able to reliably hit targets at 200 meters. The cold hammer forged barrel and single stage trigger help with accuracy
To help handle the recoil of the 7.62×39 cartridge, the AK103 comes with a decent muzzle brake, true to the AK style.
AK-103 Quick Stats
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Model: AK-103
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Thread Pitch: M24x1.5RH
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1:9.5″
- Barrel Material: FN CHF Chrome Moly Vanadium
- Barrel Finish: Phosphate
- Chrome Lined Barrel: Yes
- Front Trunnion: Hammer Forged
- Bolt: Hammer Forged
- Carrier: Hammer Forged
- Handguard Type: PSA Classic Polymer AK-47 Handguard
Palmetto State Armory has taken the next step in the evolution of its line of AK firearms. Made in America with a 100% Full Lifetime Warranty.
The American AK market demands an AK that delivers on the classic reputation of the AK for durability while delivering the latest advancements in AK design. The PSA AK-103 ‘Klone’ brings all of that together by boasting a forged carrier, forged bolt and forged front trunnion, an AK-74 style brake, gas block, and front sight base while boasting an FN Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined AK-47 barrel chambered in 7.62 x 39.
PSA
There have been over a quarter million AK 103’s made and being chambered in 7.62×39 its a very capable rifle. The rifle featured uses polymer furniture, however there are many variants available including wood, triangle side fold and even imitation Bakelite.
Palmetto State Armory AK-103
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FAQ
Who is the Palmetto State Armory AK-103 best suited to?
The Palmetto State Armory AK-103 makes the most sense for shooters looking at field or range use. Focus on the action type, stock or chassis layout, magazine system and overall weight before deciding whether it fits your style of shooting.
What should I compare with the Palmetto State Armory AK-103?
Compare it with rifles built for the same job, not just rifles at the same price. Barrel profile, trigger quality, stock adjustability, magazine compatibility, spare parts and local support all matter.
What scope setup suits the Palmetto State Armory AK-103?
Match the optic to the rifle’s intended use. A lighter hunting rifle usually wants a simpler, lighter scope, while a precision or target rifle can justify more magnification, better turrets and a more detailed reticle.
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