[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Magazine Ready PSA AK-556 Rifle
by
Austin R
Published: June 3rd, 2022
![[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450485/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556
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:[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Magazine Ready PSA AK-556 Rifle
![[NRAAM 2022] New STANAG Ready PSA AK-556](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450488/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450491/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450494/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450497/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450500/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450503/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/05/16/14450506/nraam-2022-new-stanag-magazine-ready-psa-ak-556-rifle.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
[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.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
The author is a military contractor who enjoys conducting independent firearms research and reloading. Article inquiries and suggestions are welcome at austinjrex at gmail.com
More by Austin R
Comments
Join the conversation
I own no AKs. After firing one in basic back in 71 I was not impressed. I can take my ARs though, and hit a one pound coffee can out to 300 meters, every time. If I can see it, I hit it. That is with the A2 sights, no scope. It is all a personal preference. I don not put anybody down for owning AKs, but there are too many draw backs. Our government does not issue AKs, 7.62x39mm OR 5.56x45mm, so I will keep my ARs due to parts availability and ammo. In a SHTF situation you might find ammo and parts just laying around looking for a new owner. I definitely would not pay over $500 for any AK!
I've been trying to find a Zastava M90NP like this for over a year, so I was very excited about this at SHOT SHOW. But I'm disappointed that the production model does not have the gas regulator the one at SHOT SHOW had. It is indispensable for suppressor use and also trying to limit brass damage for those of us that reload. I currently have an Arsenal AK107F that I retrofitted with a Canis magazine adapter, but it unfortunately disallows the folding stock to fully close when folded and latch. If I could get the PSA or the Zastava with Zhukov folding furniture and a gas regulator,...I'd consider beastly sex acts in order to get either.