PSA Krink Review: Compact Firepower in 5.56mm

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PSA Krink Pros & Cons 

Pros

• Compact
• Concealable
• Chambered in 5.56

Cons

• Heats up quickly
• Initial double-feeds

It feels like it’s been a long time since we teased the release of the Palmetto State Armory Krink at SHOT Show 2024, but it’s only been a few months. We finally got our hands on this diminutive yet potent AK variant and took it to the range for testing.

We’ll share the results, not all of them smooth, with you below. So read on!

How We Tested the PSA Krink

Our hands-on reviews adhere to a strict testing protocol that allows us to remain as objective as possible when evaluating guns. (You can read more about that in How We Rate Guns & Gear.)

For this review, we used a Garmin Xero C1 to assess the velocity of the shorter barreled 5.56. Additionally, we tested the trigger pull with a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to accurately evaluate the trigger.

For accuracy, we tested by shooting 3 to 5-round groups at 10 and 25 yards, both standing and using a P3 Ultimate Gun Vise from MTK Precision. We shot 500 rounds of AAC 55gr FMJ and Nosler 55gr hollow points during two separate range trips.

Although the PSA Krink comes equipped with a side rail, the Midwest Industries optics mount we had in inventory would not fit due to a conflict with the rear sight. We tested the Krink using the irons it came with.

Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer & Author Sean Curtis tested the PSA Krink and wrote this review. Sean is a retired police officer with over 20 years in law enforcement, having served as deputy sheriff, Patrol Commander, SWAT Team Leader, and DA Investigator during his career. He is a POST-certified handgun instructor, USCCA Rifle Instructor, and a Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery graduate, among other certifications. He has written for a variety of publications in his career to include Police1, Guns.com, Gun World Magazine, American Survival Guide, and Glock Annual. He now spends a lot of time at the range testing guns and gear for Pew Pew Tactical.

PSA Krink Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 30+1
• Length: 29” (20.5” folded)
• Barrel Length: 8.4”
• Width: 2.2”
• Height: 8”
• Weight: 6 lbs. 2 oz.
• Comes with: Cardboard box, 30-round magazine, owner’s manual, gun lock

Features

• Side folding brace
• Krink Booster muzzle device
• Hinged dust cover

PSA Krink Background

While we call this firearm the Krink or Krinkov, its actual designation is AKS-74U (“S” for side folder) — an evolution of the AK-74. In 1973 a contest to design a carbine version was announced and many firearms manufacturers threw their hats in the ring.

Once again, Mikhail Kalashnikov came out on top. The AKS-74U he designed largely met the requirements, plus offered savings from production costs due to existing tooling.

Although the original AK-74 was chambered in 5.45×39mm, PSA’s offering came to us in 5.56x45mm. PSA has indicated they will ultimately offer the Krink in 5.45×39mm, 7.62x39mm, and .300 Blackout as well.

Who Is the PSA Krink For?

The Krink fits neatly into that category of a compact upgrade in firepower. With a folded length of 20.5 inches, the firearm can be strategically stowed in a vehicle, closet, or backpack and deployed for defensive purposes.

Many people will appreciate the compact utility of the design, as well as the fact this particular model runs on 5.56 — which is widely available in variety in America.

Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

One of the first things I appreciated about the Krink when I picked it up was the overall fit and finish. I’ve handled some AKs in the past that have given me concerns about splinters, but this Krink is much more refined.

The wood furniture is beautiful on the Voodoo variant we tested. It appears to be a multi-colored laminate with a smooth, glossy finish on both the grip and forend.

Despite the glossy finish, the checkering on the grip is fairly substantial and provides good tactility. The grip itself is thin in the traditional AK fashion.

The receiver is stamped steel and is well done. It is coated with a black finish, and I noticed no rough spots or burs.

As noted above, a side rail is present, though this could not be used because of the hinged dust cover/rear sight. The back of the receiver features a JMAC Customs stock adapter for a section of the Picatinny rail.

Attached to this is a black triangle folding brace. Pushing up on the hinge frees the brace, which can be stowed along the receiver with a hook on the left side.

The sights are standard AK-74 for the front base and post, though the rear is a 90-degree combo sight affixed to the hinged dust cover. The rear sight also features two positions that shooters can flip between, one marked “П” and the other “4-5.”

To me, they are a bit challenging to use because the rear notch is very small. With some practice, I was able to achieve consistent accuracy.

The magazines were an interesting blend of the AK-style hook at the feed lips and the relaxed curvature of the 5.56 round. Made of polymer, they feature the crossed canons and palm tree logo of PSA.

Controls

Unlike several AKs I’ve used, the fire control on the Krink was very easy to use. It snapped down to fire and popped back up positively, being manipulated with just my trigger finger.

In classic AK style, it is only located on the right side, as is the charging handle. The charging handle seemed standard fare, and I could reach it fine using both reach under and reach over techniques.

The magazine release is located centrally below the receiver, just forward of the trigger guard. I was able to reach it and utilize it without any problems.

Inside the trigger guard, I found the trigger to be interesting. Pulling back on the bow, there is instant resistance from the start. Pressing through, the bow travels a few millimeters before a fairly crisp break. It measured an average of 2 lbs. 2.3 oz. on our Lyman Digital gauge.

Reset occurs near the end of the return and is highly tactile and audible. It snaps back firmly, with a good deal of force.

How Does the PSA Krink Shoot?

Firing the 5.56 round through the Krink is a joy that provides an unexpected amount of fun for a couple of reasons. First, the recoil impulse is pretty tame, making the shorty pretty easy to control.

The second has definitely got to be the fireballs this thing spits. It doesn’t happen with every shot, but it occurs frequently enough that you have to get used to it in your sight picture.

One second, you’ve got a steel plate lined up in your sights; the next, an orange fireball obscures your vision. Line up your sights again and press the trigger to repeat the process while a smile spreads across your face.

Reliability was great until around 250 rounds in, when I noticed the bolt didn’t close all the way. I applied some lubricant and ran the bolt a number of times.

The Krink ran great again until it failed to eject at the 400-round mark. It was a hot day, and the gun was getting extremely toasty to hold during testing.

At that point, we experienced a number of double feeds, so we contacted PSA. Ultimately, we sent the gun back to them. They worked their magic, tested it, then sent it back to us.

We took it back out to the PPT range and put some more rounds through it. How did it perform?

We completed our testing with 200 rounds of perfect performance, running the gun even hotter because we had more magazines for testing at that point.

Since we’re talking about heat…that is the downside to the Krink — it runs hot. A couple of magazines through, and the forend gets warm — much more, and you’ll want a glove or a break.

Accuracy was decent, resulting in 2-inch average groups from both Nosler and AAC, shooting unsupported. Using a P3 Ultimate Gun Vise from MTK Precision, I was able to achieve 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards.

We used the Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph to test velocities from the 8.4-inch barrel. Shooting AAC 55gr (rated 3,175 FPS) we noticed an average of 2,458 fps.

Since you can fire the Krink folded or with the brace deployed, we tried both. The rubber brace does provide a bit of stability if shouldered, though it is not as stable as a stock would be, but that’s a given.

Folded, the Krink is a menacing fireball chucker you can hold at your hip, up at your eye, or anywhere in between. The recoil is still not bad unbraced, and I was able to sustain multiple strings of accurate fire from either position.

Why is the PSA Krink Unique?

The Krink is pretty cool for several reasons…

First, its small size and folding brace make it easy to conceal. Throw it in a truck, toss it in a backpack for range day, or keep it in a closet for home defense. The Krink’s small stature makes it extremely versatile.

Second, AK fans will rejoice over having a smaller option that still utilizes the manual of arms they’re used to. We know how you AK fanbois can be…

Finally, this Russian-inspired firearm runs on 5.56x45mm which tends to be readily available and easy to source.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 3.5/5

Between 250 and 400 rounds, we experienced a few double feeds, so we sent the Krink to PSA. It came back running flawlessly.

Ergonomics: 4/5

The wooden furniture on the Krink was refined and comfortable. Controls were AK standard.

Accuracy: 3.5/5

Though the sights were a bit challenging, the Krink provides good accuracy.

Customization: 4/5

The world of AKs offers many options for those who want to take their Krink to the next level.

Value: 4/5

The Krink comes in a few packages ranging from $899 to $1,799. You’ve got options.

Overall: 4/5

Upgrades for the PSA Krink

Pick up some gloves, and you’ll be set to launch fireballs from the Krink.

Since you can run 5.56 through this version, you might as well scoop up some AAC ammo to keep it fed!

The Krink is loud and emits fireballs like the 4th of July. Be sure to pick up some eye and ear pro from ShellShock.

Final Verdict

The Krink is a great option for a defensive firepower upgrade. It’s controllable, provides decent accuracy, and can be concealed without much effort.

While ours suffered some initial reliability issues, once those were addressed, it ran like a Roman candle. We’re looking forward to checking out the other calibers PSA has planned down the line!

Will you be picking up a Krink? Let us know in the comments below. For even more AK goodness, check out AK Models: Ultimate Guide to Kalashnikov Rifles!