The PSA JAKL

[Joelski]

Because it's fucking cool.



Actually, it helps that it's made by PWS (and not PSA). It fits onto an AR lower and it's a short stroke piston system. Early versions had fitment issues with many lowers, but PWS has largely corrected that (by averaging the variation in specs among several lowers, I would imagine). That said, I opted to build mine on a modern 180 lower (Billet. The OG version of the lower is forged). Outside of a couple hiccups with the first mag or two, it's been trouble free, and I wouldn't have an problem using it to defend myself or my home. the barrel has a properly sized (if smallish) gas port, and doesn't require the suppressed setting in my experience (Some have had gas/feed issues stemming from use of the suppressed setting).

It's a reciprocating side-charger. Some people have reported interference with the stock dogleg charging handle and optics when racking that seems to be related to oversized dickbeaters. I never noticed that issue before I put the PRO on it, and am using a straight handle that doesn't interfere with anything. It has a noticeably skinny rail, which, combined with it's light weight is nice for handling, but it can heat-up quick when firing a lot in succession. There are various solutions to help with that. The 180 has a long history of being just a cool-ass weapon, and this version of it doesn't disappoint. It's different enough to scratch the itch for a non-AR and the ability to fire folded is a hoot that the LAW doesn't compare with.



My long term plan is to SBR it, but the difference between the SIG-style stock and the brace hasn't produced a compulsion (It's freaking identical) to get that done.

Pros: No gas to the face, runs clean, light weight, looks cool, folds up small-ish and fires that way. Decent price for a self-contained upper. Ability to roll old school, or present day with 2 different available lowers from Brownell's, plus a 3rd from 17DM. Only requires one Allen wrench to completely strip the entire upper.

Cons: Issues with firing with the port door closed (Resolved, IIRC), odd charging handle that can interfere with charging if an optic is in a certain spot (Alternate handle available from AR180parts.com), skinny rail heats up quickly when firing like you mean it (there's no need for full retard!), AR receiver extension hoop requires a picatinny adapter in order to use a folding stock with a non-BRN specific lower (That's a snivel, IMO and should be part of the purchase plan when buying. Hell, Brownell's sells them as an optional package now too).



People whinge about the muzzle device, which is a throwback to the original. Being a suppressor guy, you shouldn't bat an eye at putting a compatible MD on it to be able to run a can. Mine also got a SSA-E so it feels like my other rifles in that respect. Sorry for the review, but you asked! One last observation: the cool thing is that even all the usual shit hanging off of it (Except for a light), it's still light and compact, which makes it a blast to shoot!

Adrian has one too, maybe he'll pipe in with details on his old school BRN.