AK platform firearms are renowned for their reliability and robust nature, often described as “fun as hell” to shoot. Following positive experiences with Palmetto State Armory’s (PSA) AK-74M and AK-103 variants, the opportunity arose to test the newer PSA AK-104 alongside the Pioneer Arms Hellpup. This review dives deep into a carbine AK showdown, pitting these two distinct firearms against each other to determine which comes out on top for AK enthusiasts.
PSA AK 103 Shooting
American-made AKs, particularly within the 74 family, can be a mixed bag in terms of quality and reliability. The chance to evaluate PSA’s AK-104 “clone” was therefore eagerly anticipated. Paired with the Pioneer Arms Hellpup, this test aimed to provide a comprehensive comparison of two approaches to the AK carbine concept.
PSA AK-104 and Pioneer Arms Hellpup
This review will cover the foundational aspects of each firearm, delve into their respective advantages and disadvantages, and culminate in range testing to assess their real-world performance. The goal is to provide readers with a clear understanding of both the PSA AK-104 and the Pioneer Arms Hellpup, enabling informed decisions for their AK collection.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
By the end of this in-depth analysis, you’ll have a solid understanding to decide if either of these carbine AK options, especially the Pioneer Arms Hellpup, deserves a place in your arsenal.
Unpacking the AK-104 Lineage
Before jumping into the specifics of the PSA AK-104, it’s crucial to understand the AK-104’s origins. The AK-104 is essentially a shortened, carbine variant of the AK-103, distinguished primarily by its 12.4-inch barrel compared to the AK-103’s longer 16.3-inch barrel.
Alt text: Conceptual image of the AK-104 rifle, illustrating its design and profile.
This barrel length difference is analogous to the distinction between a 14.5-inch barreled M4 and a compact 10.5-inch MK18 in the AR-15 platform. The AK-104 effectively bridges the gap between the full-size AK-103 and the ultra-compact AKS-74U.
Ak-103 Soldier
A key visual and functional characteristic of the AK-104 is its muzzle device, derived from the AKS-74U’s signature booster. Unlike muzzle brakes designed to reduce muzzle climb by venting gas laterally (as seen on the AK-74 and AK-103), the AK-104’s booster increases backpressure. This is vital for reliable cycling in AK variants with barrels shorter than 16 inches.
The booster also serves to direct muzzle blast and flash forward, a practical feature for close-quarters combat (CQB) scenarios where the AK-104 is intended to excel.
AK Muzzle Booster
Furthermore, the AK-104 muzzle device incorporates two notches designed for cutting barbed wire, emphasizing its utilitarian design. Bayonet attachments, however, are not a feature. The core concept of the Russian AK-104 is a short-barreled carbine optimized for CQB while retaining the significant stopping power and penetration of the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
7.62x39mm
The AK-104 features the modern aesthetics of the AK-100 series, including sleek black polymer furniture and a side-folding stock. It is observed in use by Russian internal security forces, highlighting its role as a modern service weapon. With this background established, let’s turn our attention to the specific models tested, starting with the PSA AK-104.
PSA AK-104: Features and Specifications
The PSA AK-104 from Palmetto State Armory is built upon their established AK-103 platform. While marketed as an AK-104 “clone,” it’s more accurately described as inspired by the Russian AK-104. It incorporates AKM-pattern bolts and some AKM-spec small parts, deviating from a true AK-104 clone. However, these are details largely of interest to AK purists.
PSA AK-104
The most prominent visual difference from a true AK-104 is the muzzle device.
Palmetto State Armory AK-104
$1,099 at Palmetto State Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
$1,099 at Palmetto State Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
Due to US firearm regulations, the traditional AK-104 booster has been significantly elongated and permanently attached (pinned and welded) to the barrel. This modification extends the barrel length to 16 inches from the intended 12.4 inches, complying with legal requirements.
The resulting aesthetic is arguably somewhat awkward.
PSA AK-104
This extended booster is a necessary compromise for a rifle configuration, unless one opts for a pistol configuration with a brace, as seen in the Pioneer Arms Hellpup. Without a side-by-side comparison to a genuine booster, assessing the performance impact of this extended design is difficult.
PSA AK-104
The PSA AK-104 features standard AK-100 series black polymer furniture, providing a modern and functional feel. It also includes a side rail for optics mounting, accommodating either direct optic mounts or Picatinny rail adapters.
PSA AK-104
Another notable feature is the black polymer side-folding stock, which folds to the left side for a more compact profile. However, it should be noted that the stock cannot be locked in the folded position when an optic is mounted on the side rail.
PSA AK-104
Beyond these features, the PSA AK-104 is fundamentally a standard current-generation PSA AK. The trigger is reported to be of good quality. The selector lever, while functional, was noted to be slightly loose from the factory, although not to a degree that presented a practical issue.
PSA AK-104
Overall, the PSA AK-104 is a straightforward and functional AK variant with modern features, albeit with the aesthetic compromise of the extended muzzle device.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup: Features and Specifications
In contrast to the PSA AK-104 rifle, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup from Poland presents a different approach to the AK carbine concept. This firearm originates from Pioneer Arms, an American-owned company operating in Radom, Poland, a region with a rich history of AK production.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
Pioneer Arms leverages the legacy of the renowned FB Łucznik “Circle 11” arms plant, utilizing the same workforce, machinery, blueprints, and tooling. This plant was a significant manufacturer of AK platform rifles for the Polish military until at least 2000, giving Pioneer Arms Hellpup a strong pedigree.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
$747 at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
$747 at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
The Hellpup is classified as a pistol, which has significant implications for its configuration, particularly the barrel length and muzzle device. Being a pistol, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup is able to utilize a muzzle device closer to the “correct” length of a standard AK-104 booster without the need for extension to meet rifle barrel length requirements. However, it lacks the wire-cutting feature found on the original booster.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
The barrel length of the Pioneer Arms Hellpup is approximately 11.5 to 12 inches. To maintain legal compliance as a pistol and provide a degree of stability for shooting, it is equipped with a pistol brace.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
The Hellpup utilizes a somewhat rudimentary method for attaching the pistol brace. A plate is affixed to the rear of the receiver, providing a mounting point for a buffer tube, onto which an SB Tactical M4 pistol brace is installed.
This brace configuration immediately presented some drawbacks during range testing. The rear plate adapter is noted to have sharp edges, which can become uncomfortable and even painful during recoil, especially with the potent 7.62x39mm cartridge.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
Furthermore, the SB Tactical M4 brace used on the tested Hellpup lacked an internal locking mechanism to engage with the buffer tube’s adjustment slots. This resulted in a non-adjustable length of pull and the potential for the brace to rotate freely around the buffer tube, compromising stability and consistency.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
A field expedient solution was employed using gaffer tape to secure the brace at its shortest length of pull. This improvised fix also served to cover the sharp edges of the adapter plate, improving comfort, albeit at the cost of adjustability and optimal ergonomics.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup Gaff Tape
Beyond the brace issues, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup is fundamentally an AK. It features a hooded front sight, a departure from the open post sights found on Russian AKs. The selector lever was initially very stiff, requiring some manipulation to achieve smooth and safe operation.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
In summary, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup is a compact, Polish-made AK pistol with a focus on maneuverability, albeit with some ergonomic shortcomings in its brace configuration. With the features and specifications of both firearms outlined, let’s move to the range testing and performance evaluation.
Range Performance: PSA AK-104 vs. Hellpup
PSA AK-104 Range Test
Initial expectations for the PSA AK-104 were high, based on prior positive experiences with other PSA AK models. However, these hopes were quickly tempered by a significant malfunction early in the range session.
Disappointed
Approximately halfway through the first magazine, the PSA AK-104’s trigger ceased to function. While the rifle appeared to cycle and chamber rounds, the trigger became unresponsive.
PSA AK-104 Shooting
Further investigation revealed that the trigger would only fire when manually charged. The trigger failed to reset during normal semi-automatic operation, except in the unusual circumstance of releasing the trigger immediately after firing.
Weird
Disassembly revealed the issue to be a loss of tension in the braided metal mainspring arms, which are critical for proper trigger reset and disconnector function. This malfunction prevented the disconnector from releasing the hammer after the bolt carrier reset it, effectively disabling semi-automatic fire.
PSA AK-104 Issue
While PSA has faced occasional criticisms regarding quality control, this was a first-hand experience with a significant malfunction in a PSA firearm. A trigger failure of this nature in a nearly new rifle (with only around 15 rounds fired) is a serious concern.
PSA AK-104 Issue Breakdown
Contacting PSA customer service while at the range proved helpful. With guidance from PSA, needle-nose pliers were used to carefully re-position and twist the mainspring arms back into their correct position. This field repair successfully restored the necessary tension and resolved the trigger reset issue.
bad news in a good way
PSA AK-104 Fixing
While acknowledging PSA’s responsive customer service, a trigger malfunction requiring field repair on a new rifle is not ideal. However, the inherent simplicity of the AK platform facilitated a relatively quick resolution. Following the repair, the PSA AK-104 functioned reliably for several hundred additional rounds without further incident.
PSA AK-104
The PSA AK-104 performed well with Magpul Gen 3 PMAGs and Palm 30 magazines. However, it exhibited feeding issues with unidentified steel surplus magazines. This suggests potential magazine compatibility limitations with certain surplus steel magazines.
The iron sights on the PSA AK-104 were also found to be significantly off in terms of windage. Accurate hits at 50 to 100 yards required a substantial hold-off to the right of the target.
PSA AK-104 View
While AK iron sights are elevation adjustable, windage should ideally be correctly set at the factory. The lack of a front sight tool or readily available optics rail prevented on-the-spot sight adjustment during the range test.
PSA AK-104
Despite the initial malfunction and sight issues, once these were addressed (or mentally compensated for), the PSA AK-104 proved capable of consistent hits on steel targets at various distances. The trigger, after repair, exhibited the characteristic AK “snappiness” and was considered comparable to aftermarket triggers like the Tapco G2.
PSA AK-104
Recoil with the PSA AK-104 and its booster muzzle device was noticeable. While manageable, the booster directed a significant amount of muzzle blast back towards the shooter. Muzzle rise was also present, requiring active control for rapid follow-up shots.
PSA AK-104
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Pioneer Arms Hellpup Range Test
In contrast to the PSA AK-104, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup experienced a trouble-free range session. No malfunctions or stoppages were encountered throughout the testing. Furthermore, the Hellpup exhibited better compatibility with surplus steel magazines compared to the PSA AK-104.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
The primary drawback of the Pioneer Arms Hellpup during range testing stemmed from its brace configuration. The SB Tactical M4 brace, lacking length-of-pull adjustment and rotational locking, combined with the sharp-edged rear adapter plate, presented ergonomic challenges.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
The gaffer tape solution, while mitigating the sharp edges and brace rotation, resulted in a fixed, short length of pull that was less than ideal for comfortable shooting, particularly for shooters with longer arms.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
The Pioneer Arms Hellpup‘s iron sights were correctly zeroed for windage from the factory, a notable advantage over the PSA AK-104 in the tested configuration. The selector lever, while initially stiff, was made more manageable with some manipulation, allowing for efficient operation.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup Slector
Recoil characteristics of the Pioneer Arms Hellpup were similar to the PSA AK-104 – stout, with noticeable muzzle climb. However, unlike the pinned and welded muzzle device on the PSA AK-104, the Hellpup‘s muzzle device is theoretically replaceable, offering potential customization options.
PSA AK-104 vs. Pioneer Arms Hellpup: Which is Superior?
Objectively assessing both the PSA AK-104 and the Pioneer Arms Hellpup, neither firearm emerged as a definitively superior choice in their tested configurations. However, when forced to choose between the two in their stock forms, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup edges out the PSA AK-104.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
$747 at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
$747 at Guns.com
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
This preference is heavily influenced by the trigger malfunction experienced with the PSA AK-104. While the issue was resolved, it raises concerns about initial quality control. Aesthetically, the extended booster on the PSA AK-104 is also a less desirable feature.
PSA AK-104 Shooting
The Pioneer Arms Hellpup, in contrast, ran flawlessly throughout testing and presents a more visually appealing, compact package.
Pioneer Arms Hellpup
However, PSA does offer AK-104 variants in pistol configurations, complete with side-folding buffer tube adapters, pistol braces, M-LOK rails, and aftermarket muzzle devices. For those seeking a more feature-rich and customized 12-inch 7.62x39mm AK, a PSA AK-104 pistol might be a compelling alternative, acknowledging potential initial quality concerns.
Palmetto State Armory AK-104
$1,099 at Palmetto State Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
$1,099 at Palmetto State Armory
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
Conclusion: AK Carbine Choice
Ultimately, the choice between the PSA AK-104 and the Pioneer Arms Hellpup depends on individual priorities. For a reliable, out-of-the-box compact AK pistol, the Pioneer Arms Hellpup is a solid choice.
PSA AK-104 and Pioneer Arms Hellpup
Conversely, if a feature-rich, customizable AK carbine or pistol is desired, and potential initial quality checks are acceptable, the PSA AK-104 platform offers a broader range of options.
What are your thoughts on the PSA AK-104 and Pioneer Arms Hellpup? Share your opinions in the comments below. Interested in exploring more AK options? Check out our comprehensive guide to the AK platform here.
