The Design
This is a compact, hefty firearm. It is not heavy overall but concentrates its weight in a short space. The lower receiver is typical for an AR-15 with safety, magazine release, and bolt hold-open as expected. The monolithic upper receiver is where the gun differs radically.
The charging handle is located on the left side of the forearm and is reversible. I feel it is difficult to charge; the recoil spring must be very stout. There is a manually adjustable gas port on the front of the handguard, which I like. Turn the knob clockwise to restrict gas flow, and you can even make the gun operate in a single-shot mode requiring manual extraction for ammo testing. Turn the knob to open mode, and it should fire with any ammo type.
Related: JAKL in .308 & New Hybrid AK Among Flurry of PSA Concepts at SHOT Show
Internally, the most interesting feature of the JAKL is its long-stroke piston operation. This unique design combines an AR-15 bolt with the over-barrel spring and piston of the AK-47! PSA is famous for this hybrid design. As with the AK-47, recoil and muzzle rise are kept to a minimum. The AR-15 bolt lugs provide a solid lockup of the breech. The system works remarkably well, allowing jam-free rapid-fire while keeping the muzzle down.
Related: PSA Gives Proof of Life on the .308 JAKL
More Features
Notice the long Picatinny rail and lack of any sight. PSA recognizes that you will make the final choice of optics, so if you prefer a “Scout Rifle” long eye relief scope, a red dot sight, or a conventional riflescope, the JAKL will accommodate it. Add a bipod, laser sight, forward vertical grip, or high-intensity flashlight to the provided M-LOK slots if desired.
The JMAC Customs skeleton folding stock makes the JAKL come alive. It is a stiff, lightweight extension that turns the gun into a stable long-range shooting platform. Of course, I do not mean it will shoot 500 yards with other match rifles, but it will stabilize nicely for close-range precise shots.
I have a tough time operating the locking catch to fold the stock, as it is locked by an extremely stiff spring that requires great leverage to operate. It is valuable in locking the stock open as if it were a solid stock, and I like that it does not wiggle or vibrate.
MY SIGHT
My TruGlo high-mount quick-release red dot seems a perfect fit for the JAKL. I have mounted it forward midway down the receiver, and it comes to my eye naturally when I shoulder the gun with the stock extended.
It is nearly as easy to sight with the stock folded, too. This sight is motion-sensor activated. There is no switch to turn on; it simply turns on automatically when shouldered. What a neat idea for a tactical gun sight!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Overall Length: 33 inches extended, 25 inches folded
- Barrel: 13.7 inches, nitride chrome moly steel
- Length of Pull: 12 inches
- Trigger: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
- Receiver: Monolithic one-piece
- Action: Long-stroke piston
- Charging Handle: Reversible, forearm-mounted
- Gas Block: Manually operated eight-position
- Flash Hider: JMAC Stainless Black Nitride
- Stock: JMAC Customs Skeleton 8-inch with rubber butt pad
- Picatinny Rail: 17-inch full-length
- Magazine: Compatible with AR-15 type magazines
-
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
RANGE TIME
What a beautiful day in Arizona at Area 51, my favorite test site for blasting! The JAKL is loaded with .223 Wolf and PMC brand ammo with 55-grain full metal jacket bullets. Most targets are within 20 yards, and there are lots of space alien 2-liter root beer jugs ready to be engaged.
I notice that cocking the bolt requires some effort. The recoil spring is stiff and requires a good deal of effort for me to cock for the first round. In a departure from the AR-15 type cocking handle and spring, PSA has used the AK-47 type spring for reliability.
The AR-15 controls are normal and easy to find. Once shouldered, the high-rise TruGlo sight comes up in focus with both eyes open. The short length of pull and small overall package makes it easy to move from one target to another.
Root beer jugs in the morning explode so well and taste so good! Although loaded with FMJ bullets, the JAKL makes quick work of all 2-liter bottles, and even the smaller root beer soda cans evaporate. This gun is fun to shoot and moves quickly. I feel it is faster than a full-sized AR-15 or AK-47. The hybrid action is the combination of both guns and maybe a little better.
The monolithic forearm is wide and solid. It gives good purchase and control under rapid-fire shooting. Although not a target trigger, it breaks cleanly and is easy to master.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Well-made and high quality
- Handy solid folding stock
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Customizable
- Adjustable gas port
- Accepts standard AR-15 magazines
Cons:
- Heavy recoil spring
- Difficult to fold the stock
-
A bit heavy for its size
Final THOUGHTS
A jackal is a small, coyote-like carnivorous wild dog. Ferocious and fast, it is a small animal to be feared. PSA’s JAKL is also a small high-powered firearm capable of ferocious firepower and good accuracy.
Well-suited as a truck gun, home defense firearm, short-range competition gun or all-around fun pop can blaster, it is a quality package for the price. It is customizable thus making it adaptable to many needs. Add a JAKL to your pack of AR-15s and AK-47s, and you will have the best of both in one gun.
