I’ve got a keen interest in conversions for the AR-15 platform, especially those that are self-contained and allow me to use folding stocks (or no stock). Back when this interest first developed some years back, the only option I could find was the Faxon Firearms ARAK-21. Thankfully, there are a lot of options to choose from now – the Sig Sauer MCX Spear, the Brownells BRN-180, and the topic of today’s article, the Palmetto State Armory JAKL. The JAKL is a long-stroke, AK-style piston system that you can buy either as a complete rifle or as a conversion upper. Now, there are already a few reviews out there on the JAKL as a complete rifle, but I wanted to talk about the JAKL as a conversion.
What do you need?
Well, first, you need an AR lower. I started mine from a stripped lower, but you can easily convert a built lower. You need to purchase the upper itself, along with a buffer/stock adapter assembly. Per PSA, the upper:
Must be used with JAKL buffer system found on PSA JAKL lower or lowers built with a PSA JAKL lower build kit. Failure to use the PSA JAKL proprietary buffer system may result in damage to the JAKL upper and lower.
Now, if you choose to buy a complete back end from F5 Manufacturing, it will include the buffer system. However, if you want to use your own 1913 folding stock, you’ll need to buy the buffer system from PSA. Other 1913 conversions are not guaranteed to work. In my case, I wanted to use a stock from Lage Manufacturing, so I bought the buffer.
Some people have asked why PSA doesn’t include the buffer with the upper like Sig does with the MCX. The simplest answer is that with the Sig, you only need one upper to shoot multiple calibers. But with the JAKL, if you want to switch calibers, you need a completely new upper. If they included the buffer with every upper, they’d charge you for it, which would result in you paying more just to have a buffer laying around if you don’t build a complete gun. Or if you want to build with the F5 stock, you don’t need the buffer, so why pay for it with the upper?
PSA does sell a number of different uppers in both 5.56 and .300, with varying lengths and options for pinned flash suppressors. I opted to go with a standard 16″ barrel with a birdcage-style JAKL flash suppressor.
Assembly
Converting the AR to a JAKL is quite simple. First, remove your AR buffer tube, including the castle nut and endplate. Don’t lose the takedown pin detent and spring, you still need them. Ditch your buffer retainer and spring. Install the JAKL buffer using PSA’s instructions and you’re almost done. Next, you need to change out the bolt catch. Because the JAKL upper is wider than a standard AR upper, they provide a thinned down bolt catch with the upper to prevent the upper from interfering with the standard catch. Finally, snap the upper on the lower just like you would with your standard AR upper. She’s ready to go!
Impressions
The thing that surprised me the most about the JAKL was how smooth it shoots. I think part of that is due to the 8-position gas block that really allows you to tune your gas flow. It requires it, really, because I know mine came with the gas setting so low it wouldn’t cycle. I’ve heard the same from others. So make sure you allot some time on the first range day to tune it. It’s quick, just keep opening it until it reliably cycles and will lock back on an empty mag. Took me 10 minutes – max – and part of that 10 was realizing I needed to adjust it and pulling up the manual…
The reversible, non-reciprocating charging handle is positioned in an excellent spot – not so far forward that it interferes with your grip, but not so far back that it might collide with optic mounts.
There’s not a lot of parts compatibility with the AR in the upper, but PSA sells some spare parts (like the bolt carrier group) and the lower parts are almost entirely AR compatible with the exception of the bolt catch.
I will say that the JAKL did not seem quite as accurate as some of the other rifles/conversions I’ve tested recently, such as the Makasi and BRN-180. But in fairness, it did still make the 3-shot/3-second at 100 yard test and is accurate enough with off the shelf 55 gr to do the job. I’d like to take all the guns out with a better optic and better ammo to give them a fair shot at true accuracy, but you’ll have to wait a bit for that…
Conclusion
Overall, I really enjoy the JAKL. If you’re looking for a conversion that is at an accessible price point, easy to convert, more adjustable than competitors, and smooth shooting, this definitely checks those boxes. I plan on putting a lot more rounds through mine (and maybe play with different stocks just because I can). It’s a solid conversion so far and I’m looking forward to putting it through the paces some more.
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