PSA PA-15
Palmetto State Armory · Carbine · In Production · 2013
Also known as: PSA AR-15, PA15, PSA Freedom Rifle
Overview
The PSA PA-15 is Palmetto State Armory's flagship semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and built around a forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver. Manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, the PA-15 became one of the best-selling budget AR-15 platforms in the United States by offering a complete, reliable rifle at an entry-level price point, frequently under $500. It operates on a direct-impingement gas system available in both carbine-length and mid-length configurations, with a 16-inch chrome-moly steel barrel featuring a 1:7 twist and M4 feed ramps. Configurations range from the bare-bones Classic carbine with an M4-profile barrel and front sight block to free-floating mid-length builds with M-LOK handguards and Magpul MOE furniture. The PA-15 ships with a 30-round magazine and carries PSA's lifetime warranty, cementing its reputation as the archetypal affordable American AR-15.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2948 g (104.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3380 g (119.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 838 mm (32.99") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1797 J (1325 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Moly Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Nitride |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Carbine Length Gas System, Mid Length Gas System, M4 Feed Ramps, A2 Flash Hider, Picatinny Rail, Magpul Furniture, M Lok Mounting, Flat Top Receiver
Variants
- PSA PA-15 Classic M4 Carbine — Carbine
- PSA PA-15 Freedom Mid-Length — Mid Length
- PSA PA-15 Premium Railed Rifle — Free Float
Production
Production years: 2013-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Eugene Stoner
Notes
PSA's highest-volume rifle line; the 'PA-15' designation covers a broad family of complete rifles spanning Classic, Freedom, MOE, and Premium trims with carbine- or mid-length gas systems and barrel options from 16" to 20". Sold under PSA's lifetime warranty. Typical street price under $500 for a complete rifle.
Background
Palmetto State Armory built its reputation on the PA-15, turning a regional South Carolina retailer into one of the largest AR-15 manufacturers in the country by selling complete rifles and parts kits at prices that repeatedly undercut the entire industry, helping democratize the AR-15 for first-time buyers.