PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10
Posted May 25, 2023
RIFLE
The Palmetto State Armory PA-10 Rifle is one of the most popular rifles on the market today. It is a classic style semi-automatic rifle, that is also affordable, reliable and modular. Its build quality is amazingly high, and the company has put a lot of effort into making it an incredibly good rifle. I have owned mine for the past two years and have put a lot of rounds through it, and can honestly say it’s been a pleasure to shoot.
This rifle is chambered in .308 Winchester, and has a 18” barrel, with a 1:10 twist. It comes with a standard M4 style 6-position adjustable buttstock, and an A2-style pistol grip. The barrel is chrome moly and is finished in manganese phosphate. The barrel is button-rifled and is very durable. The bolt carrier group is made of Carpenter 158 steel, and is chrome lined and magnetic particle inspected. The gas system is adjustable and phosphate coated. The rifle comes equipped with an A2-style flash hider, and a 15-round magazine.
When I took the rifle out of the box and assembled it, I was impressed with the quality of the parts. Everything fit together nice and tight, with very little play or slop. The barrel has a nice, smooth finish to it, and the bolt is machined to exacting tolerances. I have had no issues with the rifle at all, and it has fed and ejected every round it has been fed perfectly.
The trigger on the rifle is also excellent. It is adjustable, and comes set up from the factory with about a 4 pound pull weight. The trigger pull feels very smooth with no grit or grittiness. It is also adjustable for creep and overtravel. I have not adjusted the trigger as I have been very pleased with the performance of it.
When I first took the rifle to the range, I was impressed with its accuracy. I had not done any break-in procedures, but the rifle was still shooting really tight groups, and was consistently accurate. The rifle also has a lot less felt recoil than I expected with a rifle chambered in .308 win. I was able to shoot out to 500 yards with excellent results.
As mentioned previously, this rifle is adjustable and very modular. The barrel and gas system can be changed out for other calibers. You can also change the barrel length to make it a bit shorter or longer. This rifle uses an A2-style free floated handguard, and it has multiple QD sling points. The rifle also comes with a one-piece Picatinny rail on top for mounting an optic, as well as two Rail Sections included.
The PA-10 rifle is also very well priced. It is a great value for the money, and I believe it goes toe to toe with much more expensive rifles, in terms of quality and performance. It also comes with a LifetimeManufacturer’s Warranty, which is a huge plus.
Overall, I am very pleased with the Palmetto State Armory PA-10 Rifle. It is a very high quality rifle, and is incredibly reliable and accurate. The rifle is adjustable and modular and it also comes with an excellent price tag. I highly recommend anyone looking for a great mid-range priced semi-automatic rifle to check out the PA-10. It is well worth the money and will last you for years.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The PA-10 is highly customizable using accessories like stocks, grips, optics, trigger assemblies, and more.
-It is an affordable and reliable rifle platform that is popular with hunters and target shooters.
-It is built with an eye towards long term durability, with tough construction and corrosion-resistant materials.
-The stock provides an ergonomic design that is comfortable for most sizes and shapes of hands.
-The 13 free-floating handguard provides plenty of space for mounting accessories.
-The trigger guard is designed to be large enough to fit gloved fingers.
Cons:
-The PA-10 has a relatively heavy weight.
-Compatibility with aftermarket components is limited.
-The recoil from the .308 Winchester round can be a bit much for some people.
-It has an underwhelming iron sight system.
-The design of the magazine release button can result in accidental magazine releases.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for an entry level AR-10 pattern rifle should consider the Palmetto State Armory PA-10. It comes with all of the features of an AR-10 pattern rifle and is an affordable option for those who are on a budget. However, those who are experienced with AR-10 pattern rifles and are looking for a more advanced version may want to choose a different model.
Comparisons
| PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 1 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 2 | SIMILAR PRODUCT 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO | .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO | .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO | .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20" | 16" | 18" | 22" |
| Weight (unloaded) | 9lbs | 8lbs | 8.5lbs | 9.2lbs |
| Capacity | 20+1 | 15+1 | 10+1 | 15+1 |
| Finish | Black anodized | Anodized | blued | Matte black |
| Upper | Forged 7075-T6 | Forged 7075-T6 | Forged 7075-T6 | Forged 7075-T6 |
| Buttstock | Magpul PRS Stock | Magpul PRS2 Stock | Magpul STR Stock | Magpul UBR Stock |
Features / Specs
• Palmetto State Armory PA-10 – Complete Rifle
• Caliber: .308 Win
• Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
• Upper Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
• Barrel: 18” 4150V Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel,
• Twist: 1:10
• Medium Profile Barrel
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
• Gas System: Mid-Length
• Bolt Carrier Group: Palmetto State Armory Full-Auto Rated M16 Cut BCG (Mag Phosphate)
• Charging Handle: Standard Mil-Spec
• Handguard: 15” Free Float & SLR M-LOK
• Stock: Magpul MOE
• Pistol Grip: Magpul MOE
• Magazine: 20 Round Magpul PMAG
• Safety Selector: Right Hand
• Sights: None
Popular Accessories
RIFLE?
- Scope – A scope will increase accuracy and long-range shooting capabilities.
- Bipod – A bipod will offer improved accuracy and stability when shooting from the prone position.
- Flash Hider – A compensator or flash hider will reduce muzzle flash.
- Magazines – Extra magazines will allow you to have quicker reloads in the field.
- Sling – A sling helps you carry the rifle hands-free, allowing for faster response and optimum accuracy.
- Handguard – Change the look of your rifle and gives the operator a secure grip when maneuvering the rifle.
- Stock – Adjustable stocks will allow for a custom fit and a more comfortable shooting experience.
- Trigger Upgrade – Changing the trigger will improve accuracy and trigger control.
- Muzzle Brake – A muzzle brake will reduce felt recoil, allowing for faster follow up shots.
- Rail System – Add Picatinny rails to your rifle for mounting a light, grip, scope, or other accessory.
Accuracy
The PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10 is a highly accurate rifle and is excellent for precision shooting. The rifle is designed to have an accuracy of up to 1 MOA—one minute of angle—at 100 yards with match grade ammunition. This accuracy is ideal for both individuals who shoot competitively and hunters who need a rifle that can hit very small and precise targets. The PALMETTO STATE ARMORY PA-10 has a heavy duty target crown and a custom-crafted barrel that are both part of the accuracy package. Furthermore, the trigger is crisp and adjustable, allowing for precise accuracy with each shot.
