Desert Alpha AK

• Based on a Palmetto State Armory AK-104 receiver kit
• Custom Cerkoted by KM3 Solutions
• Dead Air Armament Wolverine suppressed

After years of writing and editing for UN12, the inevitable finally occurred. I built my first “Gucci” gun. Those who are familiar with me know that I’m strictly a military clone kind of guy. Although I have seen some amazing custom creations grace the pages of UN12 over the years, they were just never where my heart lay.

The other contributors would pressure me to just once make a creation that wasn’t “clone correct” or militaria-related. Finally, the opportunity presented itself.

Like most AK enthusiasts, I have been following the development of Palmetto State Armory’s (PSA) line of AKs. When they initially announced the release of their mid-length AK pistol lineup, I already knew I was going to buy one.

Having built this style of firearm using real Russian parts kits, I already had accurate clones in my collection. This allowed me to take a little customization liberty with my latest PSA acquisition.

Thanks to some creative inspiration from my friends, a concept for this project came to mind. I would build an all U.S.-made “Alpha AK.” The Alpha AK is a specialized 100-series AK that was used by the Russian FSB forces. Unfortunately, the current embargoes on Russian parts makes building a “clone correct” Alpha AK way out of my budget.

Even if I could source the components, painting or coating actual Russian-made parts was not an option for me. Plus having something 100% American made is just really cool, too.

At the time of purchase, PSA was limited on what AK-104 configurations they had, but now an almost identical version is now available directly from them for a lot less money than it cost me to build this one. That being said, one of the most enjoyable parts of a build, for me, is sourcing everything I need to complete it.

Sure, it can be a pain, but the parts hunt is also thrilling when you are finally able lock down components for which you have been searching high and low. So I set off on my journey to build my first customized, non-military-clone build. 

I definitely faced a few challenges by choosing the AK-104 platform as a project basis. Being that it was a newer PSA product at the time I started this build, I was unsure of parts compatibility, as many of the companies themselves were just getting their hands on this new offering and could not yet confirm if their parts fit.

Some firsthand experience with the AK-104 and my own mountain of parts confirms that there were indeed some accessory fitment issues with my early PSA AK. I have previously used the Texas Weapons Systems Dog Leg on an Alpha AK clone build I did for a buddy, so I knew it was a rock-solid mount. Since the rear sight on the AK-104 is made to PSA’s own dimensions, it took a little fitting to get the top cover to sit properly.

The same fitment issue came to light with the brace adapter from JMAC Customs. JMAC’s parts are built for a military-spec rifle and not an all-for-U.S.-made product. It took a little quality time with a Dremel and file to get the folding adapter to sit properly, but in the end it worked out just fine.

I also used JMAC’s muzzle brake and adapter for my Dead Air Silencers Wolverine suppressor. The suppressor adapter replaces the threaded collar with a thread pitch that is commonly used for sound suppressors. This adapter allows for direct suppressor mounting to their muzzle brakes and flash hiders.

For the technology end of the build, I went with an EOTech EXPS 3-0 holosight and G43 magnifier combo along with a SureFire M600V ScoutLight. The compact nature of EOTech’s EXPS series of optics and magnifiers made it an ideal choice for fitting everything on the AK’s limited top rail space. There were lighter-weight optic considerations, but, due to the fact that I would be running this suppressed 99% of the time, the little bit of added weight from the EOTech optics really help balance out the front-heavy gun.

I mainly use SureFire lights on my builds—they’re usually clone-correct, after all. Their latest generation of ScoutLights includes mounting options for Pic rail as well as m-lok. They’re low-profile, and the mount is adjustable for position in relation to the rail, too. For this AK, the adjustable mount meant I was able to keep the M600V close and tight to the rail without having to purchase an additional flashlight mount.

Now let’s address the elephant in the room, which is the amazing Cerakote job that adorns this build. I knew that even though it was going to be a “custom” firearm, and not a clone, I still wanted a Cerakote scheme that had a military vibe to it. It was then that I remembered seeing many amazing camo patterns applied to equally amazing AK builds on KM3 Solutions’ Instagram account. I reached out to them to try to figure out where to go with this AK’s coating.

KM3 Solutions worked patiently with me while I considered the overwhelming number of color schemes and camo options. They can literally do anything, so it was hard for me to decide. Don’t forget this is my first time getting a fancy Cerakote job done on a gun, so it took time for me to zero in on just one look to go with. In the end, I settled on a classic tiger stripe camo pattern finished in desert colors.

With the theme decided, I sent all the parts for the build to KM3 and let them run wild with it. Other than choosing the colors and pattern, I didn’t micro-manage them as to what needed coating and where. They were released to fully do what they do best. To say the job that they did is amazing is an understatement. It is hands-down the best Cerakote job I have seen in person.

They built in negative space and knew what to paint in a solid color, where to add color, and what to leave black. The surface is smooth, too, with no discernable thick layers. They were even able to laser-engrave the U.S. palm grip to give it a really custom look.

The KM3 team focused on making sure the camo pattern’s continuity remained intact and was transferred all the way through the firearm, even across the AK’s safety lever. Color me impressed with KM3’s quality and workmanship.

Overall, I am ecstatic with how my customized “Desert Alpha AK” PSA AK-104 turned out. I definitely could not have completed it without the help and support of my friends and the experts at KM3 Solutions. The verdict from a dyed-in-the-wool Clone Lifer is that I’d better make some space for a few more Gucci builds. Not every gun from here on out will be a full custom build like this one, but I can definitely see a couple more in my future.

Text by Michael Penhall & Images by Michael Grey

Build Sheet – Desert Alpha AK

Specifications
Base Rifle: Palmetto Armory AK-104 receiver kit
Caliber: 7.62x39mm   
Capacity: 30+1 
Min. Length: 23 in. (unsuppressed); 28 in. (w/suppressor)
Max. Length: 32 in. (unsuppressed); 37 in. (w/suppressor)
Weight Unloaded: 10 lbs, 13 oz. 
Barrel Length: 12.5 in. 
Coating: Custom “Desert Tiger Stripe” by Cerkote KM3 Solutions
Featured Accessories
Optic: EOTech EXPS 3-0
Magnifier: EOTech G43
Weaponlight: SureFire M600V Scout Light
Suppressor: Dead Air Armament Wolverine

Parts & Accessories: SB Tactical SBA3 Brace, JMAC ST-6 for 4.5mm Folding AK, US Palm Grip, ALG AK trigger, Texas Weapons Systems Dog Leg Top Cover, SLR Rifleworks AK Ion Lite w/ railed gas tube, JMAC 360 24-1.5 Facemount X37, JMAC Wolverine thread adapter