Seizing on the PF trend of "current state of..." What's everyone think about Palmetto?
I noticed a lot of youtuber types making videos about there products over the last several months. My immediate thought is that these guys are paid spokesmen. And some of them probably are. But when I started looking at what Palmetto has to offer nowadays I was pretty surprised. Seems like they're either driving or hopping on board with a lot of the "cool" trends at the moment. It also seems like they have a pretty good handle on what guns people are interested in but can't seem to get, and they're doing a decent job at getting that stuff to market. Hell, at shot show this year it seemed like they had more interesting new stuff coming down the line than any of the "name brand" companies.
Their offerings are crazy. They seemingly make everything. Budget ARs and regular ARs (some with FN barrels), 1911s, unique piston ARs, Large frame ARs, Glock clones, AKs and AKMs. Plus, H&R stuff like A2s, A1s, XM177, 733s, 635s, 723s... Uppers and complete rifles. Are they all in perfect configurations, no. But they're offer more for retro cool ARs than damn near anyone else. At least on par with Brownells I think, possibly surpassing them. Aside from the H&R stuff there is also a clone of the Mk12 in a few variations, Their take on the M110 comes in forged and billet, They have and M110A1 look alike that's not even similar, but obviously has interested buyers. Seemingly with everything large frame offered in 6.5creedmoor and .308 billet or forged. Crap I forgot they have PCCs as well...
It really seems like PSA is doing better than other brands at seeing where there is a hole in the market, and bringing something to it. For instance, the fixed carry handle ARs in popular movies like Black Hawk Down, Blood Diamond, and HEAT were starting to get difficult to come by but enjoy a lot of popularity from youtube audiences. Next thing you know, PSA has a huge new line up. American AKs? Seems like they're the only cats getting it done without enormous price tag. It just seems like they're doing stuff nobody else is.
...and they're American made? And they now own an ammo company? Damn impressive.
I remember when they were a poor quality AR maker and not much else. Their core tenant is is to make more firearms "In common use". And honestly, seems like they're doing it. The availability of ARs to Americans at a price point they can manage has drastically changed since Palmetto started in 2008. I also think it's obvious that the cheapest ARs of today are a heck of a lot better than the cheapest ARs of yesteryear. I have to at least partially credit PSA for that. I think they're one of the biggest names in "budget" ARs. I guess the question in my mind is QA/QC. They obviously arent BCM or Colt for ARs, Meridian for AKs, or Dan Wesson for 1911s. I'm definitely interested in buying one of their M110 clones, and tossing a Primary Arms or something on it. That seems like the best entryway into large ARs. It's hard to judge reality from youtube, but it seems like the M110s can hold accuracy and can have issues with gas or mags. But oh yeah... they have a 100% lifetime warranty and a reputation for awesome customer service.
Frankly, I'm a bit blown away by what has happened to that crummy AR manufacturer I remember. American made, great warranty, offer everything, budget and standard pricing, innovation, and ammunition... Damn. Did I just become a PSA fan?
What do you guys think, and is there anything you guys like from them? Post links because if anyone clicks them and buys stuff it'll help LL with the cost of running PF.