While many of us are familiar with the AR-15 platform, Palmetto State Armory’s JAKL 5.56 offers a compelling alternative. This rifle blends the reliability of an AK-style long-stroke piston system with the familiar ergonomics of an AR-15 lower receiver, creating a hybrid design with a nod to the FN SCAR. A key feature is its top-mounted piston and spring, which eliminates the need for a traditional buffer tube and allows for a folding stock.
If you’ve recently acquired a JAKL, you’re likely considering the best way to accessorize it. With a vast market of aftermarket parts, the process can be daunting. It’s a common question: what is the “right” way to set up a rifle?
The truth is, there’s no single correct answer. The ideal configuration is highly personal and depends on your specific needs and preferences. Even among seasoned experts, you’ll find a wide array of opinions on the perfect rifle setup. This guide offers a framework for outfitting your JAKL 5.56, but ultimately, the best setup is the one that works for you.
JAKL Setup: Defining Your Rifle’s Mission
The first step in customizing your new JAKL is to determine its primary role. Are you building a tool for home defense, a rifle for competitive shooting, a hunting companion, or a showpiece for your collection? A “Gucci gun” built for aesthetics is perfectly fine, but its components might differ from a purely practical build.
Your rifle’s intended use will guide your choice of accessories. For instance, the JAKL, with its robust AK-inspired design, is exceptionally reliable but may not be the top choice for long-range precision shooting. My personal JAKL is configured as a compact truck gun, where its ability to be fired with the stock folded is a significant advantage. For this purpose, a fast-acquisition optic with a large window and a readily accessible weapon light are essential. I need to be able to grab the rifle in a high-stress situation and have it be instantly operational.
A quality sling is another accessory I consider indispensable for most of my rifles. Think of a sling as a holster for your long gun; it allows you to secure the weapon while freeing up your hands for other tasks. While not mandatory for everyone, my experience has shown it to be an invaluable addition.
Choosing the Right Optic for the JAKL
For most shooters, selecting a sighting system is the first order of business. While traditional iron sights from reputable brands like Daniel Defense, Midwest Industries, or Sampson are a simple and effective option, the majority of rifle owners now opt for red dots or magnified optics.
For my JAKL, I selected the Holosun HE512T-RD. Its large viewing window and versatile reticle make it an excellent choice. Constructed from durable grade 5 titanium, the HE512T-RD features Holosun’s Solar Failsafe technology to supplement its already impressive 50,000-hour battery life from a single CR2032. After nearly two years of use, my original battery is still going strong. You can read a full-length article “Pushing the Limits: A Long-Term Review of the Holosun 512C” for more info on this optic.
The “Shake Awake” feature ensures the optic is always on and ready when you need it, and the selectable reticle—a dot or a circle-dot combination—allows for rapid target acquisition. The JAKL’s monolithic upper receiver and top rail provide a continuous mounting surface, allowing for flexible optic placement without concerns about bridging a gap.
Your choice of optic should align with your rifle’s purpose. If you’re still exploring options, consider these excellent alternatives:
The Necessity of a Rifle Sling
In my view, a sling is a non-negotiable accessory for a practical rifle. The advantages of having a sling far outweigh any minor drawbacks. There is a wide variety of sling styles and attachment methods available. You might use a simple loop on the stock and a quick-detach (QD) mount on the handguard, or a dual-loop setup for maximum durability.
The PSA JAKL is conveniently equipped with QD mounts on both the folding stock and the handguard, making it perfectly suited for a two-point QD sling. A sling is a versatile tool, and it’s crucial to train with it to become proficient in its use. On my JAKL, I run the GrovTec 2-point Sentinel sling. Other highly recommended options include the Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Sling and Magpul’s MS1 QDM Sling.
To prevent your sling from snagging when retrieving the rifle from a vehicle or storage, it’s wise to use a ranger band or a similar device to keep it secured against the rifle. A simple tug is all it takes to deploy the sling when needed. GrovTec also offers a rail guard with integrated elastic bands for this purpose.
Illuminating Your Target: The Nightstick LGL-160
A weapon-mounted light is a critical component for any firearm intended for defensive use. A quality long gun light can be added with minimal weight and without obstructing the rifle’s handling. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to get a reliable light.
I’ve mounted the Nightstick LGL-160 Long Gun Kit on my JAKL, and it has proven to be an exceptional value. The kit is comprehensive, including the 1,100-lumen light, batteries, multiple mounting options (both rail and M-LOK offset mounts), a remote pressure switch with two mounting choices, and a wire management system. The light itself is housed in a durable 6061-T6 aluminum body, ready for hard use.
Final Touches and Future Upgrades
While my current setup is nearly complete, I do plan to add a set of backup iron sights for redundancy. Beyond that, the rifle is equipped to meet my needs. Of course, you may have other requirements, such as a vertical foregrip, a laser aiming module, or an IR illuminator.
The JAKL has proven to be a fantastic and reliable shooter. It accepts standard AR-15 magazines, is suppressor-ready out of the box, and features a user-friendly non-reciprocating side charging handle. Its handling, aesthetics, and the utility of its folding stock make it an excellent choice, particularly for compact storage. While a future upgrade to the pistol grip is on my list, for now, this rifle is fully prepared for its role.