Best PSA JAKL Upgrades & Accessories
Want to know the best PSA JAKL upgrades and accessories? I’ve compiled a list of all the best gear to make this the ultimate fighting rifle.
This article will focus on the rifle version of the JAKL, but many of these parts will also transfer over to the pistol version.
PSA makes good firearms, and they are known for constantly improving their designs and making new generations of their guns.
This post will cover the best PSA JAKL upgrades and accessories to make this the ultimate fighting rifle.
What Is The PSA JAKL?
The JAKL is chambered in 5.56, and the platform is built around a monolithic upper receiver designed to be compatible with any Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receiver. The buffer system is fully captured, so there is no need for a buffer tube.
They also make this in 300 Blackout.
It is similar to the Sig MCX and the SCAR 17 and much more affordable. It comes in different stock configurations and different colors. This is also available in both rifle and pistol lengths.
The JAKL uses a long-stroke piston design that is adjustable. It also has a side non-reciprocating charging handle that is ambidextrous.
Why Upgrade the PSA JAKL?
To unlock the PSA JAKL’s full potential, you should add an optic, better stock, weapon light, and more.
Adding all of these best PSA JAKL upgrades and accessories will make the gun more effective and easier to use, and be accurate.
These upgrades essentially work on any AR-15 style rifle as well, and if you want to learn how to set up one of those, check out my Best AR-15 Upgrades & Accessories post.
Where To Purchase A PSA JAKL?
The PSA JAKL guns are in high demand but because of how large of a company PSA has become, they are normally in stock.
Good luck finding one at your local gun store or FFL dealer because I have never seen any in stock by me.
Your best bet is to order one from PSA’s website and ship it to your local FFL.
Click Here to check the current prices of the PSA JAKL
Best PSA JAKL Upgrades
This list is made up of all the best equipment I recommend. There are plenty of other more budget-friendly alternatives, but this is if you want the very best.
So this rifle is geared towards a general-purpose setup that can do everything pretty well. Precise shots at a distance and combat effective at a close distance.
A rifle setup like this will work great for everyone.
Optic
The optic you choose will mainly vary on the environment and your preference. I suggest three different types of optics but all of them will have 1x and magnified capabilities.
You will want some distance if you live in the middle of nowhere. If you live in an urban setting, you will want CQB capability.
So all three optic setups I suggest will work in all situations.
EOTech EXPS3 w/G33 Magnifier
First recommended optic setup is the EOTech EXPS3 w/G33 Magnifier. This EOTech weapon sight gives you a high-quality optic and a magnifier to engage distant targets or be fast up close.
These have 30 brightness settings so that you can customize your reticle to match your ambient lighting conditions best.
Click Here to check the current prices of the EOTech EXPS3 w/G33 Magnifier
Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6×24
One of the best all-around LPVO scopes is the Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6×14. This scope provides some of the highest levels of clarity, color accuracy, and resolution out of many rifle scopes on the market now.
This is a second focal plane scope, but for a general-purpose rifle, that is perfect. The glass clarity is amazing; if you have never looked through one of these, you need to see it to believe it.
If you want to have mid to far-range capabilities, the 6x works great, and the clear glass makes spotting targets easy.
When flipping it down to 1x magnification, it is not as good or fast as an EOTech, but still very good. There will always be pros and cons when wanting a rifle that can do it all.
But if you are a person that prefers LPVOs, this is one of the best ones I recommend.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6×14
Trijicon 4×32 ACOG w/RMR
So now to my preferred optic of choice for the PSA JAKL. The Trijicon 4×32 ACOG w/RMR is the best-fixed magnification scope with the RMR piggybacked on top.
This optics setup will cover all situations pretty damn well. The only downside to this setup is if you want to use night vision optics, the RMR gets in the way.
But you could always relocate the RMR or use an IR laser.
As far as which color and which reticle, I could write an entire post on that topic. To keep it quick and simple, get the red color and the crosshair reticle for the best performance.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon 4×32 ACOG w/RMR
Suppressor
You should get a suppressor if you live in a state that allows more freedom. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to, and some people do not want to go through the process of getting one.
If you want one, please ensure you know and follow all of your local laws.
SureFire RC2
The SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 is the 5.56 Rifle/Carbine Suppressor optimized for rifles with 10” or longer barrels. This suppressor is the second generation of the USSOCOM selected SOCOM556-RC suppressor.
This option is designed to limit visible signature, having minimal and consistent impact shift (if any), and being under 140dB, which is considered ear safe.
This suppressor is compatible with all 5.56 SureFire SOCOM Suppressor Adapters and attaches with the same Fast-Attach technology as seen throughout the SOCOM Series of suppressors from SureFire.
- Caliber: 5.56mm (.223 caliber)
- Weight: 17.0oz (482g)
- Diameter: 1.5” (3.8cm)
- Length: 6.2” (15.75cm)
- Construction: High-Temp Alloy
- Advanced features based on the Winner of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) extensive and rigorous suppressor trial
- Optimized for 5.56/.223 rifles with barrels 10” or longer
- Full-auto rated
- Patented front-plate design and proprietary gas-flow improvements virtually eliminate first-round flash.
- Effective attenuation of noise and dust signatures
- Patented Fast-Attach® design attaches and removes in seconds
- Minimal, consistent point-of-impact shift compared with unsuppressed weapon
- Constructed of advanced high-temperature alloys
- Long service life
- Made in the USA
NFA Restriction
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase. This product requires a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and Special Occupational Tax Stamp (SOT) to be on file. The purchaser’s responsible for contacting the FFL/SOT holder if we do not have a copy of these licenses on file. Check your state and local laws before ordering.
Click Here to check the current prices of the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2
Trigger
Another nice feature of the PSA JAKL is that it is a regular AR lower, accepting any AR-15 trigger.
If you have a favorite trigger, you can install it in the gun. My preferred trigger, which I always recommend, is the Geissele SSA-E trigger.
Geissele SSA-E Trigger
The Geissele SSA-E Trigger is the best all-around trigger, in my opinion. It is very smooth and has a clean break.
It will increase the accuracy and speed of the PSA JAKL.
The Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced Target Trigger is a non-adjustable, two-stage trigger that improves trigger control and accuracy while reducing the first and second-stage pull weights.
These finely-tuned triggers are made from quality tool steel. The Geissele SSA-E is easy to install with the safety on and disassemble for cleaning.
SureFire M640DF Scout Light Pro
I’ve been using SureFire lights for a long time, and they are considered an industry standard. There are a lot of different companies making good weapon lights, but on my go-to rifle, I run SureFire.
SureFire Pressure Pad Switch
To get the most out of the weapon light, it’s recommended to have a momentary on/off pressure pad.
The light itself has a constant on/off button on the tail cap. The SureFire Pressure Pad Switch gives you the best of both worlds.
Also, you can mount the switch in a better placement for easier activation.
Click Here to check the current prices of the SureFire Pressure Pad Switch
Cloud Defensive Light Control System
Now to complete the light setup, you need a mount for the pressure pad. You can always use some electrical tape, but I suggest the Cloud Defensive LCS for a cleaner setup.
This will mount securely to the rail and has channels underneath it to route the excess cable.
I really love this setup and have been very happy with it.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Cloud Defensive LCS
Sling
High-quality slings are often overlooked. Every serious setup isn’t complete without a good sling.
I always recommend a 2-point sling for full-size rifles and only use a single-point sling setup on smaller PCCs or PDWs.
A 2-point sling is more versatile and comfortable. It can also be used to tuck the gun into your shoulder tighter and stabilize your non-dominant hand.
Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Sling
The Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling is about as good as it gets and is one of the best on the market today.
This is a 2-point padded sling that is quickly adjustable with a pull tab. This means you can easily transition the sling to but tight against your body for carrying or loosen it when ready to engage targets.
It comes in many different colors and camo patterns as well.
I always come back to this one out of all the numerous slings I have used.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
Ammo & Magazines
The last piece to the puzzle is having enough ammo and extra mags. The good thing about the PSA JAKL is that it accepts standard AR-15 magazines.
You will likely already have some of these, but they are cheap and available almost everywhere if you need more.
At a minimum, you should have about 10 AR mags.
I recommend the Magpul Gen 3 Magazines. They are well made and very reliable.
Click Here to check the current prices of the Magpul Gen 3 Magazines
As far as ammo, you will always need more and never be satisfied with how much you have.
With ammo prices increasing all the time, this makes it harder for gun owners to keep and maintain a decent stockpile.
5.56mm Ammo prices have also skyrocketed, and unfortunately, ammo companies are in no rush to drop prices.
The best advice is to look for deals and buy ammo whenever possible.
Click Here to check the current prices of 5.56mm Ammo
Final Considerations
The biggest decision most people will have difficulty making is which optic setup to go with.
The EOTech is probably the best choice if you plan on running night vision. I know LPVOs are very popular, but the newest gear isn’t always better.
For me, the ACOG is simple and perfect for a general-purpose rifle, and with the RMR piggybacked on top, it covers close quarters and medium range.
Also, nothing really mentioned in this post is cheap stuff. If you want the best PSA JAKL upgrades and accessories, you must pay for them.
Sometimes the saying “you get what you pay for” doesn’t apply in all situations, but it usually does when it comes to firearms and firearms gear.
Best PSA JAKL Upgrades FAQ
What is the PSA JAKL a copy of?
Many people have compared the PSA JAKL to the FN SCAR 17, but like most modern firearms, it uses inspiration from many similar weapons in its design.
Is the PSA JAKL a piston-driven gun?
The PSA JAKL is a long-stroke piston gas rifle with an adjustable gas tube. This increases the firearm’s reliability and allows the user to fine-tune it for use with a suppressor.
Is the PSA JAKL a good truck gun?
Palmetto State Armory now makes a rifle version of the JAKL. The pistol version was an instant best-seller with great features and sold at a good price. Many people use it as a truck or backpack gun. Because of all the confusion with pistol braces and the legal chances, rifles are becoming more popular again than pistol-braced weapons.
PSA JAKL Questions
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. I’ll try my best to answer.
And in case I don’t know the answer, I’ll do some research to find the answer for you.
Furthermore, if you’re curious about the value of any parts not covered in this post, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll give you my opinion on whether they’re worth investing in.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- PSA JAKL
- EOTech EXPS3 w/G33 Magnifier
- Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6×14
- Trijicon 4×32 ACOG w/RMR
- F5 MFG Modular Stock System
- SureFire SOCOM556-RC2
- Geissele SSA-E Trigger
- SureFire M640DF
- SureFire Pressure Pad Switch
- Cloud Defensive LCS
- Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
- Magpul Gen 3 Magazines
- 5.56mm Ammo
Related articles mentioned in the post
I’m curious to hear everyone’s thoughts on the PSA JAKL and if it is a good alternative to a traditional AR-15.
Leave a comment down below and let me know. Also, other people reading may find your comments and feedback helpful.
Thanks for reading. Stay safe, and God bless!
Need more ammo? Who doesn’t? Look at my Best Ammo Deals page to stock up on ammunition and see the current deals.