PSA AR-V Review: A Modern PCC With MP5 and Scorpion DNA

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you tossed an MP5, a CZ Scorpion, and an AR-9 into a blender — well, the folks at Palmetto State Armory did just that, and they call it the AR-V.

I’ve spent some solid range time with this compact pistol-caliber carbine, and here’s my honest take: it’s not trying to be anything it’s not.

Instead, it cherry-picks the best traits from iconic platforms and puts them together in a tidy, backpack-friendly package. Let’s break down why that matters — and how the PSA AR-V stacks up against the PCC hype.

PSA AR-V 9mm Pistol

Live Inventory Price Checker

	PSA AR-V 7" 9mm 1/10 Nitride Tri-Lug MOE EPT PDW Pistol	Palmetto State Armory	$ 1049.99 $ 899.99
	PSA AR-V 8" 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol	Palmetto State Armory	$ 939.99 $ 799.99
	PSA AR-V 8" 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol	Palmetto State Armory	$ 939.99 $ 799.99
	PSA AR-V 4" 9mm 1/10 Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT SBA3 Pistol	Palmetto State Armory	$ 949.99 $ 729.99

Familiar But Different: MP5 Looks, Scorpion Mags, AR Controls

Right out of the box, the AR-V gives off definite MP5 vibes — the handguard and muzzle just scream classic subgun. But look closer and you’ll spot the Scorpion DNA in two big ways: it runs Scorpion magazines and borrows a familiar mag release design.

The AR-V’s mag release sits forward of the trigger guard, just like on the Scorpion EVO 3. When you hit slide lock, your trigger finger can push the release forward to drop the mag quickly — intuitive if you’ve ever run a Scorpion, but with a slightly tweaked design that works well once you build the muscle memory.

Controls everywhere else are standard AR-15, which is a plus for anyone who already runs an AR. One quirk: the bolt catch/release is above the magwell. It’ll feel odd at first, but once you get the hang of it, the First few mag swaps, you’ll fumble. After a few reload drills, it starts to click. It’s a smart placement once you’re used to it — slam in a fresh mag, hit the bolt release, and you’re back on target.

The combination of the placement of the mag release and the bolt release makes reloads lightning fast….once you get the hang of it. Nothing a little dry fire can’t solve.

Shooting the ARV-9: MP5 Nostalgia With AR Familiarity

I ran mine with an EOTech 512 — plenty of glass for a PCC. At 35 yards, it was boringly accurate. It’s a 7” barrel, so it should be.

Recoil? Minimal. If you flinch at 9mm blowback recoil, you might want to take up golf.

One thing I appreciate: the muzzle is ready for whatever direction you want to take this gun. You’ve got 1/2×28 threads for a direct-thread flash hider or suppressor, and it’s tri-lug compatible too. That’s big if you like quick-attach/detach cans, which I do.

The next time you see this gun, it’ll be wearing a suppressor. More than likely a CGS MOD9.

Trigger Time: Not Fancy, But Gets the Job Done

The trigger is your basic mil-spec single-stage. Not gonna win any precision matches, but it breaks predictably. Out of the box, it felt somewhat rough. Nothing a few range sessions (and a few hundred rounds of 147-grain subsonic) won’t smooth out. Sometimes you just have to shoot the gun.

Reliability: It Eats What You Feed It

So far, zero malfunctions. I ran HOP Munitions 147-grain subsonic most of the day, then tossed in a mag of Blazer 115-grain FMJ for good measure; no hiccups.

The 35-round AKV magazine that came with it loads easily from the top, just like an AR magazine, drops free on empty, and locks in with a satisfying click. I’m planning on picking up a couple more AK-V 35-rounders.

Some 1990s DIY: Yes, I Zip-Tied My Light

For the light, I threw on my Streamlight Polytac with a Magpul mount. But I wanted it tucked in closer than the original mount allowed, so I busted out some old-school 90s problem-solving: zip ties and tape. Looks rough, works fine — call it “field expedient mounting.”

This light mount job is not ideal, but it’s what I had lying around. I’d prefer to have a Surefire Scout with the 45-degree offset mount. Or an INFORCE that directly mounts to the pic rail.

Carry and Packability: A PCC That Actually Travels Well

Here’s where the AR-V earns its keep for me: it’s compact enough to live in a backpack, tool bag, or range bag without drawing stares. The SB Tactical HBPDW brace collapses nicely, the overall “slick” design keeps snag points to a minimum, and it’s just an easy gun to haul around.

Specs at a Glance

• Barrel: 7” 4150V Chrome Moly, Nitride-Treated
• Muzzle: 1/2×28 threads plus Tri-Lug compatibility
• Caliber: 9mm (9×19)
• Twist Rate: 1:10
• Upper: Forged 7075 T6, Slick Side Upper Receiver
• Handguard: 5” MP5-Style Free-Float Aluminum
• Bolt Carrier Group: AR-V 9mm BCG, 8620 Steel with Enhanced Firing Pin
• Lower: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum, MOE EPT Build Kit
• Brace: SB Tactical HBPDW Pistol Stabilizing Brace
• Magazines: PSA AK-V U9 35-Round (Also Compatible with CZ Scorpion Mags)

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?

If you’re looking for a soft-shooting PCC that borrows the best bits from legendary platforms, the AR-V hits that sweet spot. It’s affordable, fun to shoot, easy to stash, and reliable enough to trust for a truck gun or home defense.

The quirks? They’re all manageable — the bolt catch takes a few reps to master, the mil-spec trigger smooths out with use, and if you’re handy with zip ties, mounting your light is no problem.

Next up: a suppressor, a pile of ammo, and more range time. The PSA AR-V Review verdict? This hybrid PCC lives up to its promise — and then some.

About Scott Witner

Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines. He completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, the South Korean Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys recreational shooting, trail running, hiking, functional fitness, and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.