What’s up, Squad Squad! We are live on the floor at SHOT Show 2026, and you know we had to stop by the Palmetto State Armory booth. If there is one thing you can count on with PSA, it’s that they don’t just show up—they bring the heat.
This year, the buzz is all about the Sabre AXR. We sat down with Cameron from the PSA team to get the lowdown on this short-stroke piston system that’s already making “Tactical Timmys” everywhere reach for their wallets.
Check out the full video coverage from the PSA booth right here:
https://youtu.be/JqjdxMHwGdI
What is the Sabre AXR?
The AXR isn’t just another rifle; it’s a fully modular ecosystem under the Sabre sub-brand. Think of it as the ultimate evolution of the piston-driven platform, designed to be mission-configurable while keeping the ergonomics many of us already know and love from the AR-15.
The Technical Breakdown
| Feature | Specification |
| Operating System | Short-Stroke Piston |
| Charging Handle | Non-reciprocating, reversible, and folding |
| Upper Receiver | Monolithic top rail for consistent zero (optics/lasers/clip-ons) |
| Lower Controls | Fully Ambidextrous (Safety, Bolt Catch/Release, Mag Release) |
| Muzzle Device | Sabre Plan B Flash Hider (Suppressor Ready) |
| Trigger | Sabre Claw Two-Stage (DLC Coated) |
| AR Compatibility | Standard AR Triggers, Grips, and Safeties |
Built for Modularity
One of the biggest takeaways from our chat with Cameron was the AXR’s versatility. PSA designed this to be a “do-it-all” platform. By swapping the monolithic top rail and handguard lengths, you can transform the rifle for different roles.
At the booth, we saw two primary configurations:
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The PDW/Pistol: A 6.75-inch barrel chambered in .300 Blackout, featuring the new AXR brace.
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The Rifle: A 14.5-inch 5.56 setup with the side-folding AXR stock.
👉 Shop all PSA Sabre Series Rifles and Components here (Affiliate Link)
Why It Matters: AR-15 DNA
One of the smartest moves PSA made with the AXR was keeping the “muscle memory” intact. While the bolt catch is proprietary (to accommodate the ambi controls), the AXR is compatible with your favorite AR-15 triggers and grips.
If you’ve already spent hundreds on a high-end trigger or have a specific grip you can’t live without, you don’t have to leave them behind to jump into the piston game.
When Can You Get One?
Right now, these are in the prototype phase. PSA has the aesthetics locked in, but they are currently moving into the grueling endurance and function testing phase. As Cameron mentioned, they are committed to these products—much like the STG and MP5 projects—so expect to see them at “The Gathering” and eventually hitting the site once they are 100% production-ready.
👉 Grab the latest PSA Daily Deals while you wait for the AXR (Affiliate Link)
Final Thoughts
The Sabre AXR looks like a game-changer for those who want a modern, folding, piston-driven rifle without the proprietary headaches of other platforms. It’s sleek, it’s tactical, and in true PSA fashion, it’s built for the people.
Keep on squatting, and we’ll see you in the next one!
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