AAC MPW Series: Suppressor-Optimized Rifles Return at SHOT Show 2026

Advanced Armament Company has a storied history in the suppressor industry, but the company stepped away from manufacturing complete firearms years ago. Now under Palmetto State Armory's umbrella, AAC is bringing back its line of rifles with the MPW (Multi-Purpose Weapon) Series.

The philosophy is straightforward: every AAC firearm is designed from the start to be suppressed. Rather than treating suppressor compatibility as an afterthought, AAC has engineered these rifles with enhanced upper receivers featuring gas gaskets at the charging handle and forward assist to keep gas away from the shooter's face during suppressed fire.

The base MPW Series is offered in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout, providing shooters with the two most popular AR-15 calibers. These rifles come equipped with a strong foundation of premium components out of the box.

The inclusion of a Radian charging handle, full chrome BCG, and two-stage trigger as standard equipment positions the MPW as a mid-to-premium offering. The AAC ARX handguard is a new design specific to this line.

The MPW-A takes the standard MPW and adds a new ambidextrous lower receiver with both-side controls: bolt catch/release and magazine release work from either side. The "A" designation stands for ambidextrous.

More significantly, the MPW-A features AAC's enhanced upper receiver designed specifically for suppressed use. Gas gaskets at the charging handle and forward assist create seals that keep propellant gases from venting into the shooter's face, a common complaint with suppressed AR-pattern rifles.

The slimline handguard on the MPW-A offers a more streamlined profile compared to the standard ARX handguard, reducing weight and improving ergonomics for shooters who prefer a thinner grip on the handguard.

The MPW SD is purpose-built for shooters who run suppressors as their primary configuration. Chambered in .300 Blackout with a 5.5-inch barrel featuring a 1-in-5 twist rate, it's optimized for both subsonic and supersonic loads through a suppressor.

The 1-in-5 twist rate is aggressive for .300 Blackout, designed to stabilize heavy subsonic projectiles. The polymer lower handguard includes a built-in heat shield to protect the shooter's hand when running a tucked suppressor under the elevated rail. This design allows the suppressor to be partially enclosed by the handguard, reducing overall length while maintaining a full-size suppressor for maximum sound reduction.

The 338 SD introduces a new caliber to the AAC lineup: .338 ARC. This rifle is specifically designed to work with AAC's upcoming 338 SD silencer, creating a matched rifle-suppressor system.

The .338 ARC cartridge offers increased downrange performance over 6mm ARC while remaining in an AR-15 form factor. The 338 SD's ambidextrous receiver and compatibility with Magpul IC-ARC magazines provides a familiar and reliable platform for this larger caliber.

The MPW-IC brings 6mm ARC to the lineup with an important upgrade: the E4 bolt. This heavy-duty bolt carrier features dual ejectors and dual ejector springs for increased strength and reliability under the higher pressures of the 6mm ARC cartridge.

The E4 bolt represents a significant upgrade over standard AR-15 bolts. The dual ejector system provides redundancy and more consistent ejection, while the dual springs maintain ejector pressure even as components wear. The 14.5-inch nitrided barrel offers good velocity for 6mm ARC while keeping the rifle at a practical length, especially when suppressed.

Like the other "A" and "SD" variants, the MPW-IC features full ambidextrous controls and the enhanced upper receiver with gas-reduction features, maintaining suppressor optimization across the entire line.