Noveske 5th Generation: Refined AR Platform at SHOT Show 2026

The Noveske SD-10 represents their 5th Generation platform, built directly to Department of Defense requirements. According to Noveske's Zack at SHOT Show 2026, the DOD's primary requirements were clear: super short, super reliable, and minimal gas blowback when suppressed.

The Gen 5 features all-new upper and lower receivers with a shortened buffer system. Cable management on the Picatinny rail was a specific DOD request, and the platform addresses this with integrated routing solutions for weapon lights, lasers, and pressure switches.

The SD (Suppressor-Designed) Handguard is purpose-built for suppressed shooting. The standout feature is a 3D-printed Inconel heat shield. Inconel is a nickel-chromium superalloy known for its exceptional heat resistance, commonly used in jet engines and gas turbines. Noveske's use of 3D printing allows for complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing.

The attachable design allows shooters to configure the handguard based on mission requirements—adding the heat shield for extended suppressed engagements or removing it for lighter weight when thermal management isn't a priority.

A notable design decision on the Gen 5 lower receiver: it does not feature ambidextrous controls. According to Noveske, this was a deliberate choice based on end-user feedback from DOD contracts. Professional users specifically requested non-ambi controls, preferring the simpler, lighter design over the added complexity of ambidextrous selectors and mag releases.

The Gen 5 also features an easily accessible port door rod and integrated cable management within the handguard—both features that trickled down from DOD contract requirements for organized accessory mounting.

A key feature of the SD-10 is its shortened buffer system, enabling a more compact overall length. Noveske is currently using an LWRC buffer system while developing their own proprietary solution. This shorter buffer setup was a DOD requirement for compact suppressed platforms.

The internals received significant attention: a new gas system design and redesigned barrel extension improve reliability, particularly important for short-barreled suppressed configurations where gas dynamics become challenging. The goal was minimal gas blowback to the shooter while maintaining consistent cycling.

The SD-10 comes equipped with a Geissele SDE trigger, continuing Noveske's use of premium fire control components.

The Gen 5 platform offers optional integrated ARCA rail mounting. ARCA-Swiss compatibility has become increasingly popular for precision rifle shooting, allowing direct mounting to tripods and ARCA-compatible bipods like the Accu-Tac ARCA Ready series without additional adapters.

While not shown in the initial reveal images, Noveske confirms ARCA integration will be available. This continues the trend of AR platforms borrowing features from precision rifle builds, recognizing that modern shooters use ARs for applications beyond traditional close-to-mid range engagements.

The industry has had reliability challenges running .338 ARC since the cartridge's introduction. Noveske tackled this directly with the Gen 4 and Gen 5 systems, optimizing for both .338 ARC and .300 Blackout with new feed cone geometry and widened feed ramps for smoother, more reliable feeding.

The SD-10 is available in .300 Blackout and .338 ARC, with barrel length options of 8 inches (standard for the DOD contract) and 12.5 inches. These aren't simple barrel swaps—they're ground-up optimizations for each cartridge's specific requirements.

The primary difference between the DOD contract version and the civilian SD-10 is full-auto capability for the military. Both versions share the same Gen 5 enhancements, receivers, and internal optimizations.

The micro pistol-length gas system is particularly noteworthy for the .300 Blackout variant. Short-barreled .300 BLK rifles often struggle with gas system tuning when switching between supersonic and subsonic loads. The micro pistol gas system, combined with the extra-power buffer spring, aims to provide reliable cycling across the full spectrum of .300 BLK ammunition.

The widened upper receiver and updated feed ramp geometry address feeding reliability—a common concern with cartridges that don't share 5.56's optimized feeding characteristics. The micro pistol gas system uses a threaded interface between the gas block and tube, replacing traditional pins. This provides a more robust connection that can better handle the stress of short gas systems and sustained suppressed fire.

Noveske describes the shooting experience as "butter-smooth," crediting the combination of reinforced bolt, extra-power spring, and optimized gas system geometry for reduced felt recoil and improved cycling consistency.