PSA AXR Series: One Fire Control, Endless Configurations at SHOT Show 2026
Palmetto State Armory introduces the AXR Series under their Sabre line: a complete modular firearm ecosystem that includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, and PDWs. The key innovation: a single serialized Modular Fire Control that swaps between platforms without additional paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- →Modular Fire Control: One serialized unit swaps between handgun grip modules, PDW, and more: a single 4473 for multiple configurations
- →AXR SSP Platform: Short Stroke Pistol system in .300 BLK and 5.56, featuring bufferless operation and folding brace/stock
- →Handgun Flexibility: Full Size, Compact, and Micro variants accepting Glock 17, Sig P320, or proprietary magazines
- →AXR PDW: Quick-deploy 9mm PDW using the same MFC as the handguns, transforming the previous X9 concept
The Modular Fire Control: One Serial, Many Platforms
The centerpiece of the AXR Series is the Modular Fire Control (MFC): the serialized component that constitutes the legal firearm. Complete one Form 4473 for the MFC, and you can swap it between different grip modules and configurations without additional paperwork or transfers.
This approach mirrors what SIG achieved with the P320, but PSA extends it across an entire product ecosystem. The same MFC that powers your full-size duty handgun can drop into a compact frame for concealed carry, an Icarus aluminum frame for competition, or even the AXR PDW for a quick-deploy carbine.
One caveat: the AXR Micro uses a different, smaller MFC that isn't compatible with the full-size variants. This is a physical constraint of the micro-compact form factor.
AXR SSP: Short Stroke Piston System
The AXR SSP (Short Stroke Piston System) is an evolution of PSA's Jackal 2.0 concept with a different operating system. Chambered in .300 Blackout with a 6.5-inch cold hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel, it's built for suppressed versatility.
AXR SSP Key Specifications
- Barrel6.5" CHF Chrome-Lined
- Caliber.300 Blackout
- Bolt SystemE4 (Increased Lugs, Dual Ejectors)
- Buffer SystemBufferless
- Overall Length (Folded)<18 inches
- Weight~6 lbs
The upper receiver features a fixed length with a bolt-on monolithic Picatinny rail extending from rear to front, eliminating flex between the rail and handguard. The lower handguard is swappable to accommodate different barrel lengths, and barrel changes follow AR-15 conventions with a barrel nut system.
Controls are fully ambidextrous: bolt catch/release, magazine release, and safety all work from either side. The bufferless system enables the AXR brace to fold left, collapsing the overall package to under 18 inches.
AXR SSP Rifle: 5.56 Configuration
The rifle variant retains the exact same upper receiver as the .300 Blackout SSP but chambers 5.56 NATO with a 14.5-inch cold hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel. The longer barrel necessitates a longer handguard and extended top Picatinny rail.
Planned SSP Options
- Calibers.300 BLK, 5.56 NATO (more planned)
- Barrel LengthsMultiple options planned
- StockAXR Stock (Adjustable Cheek Riser)
- GripAXR Grip
PSA emphasizes the platform is "truly modular" with plans for multiple calibers, barrel lengths, handguard lengths, and top rails. The AXR stock features length adjustment and interchangeable cheek riser pieces for height customization.
AXR Shotgun: Suppressor-Ready Scattergun
The AXR Shotgun uses a completely proprietary receiver, not based on the PSA 570 or any existing platform. It's designed from the ground up for the AXR ecosystem.
AXR Shotgun Features
- Barrel18.5" Threaded
- Trigger HousingAluminum
- CoatingDLC (Trigger, Bolt, Elevator)
- ControlsAmbidextrous Release
- Grip/SafetyAR-15 Compatible
The 18.5-inch threaded barrel is designed specifically for suppressor use, with PSA mentioning compatibility with new AAC suppressors. AR-15 grip and safety compatibility opens up the entire aftermarket for customization, and the Radian Talon safety comes standard alongside the new AXR grip and folding stock.
Multiple barrel lengths and colors are planned for the production lineup.
AXR Handguns: Modular Fire Control in Action
The AXR handgun line demonstrates the MFC concept in its purest form. Four distinct configurations: Full Size, S, Compact, and x Icarus, all share the same serialized fire control unit.
AXR handgun configurations (Credit: Palmetto State Armory)
AXR Full Size
- Glock 17-style magazines
- Glock Gen3 holster compatible
- RMR footprint optic cut
- Black and FDE finishes
AXR S
- SIG P320 magazines
- Same MFC and slide as Full Size
- Different grip module only
- Black and FDE finishes
AXR Compact
- Glock 15-round magazines
- Same MFC as Full Size
- Smaller grip module
AXR x Icarus
- Aluminum frame (Icarus collab)
- Island barrel with built-in comp
- Glock 17 magazines
- Multiple color options
The AXR S variant is particularly interesting: it uses the exact same MFC and slide as the Full Size, with only the grip module changed to accept SIG P320 magazines. This means shooters can swap between Glock and SIG magazine ecosystems by simply changing the grip module.
All variants will be available as complete guns, standalone grip modules, or the MFC by itself for those building custom configurations.
AXR Micro: Dedicated Subcompact MFC
The AXR Micro breaks from MFC compatibility due to size constraints. It uses a smaller, dedicated fire control unit that won't swap into full-size or compact frames.
AXR Micro Features
- MFCDedicated (Not Cross-Compatible)
- Magazines15-rd PSA Micro Dagger
- SlideDeep Serrations, Built-In Comp
- ColorsMultiple options planned
The Micro slide features deeper serrations than the full-size variants and includes a built-in compensator at the front. It accepts PSA's 15-round Micro Dagger magazines and will be available as a complete gun or standalone MFC configuration.
AXR PDW: The X9 Reborn
The AXR PDW transforms PSA's previous X9 concept into a production reality. It's a quick-deploy 9mm personal defense weapon that, critically, uses the exact same MFC as the full-size and compact handguns.
AXR PDW Features
- Caliber9mm
- MFCSame as Full Size/Compact
- BraceQuick-Deploy Button
- AttachmentM-LOK (All Sides)
- Optic MountRMR Footprint + M-LOK Options
- ChargingAmbi Handle in RMR Cut
The PDW grip module includes an extra magazine holder and manual safety behind the trigger. The front end offers two configurations: a minimalist M-LOK attachment point for lights, or a longer lower handguard with built-in 1913 rail. The top cover features M-LOK on all sides.
An extended booster brings the barrel length past the handguard, and a new "gas pedal" design improves control. The ambidextrous charging handle integrates into the RMR footprint area, keeping the profile compact.
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What This Means
The AXR Series represents PSA's most ambitious product launch to date. By building an entire ecosystem around a modular fire control, they're betting shooters will value configuration flexibility over brand fragmentation.
The real value proposition becomes clear when you consider the full system: buy one MFC, and you can run it in a duty-size handgun, compact carry gun, Icarus competition frame, or a quick-deploy PDW. That's four distinct platforms from a single serialized unit.
Notably, none of these platforms are AR-15 based. The SSP rifle and pistol use their own operating system, the shotgun is a proprietary receiver, and the handguns/PDW share the P320-inspired modular approach. PSA is clearly positioning the AXR line as something distinct from their existing Dagger and AR product families.
Whether the market embraces ecosystem lock-in at PSA price points, typically well below SIG and other premium brands, remains to be seen. But the ambition is undeniable.
Check our Platform Catalog as these new PSA products become available, or use our Interactive Builder to configure your own modular setup with current platforms.
