The last time we heard from the team at Palmetto State Armory, they were dishing out upgraded versions of their AR-15s, AR-10s, AR-Vs, and Dagger pistols under the Sabre flag. Now they’ve got something significantly less expensive to offer.
The new Palmetto State Armory Guardsman series includes carbine- and pistol-length AR-15s and sports a few features you might not expect on such an affordable platform.
Let’s see what’s up!
Palmetto State Armory Guardsman Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 Blk
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 8”, 10.3”, 16”,
- MSRP: $599
Features
- Chrome-lined barrel and bolt carrier
- ZForged Mil-spec upper receiver
- Pictinny and M-LOK handguard
- Flat-faced, single-stage trigger
- Ambidextrous safety
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Every member of the new Guardsman family has a few key features. The barrels are chrome-lined, the single-stage triggers are flat, and the safeties are ambidextrous. The bolt carrier and gas key are chrome lined and every single bolt carrier group gets pressure-tested before leaving the factory.
Leading the charge is a 16-inch Guardsman chambered for 5.56 NATO and powered by a mid-length gas system.
It comes with a 15-inch Guardsman free-floating handguard with Picatinny and M-LOK mounting points. Take your pick from black or flat dark earth furniture that includes a Magpul PR stock.
Want something shorter? The 5.56 NATO Guardsman is also available as a pistol with a 10.3-inch barrel that’s just begging for a suppressor. This time, the gas system is shortened to carbine-length.
The Guardsman handguard, Magpul MOE grip, and H&R HAR-15 adjustable brace are available in black or FDE.
For the truly volume-obsessed among you, there’s also an 8-inch pistol chambered for .300 Blk. It comes with the same furniture options as the other pistol variants.
If you want more of a DIY arrangement, PSA will sell you complete Guardsman uppers and lowers.
Palmetto State Armory lists an MSRP of $599 for the Guardsman.
What do you think of the new Palmetto State Armory Guardsman? Let us know below. For more on America’s rifle, check out our guide to the Best AR-15s or dive into our AR-15 Definitive Resource!
3 Leave a Reply
This is a real solid deal assuming the QC is ok. CL mid length barrel plus CL MPI HPT BCG, good trigger and good furniture. PSA IS BRINGING THE HEAT!
Honestly, for the money the PSA Guardsman is probably one of the best current buys amongst ARs. It’s the type of AR you can buy WITHOUT having to subsequently spend hundreds more on a better trigger, bolt, barrel, furniture, etc.
And let’s be real here…the average AR owner isn’t shooting a case of ammo every month. Heck, probably not even a case every year! I.e., while there are a lot of more expensive “to hell and back” ARs a person could instead buy, it’s useful to ask whether or not a person looking for an AR truly needs whatever benefits (perceived or real) those more expensive ARs supposedly provide. I’d submit that for 80%+ of AR owners, something like the Guardsman will likely be all they need. Without breaking the bank.
Well said, Doug. We're excited for this one.