You’re gonna love this. Palmetto State Armory’s Cameron Tapler joins Guns & Gear’s Kevin “KJ” Jarnagin from SHOT Show 2026 to check out the PSA Sabre Key AR-mounted underbarrel shotgun, and the PSA Sabre-11 Double Stack 1911 pistol.
You’ve got questions! Check out the video for the answers.
Guns & Gear from SHOT Show 2026 is presented by Palmetto State Armory.
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The Sabre Key is one of the most eye-catching products Palmetto State Armory brought to SHOT Show 2026 — an underbarrel 12-gauge shotgun designed to mount directly beneath an AR-15 rifle. Think of it as a modern take on the M203 grenade launcher concept, but instead of 40mm grenades, you're running 12-gauge shotgun shells.
The Sabre Key mounts to a standard Picatinny rail section under your AR handguard. It's a manually operated, breech-loading design — not a semi-auto. That keeps the system mechanically simple and reliable. The idea is straightforward: you carry your rifle as your primary weapon, and the underbarrel shotgun gives you an immediate capability for breaching, close-quarters engagement, or specialty loads (like slugs, buckshot, or less-lethal rounds) without transitioning to a separate firearm.
Is this a niche product? Absolutely. For most recreational shooters, a dedicated shotgun makes more sense. But for law enforcement, military applications, and home defense setups where having both rifle and shotgun capability in a single platform matters, the Sabre Key is a genuinely innovative solution. And for the tactical enthusiast who just thinks it's cool — it is.
PSA has not announced final pricing or availability as of this writing. KJ got hands on it at the SHOT Show booth with PSA's Cameron Tapler — watch the video above for the full walkthrough.
The other major announcement in this video is the PSA Sabre-11 — Palmetto State Armory's entry into the double-stack 1911 / 2011-style pistol market. PSA is known for delivering quality at aggressive price points, and the Sabre-11 is expected to bring that same philosophy to a segment currently dominated by Staccato at the top end and Turkish imports (MAC, Tisas) at the budget end.
What we know so far about the Sabre-11:
Frame and slide: Forged construction, built to PSA's Sabre-tier quality standards (a step above their standard product line)
Barrel: 5" bull barrel with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish
Slide: Agency AOS optic cut, compatible with 1911 AOS optic plates
Grip module: Sabre-specific design from NJD Grips
Magazines: Two proprietary 19-round Checkmate magazines included
Slide serrations: Deep, aggressive serrations (updated from pre-production based on tester feedback)
Optics-ready: Yes
Expected features: No MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts
PSA has indicated the Sabre-11 will be priced to compete — likely in the $1,500–2,000 range, positioning it above the Turkish-made budget options but significantly below a Staccato. The gun was in phase-2 production testing as of late 2025, with a target to begin shipping in 2026.
If PSA delivers on their Sabre-line quality at a competitive price, the Sabre-11 could be a serious disruptor in the double-stack 1911 market. For our take on other pistols in this category, check out our MAC 9 DS review, our Tisas PX-9 review, our SIG P211 breakdown, and our 2026 Double-Stack 1911 Buyer's Guide.
What is the PSA Sabre Key?
The Sabre Key is an underbarrel 12-gauge shotgun designed to mount on the accessory rail beneath an AR-15 handguard. It's a manually operated, breech-loading system that gives the shooter both rifle and shotgun capability in a single platform. It was announced at SHOT Show 2026.
When will the PSA Sabre-11 be available?
PSA was in phase-2 production testing as of late 2025, with a goal to ship in 2026. Final pricing and exact availability have not been officially confirmed. Follow Palmetto State Armory's social channels and website for updates.
How much will the PSA Sabre-11 cost?
PSA has not announced final pricing. Based on the features, build quality, and PSA's stated positioning, industry speculation puts it in the $1,500–2,000 range. This would position it above budget imports like the MAC 9 DS and Springfield Prodigy, but well below a Staccato P.
What magazines does the PSA Sabre-11 use?
The Sabre-11 is expected to ship with two proprietary 19-round Checkmate magazines. Compatibility with other 2011-pattern magazines has not been confirmed.
Is the PSA Sabre line the same as regular PSA products?
No. The Sabre line is PSA's premium tier — better materials, tighter tolerances, and higher-end components than their standard offerings. Think of it as PSA's answer to shooters who want more refinement without paying boutique prices.
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