SHOT Show 2026 is already throwing curveballs, and Palmetto State Armory delivered one of the more unexpected reveals with the Sabre Key, a 12-gauge under-barrel shotgun designed to mount to an AR-15 rifle.
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If it feels familiar, that’s because it is. The Sabre Key draws obvious inspiration from the old “Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) Masterkey” a short-barreled shotgun attached under a service rifle, most commonly an M4 or M16, but PSA is aiming this squarely at the civilian market, helped along by modern manufacturing and recent regulatory changes that make projects like this possible.
So What Exactly Is the Palmetto State Armory Sabre Key Under-Barrel Shotgun?
At its core, the Sabre Key is a short-barreled, under-barrel shotgun that mounts to an AR-15 similarly to an M203-style launcher. It’s chambered in 12 gauge, comes with a 10-inch barrel, and feeds from a 3+1 capacity tube. It accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells, and includes a built-in front hand stop as part of the mounting hanger.
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This is not a garage build or DIY conversion. PSA was clear that while the design is based loosely on the 570 platform, the Sabre Key uses a different receiver and a proprietary mounting system. You cannot convert an existing shotgun into this at home—it was designed from the start as a dedicated under-barrel system.
Palmetto State Armory Sabre Key Under-Barrel Shotgun
Why the NFA Changes Are a Big Deal
One of the biggest reasons the Sabre Key exists at all is the recent change to the NFA tax rules. According to PSA, there’s no additional tax tied to this configuration under current regulations. Paired with their partnership with Capital Armory, that means the Sabre Key can be shipped directly to your door, where legal.
That’s a major shift. Concepts that once lived only in military units, movies, or video games are suddenly realistic options for lawful civilian ownership.
Cool Concept or More Trouble?
The FB comment section didn’t hold back.
Some people loved it instantly, calling it wild, unexpected, or straight out of Predator or Call of Duty. Others, especially folks with real-world breaching experience, were quick to point out that carrying a dedicated shotgun is often simpler and more practical.
Common questions popped up fast:
- Is it going to be extremely front-heavy?
- How realistic is pumping an under-barrel shotgun while shouldered?
- Will a semi-auto version be coming?
- Does it run mini shells?
And most importantly: is this actually going to ship, and when can I get mine?
PSA hinted that after the launch of their 570 pump shotgun, attention will shift to the Sabre Key and eventually a semi-auto 570, suggesting this isn’t just a concept. Still, shooters have heard promises before, and many are waiting to see production units before getting excited.
Why This Reveal Still Matters
Even if the Sabre Key isn’t your thing, it represents something bigger.
PSA continues to push into corners of the civilian market most manufacturers avoid. Not every product needs to be universally practical. Sometimes innovation looks like throwing a bold idea on the table and seeing how shooters respond.
For some, the Sabre Key will be a novelty. For others, it’s a niche tool. And for plenty of people, it’s simply entertaining to see an American company willing to experiment with designs that were once off-limits.
The Bottom Line
The Sabre Key isn’t meant to replace your primary shotgun or turn every AR into a breaching rig. It’s a sign that the market is shifting, regulations are evolving, and companies like PSA are eager to test the boundaries of what’s possible.
Love it, hate it, or laugh and say “what is that,” the Sabre Key did exactly what a SHOT Show reveal should do—it got people talking.
For the full rundown straight from Palmetto State Armory, be sure to watch the embedded video, follow PSA on social media, and stay tuned as SHOT Show 2026 continues.
“NO BODY NEEDS A BODY SHREDDING WEAPON FOR HUNTING AND SELF DEFENSE!!! WOW!!! REALLY??? Well NM, here we go AGAIN!!! Once AGAIN, the FIGHT FOR OUR 2A RIGHTS!!! This is the Governor’s LAST TERM, and HER LAST Legislative Session going for her LAST STANCE and ONE MORE LAST SHOT AT OUR 2A RIGHTS!!! “NO BODY NEEDS A BODY SHREDDING WEAPON FOR HUNTING AND SELF DEFENSE!” HER WORDS!!! Shooting Straight out of her MOUTH!!! Firearms DON’T SHRED 
Bullets DO!!! For HER information in NM (a HUNTING STATE) People NEED FIREARMS for Hunting, Sporting, and SELF-DEFENSE!!! NM KNOWS she’s trying to SCORE BIG before leaving Office to MAKE A NAME FOR HERSELF and this has NOTHING TO DO WITH PUBLIC SAFETY (
Save The Children)!!! She’s ALL for BIDEN’S TOTAL DISARMAMENT!!!
you and I and the rest of the law-abiding legally purchasing gun owners know the saying of tyrant anti-gun government leaders (in BLUE STATES-it’s for the safety of the