Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has released another round of updates for the 6 ARC Sabre and the Mix Tape Vol. 2.
Both rifles will use the LWRC Six8-pattern upper and lower receivers, similar to the SureFire ICAR, which has recently generated significant industry buzz.
The SureFire ICAR (Intermediate Combat Assault Rifle) is an AR-15 derived platform optimized to reliably feed and fire the 6 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) introduced by Hornady in 2020.
ICAR pattern upper and lower receivers are widened to accommodate a proper cartridge stack for the larger-diameter 6 ARC. Another major advantage of moving to a dedicated receiver set is the ability to use a more durable bolt, which is reportedly capable of reliably handling higher-pressure 6 ARC loadings.
PSA is among the first companies to offer a commercial rifle using this receiver pattern. Outside of LWRCI, which pioneered the Six8 pattern with their Six8 rifle and PDW lines in 6.8 SPC, there have been few implementations.
PSA plans to release both the Sabre 6 ARC and the Mix Tape Vol. 2 in .338 ARC using the ICAR pattern receiver set.
Examples of the ICAR have reportedly been observed in use by U.S. Special Forces units. While this is an exciting development, SureFire does not appear to be planning a civilian release in the near future. Since its introduction in 2020, 6 ARC has generated significant attention for the amount of capability it extracts from the AR-15 platform.
Much like the 6.8 SPC before it, 6 ARC occupies the space between 5.56 NATO and large frame SR-25 platforms chambered in 7.62×51, offering extended range and improved ballistic performance without moving to a full-size rifle.
We’ve also covered several other Palmetto State Armory firearms that may be of interest.
