The Coolest (and Weirdest) AR-15 Stuff at SHOT Show 2023
Travis Olander 02.01.23
The AR-15 is the adult Lego of the gun world. So, it’s no surprise that SHOT Show 2023 was filled with interesting rifles, gear, and components made for the venerable black rifle. Let’s take a look at the coolest, newest, and at times, strangest AR-15 parts from the convention. Also, if you were at SHOT Show 2023 this year let us know all of the coolest (and also weirdest) things you happened to see and are excited for.
Matrix Arms “Cage” AR-15 Pump-Action Conversion
Does the dinky lil’ charging handle of the “Cage” AR-15 pump-action handguard satisfy you when you chamber a round in your AR-15? Do you enjoy the hefty mechanical feeling of racking a slug in your favorite pump-action shotgun? Then, Matrix Arms has the solution for you: their upper converts the typical semi-automatic upper into a pump-action rifle.
More importantly, the Cage handguard doesn’t replace the gas system. So, you can still choose to operate your upper with conventional semi-auto fire as well. You can even use the handguard as a replacement charging handle in semi-auto mode (goodbye, nose-bumping lever). Remove your gas tube and block, and you’ve got a bona fide pump-action AR-15. Pull the trigger, and rack the next round. Of course, the Cage doesn’t just work with any old upper. From what we could spy at SHOT Show 2023, the handguard requires a by-design upper assembly, machined with cut-outs to allow the pump action’s rods to connect to the custom BCG inside.
The Cage handguard isn’t free-float. So, you’ll need to stick with a low-profile gas block and getting the Cage installed means swapping your barrel nut for one that’s compatible with the attachment ring. Other than that, the Cage requires standard stuff: no custom lower components are needed, and it works with a regular old buffer, tube, and recoil spring.
“But why?”
Although, this may seem gimmicky at first, it serves a useful purpose: by eliminating semi-auto fire, the Cage handguard can help gun owners in restrictive states get their hands on a legal AR – one that doesn’t need all its “scary” accoutrements stripped away for “compliance.”
PSA “Sabre” Premium AR-15 Lineup
PSA’s seriously upping their game with the introduction of their “Sabre” AR-15 lineup. New for 2023, Palmetto’s billing these black rifles as the best AR-15 you’ll find for under $1,000. They’re leaning into that claim with some pretty wicked parts, too:
Sprinco extractors and buffers, Microbest BCGs, FN barrels, Hiperfire triggers, ambidextruous Talon safeties from Radian, Raptor LT charging handles (also from Radian), PDW stocks, and more are all packed into these units. Each Sabre’s topped off with some very nicely machined, lightweight, free-float handguards.
PSA’s offering the Sabre ARs in a few configurations. We caught glimpses of rifles rocking both classic A2-type stocks and more conventional Magpul furniture. The Sabre SBR (pictured above) uses what looks to be an 8″ barrel, though, the in-guard suppressor obscured the exact length. All Sabres were rocking a more vertically-oriented pistol grip with some handguards displaying compatibility with A2-type Front Sight Block/gas block combos. Most rifles offered at retail will have low-profile gas blocks. You can expect to find the Sabre ARs available mid-February 2023.
Rise Armament “ICONIC” Two-Stage Trigger
Rise Armament’s been a top contender in the drop-in trigger business, and they’re continuing to remain competitive with their new “ICONIC” two-stage AR trigger. Rather than build the two-stage functionality into the sear and springs, the ICONIC trigger uses two physical trigger bows:
The first depresses at just one pound of pressure, locking up against the second trigger. The latter depresses with 2 pounds of pull weight before releasing the hammer, totaling 3 pounds of force total required to break. This double-bow action reduces creep and takeup, while also limiting over-travel and providing faster resets. Plus, it provides a much more predictable and tactile feel, generally improving shot placement.
The innards – trigger bows, sear, disconnector, hammer and pins – are made from S7 tool steel, while the housing is cut from 6061-T6 billet. A black Nitride finish on the fire control components provides great rust and corrosion resistance, and it gives the inside a subdued look that’ll match most lowers. The housings will be available in anodized green, graphite (gray) or FDE. Anti-walk pins will be included. The ICONIC from Rise Armament retails at $299 and is available now.
SIG MCX Spear in 6.5 Creedmoor
The MCX Spear is nothing new, but SIG’s taking full advantage of their flagship rifle’s quick-change barrel setup to offer this Coyote-colored, Gucci gun in some wicked new calibers: .227 Fury, 7.62 NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor. All other accoutrements and goodies remain the same:
The Spear’s equipped with gas piston and a proprietary BCG contained within the upper, ditching direct impingement and buffer tubes for cleaner and more compact action.
The flat-blade match trigger and folding stock make the same appearance, too. The M-LOK handguard maintains a cut-out for easily accessing the adjustable gas block, allowing you to dial in for supers and subs, depending on your flavor of choice. Official prices weren’t spied on any tags, but we expect these new versions of the Spear to come in at the same price point as their existent options – $2,499.99.
Olympia Arms Reciprocating-Barrel AR-10
What if you could get your big, punchy .308 AR to hit as gently as a 5.56? That’s what Olympia Arms managed with their unique take on the platform. Like you might’ve seen with the .50 BMG-chambered Barrett, Olympia’s AR-10 uses a free-floating barrel and recoil spring that actuates within the upper receiver. That this AR-10 functions like the M107 is no coincidence: inventor Michael Merino began development of the Olympia .308 over a decade ago, having had plenty of experience with reciprocating big-bores in the U.S military.
The Olympia Arms rifle harnesses the energy produced at the muzzle to drive the barrel rearward. This also imparts enough energy on the bolt carrier group to force it out of battery, ejecting the spent casing and chambering a new round from the conventional lower and magazine. The recoil assembly replaces the AR’s in-line buffer and conventional spring. The Olympia’s spring rests atop the bolt itself where the gas key would normally be.
Since the spring is compressed inside the upper, there’s no need for a buffer tube. It can be replaced with a folding stock. As of SHOT Show 2023, this rifle is available at retail for a cool $4,800. James Reeves over at TFBTV got to test out this reciprocating .308 and came away impressed which you can check out here!
