Palmetto State Armory PA10 Gen3 .308 WIN 18" Rifle with Lightweight M-Lok Rail
For enthusiasts and professionals who demand precision, durability, and versatility in their firearms, the presents a stellar option. Combining robust engineering with user-focused innovations, this rifle represents a significant evolution in the PA10 platform, which Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has delivered with reliability and performance in mind.
Design and Build Quality
The PSA Gen3 PA10 is built with precision-machined components forged from 7075-T6 aluminum, finished with a black anodized hard coat MIL-8625 Type 3 Class 2 treatment. This ensures exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and a sleek, durable aesthetic. The 18" barrel is crafted from dimpled 416R stainless steel with a 1/10 twist rate designed specifically for .308 Winchester cartridges, providing excellent accuracy and heat dissipation.
The barrel features a mid-length gas system with a black nitride gas tube that resists corrosion and high heat—an upgrade over previous models. Accompanying this is a low-profile, adjustable 5-position click-detent gas block that allows precise tuning to different loads, enhancing the rifle's reliability across various ammunition types.
Innovations in the Gen3 Platform
PSA has implemented a series of refinements in this Generation 3 model, reflecting user feedback and evolving firearm technology. The lower receiver includes relief cuts, increasing compatibility with multiple .308 bolt carrier groups (BCGs) to accommodate different user preferences and aftermarket upgrades.
Additionally, the Gen3 features twice-staked castle nuts and a standardized carbine-length buffer tube paired with a short, heavy buffer to improve cycling reliability and reduce felt recoil. This configuration supports smoother action and enhances longevity.
The Toolcraft bolt carrier group, constructed with a nitride finish, includes a 9310 steel bolt assembly and extra-power extractor springs. This combination ensures durability and consistent extraction even after thousands of rounds, maintaining reliability in rigorous shooting conditions.
User-Friendly Features
The rifle comes equipped with a 15" lightweight M-Lok free-float handguard that allows customization with accessories without affecting barrel harmonics or accuracy. The handguard is designed to be anti-slip and anti-rotation, enhancing control and durability.
Ergonomics are further refined with a Magpul STR stock, offering an adjustable, comfortable platform for shooters, and a PSA overmolded A2 grip that combines durability with excellent feel. The 2-stage nickel boron fire control group with a 4.5 lb pull weight balances ease of use with controllability for precision shooting.
Performance and Versatility
The PSA PA10 Gen3 is optimized for the .308 Winchester cartridge, a popular choice for long-range precision, hunting, and tactical applications. The rifle's adjustable gas block allows shooters to fine-tune the system for a broad spectrum of ammunition—from factory loads to custom handloads—ensuring reliable cycling and optimal muzzle rise control.
The 1/10 twist rate in the barrel stabilizes a wide variety of projectile weights, granting users flexibility to engage targets effectively at varying distances. The high-quality barrel steel and nitrided finishes mean the rifle can sustain extensive shooting sessions without compromising accuracy or function.
Why Choose the Palmetto State Armory PA10 Gen3?
Priced competitively and constructed with top-tier materials, this rifle offers excellent value for anyone seeking a modern, adaptable .308 platform. From hunters looking for a reliable long-range rifle to tactical shooters requiring consistent performance, the PA10 Gen3 delivers features typically found in more expensive rifles but at a practical price point.
Its modular design permits upgrades and personalization, while the factory-included charging handle, adjustable gas block, and Magpul components demonstrate PSA's commitment to providing a ready-to-run rifle straight out of the box.
Final Thoughts
The Palmetto State Armory PA10 Gen3 .308 WIN 18" Mid-Length Rifle with Lightweight M-Lok Rail is a thoughtfully engineered firearm combining reliability, precision, and user customization. From its robust stainless steel barrel with nitrided gas tube to the adjustable gas system and ergonomic furniture, this rifle suits a variety of shooting disciplines and preferences.
Whether you are upgrading your collection or entering the .308 rifle market for the first time, the Gen3 PA10 offers a balanced blend of innovation, quality, and value that is hard to overlook.
Explore more about this rifle and shop directly via the official product page here: Palmetto State Armory PA10 Gen3 .308 WIN 18" Rifle.