PSA Sabre M4A1: 500 clean rounds and one loose handguard

Palmetto State Armory's Sabre line promises premium parts at a value price. Magic Prepper put about 500 rounds through the Sabre-15 M4A1 in under an hour without a single malfunction, but the rifle arrived with a rattling handguard.

The short version

The rifle, which PSA sent at the channel's request, is built around a 16-inch FN cold hammer forged barrel with a 1-in-7 twist in 5.56 NATO. That barrel, plus a factory Matech rear sight, is what separates it from PSA's cheaper M4A1 clones, so it can go to the range with no optic. Magic Prepper shot it as it came from the factory, adding only a sling, using remanufactured 55-grain .223 ammunition.

The one problem was a loose two-piece handguard, a complaint he also found in other owners' reviews. PSA asked for photos and video, diagnosed the handguard and sent a new one, which he says shows a visible dimensional difference and fixed most of the play. His verdict: a good rifle if you specifically want the M4A1 look, but other Sabre models give more value for the money.

Key points

• Barrel: A 16-inch FN cold hammer forged barrel, 1:7 twist, which he calls the rifle's main selling point.
• Sights: The Matech rear sight means the rifle is usable straight out of the box.
• Reliability: About 500 rounds in under an hour with no malfunctions.
• Handguard fix: PSA replaced the rattling handguard after reviewing his video, and the new one cut most of the play.
• Trade-offs: The M4-style stock, A2 grip, single-stage mil-spec trigger and drop-in handguard are true to the M4A1 but basic.
• Lasers: He says a drop-in handguard isn't ideal for holding zero on a rail-mounted laser.

Bottom line

If you want an M4A1-pattern rifle that runs with no upgrades, this one did. If you plan to add optics, lasers and a better trigger, Magic Prepper suggests another Sabre model gives you more for the same money.

Source: Magic Prepper