PSA 8.5″ 338 ARC Pistol Review

This article explores the cartridge’s origins, key advantages, and a spotlight on one of the most accessible entry points: the PSA 8.5″ .338 ARC Pistol. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to subsonic rounds, the .338 ARC offers a compelling blend of quiet efficiency and stopping power that’s reshaping how we think about compact ARs.The .338 ARC: Engineering Subsonic SupremacyAt its core, the .338 ARC is a bottlenecked cartridge derived from the 6.5 Grendel case, necked up to .338 inches. This design allows it to feed reliably from standard AR-15 magazines while delivering subsonic velocities (typically under 1,100 fps) with heavy bullets—think 250- to 300-grain projectiles. The result? Muzzle energies exceeding 1,200 foot-pounds, far surpassing the .300 Blackout’s ~800 ft-lbs with similar 220-grain loads, all while maintaining compatibility with common suppressors.Key benefits include:

• Suppressed Performance: Optimized for lengths as short as 8 inches, it produces minimal gas blowback and stays hearing-safe without ear protection when paired with a quality can.
• Versatility: Excels in home defense scenarios where overpenetration is a risk, thanks to its ability to use frangible or expanding subsonic ammo.
• Ballistic Edge: The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes long, heavy bullets for better terminal ballistics at close range (0-150 yards), making it suitable for varmint hunting or self-defense.

Ammo has come a long way since launch. Hornady’s Black line leads with factory-loaded 300-grain options at around $1.20-$1.50 per round, while PSA and other budget brands offer reloadable brass and components. By November 2025, availability has stabilized, with major retailers like MidwayUSA and Brownells stocking it alongside .300 BLK equivalents.Spotlight: The PSA 8.5″ .338 ARC PistolPalmetto State Armory, known for democratizing high-quality ARs at entry-level prices, entered the .338 ARC market in mid-2025 with their 8.5″ pistol build. Priced at $599.99, it’s a complete, ready-to-run package that embodies the cartridge’s strengths in a ultra-compact form factor—perfect for those navigating pistol-brace regulations or simply preferring a braced handgun over a full rifle.Core SpecificationsBuilt on PSA’s battle-tested HAR-15 lower, this pistol prioritizes reliability and modularity. Here’s a quick spec sheet:

The nitride-treated barrel resists corrosion and heat, while the lightweight rail supports optics, lights, and accessories without adding bulk. It’s multi-caliber marked on the lower, hinting at future upper swaps for calibers like 5.56 or 300 BLK.Performance in the FieldField tests and user reports from 2025 highlight the PSA pistol’s strengths. With subsonic loads, it cycles smoothly through 200+ rounds without cleaning, thanks to the pistol-length gas system tuned for low-pressure operation. Groups hover around 1.5-2.5 MOA at 50 yards with iron sights, tightening to sub-MOA with a quality red dot like the Holosun HS403. Recoil is stout but controllable, akin to a .45 ACP carbine, and suppression transforms it into a near-silent tool—ideal for low-light drills or urban environments.Challenges remain, however.

Magazine capacity tops out at 10-15 rounds due to the cartridge’s girth, and while PSA’s ecosystem is expanding, third-party options (e.g., from Lancer or ASC) are still catching up. Local laws on braces add another layer—post-2023 ATF rules, this build stays compliant as a pistol, but conversion to an SBR requires paperwork.Why .338 ARC Matters NowAs suppressors become more mainstream (with tax stamps processing in under 90 days via eForms in 2025), cartridges like .338 ARC fill a critical niche. It’s not just for tinkerers; law enforcement agencies are trialing it for close-quarters breaching, and hunters praise its hog-stopping potential from short barrels. Compared to competitors:

The .338 ARC strikes a balance: more punch than .300 BLK, without the bulk or cost of SOCOM.