GQ Armory 8.6 BLK Paladin | The Silent Sledgehammer

The 8.6 Blackout (8.6BLK) cartridge is gaining recognition for its versatility, making it an exceptional choice for various applications, from hunting to home defense. Its design allows for significant kinetic energy delivery while minimizing over-penetration and noise, particularly when using subsonic rounds with a suppressor. Among its potential uses, the 8.6BLK serves as an ideal discreet designated marksman rifle (DMR), providing both power and stealth.

Today, we will delve into the GQ Armory Paladin, a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 8.6BLK. Unlike previous models we’ve examined, this variant is built on the AR10 platform, offering enhanced capabilities. GQ Armory has a reputation for incorporating an array of features into their rifles while ensuring they remain lightweight and compact.

Developed by the creators of the 300 Blackout, the 8.6BLK was engineered to deliver greater power while retaining magazine capacity. It enables easy adaptation to existing platforms with just a barrel swap. The round is optimized for shorter barrels and prioritizes subsonic performance for suppressed use. Notably, its 1:3 twist rate enhances both kinetic energy and stability, allowing for devastating on-target performance.

For a deeper dive into the specifics of the 8.6 Blackout, we have a dedicated video that explores its features and benefits.

The Paladin rifle boasts a high-quality barrel, which is crucial for maximizing the potential of the 8.6BLK cartridge. GQ Armory utilizes barrels made by Mostek, known for their superior accuracy. Their barrels are threaded in a standard 5/8x24 pattern, eliminating the need for special adapters.

One of the standout attributes is the adjustable gas block, designed for easy adjustments with an Allen wrench and equipped with a detent for precision. The rifle's carbon fiber handguard is lightweight yet robust, capable of handling bipod use without compromising integrity.

Constructed from 7075 billet aluminum and hard coat anodized, the Paladin features a right-side bolt release, titanium components for weight reduction, and a crisp 3-pound trigger pull. The rifle is designed for optimal ergonomics and user experience, with an oversized magazine release and a flared mag well making reloads very easy.

GQ Armory also offers the Leviathan suppressor, designed in collaboration with Otter Creek Labs. This suppressor is tailored specifically for the 8.6BLK cartridge, making it a top choice for those looking to enhance their shooting experience. The Leviathan is noted for its quiet operation and maintains accuracy without negative effects, making it an excellent pairing with the Paladin.

While the GQ Armory Paladin is a high-quality rifle, it's worth noting a couple of potential downsides. The cost may be higher than some alternatives; however, it remains competitive within the premium 8.6BLK AR10 market. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about the width of the carbon fiber handguard. For those looking for a slimmer option, GQ offers variants with aluminum handguards that provide a slight weight reduction.

The GQ Armory Paladin stands out as one of the most capable AR10 platforms chambered in 8.6 Blackout. Its design caters to a variety of uses, from hunting and home defense to covert DMR applications, while ensuring a fun shooting experience. With its superior components and thoughtful engineering, the Paladin delivers reliable performance, showcasing the full potential of the 8.6BLK cartridge. For anyone seeking a premium 8.6BLK rifle, the GQ Armory Paladin is highly recommended.

Where do I recommend purchasing one? I'm glad you asked!

GQ Armory 8.6 BLK Paladin

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