AR Pistols?

Grayfox · Oct 14, 2018

Lately I've been noticing a lot of AR pistols for sale around here. I'm beginning to like the idea. I really like the looks of one. Especially when decked out with Magpul furniture and a blade stock. I'm sorta gettin' an itch here and I'd like to know what the group here thinks about them.

Many years ago when I was a young troop in Uncle Sam's Green Machine, my issue weapon for a while was a M3 Grease Gun. I really liked it. So the idea of a sub-gun sized weapon has a certain appeal to me.

However, I think I'd prefer one in a pistol caliber. Either 9mm or .45acp. Being a 1911 type guy and with my previous experience with the M3, I'm leaning toward something in .45acp. I'm also a reloader, so ammo cost isn't really a decisive factor here. I've also heard that firing the 5.56 out of such a short barrel has a really nasty muzzle flash and is extremely loud. So another reason to go with a pistol caliber. However, there are several listed locally in 5.56 at what seem to be reasonable prices. So maybe I shouldn't rule them out?

Also, it doesn't necessarily have to be a AR platform. Just something in that basic size and pistol type configuration. So I am open to suggestions.

I've done a bit of checking around the web. PSA is currently out of everything in pistol calibers. Other guns often sell for $1000+. I don't want to spend that kind of money on what will pretty much be a range toy. So I'm open to suggestions.

So tell me, what are your experiences with the AR type pistols? The good, bad and ugly? Caliber choices? Accuracy at say 100 yards? Worth it or a waste of money?

BTW: there's a gun show here next weekend. I'd like to know what to look for or even if I should bother looking.

bigggbbruce · Oct 14, 2018

I've got a 7 1/2".. 223/5.56 runs like a champ. Good for clearing a house and 100 yard accurate.

add: It has a Noveske Flaming Pig.. eats up that muzzle flash..

Sevens · Oct 14, 2018

When they got popular a year and a half ago (maybe more?) my buddy built a 10.5" 5.56 and I thought the entire idea was ridiculous. I figured "oh yes, it'll be horrendously loud, serious muzzle blast, shorter everything means you won't be able to shoot it nearly as well as any rifle... WHY?!"

He got it to the range and we ran it. Everything I suspected was true EXCEPT that the whole package was just much more than the expected sum of it's parts. It seems to me that if you needed an AR for defense, you'd be using it for 50 yards or less, and what you gain is a far more maneuverable and handy, useable setup.

For my needs, the fact that the BATFE currently okays the use of a pistol brace shouldered (as long as it isn't altered in any way) is a major reason I like it. The obvious pitfall with that is that it isn't LAW, and the BATFE can change their minds as the winds blow.

I bought and built mine, and I ran it HARD to test it. Then I zeroed it. It's not something I'll use for entertainment but it's definitely ready for use as a tool.

bulletslap · Oct 14, 2018

I have a 10 1/2 upper in 5.56, I only use it with a suppressor, which when attached makes it as long as a 16 inch barrel would , and with the velocity loss i dont think it makes sense. But it was cheap and looks cool.

I also have a 9mm and 300 Black Out uppers, at 8 and 12 inches respectively, those seem to me to be more practical.

I would suggest since you are a handloaded, you might find a 300 Black Out upper very practical and they generally are less expensive than pistol caliber uppers.

The only difference between a 5.56 AR is the barrel, and maybe a different buffer set up.

All of the above are more accurate than I am

lrmnut · Oct 14, 2018

Look at the Just Right Carbine (JRC) web site they have pistol caliber AR pistol
style I have a JRC carbine I"am happy with it.

bigggbbruce · Oct 14, 2018

bulletslap said:
The only difference between a 5.56 AR is the barrel, and maybe a different buffer set up.

I went to a heavier buffer to slow the action, at first it left brass shredded in the chamber locking lugs. Now all good.

Dump1567 · Oct 14, 2018

Just buy a stripped lower and build your own. Don't know how? I'm sure there's plenty of videos on line.

I like them. Buy or build one. If you don't like it or use it, sell it.

IMO, it's a way to go SBR without the paperwork, $200 stamp and restrictions. Or in a State that doesn't allow SBR's (in most States, they're viewed as a handgun).

I'm not a fan of the brace (although I have them on some builds & they've gotten better), I usually use the Thordsen cheek rests. If you use a tight sling wrapped around your body and a cheek rest (or cheek a brace), it makes for a pretty stable platform.

You have a lifetime to buy, try, keep, or sell whatever you want (unless the laws change). Take advantage of it.

Here's one of mine with cheek rest.

Here's a 300 BLK.

9mm

Zenith MP5k PDW (actually a registered AOW due to FPG)

oink · Oct 14, 2018

Is the 450 Bushmaster still a thriving option? I wonder how that'd be out of an 8"-10" barrel?

Edit to add that I absolutely hate it if I go to an indoor range and there's a short barreled 5.56 next door. I leave!

andy52 · Oct 14, 2018

I just finished this one last week it's a .300 blackout. The other two I've built were both 9mm. All three were just built using a striped lower and a pile of parts. The .300 is a little cheaper to build because of commonalty with 5.56 parts.

.41fan · Oct 17, 2018

I have been toying with idea of one in either 5.56 or .300 and will build the lower with parts that I want. As for an upper unit, I am partial to Palmetto as their parts have been good for me as well as the prices. Only must have is a flash can as I have seen the muzzle flash videos and can imagine the muzzle blast would be something in tight quarters. Either way I probably would go with lighter, varmint type bullets for self defense and FMJ for range/ plinking.

CH4 · Oct 17, 2018

I almost bought one of the new HKs because the AR platform’s goofy buffer tube makes it too large and cumbersome for a “pistol.” After much deliberation I came to the conclusion that using one of my Glocks with a 33 round magazine served the same purpose and it’s actually a pistol.

BAM-BAM · Oct 17, 2018

5.56 is the SWAT round of choice these days..... but for decades (since the 70s) it was the 9mm out of a H&K MP-5..........

I've thought about a AR "Pistol" but to tell the truth I'm happy with my Beretta CX-4 Carbine in 9mm.... it uses the same magazines as my Beretta pistols (Centurion) ( 15-30rds factory and Mec-gar) and as set up it is 3" shorter than a AR with the stock collapsed.

As a PDW it is capable of fast, fist size double and triple taps out to 50yds..... ..... single "head shots" with the red dot are almost too easy...... 16 inch barrel gives 1250-1490 fps and 420 to+600 ft-lb of energy ( Ballistics by the Inch)

And at the range it's a hoot to shoot.......................

They can be had up in .45acp.

rws · Oct 17, 2018

a couple of my recent 5.56mm pistol builds

A10 · Oct 17, 2018

I've build a couple, and they are really practical for a house rifle. My next one will be in .300, as that round is designed to be fired from a short barrel. Heavy subsonic rounds will be my ammunition of choice!

ExRanger714 · Oct 17, 2018

Doesn't a vertical foregrip make these AOWs?

Dump1567 · Oct 17, 2018

ExRanger714 said:
Doesn't a vertical foregrip make these AOWs?

Not if it's over 26".

My Zenith MP5k above is a registered AOW.

jsfricks · Oct 17, 2018

Not really an AR style and not cheap, but I went with the 9mm Sig MPX with folding brace and then applied for a tax stamp to SBR it. Great home defense and fun range rifle.

CZU · Oct 17, 2018

jsfricks said:
Not really an AR style and not cheap, but I went with the 9mm Sig MPX with folding brace and then applied for a tax stamp to SBR it. Great home defense and fun range rifle.

I have the big brother to the MPX the MCX(pistol). Was able to get one of the dual caliber models when they first hit the market. SBR'd it and added a suppressor and it is a fun one to shoot. Subsonic 300BO is a hoot.

SC_Mike · Oct 17, 2018

I've got an AERO upper/lower in 10.5 inch, BA barrel, SBM wrist brace, BCM trigger and Magpul flip up sights. I bought it as a compliment to my Spikes/BA 18" barrel, scoped "varmint" gun. Two is one, one is none philosophy...

Lots of noise, huge fireball. Good times.

billwill · Oct 17, 2018

Take a look at the AR platform, pistol format in 9mm. Lots of people like that combination

AR Pistols?

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