AR Pistols in 5.56

Crh1943 · Jun 7, 2020

Hello ladies and gents.

I hope we are all staying healthy and well. I know we all want to get back to shooting ASAP!

My questions are as follows:

Who here has AR-15 pistols and what barrel length did you choose and why?
What was your budget?
What is the intended purpose of the firearm?
What is the weight of the firearm?

Just based on my research, I have been leaning on getting at least a 10.5" barrel up to a 12.5" barrel for ballistics and reliability purposes. I also want to keep the weight down to a minimum. Again, 5.56 caliber is the intended choice for myself.

The pistol would be used predominately by my wife as it would be lighter and more maneuverable to use. Could even substitute as a home defense firearm.

As far as models go, I have looked over the Sig, Ruger and BCM models. I have been leaning more towards the BCM brand as the barrel length and features (and obviously quality) are superior to the other brands I have looked at. It also comes standard with the SBA Tactical Version 3 brace. I have thought about building the pistol, but it might end up costing around the same as the BCM. Yes, I have checked out PSA but their pistols are mostly all sold out.

I really appreciate your input.

All the best

ken158 · Jun 7, 2020

Several comments regarding your question... IF you haven’t fired an AR pistol, then go find one or rent one for a range session. If you are not well above an average shooter, then do not expect to hit much of anything with it. These things are extremely loud with the anywhere from 7 to 10 inch barrels and very hard to hold for a sight picture. You could get one with the elbow stock or whatever they are calling that thing designed to circumvent a short barrel rifle tax stamp. You comment about it being primarily for your wife should be seriously reconsidered... A range session with one of these will scare here away from the idea. The list of better options is way too long to type here.

CustomChevyGuy · Jun 7, 2020

I'm currently in the process of piecing together a 10.5" AR pistol myself. I've read a bunch of articles and watched a ton of Youtube videos on them. Originally I was intending on building a fullsize AR so I could paint one up with a custom camo job, as a side project to fill in the lockdown time. I decided on the length after handling the Springfield Saint Victor at the LGS and handling a PSA build that the local Range Officer hand last time I was out.

I haven't really set a hard budget. I am going part by part, looking for quality parts at a good price. The RO told me about the first PSA AR pistol upper he had. It started having problems with the projectiles not hitting the targets, and when they did they were key holing after only 3-4000 rounds thru the barrel. He ended up scoping the barrel and seeing that the riffling had been almost completely smoothed. He ended up swapping the barrel for a Cold Hammered Forged by FN, and said he hadn't had issues since.

After hearing that, I decided to spend more of the "Virus funds" to get this.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...2-upper-with-mbus-sight-set-no-bcg-or-ch.html

I also picked up a PSA 3.5 lb flat face trigger. as a splurge item. I like the CMC Triggers, but they are still quite pricey.

So far I've gone no name on the grip, and ordered an over sized one that got good reviews on a few of the forums. I can shoot the standard A2 grips alright but always felt they were a bit on the small side.

I'll probably go with a PSA BCG, but haven't looked into it too much. Undecided

Leaning towards a Anderson lower to mount the upper on partially to help the LGS, and because they are price competitive with the prices online.

Odds are I'll grab a SBA3 brace, but have liked the idea of the simple tube setup as well. Undecided

Purpose would be more of a range gun than any dedicated house gun, however it would be the go with when I go camping, or bugout for a hurricane scare.

Eventually it will end up with a red dot and a supressor, but that'll be way on down the road

Bro. Dave · Jun 7, 2020

I have one with the 10.5 inch barrel that I shoot suppressed. Without suppression, the muzzle blast is a non-trivial issue for sure. If you miss with the bullet, you might cook the target with the flame.

If you ever shoot one, the thought of firing it inside a room without serious hearing protection is daunting. You will need hearing aids afterward.

Bottom line from my perspective is as a range toy or perhaps a varmint weapon they are "fun" but as a home defense weapon, marginal at best.

This opinion is probably worth exactly what you just paid for it (nothing) and is just my view.

prochi2k · Jun 7, 2020

I have a custom built: Stag lower, 7.5" .223 Wylde AR Pistol, that I intend for range time and fun. After getting a red dot sight for it I decided to replace the double star trigger that came as a kit with a 2+ lbs Timney match trigger for AR15. It also now has a linear muzzle break that does not seem to be as loud as the birdcage type I had on before (it still is loud tho).
I also got a .22LR conversion kit for it and that's the set-up I've been using lately.

ColbyBruce · Jun 7, 2020

I have a friend who owns two of them, 8.5” & 12” barrels, IIRC. Neither are suppressed. As stated above, these things are loud, not acutely accurate, and cost him more than a carbine would of. I put a few mags through each and they are not for me. Unless you are in the business of scooting and shooting; boarding planes/trains/buses, or executive protection I do not think an AR pistol offers anything that a carbine can not do better.

Neversink n Klapperthal · Jun 7, 2020

they make a nice car /truck in case of....well,never mind

CH4 · Jun 7, 2020

When contemplating an AR pistol I had all the same questions. For me shooting 5.56 from a 7-10 inch barrel made no sense. I ended up going with a 9mm that accepts Glock mags. To my mind even a 9mm AR is gimmicky; I can accomplish the same thing with my G26. Nonetheless, I bought the AR pistol because it looks cool and someone in the future may tell me I can’t have it - I bought my Tac 14 for the same reasons.

SC_Mike · Jun 7, 2020

I had an Aero Pistol in 5.56, 10.5 inch with a Dead Air break/mount on the muzzle, Lantac BCG. Great range and HD weapon, worked 100% every time. I traded it for a S&W MP 15, 16" along with a few other items. Since then I've purchased another Aero upper in 10.5 and saving up to finish it.

I went with the 10.5 inch due to the ballistics of the barrel length, meaning not as much velocity gets lost as in a barrel shorter than 10.5", as I understand it. Plus its easier to handle in home or vehicle with or with out a can, just don't let your hand slide off the rail onto the suppressor...

I had added a Vortex 1:1 red dot before I traded it.

Fishinfool · Jun 7, 2020

OP -

I bought the Ruger version a few months back, for no particular reason other than I just wanted to try one. About 500 rounds of mostly 55 grain ball ammo thru it w/o any issues. About 2 inch groups at 50 yards w/ a Vortex red dot. Muzzle blast is loud, but so is a 16 inch carbine as well.

Couple thoughts. If you plan on firing it like a pistol, it is poorly balanced and hard to hit with. The SBA3 brace, when used as intended, makes for an awkward and out of alignment grip.

If you use the SBA3 as a collapsible rifle stock, it works well, and gives you a SBR without the tax stamp. Also consider it is a handgun, and all that goes along with that.

For example, in most states, it is illegal to carry a loaded rifle in a motor vehicle. NOT so my Ruger, as being a handgun, its no different than carrying a loaded 38 spl revolver under my seat. Can't hunt with a semi-auto handgun here in PA though, so forget coyote plinking with it.

Plusses and minuses...

I like mine for what it is, enjoy shooting it, and that's reason enough for me to own one.

Larry

CustomChevyGuy · Jun 7, 2020

CH4 said:
When contemplating an AR pistol I had all the same questions. For me shooting 5.56 from a 7-10 inch barrel made no sense. I ended up going with a 9mm that accepts Glock mags. To my mind even a 9mm AR is gimmicky; I can accomplish the same thing with my G26. Nonetheless, I bought the AR pistol because someone in the future may tell me I can’t have it - I bought my Tac 14 for the same reason.

I'm heavily leaning towards a 9mm build as my next project.

Ματθιας · Jun 7, 2020

I've built two AR pistols. One was a PSA parts kit. That was when they were offering free shipping and weren't charging sales tax. All said and done, I was just under $400. 10.5in barrel

I then built an 11.5in barreled pistol. I lucked into a $100 upper. It took me about six months to piece all it together as I was being cheap and kept checking the auction sites and classified sections on various forums. I was under $350 all said and done.

The main difference between the two, apart from the barrel length was that 11.5 has an A1 carrying handle upper and skinny round hand guards. I like the them much better than the fat oval M4 style.

Also both have flash cans on them and it makes shooting them a whole lot more enjoyable to shoot as the blast isn't right in front of your face.

Being cheap and patient, I think kits or piecing one together is the way to go especially if you want to save money and build it exactly how you want it. Quality parts can be found cheap if you know where to look and are patient.

mattallamerican · Jun 7, 2020

5.56 10.5 500.00 carry in the car its one of my ccw you won t be under gunned

Justin T · Jun 7, 2020

I have an 11.5” PSA kit. It’s a fungun right now, but a suppressor is planned for it or more likely for the .300BO upper i bought.

stevebarracuda · Jun 7, 2020

Ruger PC charger W/Glock mags.

rockquarry · Jun 7, 2020

Just curious, not in search of an argument - I fail to see any practical use for these, but perhaps I'm overlooking something. If so, what is it?

ISCS Yoda · Jun 7, 2020

rockquarry said:
Just curious, not in search of an argument - I fail to see any practical use for these, but perhaps I'm overlooking something. If so, what is it?

No argument from me. I have no idea what they're for but I am having one built solely because the rules are so stupid and I can have one now before someone says that I can't, just like others - see above.

Who here has AR-15 pistols and what barrel length did you choose and why?

Not sure yet - because we are in the early stages and this thread is going to be reviewed closely. I can see it in a pistol caliber or even .22LR. We shall see.

What was your budget?

I already have the lower (they're dirt cheap). I'm guessing 500 bucks.

What is the intended purpose of the firearm?

They have no purpose. They look cool and I can so i will. With a brace and something to suppress sound, perhaps even a suppressor itself (that will raise the cost, that's for sure!) I'll have a cool, not good for much, "handgun". Yippee. Hurray for me. It's an ATF joke just like the 12 gauge "pistol firearm".

What is the weight of the firearm?

Unknown.

If I didn't have guns that I like just for grins I'd own only a half dozen firearms, 2 rifles, 2 handguns, and 2 shotguns. But I own a ton more just for fun, and because I can, just like YOU.

BSA1 · Jun 7, 2020

This is a project I keep kicking around.

Earlier this year I took a AR with 16” barrel with me on a long trip. I found it to be inconvenient taking in and out of my truck along with the extra time it would take to deploy it if needed. Since then I been looking for ideas for lighter, shorter PDW.

Since then I have built a AR in 5.56 using a Anderson Smooth Side Upper Receiver, 16” pencil profile barrel with .625” gas block, MFT Stock and Grip and a 15” Free Float handguard. Several people that have handled it like it’s balance and weight.

I have another Anderson Smooth Side Upper waiting to be built. My experience is the Forward Assist and Dust Cover are not needed so they just add weight and bulk. I can shave weight with a MFT stock and a pencil barrel but that still leaves the overall length.

A SBR might be the best choice but I don’t want to pay $200.00 for a tax stamp. So considering the muzzle blast and noise of a short barrel 5.56 the 9mm might be more practical but that opens up the debate about what a PDW 9mm or 45 should be to be a true advantage over a conventional handgun.

LVSteve · Jun 7, 2020

60k psi round from a 7.5" barrel. Umm....NO.

Crh1943 · Jun 7, 2020

WOW!

Thank you all for your experiences and opinions!

I might just go with a BCM Enhanced Lightweight AR for her in 5.56.

I already have a Stribog in 9mm with an 8" barrel, so that's why I was not interested in that caliber for an AR platform. The Stribog is solid, reliable and built with such amazing QC. Downside is it is kinda hefty with the blowback action. Whatever.

Anyways, BACK to the 5.56 discussion!!!

AR Pistols in 5.56

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