AR pistols, or ARPs, as they are sometimes known, are among the most popular AR variants in the country, next to carbines and full-size rifles.
But did you know these 6 facts about them?
- They offer rifle firepower in a smaller footprint
One of the things that makes AR pistols popular is that, despite the fact that they are roughly the same size and weight as some larger handguns, they give you the flexibility and firepower of a full-sized rifle platform. Many are chambered in 5.56 and there are others in heavier calibers, like 7.62 Soviet, offering much more power than typical handguns.
- It’s legally classified as a handgun (which explains the short barrel)
A short barrel rifle, or SBR, would require extra paperwork and expense since it is classified as an NFA weapon. AR pistols, which are legally considering handguns, are not. Therefore, even though they are typically chambered for rifle cartridges, they can get away with having a short, rifled barrel.
- Some forego the conventional gas system
Many AR pistols do not feature direct gas impingement like their rifle-sized cousins. Some instead use direct blowback or some other type of blowback like delayed blowback. This can result in a much simpler overall build for the platform. As a result, many ARPs require considerably heavier buffer weights than their larger cousins.
- You can make them shorter with a short buffer tube
There are many ways to make an AR pistol shorter and more compact. One is to install a short buffer tube which will shorten the overall profile. Another is to remove the muzzle device and install thread protectors. You can also build with a micro ARP upper, which will have a shorter barrel and which will therefore be lighter.
- There are bufferless builds
One of the best ways to make a lightweight, compact AR pistol is to build with a bufferless AR pistol upper. Some of these are cycled by direct blowback which does not utilize a buffer system at all to reset the action. These are among the smallest and most compact of all AR pistol builds.
- Pistol braces (which are not stocks) can help stabilize them
There are some shooters that struggle to control the recoil of an AR pistol when firing one-handed. These may also struggle to fire accurately, or for prolonged periods of time. One viable workaround in this situation is to install an AR pistol brace, which is basically a stabilizing fin that protrudes from the back of the platform and which is designed to secure to the shooter’s forearm, providing additional stability.
If You Landed Here for ARP Parts…
If the reason you found this article is that you need parts for an AR pistol build, visit MCS Gearup. They carry piecemeal AR pistol parts like muzzle devices and short buffer tubes, as well as whole assembled AR15 pistol uppers and AR pistol build kits.
Visit their website and get in touch with them directly at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions.
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