AR15 pistols, which are basically downsized versions of the larger AR-15, are lighter, more compact, more concealable, and offer basically the same functionality of their larger cousins.
They can be used for home/personal defense, prepping, hunting, backpacking, competitive shooting, and so much more. A gun enthusiast might even keep one as a car or truck gun.
But what do you need to build one? Let’s peel back the layers.
Settling on a Caliber and Application
The first thing you need to do is decide on a caliber. Much like the full-sized rifle, AR15 pistols can be built in multiple calibers.
Some of the more popular calibers are 5.56 NATO (or .223 Remington), .300 AAC Blackout, and 9mm Luger.
The 5.56/.223 is a good all-purpose caliber for target shooting, competition, or even defensive applications. The .300 AAC Blackout, though more expensive, offers greater stopping power, making it better for hunters. As for the 9mm, it’s great for plinking, but can also be suited to defensive applications or even competition shooting.
The choice is ultimately yours, though.
Lower Receiver or Blank
The lower receiver is the component that houses the trigger group and fire control units; this is the part of the AR pistol that is actually serialized and considered a firearm.
There are two basic options: forged (AKA mil-spec) and billet receivers. Forged receivers are stronger, but there are generally fewer options for customizability. By contrast, billet receivers are technically not as durable but there is much greater variety in terms of finishes and coatings.
AR15 Pistol Upper or Parts Kit
After selecting an AR15 pistol lower receiver, you’ll need to select an AR15 pistol upper. Some builders buy the parts piecemeal, others prefer to buy a builder’s kit, or a complete upper receiver (also called a complete upper assembly).
Either way, an AR15 pistol upper should contain:
● A stripped upper receiver
● A barrel in the appropriate caliber
● If the barrel is threaded, a muzzle device (if the barrel is threaded and does not come with a muzzle device you should get a thread protector to cover the threads)
● A dust cover and forward assist
● A gas block and tube (a gas system)
● A handguard
● A charging handle
● A bolt carrier group
When purchasing an AR15 upper, make sure that the latter two components are included with the kit. Some kits do not include BCGs or charging handles and both are necessary to complete the build.
AR-15 Pistol Lower Kit
In addition to a lower receiver and upper parts kit (or assembled upper) you will also need an AR-15 pistol lower kit.
Again, some builders prefer to buy parts piecemeal whereas others like to do it from scratch. If you buy a kit, it should contain:
● A safety selector switch
● A mag catch
● A bolt catch and release
● A trigger guard
● A trigger group
● Takedown pins and springs
● A castle nut
● And a buffer tube system
Make sure the lower parts kit you get contains a trigger group and a buffer tube system, as some kits don’t.
Magazine
You will notice that the collection of lower parts mentioned above did not contain a magazine, and many kits don’t. Be sure you get a few to complete your build.
Also Useful: an AR Pistol Brace
Some AR pistol shooters also prefer to include an AR pistol brace with their platform, which is basically a fin that stabilizes the platform while shooting one-handed.
Where Can You Get AR Pistol Parts?
Are you looking for AR pistol parts like AR15 pistol uppers and AR pistol braces? Check out MCS Gearup via the previous link.
In addition to these parts, they also offer builders kits, short buffer tube systems, and AR uppers that are perfect for pistol builds.
