Want to buy a short AR-15 without the hassle of asking the ATF for an SBR tax stamp? Then you need an AR-15 pistol!
And you’re in luck because the market is full of AR-15 pistols. But which one should you buy?
We can’t test all of them, but we’ve shot, reviewed, and owned a bunch here at Pew Pew Tactical. Let us share our favorite AR-15 pistols, parts, and accessories so you can buy (or build!) the best AR-15 pistol for you.
Let’s get started!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Budget
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Most Compact
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Best High-End Upper
Table of Contents
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AR-15 Pistol Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Action | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW | .300 BLK | Semi-automatic, direct impingement | 7″ | 21-24.8″ | 5.7 lbs | 30+1 | $2,014 |
| Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistol | 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 7.62×39 | Semi-automatic, direct impingement | 10.5″ | N/A | N/A | 30+1 | $429 |
| BCM Reece-11 MCMR Pistol | 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK | Semi-automatic, direct impingement | 9-12.5″ | 28-285″ | 4.9-5.7 lbs | 30+1 | $1,680 |
| Sig Sauer MCX Rattler | 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 7.62×39 | Semi-automatic, piston | 5.5″ | 17″ | 5.1 lbs | 30+1 | $2,699 |
How We Tested the Best AR-15 Pistols
For this article, we gathered a bunch of AR-15 pistols we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more.
Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.
Best AR-15 Pistols
1. Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW – Best Overall
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super compact
- Great build quality
- Fun to shoot
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .300 BLK
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 7″
- Overall Length: 21-24.8″
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
Really, anything from Daniel Defense is a solid buy, but the DDM4 PDW in .300 Blk is particularly awesome.
Rolling with a 7-inch barrel and an overall length of barely 20-inches, this is an incredibly small AR-15. It comes with all of the ergonomics that you would want from Daniel Defense, and that really helps make it feel like a much larger firearm.
From the linear compensator, to the hand stop, to the PDW brace, Daniel Defense makes sure to include everything that a high-end AR pistol should have.
Johnny took it out to the range and has the full review for you, but the short version is that this is one of the best AR pistols on the market.
Check out our full Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW review for more shooting impressions!
2. Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols – Best Budget
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Great bang for the buck
- Lots of configurations
Cons
- Not always in stock
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 7-12″
- Overall Length: N/A
- Weight: N/A
PSA is well known for offering many configurations based on barrel length, caliber, and brace options.
Come up with a combination, and they most likely have an AR-15 pistol at a shockingly low price.
Here’s our full review of their 7.5-inch and 10.5-inch uppers. Complete with our thoughts on fit, feel, reliability, shootability, accuracy, and more.
Barrel lengths range from seven to 12 inches, with lots of handguard and brace options. We love their 5.56 NATO pistols, but PSA also makes other variants, including .300 BLK and 7.62×39.
Let’s see this thing in action!
What’s your take on the PSA AR-15 pistol? Rate it below!
3. Bravo Company Manufacturing Recce-11 MCMR – Best Value
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High-quality parts
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Rock-solid reliability
Cons
- Frequently out of stock
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 9-12.5″
- Overall Length: 25-28.5″
- Weight: 4.9-5.7 lbs
Bravo Company Manufacturing has a solid reputation for building fighting rifles. In our testing, that’s held up.
The Recce series takes lessons from experienced warfighters and puts them into an AR-15 that’s tough, accurate, and chews up any ammo you feed it. The carbine-length version is one of our all-time favorite AR-15s.
This pistol-length version has an 11.5-inch barrel (hence Recce-11), an M-LOK handguard (MCMR in BCM-speak), and a bare buffer tube so you can mount whichever brace you want.
These AR-15 pistols can be really tricky to find in stock, so pounce on one if you see it.
Check out our full BCM Reece review for more!
4. Sig Sauer MCX Rattler – Most Compact
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Incredibly compact
- Super lightweight
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Struggles to cycle subsonic ammunition without a suppressor
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 7.62×39
- Action: Semi-automatic, piston
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 5.5″
- Overall Length: 17″ (folded)
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
Some of you are shouting at your screen that you want a smaller AR-15 pistol — the smallest one possible. If that’s you, it doesn’t get better than the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler.
It’s super compact, easily concealable, and disappears inside an off-body carry bag when you’re on the go. It does bring a little extra “oomph” in the recoil department, but the Rattler was accurate during our testing.
How about reliability?
Our Rattler struggled with subsonic ammo when shooting without a suppressor (suppressors increase back pressure, which helps light loads cycle better). However, it ate more powerful supersonic ammo like a champ.
Moral of the story: run some ammo through it and get a feel for what it prefers before staging it as a home defense firearm. Actually, that goes for any firearm.
The Rattler is not cheap. But if you’re willing to spend the money, it’s fantastic PDW-sized AR-15 pistol for your home, vehicle, or backpack.
Want all the deets? We have a full review of the MCX Rattler!
How to Pick the Best AR-15 Pistol
Aside from finding an AR-15 pistol that fits your budget, there are a few factors you need to consider.
Caliber
You have options here. I would first determine your primary use. Is this going to be a range toy, home defense weapon, truck gun, or hog hunter?
Popular AR-15 pistol cartridges include 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, and (to a lesser degree) 9mm and 7.62×39.
The most common choice is 5.56 NATO. It’s a great go-to if you’re not exactly sure which one to pick or want this to be a multi-use gun. Ammo is not too expensive, and finding parts is a piece of cake.
If you want to shoot with a suppressor, .300 Blackout is an excellent choice. It stuffs a 7.62 NATO bullet into a 5.56 NATO case, which keeps muzzle velocity down and keeps it compatible with a bunch of standard parts because the cartridge’s rim and overall length is the same as 5.56 NATO.
Got an opinion? Weigh in on the .300 Blackout vs. 5.56 NATO debate!
If you already own a 9mm handgun and want to be able to swap mags, consider buying a pistol-caliber AR-15. You’ll have to make sure it accepts the magazines you already use (Glock mags are the most common), but this can be a way to save some money and get a super fun AR-15.
Not many people opt for 7.62×39, but the Soviet-era Russian cartridge is actually fairly similar to .300 BLK in performance. It’s definitely a good way to spice up your collection, and might help you save on ammo depending on which way the market is swinging when you’re ready to buy.
Barrel Length
Ask an AR nut the minimum barrel length for 5.56 NATO needs or what length is best for .300 BLK, and you’ll get plenty of hot opinions. Without getting into that debate, here are a few of the most common barrel lengths explained.
Many shooters prefer an 11.5-inch barrel for an AR-15 pistol. It’s a pretty safe bet for 5.56 NATO because it it maintains decent muzzle velocity and barrels are common. A 10- or 11-inch rail pairs perfectly with an 11.5-inch barrel.
A lot of SOCOM rifles use 10.3- and 10.5-inch barrels, and these lengths have been working their way into the civilian market as well. I personally have a 10.5-inch barrel in 5.56 NATO and love it. Yes, there are some fireballs, and it is quite loud, but it’s a comfortable length for me and allows for a lightweight build — especially if you’re going to add a suppressor onto the end.
One of the advantages of .300 BLK is the ability to run a shorter barrel without sacrificing ballistic performance. You can comfortably go all the way down to 9 inches!
Super short barrels, like 5.5 inches, are most common on pistol-caliber AR-15 pistols. They’re great for 9mm, although the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler uses a 5.5-inch barrel with .300 Blackout.
Pistol Brace
A pistol brace is what makes an AR-15 a pistol rather than an SBR. There are several types of braces out there, ranging from the stable SB Tactical SBA5 to a simple foam pad on the end of a buffer tube.
Choosing the right brace is a matter of personal preference. Do you care more about agility or stability?
Handguard and Rails
Every AR-15 pistol has a handguard covering the barrel and gas system, but they’re not all the same.
Pay attention to how each rail interfaces with accessories. You’ll see terms like Picatinny, M-LOK, and KeyMod. These all work, but they’ll dictate which accessories are compatible with your AR-15 pistol.
If you don’t know which is which, you can’t go wrong with a Picatinny rail in the 12-o’clock position and M-LOK everywhere else.
How to Build an AR-15 Pistol
Whether you’re building an AR-15 pistol from scratch or upgrading one you already own, you’re eventually going to need a few parts and accessories.
We have tons of resources on the Best Upper Receivers, Best Bolt Carrier Groups, Best Charging Handles, Best Lower Receivers, How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver, and lots more.
While you’re here, though, these are a some of our favorites for building or modifying an AR-15 pistol.
Palmetto State Armory Complete Lower Receiver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Palmetto State Armory offers a complete AR-15 lower equipped with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace. This lower is ready to pair with an AR upper to give you a full AR pistol.
It comes with a Magpul grip and trigger guard as well as the Enhanced Polished Trigger Group (EPT).
It features the SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable brace at a decent price point under $250. While this isn’t a complete set-up out of the box, if you have a spare upper lying around or just want something in stock at the moment, this is your best bet.
Timney Competition Trigger
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Dollar for dollar, you’ll struggle to find a better upgrade for a factory AR-15 pistol than a better trigger. This single-stage trigger from Timney is a night-and-day difference from mil-spec triggers and it’s priced fairly affordably, as competition triggers go.
Hungry for more? Read up on our guide to the Best AR-15 Triggers!
Magpul MOE+ Grip
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Another great way to upgrade a basic AR-15 lower is to switch out the pistol grip. Not sure where to start? We love all the options from Magpul.
Magpul’s MOE grips are easier to hold than a standard A2-style grip, create a more comfortable angle for your wrist, and have a storage cubby for things like spare optic and light batteries.
Best of all, they’re super inexpensive!
If you want more options, check out our guide to the Best AR-15 Grips.
SB Tactical SBA5
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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SB Tactical is the original inventor of the stabilizing brace, so you know they’ve got it figured out by the fifth generation of SBA braces.
We love the latest version, the SBA5. It’s nice and stable while maintaining the essential braced status of an AR-15 pistol.
They didn’t reinvent the SBA4 because the didn’t have to. This is a natural evolution and a fantastic brace.
Daniel Defense MK18 Upper Receiver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you like the look of the Daniel Defense MK18 , the upper is available on its own for pistol builds. The 10.3-inch barrel is a really versatile size that we found fun to shoot suppressed or unsuppressed.
We took the MK18 to a shoot house and ran more than 2,000 rounds through it in a matter of days. It held up well, shot accurately, and ran reliably.
If you want to learn more, we have a MK18 review and video!
Palmetto State Armory 10.5″ AR-15 Upper Receiver
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Yep, Palmetto State Armory makes some very value-focused AR-15 pistols and you can get the upper and lower receivers separately.
There are lots of configurations to choose from. Find your ideal combination of barrel length, handguard, and muzzle device. Some even include backup iron sights.
These will put you well on your way to a rockin’ pistol with plenty of money left over for an optic, weapon light, and training ammo.
Ballistic Advantage Barrels
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Do you want to pick the specific barrel for your AR-15 pistol? You can!
You really can’t go wrong here. Ballistic Advantage has just about every length and caliber combination we can think of. If you have something specific in mind, this is a great place to start.
We’ve used their barrels before for other builds and loved them. Take a look at the full Ballistic Advantage Barrel Review to see what I mean.
Faxon Firearms Barrels
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Faxon Firearms makes high-end components for lots of firearms, including AR-15 pistols.
This is where I purchased my barrel — partially because it happened to be on a great sale, but also because it had great reviews (including two from Pew Pew Tactical).
Faxon builds these barrels in-house with high quality control standards, and the prices are reasonable. From their Glock Barrels to pencil-profile AR-15 Barrels, we’re fans.
Holosun 510C
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Holosun always offers a great value, and we’re big fans of the 510C. It’s rugged, effective, and has a great reticle. There’s even a solar panel to extend battery life!
Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Good news, you can get an Aimpoint optic for less money than you might think!
The Aimpoint PRO runs for three years on a single battery and is famously tough. The dot is clearer than you can imagine and makes target acquisition extremely simple. This is one of the best AR red dots out there, as long as you can stomach the price.
Need to know more? Read our complete Aimpoint PRO review!
EOTech EXPS3-2
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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In simple terms, this optic kicks ass. EOTech is one of the most respected names in optics and the EXPS3 lives up to its hype.
This version, the EXPS3-2 features a multi reticle with an outer ring and two aiming dots to account for different distances.
You can learn more about EOTech and holographic sights in our roundup of the Best EOTech Holographic Sight Models.
Trijicon ACOG
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want an optic that’s not just tough, but battle-tested? You need a Trijicon ACOG!
This little ACOG is magnified to just 1.5-power. That gives you a slight edge without severely limiting close-quarters performance. It’s still an ACOG, though, so it’s just about bombproof (seriously, some of these have survived IED blasts overseas).
We love the durability, reticle, and illumination that runs off sunlight. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s a combat optic!
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you’re looking to shoot out to 300 yards or so, the Vortex Viper PST 1-6×24 Gen II is a great choice and a versatile optic. While it will add quite a bit of weight to an AR pistol, the extra magnification will give you more confidence at longer distances.
Take a look at our in-depth and hands-on review of the Vortex PST in our Best 1-6x Optics article. For everything else, we have our super comprehensive Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics Guide.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical Founder and CEO Eric Hung. Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. He has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear. He brings this expertise to this article, offering his perspective on AR-15 pistols, parts, and accessories.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
AR-15 pistols are extremely popular and, as long as the ATF makes them so much more attainable than SBRs, they’re going to stay that way.
By now, you should have a good idea of what you’re looking for, which AR-15 pistol is right for you, and which accessories you want to mount on it. Now it’s just a matter of buying one and training with it!
What’s your favorite AR-15 pistol? Let us know in the comments! Need more expert advice? Dive into our AR-15 Definitive Resource to find whatever you need.
Latest Updates
- April 2025: Added a comparison chart and updated supporting content.
- April 2024: Removed BCM Recce 11 KMR-A and Sig Sauer Virtus and replaced with Sig Sauer MCX Rattler. Added BCM Recce components and Daniel Defense MK18 upper to AR-15 Uppers & Lowers. Added more information to the legality section and also added supplemental content to product sections.
- November 2023: Added PSA AR-15 Complete Lower. Added a new section on the recent legal battle and rulings regarding pistol braces.
124 Leave a Reply
Great article. I have a composite AR15 receiver waiting to be built into a 300BLK pistol for HD, so the section on the PSA options interests me. Couple questions - is a composite receiver strong enough to handle 300BLK? Do you find the basic/cheapest PSA complete uppers are accurate enough for HD distance, or does anything need to be upgraded on them?
big scope, who cares ?this weapon is most likely to sit in a gun safe or a range and will never be used in a life and death encounter.there are better weapons for that and are far cheaper guys who buy them and put big scopes on them are doing it because they look cool-and at 2400$ I am sure sig doesn't care what the buyers do with them-as long as they buy them !for cbs/home defense I would rather use a nicely set-up 9mm or 45 handgun
I have 2 of the psa ar pistols 1 in 5.56 1 in 300bo, both have 7.5 in. barrels and both operate great, psa makes some very good products from their dagger line to their ar line
how many hours trained and practiced needed in order to know how to manage the handgun of AR-15 style pistol by a boy under 13 years old and what % accuracy of targeted objects?
Far too much information concerning what is a niche firearm.
Everything you should know about these articles is exemplified in item three, pertaining to the SIG Sauer MCX Rattler pistol rifle: here’s a 7.5 inch pistol that has a hunting scope almost twice its length — utterly useless. These short pistol rifles aren’t that accurate, and certainly won’t be at 200 yards plus. These firearms are intended for rapid engagement of a target at short distance, and a hunting scope is going to have far too much magnification to be useful in any sense.
In other words, no expert is going to put such a scope on a short-range pistol-rifle.
I sent a screenshot of this photo to the Director of Training at three different schools of impeccable reputation, and in all cases, they were printed and posted in the instructor meeting room. Amongst the snark comments, one chief instructor asked why Eric hadn’t mounted a bayonet on that pistol-rifle.
This should tell even the most casual reader everything they know about Pew Pew Tactical.
I saw it as funny. Chances are it’s a LPVO with 0x magnification option and done because why not!? It’s ironic to put a scope on a pistol but frankly it has been done on pistols in the past. I want to say I’ve even seen Jerry with one.
A bit off topic, but hope you guys could test some DTT (Delta Team Tactical) stuff. I’ve had mixed 50/50 results with their uppers and would like your take.
Thanks
I prefer the CMMG radial delay....so smooth!!!
When it comes to the Maxim Defense CQB brace/stock... its worth noting that you can start with the brace, but if you want to later go the SBR and tax stamp route, Maxim sells just the end piece separately. So nothing to switch out on your gun from the perspective of the buffer tube, etc. Just pull off the brace piece with the velcro and metal guide rods and insert the true stock piece instead. It'll save you a little money over buying a new, complete stock. Just be cautious of the ATF's liberally applied "possession and intent" rulings (I won't call them laws). One may think you could buy the other piece and not install it until you get your SBR stamp back, but that may not work if the ATF came knocking. Of course, if you had both a full length rifle with the stock and the pistol with the brace, that's apparently a different story.
Another item to consider is the rules on switching firearm types. If you buy an AR pistol, you can switch uppers all day long including putting an upper on it with a longer barrel. But if you buy an AR rifle, you can't put a shorter, pistol upper on it.... not even if you remove the stock to make it comply with OAL regulations, etc. Pistols due not have maximum length laws, but rifles do have minimum length laws. Its odd and convoluted so always check your local laws and the ATF's rules du jour. But be aware of what you're doing. When you buy an AR pistol, the lower has a serial number and is registered as a pistol. When you buy an AR rifle, it too has a serial on the lower and is registered as a rifle.
I know, I know... you're thinking "how would anyone ever know". Consider this scenario: a buddy was at a private outdoor range with his friends and not far from where he worked at LeJeune. There were many guns and suppressors and all had tax stamps. Through a mis-step (pun intended) one guy shot himself in the foot. EMS was called. The police arrived as well per standard protocol for a shooting near a military base. Once he was tended to, the police noticed all the suppressors and asked to see tax stamps (legally you are not required to have them with you but most people keep a copy just in case). The sheriff wrote down all the suppressor serials and the serials of the firearms with the supp's attached as well as descriptions, lengths, etc. Nothing more happened that day, but apparently the info was all given to the local ATF office. Approximately two weeks later one of the guys had a knock on the door from the ATF. In summary, the lower serial that was recorded was for a 5.56 rifle, but had put a 300BLK pistol length upper on it with his suppressor. The ATF confiscated the pistol/rifle and suppressor. He still has the 5.56 upper as it wasn't attached and its not serialized to the lower. No charges were filed. But he was given a warning and is out approximately $2000 in AR parts and another $800 for the suppressor.
So lessons learned:
* if you're shooting tax stamp regulated items and the police show up, put the fun stuff away and out of sight
* if your friend shoots himself in the foot, wrap it in gauze and consider a tourniquet, but drive him to the hospital yourself
* if you have an AR rifle, don't put a pistol length upper on it
whats the grey and black shorty in the second picture from the top of this page?
Just received my new Adams Arms P2 AR pistol. 8" Barrel, .300 blk, piston gas system. You should check it out. I live in Florida. I love that it's made across the state in Brooksville!
Hi, Just married and want a good home defense gun - I'm 20 years old, do I have to wait till I'm 21 to buy the parts needed to assemble my own "AR15" pistol?
It depends on which state you live in. Many will allow you to buy a long gun as long as you're over 18. But to buy a pistol or the serialized, lower needed to make your own AR pistol, you have to be 21. And no, you can't buy a rifle length one or a serialized rifle lower, then put a pistol length upper on it. But again, its different from state to state. In some cases a friendly member could gift it to you as its only illegal for the FFL to sell it to you, but not for a family member to gift it to you. But then you have to watch out for "straw purchases". So probably just best to wait til you're 21.
Hey Tray, you need to check your individual state laws for actually ordering them in your Name. All places may require that you be at least 18 to buy parts that would need a Serial Number. But Buffer's Grips, Triggers, Etc? Pshaw, with the way things are going, you're safest bet would be to do a search on a Site more geared or Focused on Gun Laws in your State.
I built a 9mm ‘80%-er’ machining out essentially a Glock 17 lower using the appropriate mill and jig, and spending about $1100 all told on high quality, reputable USA made parts, including red dot optics. All told it’s just under 26” OAL and shoots like a dream, incredibly reliable and accurate for its intended use, home defense/pistol range gun at close to the feel of a carbine. The only budget item in my build is the Shockwave Blade brace, and I already regret that and will upgrade it soon to something more substantial for shoulder-firing. I showed my AR-pistol build to the two knowledgeable Iraq-Afghanistan combat vets who run one of my favorite local shops, and they were really impressed with it, complimenting me on the high quality of the parts I’d selected. But they warned me right away that I’d be coming to see them about that blade brace after my first time at the range, and they were right. After putting a few hundred break-in rounds through it, the blade was digging into my shoulder and smarting. Time for something with more substance, while still meeting ATF’s ‘brace’ criterion. Thanks for the great, informative article.
I own a Battle Arms Development Workhorse 10.5” and it has been a solid so choice so far. Have a little over 1,000rnds through it and no issues at all. Even ran a couple mags with the WOT Trigger (H2 buffer 4.9oz installed) and had no problem at all. Its very accurate and can hit easily out to 200-300 yards. I have been content with it so far. Intalled a sylvan arms gen 3 folding stock with no issues on performance as well.
I wish the Springfield pdw 5.5 inch barrel was mentioned. This is one of the baddest 556 pistols in my humble opinion. It's a absolute blast to shoot.
Just my 2 cents.
I stopped reading when they said the best ar15 pistol was a palmetto state gun.......Jesus H Christ.....
There’s an AR pictured in the second picture down from the top of the article that’s in the far left of the picture, dark blue in color. What is this make and model? Would love to buy that one.
You mention Maxim Defense in the brace section, but fail to include them in the pistol section. they have several pistol ARs' in 5.56 7.62x39 & .300blk.
Pew Pew is not the only site or publication that just doesn't seem to want to review MD. Is there a reason for this?
Hey Dennis, thanks for the feedback. We'd love to review the MD but we just haven't had the chance yet. Hopefully soon!
Looking forward to that. Their .300blk is interesting to me, it really should mitigate muzzle flash out of the short barrel.
I bought a PSA AR15 with 10.5 barrel in 300 blkout about a year and a half ago. Mine has a flash can rather than a flash suppressor. It sends all gas and sound forward so it doesn't blow back on me. That's really important with a short barrel pistol. I now has a Romeo 5 red dot. This gun works every time I pull the trigger. Granted I've only put about 600 rounds through it, steel and brass, but it works every time. I have not had any fail to fire, jams or recycling issues. I love this gun.
Am I banned or something ?? All I get is "Error Submitting your comment"
You are not banned! We're having some issues with comments recently. The comment is still going through despite the error message (sometimes in duplicates). We're working on this issue and hoping to get it resolved soon.
NOTE: I am receiving repeated ERROR msgs when attempting to post, so EXPECT multiple postings until this glitch is addressed. This happens FREQUENTLY.
IMO, of the 3 AR pistols shown at the beginning of the article, NONE of the optics are properly positioned to maximize peripheral vision.
Thats all I get !! I cam wondering If I am banned or something. Evidently I can reply If this works.
We're having some issues with comments recently. The comment is still going through despite the error message (sometimes in duplicates). We're working on this issue and hoping to get it resolved soon.
IMO, of the 3 AR pistols shown at the beginning of the article, NONE of the optics are properly positioned to maximize peripheral vision.
- best budget ar pistol build list -
$800 all in:
10.5 inch bear creek arsenal upper receiver
complete with mlok rail nitrided bcg and ch
$250 shipped
psa complete pistol lower
$250 shipped and transferred
sig sauer 2 moa red dot optic - $100
45 degree sights sling and 500 lumen streamlight with mount - $100
4 pmags - $50
capability:
runs like a top and is 10 inch steel plate capable at 300 yards with tula ammo
Sounds like a great build!
Thanks for that
Drives me nuts when I see firearm's writers shouldering a pistol brace during a review. The more the ATF sees the improper use of the brace, the quicker they'll take it away from us. Stop displaying it as an SBR!!
You really think the ATF doesn't know people do that?
Nice write up well done
Can anyone recommend where I might be able to locate & purchase a few 10-round magazines for an M&P 15-22 ?
I know that 22LR is not a real popular item with true AR enthusiasts, but for me this is a great way to enjoy an afternoon of plinking with the family (that is on a budget)
I do prefer to acquire the ‘short’ Mag’s over the curved, longer 10 round mock mag’s. I can locate 25 and 30 round mag’s, just not the 10 round mag’s that I prefer.
Why the heck would I (or anyone) want smaller mag’s you may ask? It’s quite simple. The smaller 10 round mag’s help to extend the family time at the range and help them learn some of loading/unloading and gun handling basics. We prefer to teach them with single shot and not rapid d fire. 10 round mag’s help us achieve these things without the beginners ever noticing.
Also, if anyone knows why these 10 round mag’s are so hard to find, I would appreciate the insight.
Any suggestions on where to locate the 10 round mag’s are welcomed. Thank you !
Google for MGSW19924. It's Smith and Wesson's part number for the mag you are looking for. Also, try just 19924, but you will get results that are not just the mag.
You skipped probably one of the best AR15 manufacturers in your review. Geissele AR15 pistols and rifles are tops. Even other manufacturers will use their terrific triggers. Expensive yes but worth it. My Super Duty Pistol 11.5” 5.56NATO in OD Green is amazing
Can you share why you think Geissele is that good?
I love it all! but im looking to build a pistol caliber dedicated .45ACP ar carbine due to the fact i live in a restrictive state. So min. barrel length of 14.5" with a comp welded and pinned on it. I have a lower/upper set and just need an affordable barrel but even at the higher end places they are out of stock. Most of them do have some shorter barrels but they are out of carbine length barrels. The BCGs are still easy to find but thats it? HELP? If i could find a decent complete upper at this point i would but.....Im looking ot spend about 150.oo to 250.00 on a properly rifled barrel for the caliber? I just dont know what that is?lol My 1st toe into these waters on my own? I own a 9mm mostly spikes tactical carbine.But purchased as a whole rifle.Thanks if u can offer any leads on the barrels or a complete upper for less then 500bucks?lol
Try Palmetto State Armory or EP Armory for complete uppers. EP will take a while to ship - they're near Austin, TX if you can get there to pick it up.
That's a monster of a scope on the PSA 7.5" upper, kinda defeats the purpose of having an ar pistol in the first place.
3 10.5 ar pistols:
2 chambered in 5.56
1 chambered in 7.62x39
the 2 5.56 uppers i got from hardened arms in 2017/2018 before they went out of business for 300 each
the 7.62x39 upper i got in january of 2020 before the craziness hit for 225
used braces from kak strike industries and mission first tactical
all 3 have have a 2 moa red dot on top:
a primary arms a vortex and a holosun
all 3 are 10 inch steel plate capable at 300 yards with fmj ammo and mil spec triggers
You still have pistols? Interested in all 3
Wtf does “steel plate capable” even mean? That you can hit em? I wouldn’t admit it if I couldn’t lol
you say nothing about the maximum accuracy range. Also i tink it would be nice to know if a longer rifle barrel can be used for longer range accuracy and diversity of use
Maximum accuracy isn't impacted by barrel length. A 1 MOA 11.5" barrel will be as accurate to the same distance that a 20" 1 MOA barrel will be. The difference is in the velocity of the bullet getting there. Longer barrel will mean more velocity and less drop at range. More velocity will also mean a longer effective range since the bullet will have more punch further out. The raw accuracy will be the same.
Like that you guys use multiple brands and companies, keeps the bias down. Nice job
Just purchased a PSA 11.5" Pistol kit with a PSA Stealth Lower for my first AR pistol build. My buddy has bought a couple kits from PSA and loved them. Wanted a low cost option I think this kit was on special. PSA made the buying process pretty easy. Got everything except the lower. Everything looks pretty legit! Looking forward to the build.
Maxim defense makes the PDX in a 5.5" 5.56. I have one with a binary. It runs excellently. It has a smaller bolt and buffer so it isn't really interchangeable but like you said about their brace, at $~2200 you are probably not going to be moving things around.
The MCX has got my vote for #1 hands down, I've been running and gunning this platform for 4 years now & it's outstanding! you should have mentioned how easy it is to change calibers and barrels (less than 5 minutes to make a switch) would have loved to have had this weapon platform in Southeast Asia.
Are anyone one these legal in Maryland???? Please let me know. I’m interest in shooting 5.56 & 223
They are all legal in Maryland. The MD restrictions for rifles does not apply to pistols.. Heavy barrels, restricted types of rifles etc. Your only considerations if you build one should be that you buy a lower meant only for that pistol build, ensure you put a brace on it, and not a stock, and don't put a forward grip on it, because then MD considers it to be a rifle.
Ummm...
You forgot to put The Q Honey badger at the TOP of the list, followed by Noveske's Ghetto Blaster.
Shame.......
I completed an AR-15 pistol build, using a 4" barrel chambered in 9mm (Spikes Tatical lower, Foxtrot Mike complete upper w/ BCG). I choose to use the inserts for the magpul mags instead of the adaptor for the Glock mags. Definitely more cost effective. I have not experienced any feed issues, closes to three hundred round down range. I initially tried using a Red Dot scope, however found the pistol is not manipulated easily with this type of scope. I then installed a green dot laser, pleased with the outcome.
I have one very similiar to the Palmetto State Armory 10.5" AR-15 Pistol, mine is 12 inches though, with the same style flash suppressor on the end. I've ran about 100 rounds through it so far, a combination of 55.6, and 22.3. To say it's a beautiful gun to shoot, is almost an understatement. It's solid, little to no recoil, and your almost disappointed when your mag is clear. I've added a scope and green dot laser to it as of recent. Great configuration, I highly recommend it.
How do you leave out the DDM4V7 P ???????
Yup that was my first thought.
Really very helpful as I am trying to make up my mind selecting an upper and bcg this site answered just about every question I had thanks for putting it together
What about the ddm4v7 p?
I just want to know the specs of the dark blue pistol, I would like to make or order one just like it. Can the specs and parts be provided?
.458 socom. Now that's an AR pistol.
7.5-8" barrel. Folding stock. Drum mag. And a can.
Fits in my lunchbox.
rats .300blk and .556 and 9mm ... At the same time.
I just purchased 2 AR pistols directly from Alexander Arms. I got the 6.5 Grendel and the .50 Beowulf. Looking forward to enjoying many years as the owner of these fine firearms.
300 Black Out is the only way to go for AR Pistols. Both my 10.5's are real nice.
yea but where can you buy bulk 300 ammo for a decent price??
Yup my thoughts exactly. No ammo no practice no good.
Usually I can find it averaging 30 cents of a round! (But not lately!!!)
Learn to reload!
All this discussion and confusion just proves how great it will be when the various governments--especially the Feds extend greater control. The IRS regs will look like phone books for South Bend in comparison.
Wouldn't your gun already be grandfathered in? I mean that is why machine guns cost so much. Seems like more reason to buy now. Everyone else can cry 99 tears why you have your legal pistol.
My mistake above, If a barrel attached to a Pistol Lower makes the over all length Barrel tip (excluding threads) to Buffer end (excluding Pistol Brace) over 27 inches but less than a barrel length of 16 inches it becomes a Short barrel Rifle (SBR) even with a Pistol Brace and must be registered. If the Barrel installed is over 16 inches it becomes a Rifle even with a Pistol Brace. Once it has been configured into a Rifle it is illegal to use the Lower in a Pistol configuration again.
I've seen a lot of uncorrect comments here and hope I can help keep someone from getting in trouble. First, a Lower that has been used, designated or configured into a Rifle Lower or has had a Rifle Stock installed to the Lower can not be made into a Pistol. It has to be a stripped or 80% Lower that has never been used, designated or configured into a Rifle Lower. A Pistol has a measurement limit of 27 inches from barrel tip (excluding threads) to end of buffer (excluding Pistol Brace) You can not just put any length barrel on a Pistol Lower. If a barrel attached to a Pistol Lower is longer than 27 inches as described above but shorter than 16 inches even with a Pistol Brace it becomes a Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) which is illegal unless regestiered. If a barrel attached to a Pistol Lower is 16 inches or longer it becomes a Rifle even with the Pistol Brace installed. In either of the two configurations above in using the Pistol Lower to make a Rifle it can not legally be reconfigured back into a Pistol.
David,
Actually a Pistol has a measurement limit. It cant measure more than 27" from tip of barrel excluding the threads to buffer end excluding the Pistol Brace. If it measures more than 27" it becomes a Rifle even with a Pistol Brace. If the barrel is less than 16" it becomes a SBR even with a Pistol Brace. You can not legally reconfigure it to a Pistol once it has been configured into a Rifle.
I already have an AR 15. Can I use the lower to build my own pistol, or do I have to buy a dedicated lower for the project?
I just read farther down the comments and got my answer
Stayed up too late on FB, again.
If your current lower was already built as a rifle, then it is forever a rifle. Putting a pistol upper on it and a brace would make it an unregistered SBR. A pistol can be made into a rifle and converted back to a pistol, but a rifle is always a rifle.
You'll want to get a new lower for your pistol build.
David, PPt Editor Actually I think there's a catch 22 in there, from what I understand is you cant use a Lower thats been manufactured as a Pistol to reconfigure into a Rifle if it was manufactured and purchased as a Pistol. The only way you can reconfigure a Pistol Lower into a Rifle is if you purchased a Lower without a Rifle Stock by itself or a Lower with a Pistol Brace which by transfer would be designated "Other" on the 4473 fourm line 18 at which is because it hasn't been built as of time of purchase and you can use it either way.
Yes you ate correct James that is exactly how I registered my lower reciever as other when I built my ar pistol in 300 bo
You have to use a Lower that has never been used by you as a Rifle Lower, purchased as a Rifle Lower or designated by a manufacturer to be used as a Rifle Lower or used as a Rifle Lower. The only way you can use a Lower is if you by a stripped Lower that's never been used or designated to be a Rifle Lower or buy a Lower that's been built by manufacture that includes a Pistol Brace.
James I think you're confused! Just like some are confused on what the 2nd amendment says!
Just built a PSA 10.5 in 5.56 for my first ever build. Love it. Thinking of going shorter. Maybe in a different caliber. 9 mm or .40 S&W. Should I build one from scratch or modify my existing one with a new upper? Any thoughts would be appreciated
Switching to a pistol caliber is a bit harder for the lower, you can get a Stern Defense magazine adaptor and they work awesome - but then you're stuck taking that in and out each time you want to switch. I have a dedicated lower that I just keep a Stern Defense adaptor in but I'm looking to replace it with a dedicated purpose-built lower soon.
PSA has some great pistol kits, pistol uppers, and pistol lowers. I use one of their complete uppers in 9mm and it has been outstanding! We have a complete review on the PSA PX-9 also!
In a barrel of 7-8"
Your might want to consider PC 10mm. The extra barrel length makes a 100 into a bear killer should you want to hike or pack it in near country or use in a camp. It would be perfect for home defense, truck gun, it not going to be an over penetrating round either. There are options to make it a piston power instead of infringement gas which would eliminate the buffer tube out the back as well making it even more compact and lower can be dedicated to your choice of mag to make a side or compact carry gun.
If you want to change to a different caliber, I would recommend 10.5 in 300 blackout. That way all you have to do is switch out the upper. You can still use the same magazines. Also if you like the 10.5" barrel. Its alot quieter especially with subsonic ammo. Get it from Palmetto state armory. That's where I got mine. I'm super pleased with it and got For a really good price.
Last sentence: Browse*
What's ATF's rationale behind prohibiting vertical foregrips on pistols?
It has to do with the definition that pistols are supposed to be shot with a single hand. Now arguably you can use your off hand as well but there should only be one place to grip the gun. Its dumb and it doesn't make sense but that is the reasoning.
Don't do it and get caught unless you got a lot of money and time!
Just finished my 9mm build a few days ago. Absolutely love it. With the ballistic advantage 10.5 inch barrel. I can easily hit at a hundred meters. 50 meters is sub 2 inch groups
Thanks for the article, I enjoyed reading this!
Last Wednesday, 3/13/19 I built a "Righteous AR" pistol kit from Outdoorusa.com. Anderson lower, Shockwave brace, and Truglo red dot scope. I can hit 50 and 75 yards pretty good, but at 100 yards i could only make three hits on a 8 1/2 by 11 inch target. Not bad with a 7.5" barrel.
In the first picture, the AR pistol on the left. what is the make and model of the muzzle device. For some reason I am having a hard time finding a big blast forwarder. I love the ones that take up all the room at the end of the hand-guard but don't stick out very far.
Sorry, that pistol belonged to a co-worker of the author. We don't have a build list for it.
Maxim defense makes a muzzle device similar to that.
eh howzit guys n gals, jus was wondering if anyone out there has found a way, loop hole, guarded intel, or for fucks sake gossip even, on how to politely surcumvent the extensive flourescent red tape with reguards to hawaiis civi munitins aquisitions by private citizens.....ha how dat for pc...did I use dat syntax right...? Or perhapse a place on maui dats got more than a box of 9mm on the shelf thats less than date night. Been back about a decade now and decieded to see how far my skill set had gone south.....fuckin antartica man...so if any one knows how to get some 9 on the rock please let me know, aloha and godbless, kyle
Glad to have found this site.
Jerry B.
Bought a Radical Firearms 10.5 inch barrel complete. Half inch groups at 50 yards with a Red dot. Never fails to feed or fire. Can’t ask for more than that. Very well built.
What weight buffer would you recommend for a 10.5" barrel shooting 55 gr 5.56?
Can you build a AR pistol using a 80 percent lower this seems to be a unanswered question ?
Yes, absolutely. as long as you ensure to only attach a pistol buffer tube and never attach a longer upper it’s completely fine and quite easy to build a pistol up from an 80% lower.
80 percent lowers work for both pistol and rifle builds it doesn’t matter how long the tube is
So I bought the Springfield Saint pistol and shot happily for months, until my NFA was approved and I picked up my SilencerCo Chimera-300. I put ASR mount muzzle brakes on my .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, AR-15 rifles ... and then realized that the threads on the Saint Pistol are under the hand guard, and the diameter doesn't support any suppressor. Contacted Springfield for advice and got an immediate "Tough luck!"
I've ordered a shorter hand-guard from Midwest Industries ... and will do my first barrel-nut replacement when it arrives. Wish me luck. That kind of work is more than I usually do in my limited gunsmithing history.
Suggestion to Springfield ... don't cover the barrel threads on the next version of your Saint Pistol.
Thanks for sharing. Yet another reason to not buy a Springfield.
Anderson manufacturing s ar15?
Have you looked at their guns?
If so where can I look it up,,
Look for lower , quality,
** They are located 25 miles from me**
Thanks
Built my own out of a PSA 10.5" kit and Duracoated it myself in flat dark earth and used a spikes tactical lower with a CMC trigger and stryke industries/CMMG lower parts and KNS anti roll pins and custom extended take down pins and a WMD BCG in flat dark earth with a SB tactical brace
Info on the Lone Blue pistol pictured in the article, please.
It’s a ghost firearms
I was going to build, but ended up finding and buying a package deal a few years ago. Diamondback DB15 with 7.5" barrel, Sig brace, Noveske KX5 Flash Suppressor, 50 round X-Products Drum, Red Dot. It's a pretty awesome truck gun.
Where may I get this, sir and how much did it cost?
Thanks Mac! I picked up an AR pistol kit from them... GREAT prices!
Somehow this discussion forgot or neglected to recognize the Kel-tec PLR-16. I will take it over any of the offerings you have presented. Simple. Inexpensive. Reliable. Uses every day AR-15 mags. Compact. Other than being loud as hell, I love it!
I was unable to make my PLR-16 work reliably with my AAC M4-2000 Supressor, and ended up selling the Keltec. Also AAC claims the 9.2" barrel on the PLR-16 is too short to avoid wearing out the M4-2000 suppressor too quickly.
One thing to note in your definition section; there’s actually no requirement that an AR pistol barrel be under 16”. As long as it’s originally built as a pistol, until you put a stock on it, it remains a pistol regardless of upper. So one could have an 18” barrel pistol as long as it was originally built into pistol form. Would be pointless to do so, but just wanted to point out that the federal definition of pistol only requires that “it be designed not to be fired from the shoulder”. This comes from a detailed analysis of many ATF opinion letters on ARFcom.
Very true, I'll edit the article so that it is more clear. Thanks for the comment!
How do you do a writeup on AR pistols and not talk about the SBA3 brace? It's amazing, and would definitely be my first/only recommendation unless someone's looking to save money with the Shockwave.
We tended to like the SBM4 brace a little better. Any SB brace is a good brace, what one is perfect for you depends on what you like best!
Since you guys liked the sbm4 brace better, you have lost all credibility for this article. Sba3=awesome, all others, besides the gearheadworks tailhook mod 1 and 2 are garbage! Good day sir.
It is my understanding if a lower receiver is registered as a rifle or a pistol is cannot be converted to the other weapon or visa versa. Am I correct? Otherwise people could circumvent handgun laws by turning rifles into pistols.
A pistol can become a rifle, a rifle is forever a rifle.
If you build an AR Pistol, you can always change the barrel for a 16"+ barrel and throw on a real stock and have a "rifle" and still be able to convert that "rifle" back into a "pistol". However, if the lower was built out as a rifle to start with - it will always be a rifle, no matter what. The only way to get a sub 16" barrel on a rifle is to get an SBR stamp.
Great article. Can't say enough about all the options for building an AR pistol. My first AR build was a 7.5" PSA upper, enhanced trigger, Aero lower, light, sling, Vortex Sparc red dot and 3 20rd PMags ... all for under $800. Not bad for a home defense/truck gun. Yeah, it barks a little when you shoot it, but it's never had a malfunction and is very accurate out to 50 yards.
AR pistols are awesome. No need at all for an SBR. Pistols can be concealed and carried loaded in a vehicle. All good. 9mm is good to 100 yd, that is enough for me. For bigger punch, x39 is way cheaper than 300 blk and has the same ballistics.
You might want to revisit that thought. 300 blackout has slightly better ballistics, accuracy and distance. The whole point of the 300 was to combine the range of the 5.56 and the impact of the x39.
Actually the entire reason for the 300 was a good suppressed shorter distanced round, thus the 300 Whisper designation at first. You're right, the ballistics are virtually identical to 100 yards, but the 7.62 x 39 was never really "designed" to be suppressed. gderian is right in that x39 is significantly cheaper. If you're not ever going to run a suppressor, 7.62 x 39 makes more sense for ammo availability and price with the same performance. 300 is better suppressed.
How could you leave out the Sig Rattler in this discussion ?
10.5/ parts from Axelsonusa
Quality and a gold star business as well.
Use the system as a very effective truck gun.