Thinking about building an AR pistol next? Here are 6 things you should consider, most of which are intended to help you lighten and shorten the platform, but all of which offer some unique value nonetheless.
Start with a Micro AR Pistol Build Kit
Set yourself up for success with a micro AR pistol build kit. While all ARPs are fairly short and light, a micro AR pistol build kit, which should have an upper or barrel length in the area of 5 inches or even 4.5 inches, will be even smaller and lighter.
With a micro AR pistol build kit, you’ll ultimately come away with a platform that’s about as small and light as it is possible to build.
Skip the Flash Hider
Most AR pistols, including AR pistol build kits, come with a muzzle device. In almost every instance, that muzzle device is a flash hider.
A flash hider does basically one thing. It obstructs the muzzle flash so that the operator doesn’t get temporarily blinded. This helps keep the sight picture clear for faster, more accurate follow up shots.
However, it adds length and weight to the ARP. Therefore, a better move is to install thread protectors on the muzzle threads. The platform will be shorter, lighter, and if you do ever want to put another muzzle device on there, you’ll be able to.
Skip the Buffer Tube (or Install a Micro Buffer Tube)
This is one of the most important suggestions on this list. Either install a micro buffer tube, which will prove shorter and lighter, or else go bufferless entirely.
The latter is potentially the best option, though it will limit you somewhat in terms of caliber. Regardless, a bufferless upper, which will likely rely on direct blowback operation, will also be much more simplistic than a gas system, and will enable you to skip not only the buffer system, but the gas system as well.
All in all, if you want to build a small, light ARP that is simpler in design and operation, a bufferless AR upper is one of the best options at your disposal.
Install Either AR15 Anodized Parts or Skeletonized Parts
Both AR15 anodized parts and skeletonized parts are lighter than steel parts. Generally, aluminum parts are used anyway, but anodized parts are tougher and more corrosion resistant.
As for skeletonized AR15 parts, they feature a lighter, mass-reduced design that is easier to handle, though it is a bit harder to clean.
Either option is a good one if your ultimate goal is to lighten the ARP, so if you can get an AR pistol build kit with either anodized or skeletonized parts, you should.
Be Smart About the Caliber
Lastly, you should give some thought to the caliber you choose for the AR pistol build kit you buy. Many come in 5.56, but this is not always a good chambering for an ARP.
This is because a 5.56 does not perform that well from a short barrel, which is what an AR pistol build kit will come with.
Other good options as far as rifle calibers are concerned are 7.62x39 and .300 Blackout, both of which offer better stopping power than 5.56, and both of which will perform much better with a shorter barrel.
If you’re willing to choose a pistol caliber, a good option is 9mm, which will also give you the flexibility to build with a bufferless upper.
There are other good calibers that represent a solid alternative to 5.56 so do a little research and see if you can find another that works better for you.
Get a Pistol Brace with the Kit
An AR pistol cannot be stocked, or else it functionally ceases to be a pistol and once it’s regulated as a rifle, it’s considered a short barreled rifle, or SBR, which is a heavily regulated (and generally illegal) NFA item.
The bad news is that it can be hard to control an ARP when firing with one hand, but even though you can’t fully stock it, there is a solution, and it’s called an AR pistol brace.
An AR pistol brace is basically a strap that secures the ARP to your forearm, making it easier for you to fire more confidently and accurately with one hand.
Shop AR Pistol Build Kits Her
Among our assembled uppers, we carry a wide variety of AR pistol build kits, some of which are micro AR pistol build kits. In addition, we carry a bunch of piecemeal AR15 parts.
Check out our collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions about the AR uppers or parts we sell here, or about compatibility, before you buy.