There are plenty of reasons to build an ARP, or AR pistol. That we’ve covered before. You’re probably already aligned on that.
But, even if you’re set on building an AR pistol with a build kit, there are some questions you should answer before you do. Here are some of the most important questions to square away before you get an AR pistol build kit and start on the project.
- What chambering do I want to choose?
This is probably the most important question you need to answer before you get an AR pistol build kit because everything else is subsidiary to it.
First, do you want a rifle or pistol caliber?
Pistol calibers will offer good power up close and convenient handling. Plus, most pistol calibers like 9mm produce relatively little recoil, and ammo is generally affordable and available.
You can also choose a rifle caliber, and you aren’t restricted to 5.56. While 5.56 is affordable and available, it doesn’t perform as well from shorter barrels as alternatives like 7.62x39mm or .300 BLK.
These will produce heavier recoil, but better stopping power, and their performance from a short barrel makes them ideal for AR pistol build kits.
- Do I want to build bufferless?
While most AR pistol build kits will contain a buffer system, there are bufferless AR pistol uppers you can get that utilize direct blowback instead of gas impingement.
While these will more or less require you to choose a pistol chambering, they will lack buffer tubes, which will make the build even smaller. Bufferless is the choice if your goal is to create an ARP that is as compact as possible.
- What barrel length do I want?
Barrel length is another primary consideration you will need to take, especially since for most builders the idea is to make a more compact platform.
There are micro ARP uppers with barrels as short as 5 inches, and if you go with a bufferless build, you will be able to create an exceptionally compact ARP.
The tradeoff here is you should also consider the cartridge you’ve chosen for the build. Pistol caliber ARPs will do just fine with very short barrels, as will rifle calibers like .300 BLK. Other rifle calibers like 5.56 will benefit from a longer barrel.
A shorter barrel, if you can get away with it, will handle better in close quarters, be easier to conceal, result in a build that is lighter and more discrete, and will ultimately work better for an ARP, cartridge performance aside.
- What muzzle device is best for this build?
Most AR pistol build kits will not just come with a threaded barrel, they will come with a muzzle device, and most of the time that muzzle device will be a flash hider.
Granted, ARPs produce a lot of muzzle flash, especially those in rifle calibers, but the truth is, a flash hider does little except add unnecessary weight and length to the platform.
If an extremely compact build is your goal, just remove the flash hider, install a thread protector, and be done with it.
However, if you want to reduce muzzle pop, muzzle flip and recoil, get either a compensator or a suppressor. Both will reduce recoil, and some chamberings, like .300 BLK, respond very favorably to suppression.
- Do I want a pistol brace?
If you get an AR pistol build kit that isn’t bufferless, you might also choose to get a pistol brace, especially if the ARP has a rifle chambering.
AR pistol braces are basically like stabilizers that mount to the buffer tube and which are designed to be braced against an operator’s forearm.
They can help you control recoil and muzzle flip, especially when firing the ARP one-handed, making it easier to execute more confident, accurate follow up shots.
- What type of handguard should I choose?
Lastly, consider what type of handguard you want for the build. Many will come with standard Picatinny rail systems, but you also have the choice to update with KeyMod or M-LOK rail systems.
Both of these are newer, lighter, and more comfortable to handle than Pic rail systems, and will not snag on gear. Also, there are now tons of shooting accessories that are expressly compatible with them.
Shop AR Pistol Build Kits Here
Once you’ve answered the 6 questions broached in this post, you can start shopping through our collection of AR pistol build kits and get one that works for you.
And, if you need any extra clarity or direction on any of the questions mentioned here, or have questions about chambering or anything else like that, get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com before you buy and we’ll do our best to assist.