There are AR pistols, and then there are true micro ARP platforms, which push the limits of what it means for a firearm platform to be truly compact.
This short post will dive into some of the best reasons to build one, covering a few other considerations in the process.
What Is a Micro AR Pistol?
There’s no standard definition for what a micro ARP truly is. However, some common lengths for very small AR pistols are 10” and 7.5” barrels, so consider a real micro AR pistol even shorter than these. Some micro AR 15 pistol builds even have barrels as short as 5 inches.
Why Build a Micro AR 15?
There are numerous reasons to build a micro AR 15. Here are some of the best:
- Lightweight nature: A micro AR pistol will not just be lighter than a full-size rifle, but lighter even than an ARP with a slightly longer barrel, making it easier and quicker to handle.
- Easier concealment: The more compact nature of a micro AR 15 pistol means that you’ll be able to conceal it more easily, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
- Better in close quarters: Smaller, lighter and more compact, micro ARP platforms offer an edge in really cramped spaces where a heavier profile and a longer barrel would serve a pointed disadvantage.
- Easier to transport: Thanks again to their lightweight nature and compact design, micro AR pistols are easier to transport than other platforms.
- More discreet: It’s easier to transport a micro ARP in a smaller case than a full-size rifle, attracting less attention and improving discretion.
Use Cases for a Micro AR
Just as there are many advantages associated with building a micro ARP, there are just as many use cases, including:
- Truck gun: Need a lightweight but powerful gun that’s easy to conceal in the truck and on the road? A micro AR pistol is a great option.
- Backpack gun: You can’t fit a full-size rifle in a backpack, or even a carbine, and even some AR pistols in more standard sizes would be tough to pack, but not a micro AR.
- Home defense: The advantage in tight spaces offered by a micro ARP cannot be understated.
- Fun at the range: lastly, micro ARP platforms can just be a whole lot of fun to shoot at the range.
How to Make a Micro AR Pistol Even Shorter and Lighter
Looking for some creative ways to take that 5 inch AR upper that you used to build a micro ARP and make it even lighter and more compact? Here are some top suggestions.
- Build with a bufferless AR15 pistol upper: Some micro ARP uppers are bufferless, so you can skip the whole buffer tube. This one option will make the platform not only more compact but considerably lighter since you’ll be entirely circumventing the buffer weights.
- Remove the muzzle device: Many micro AR pistol uppers come with flash hiders. Remove these; they add both unwanted weight and length to the build.
- Remove attachments: If you have optics, lights and other attachments on your micro AR pistol, consider removing them.
- Use skeletonized parts where possible: There are skeletonized parts such as grips and pistol braces you can get that will lighten the overall build.
- Replace any Pic rails with M-LOK rail systems: Picatinny rails may be an enduring standard but they are bulky and heavy. M-LOK rail systems are lighter.
- Install a lightweight BCG: It won’t make a huge difference but the installation of a lightweight BCG will shave a little weight off the build.
What’s the Best Caliber?
There is no single “best” caliber, but here are some common ones:
- 56 (and .223): Not the most stopping power, but widely available, cheap, and low recoil. Great for an all-purpose ARP, offering rifle firepower in a handgun-sized footprint.
- 62x39mm: More powerful than 5.56 and .223, but more expensive and it will produce more recoil. Also, it performs abysmally at extended ranges, though that shouldn’t be a problem here.
- .300 BLK: Similar to the 7.62, it will offer higher firepower than 5.56 and .223, especially at close ranges. It will also perform very well from a very short barrel, unlike 5.56 and .223. Ammo will be expensive, though.
- 9mm: Some bufferless micro AR pistol uppers are built around 9mm, which offers reasonable close-range performance. It’s also low-recoil and ammo will be widely available, though you will need to sacrifice some stopping power.
Shop Micro ARP Uppers and Parts
Thinking about building a real micro AR pistol and adding it to your collection? Check out our collection of micro AR15 pistol uppers and parts here, and if you have any questions about what we sell (or ARP parts compatibility) get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.