Thinking about building a micro ARP, or AR pistol, and keeping it for home defense? You could do a lot worse, and in some ways AR pistol builds offer better performance than handguns for defensive applications.
Not just any ARP, though, a true micro ARP, with a 5 inch upper or smaller. Here are some of the ways they excel at providing a viable avenue for home defense.
Small Size, Compact Footprint
Like a handgun, a micro ARP will offer a small size and overall compact footprint that, while not necessarily good for concealment, will prove very easy to stash or stow, even in tight spaces.
Micro ARPs can easily be stored in a small bedside drawer, under a mattress, or elsewhere from which you might need quick, easy access.
Better in Tight Quarters
The small size and overall nature of a micro ARP also means that they handle better in tighter spaces. The longer barrel of a rifle, even a carbine, will not handle as easily or point as naturally inside the tight quarters of a room, especially given narrow hallways or small rooms.
Lighter and more nimble and responsive in the hand than many handguns and most if not all larger AR builds, an AR pistol, especially a micro build, should perform better in tight confines.
More Expandable Than Most Handguns
While some handguns have slides cut for certain optics, or have small sections of rail under the barrel, as a general rule they are lacking when it comes to expanding with shooting accessories.
AR pistols, like their larger cousins, usually have tons of mounting points for shooting accessories, thanks to the rail systems some uppers are paired with, despite the fact that they are shorter.
No Compromise on Firepower
Now we’re in for the biggest potential advantage of AR pistol builds. They let you build a roughly handgun-sized platform built around the same chamberings as larger, full-sized rifles.
Many are chambered in .223 or 5.56, just like larger rifles, though others are paired with other rifle cartridges usually reserved for full-sized builds, giving you much greater firepower in a substantially reduced package size.
This is one of the main advantages that AR pistols have over regular handguns when it comes to defensive applications - they often offer much greater stopping power when compared to conventional alternatives.
Add to this the fact that they skirt the NFA regulations surrounding short barrel rifles since they are considered pistols (albeit usually in rifle calibers), and that’s another advantage, too.
How to Make Your Micro ARP Even Smaller
There are several great ways to take a compact micro ARP and make it even smaller, adding to its advantages in terms of storage and handling in tight quarters. These are some of the best things you can do.
- Skip the muzzle device. While you might not want to completely abandon having a muzzle device on your micro ARP, a suppressor might be overkill. Suppressors add too much length and weight to an ARP, and will cancel out many of the other advantages. Consider instead a muzzle brake, which will slash recoil. If you have a flash hider, remove it and install thread protectors. The flash hider just adds length and weight without conferring any real benefits.
- Get a short buffer tube. If you have a gas-powered AR pistol (most of them are) then make sure you get a short buffer tube. We actually sell some really short buffer tubes here that are only a few inches long and will ensure you end up with an ultra-compact build that is smaller, lighter, and more compact than conventional micro ARP This will shorten the overall platform and safeguard its performance in tight quarters while also making it easier to stash it in a discreet yet readily accessible location.
- Or, go bufferless with your Micro AR Upper. One of the best ways to shorten a micro ARP build is to start with a bufferless upper. We sell buffer AR pistol uppers that utilize a blowback action rather than a conventional gas system, and thereby do not need a buffer system at all. This shaves several inches off the back of the build and will substantially shorten the overall platform. Pair that with the removal of your flash hider and the installation of thread protectors onto the muzzle threads and you can shave 5 inches or more off the whole footprint.
Shop Micro AR Uppers and Parts Here
Whether you’re here for a classic micro AR upper, are looking for a bufferless AR pistol upper, a short buffer tube, or a complete upper, we have what you need.
Take a closer look through our collection of AR pistol uppers and parts and get in touch with us directly at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions before you buy.