AR pistols, also known as ARPs, are some of the most common AR variants in the country. As a general rule, they give you rifle firepower in a significantly scaled back profile, which makes them highly attractive not just for concealment, but for use as defensive platforms.
However, before you run and buy an AR pistol build kit, here are some questions you should answer first to make sure you get what you need before you start.
What caliber am I going to build around?
This is the most important question you have to answer before you invest in an AR pistol build kit, because it will determine the performance and handling of the finished platform.
As a general rule you have two options: handgun and rifle calibers.
Most builders choose rifle calibers because one of the main advantages of an ARP is that you get rifle firepower in a handgun format. However, some rifle calibers, like 5.56 and .223, don’t perform that well from shorter barrels. Also, rifle calibers are going to produce a lot more recoil.
Calibers like 7.62 Soviet and .300 BLK, however, will perform well from shorter barrels and produce more stopping power up close than either 5.56 or handgun cartridges, which makes them extremely popular for ARP builds.
On the flipside, some people ultimately choose to customize their ARP builds around handgun calibers like 9mm or .40 S&W. These cartridges produce less recoil than rifle cartridges, but they also incur a lower risk of overpenetration and they tend to perform better from shorter barrels.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to build, as there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to chambering in AR pistols.
What overall size, footprint and weight do I want?
Most AR pistols have barrels that are 10 inches or shorter. Many have 7.5 inch barrels, and we also carry some super-compact, micro ARP options with 5 inch AR pistol uppers, and a few even shorter, at 4.5 inches.
The shorter the upper is, naturally, the shorter the barrel will be, and the lighter and more compact the overall platform will be. Remember that a longer barrel and more weight will help absorb recoil and will generate more FPS and muzzle energy, but at the same time, will not be as maneuverable or as compact as a smaller version.
In addition to starting with an AR pistol build kit that has a short upper, you can also get a short buffer tube system that will cut back on the overall length and weight of the finished platform.
Just like with chambering, there is no right or wrong answer; just what you expect to get out of the build.
What action type do I want?
The vast majority of AR pistol build kits come with uppers that have a gas system, just like their full-size counterparts .
The gas impingement of an AR is reliable, proven, and smooth shooting. It can also be tailored if the gas block is adjustable, which will impact cycling efficiency. The buffer tube systems of these builds can also be customized to reduce recoil or improve cycling speed and performance.
However, you do not have to build an ARP with a gas system. Some uppers utilize direct blowback, which is much simpler and which eliminates the need for a gas system and buffer tube.
These are the most compact uppers overall, so if you are going to build an ARP around a handgun cartridge and want to make it as compact as possible, consider a bufferless upper.
Will I want a pistol brace?
If you’re a smaller-framed shooter or are recoil sensitive, you may want to invest in a pistol brace which will aid you in controlled recoil and muzzle flip when you are firing one-handed. This is not a necessity though, and it’s completely up to you if you want to add a pistol brace or not.
What muzzle device will I pair with this ARP?
Most AR pistol build kits come with flash hiders, but these are fairly limited muzzle devices. A muzzle brake will cut recoil, or even better, a suppressor will cut recoil and volume while also boosting power. However, be aware that a suppressor will add weight and length to the platform.
What other attachments am I going to pair with this ARP?
This is an important consideration to take because ARPs are shorter than rifles and lack the space for attachments that their larger cousins have. Also, you will want to consider the type of handguard or rail system you use as this will also determine the attachments that can be added, along with how many you will have room for.
Shop AR Pistol Build Kits, Assembled Uppers, and AR Parts Here
Once you’ve squared away the answers to these questions, you can shop AR pistol build kits here and get what you need; and if you still have questions, you can get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com.