Looking for a way to get rifle-level firepower in a pistol-sized build, but don’t want to deal with the red tape associated with building or buying a short barreled rifle (SBR)?
The solution is a micro ARP build - and we have the parts. Let this be your short guide.
What Is a Micro ARP?
First, let’s unpack what we mean by the term “micro ARP.” ARP stands for AR pistol, which should be evident enough.
AR pistols are compact, but micro ARP uppers take that extreme to an art form. Most micro AR pistol builds are made with uppers that are 5” or even less, and we even carry ultra-short 4.5” micro ARP uppers in our collection.
What Are the Advantages of Micro ARPs?
There are numerous advantages associated with micro ARPs as opposed to full sized rifles. Here are some of the best of them.
- Full firepower in a more compact platform. Since micro ARP platforms are usually chambered in rifle calibers like 5.56, .223 and 7.62, you get much greater firepower in a platform that’s almost as compact as a handgun.
- No red tape associated with SBR builds. Short barreled rifles are NFA items, which means you need to do a lot of paperwork, pay for a tax stamp, and go through additional background checks to get one. Micro ARP builds are considered handguns, which means there’s less regulation for you to deal with.
- Easier concealment, making them ideal for defensive applications. Micro ARP platforms are more compact even than standard AR pistol uppers with 7.5 and even 10-inch barrels, making them the ultimate choice for concealment. This makes them a prime option for home defense as well as potentially filling the role of a truck gun.
- Better handling in cramped quarters. Not only are micro ARP builds more compact and easier to conceal, thanks to their small size, they also offer potentially better handling in cramped quarters.
Micro ARPs in 7.62, 5.56, and Other Calibers: What’s Best?
There are lots of calibers that you can choose from with respect to a micro ARP upper. Some of the more common among these are:
- 56 and .223. These are your standard calibers, not just for full-size rifle builds, but also for micro ARP builds. They offer solid stopping power and balance power with penetration potential well. In platforms with longer barrels they also make good long-range cartridges, but that is not much of a concern here. Also, this is a very commonly available cartridge, produces very little recoil, and is one of the most cost-effective options out there.
- Micro ARPs in 7.62. If you’re looking at a micro ARP in 7.62, you’re probably looking at 7.62 Soviet, not 7.62 NATO. The 7.62 Soviet cartridge offers better close-range performance than both 5.56 and .223, and hits harder, making it a better option for defensive applications. It’s also a fairly cheap cartridge, though it will produce more recoil.
- Micro ARPs in .300 Blackout. Another option is to build a micro ARP in .300 Blackout. While this ammo is hard to find and pretty expensive, it produces a lot more stopping power than 5.56 and .223. It also performs very well from a shorter barrel, unlike those other two, and handles suppression well.
- Handgun calibers like 9mm. Some micro ARP uppers are built around handgun cartridges like 9mm, which are affordable, produce little recoil, and are good for close-quarters engagement - though there’s a tradeoff in stopping power, since rifle cartridges tend to produce more muzzle energy across the board. This is still an option though.
How to Reduce Recoil with a Micro ARP?
The two best ways to reduce recoil in a micro ARP build are to add either a compensator or a suppressor. Both are muzzle devices.
Compensators, also called muzzle brakes, change how gasses are distributed at the muzzle, cutting back on felt recoil. A good muzzle brake can cut felt recoil by as much as 50% without affecting shot power.
Suppressors also cut recoil, but not as much as muzzle brakes. Most suppressors will reduce felt recoil by anywhere between 10% and 30%. However, suppressors are NFA items and harder to get than muzzle brakes.
Can I Skip the Buffer System?
Actually, yes. There are micro ARP uppers that are bufferless, with blowback actions. These uppers are completely different from most ARP uppers with gas systems, and since you don’t need a buffer tube or system with a blowback, this type of upper can be used to build an ARP that is even more compact.
Shop Micro ARP Uppers and Parts Here
Thinking about reaping some of the benefits of a micro ARP build? Take a look through our collection and get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions before you buy.