Over the past few years, AR pistol builds have become considerably more popular. This isn’t just hype, as there are a few practical use cases for one of these compact builds.
So if you’re considering building with an AR pistol upper but you’re not sure the move is right for you, you’re in the right place. Here are a few things to consider.
More (or Equivalent) Firepower, Smaller Footprint
Like full-sized rifles, one of the most popular chamberings for AR pistols remains the .223 (and 5.56). This cartridge is considerably faster and flatter-shooting than most popular pistol cartridges and similarly produces more stopping power than even the most powerful among them.
This makes an AR pistol a popular choice for practical applications such as home defense, as it offers more power in a smaller footprint than a full-size rifle. An argument can be made that they handle better in tight quarters, too, although that is slightly dubious.
Anyway, back to firepower. There are other popular AR pistol builds in even more powerful cartridges than .223, like 7.62×39, so you can boost power on that front if you want.
Better Concealability
No matter how you look at it, if you get an AR pistol upper and build a smaller platform, it’s going to have better concealability than a full-sized rifle, or even a carbine.
This is just a fact of life. No, an AR pistol will not offer the same concealability as a pocket pistol, but at the same time it is likely much more powerful, and still much more compact than a rifle.
On that note, and while it is debatable if handling is better, they make better truck guns and carry more discreetly for use in defensive applications.
Better Handling
With a big caveat here, that you outfit the AR pistol appropriately. One thing you can do to boost handling is to install an AR pistol brace that will make it easier to fire and control.
Another thing you can do is install a muzzle device, specifically a brake, that will cut recoil, also making the thing easier to handle.
These two things will go a long way towards making an AR pistol better handling and lighter than a full size rifle, and perhaps even more than some handguns, although it remains largely a matter of preference.
Is It All Rainbows and Butterflies?
As with anything else in life, building with an AR pistol upper is not all positives. There are advantages, but at the same time, there are drawbacks too.
For one, some consider AR pistols harder to control. For another, they produce more recoil than full-size rifles because they are lighter.
They also produce a lot of muzzle pop and most shoot dirtier, because their barrels are so short the propellant doesn’t have adequate time to fully deflagrate in the chamber and barrel before the bullet leaves the muzzle. That makes cleaning one of these things harder.
Accuracy is another concern. The greater recoil, shorter barrels, and shorter sight radii of AR pistols make it harder for most shooters to produce serviceable accuracy.
But don’t let this deter you. If you’re set on saddling yourself with an AR pistol upper and making a pistol build, have at it.
Where to Get an AR Pistol Upper for Your Build
If you’re looking for gun parts that will enable you to completely customize an AR pistol build, including assembled uppers, visit MCS Gearup. They have a massive inventory of parts and shooting accessories for AR pistols, carbines, and full-sized rifles. Check out their website for more information or get in touch with them directly at Sales@MCSGearup.com.
