What is an AR-15 Pistol?

An AR-15 pistol
just sounds weird. AR stands for Armalite Rifle, so it's just a strange phrase all around. AR-15
pistols exist because of a set of laws outlined in the National Firearms Act. These laws created a method of classifying weapons. By this set of laws, a rifle is required to have a 16-inch barrel in coordination with a stock. If the barrel length is shorter, you can have an SBR, or short barrel rifle, but then you have to fill out paperwork, pay 200 bucks, and wait months for approval. Alternatively, you can have a AR-15 pistol
with a barrel as short as you want it to be. These pistols are regulated as handguns, so a waiting period may be required, and the same goes for age restrictions and other applicable state laws. That's not all bad, as some states regulate pistols differently in a good way. For example, in Florida, you can have a loaded handgun concealed in your vehicle as long as it's securely encased. You can't do the same with a rifle. AR-15 pistols are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than a full-sized rifle, but they can be a little clumsier without a stock. To help with that, there is always the ability to add a pistol brace. A pistol brace fits on the back of the weapon and allows you to brace the gun better on your forearm. Most AR-15 pistols these days even come with pistol braces, but if you don't or you are building one, I suggest the SB Tactical SBA3.

SBA3 Tactical Brace w/Milspec Carbine Buffer Tube 5 Position

There are tons of different types of AR-15 pistol out there, so let's look at some of your options.

Pistol Calibers in AR-15 Pistols

Like any AR-15, these pistols can come in various calibers. I'm a big fan of AR-15 pistols in actual pistol calibers though. The Brigade BM-9
, for example, is a 9mm AR that takes Glock magazines. It's light and handy and allows you to use common pistol magazines in your AR. It's also super low recoil and a lot of fun to shoot. A 9mm with a 16-inch barrel doesn't make a lot of sense.

Brigade BM-9 9mm with KAK Brace

Calibers Matter

The 5.56 round
is admittedly the most common AR-15 round. The round itself is designed specifically for a 20-inch barrel, and as you get shorter, the recoil and concussion gets rough. With this in mind, you can get a pistol caliber, or you can go to the 300 Blackout
route. 300 Blackout
is a rifle caliber that's designed for short barrels and achieves peak velocity from a 9-inch barrel. The ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx 300 Blackout AR-15 pistol
has a 10.5-inch barrel, perfect for achieving max rifle round power from a pistol.

ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx AR-15 Pistol chambered in .300 Blackout

The PDW Option

PDW stands for personal defense weapon, and some AR 15 pistols fall into this particular class. One of the coolest is the Fostech Bradley Fighting AR pistol
. It's equipped with a 7.5 inch AR 15 barrel, a collapsing PDW style pistol brace, and the Echo trigger. The Echo trigger fires one round as the trigger is pulled and one as it is released.

FosTecH Fighting Bradley .223/5.56 AR-15 Pistol

Another option is the Fold AR pistol
. This AR 15 pistol is one of the most unique ARs to ever exist. The Fold AR pistol had a folding receiver extension and brace, and a folding barrel. This 300 Blackout pistol is only 10.75 inches long when completely folded. This lightweight pistol is the ultimate in concealable AR pistols.

What About a Future SBR?

AR-15 pistols are also a good way to start an SBR build. If you buy an SBR, it's going to sit at your gun store for months as you wait for approval. If you buy a pistol, you can file the paperwork and pay for the stamp and start the wait, but still, have a AR-15 pistol. If you are taking this route, an excellent starter is the Daniel Defense MK-18 pistol
. The MK-18 rifle
is a favorite AR configuration that's designed for close quarter's battle. The 10.3-inch barrel is perfect for home defense applications, and the gun is equipped with an SB Tactical brace. Daniel Defense is a premium brand and a last-forever gun. If you go with an SBR, it's likely a weapon you are going to keep, so you might as well make it a good one.

Daniel Defense DDM4 MK18 AR-15 Pistol chambered in .223/5.56

Pistols For All

AR-15 pistols
are an excellent way to get a shorter and lighter weapon without the hassle of the NFA. These guns still have all the compatibility of an AR-15, but with the size of a sub-gun. It makes them fun to shoot, easy to use for home defense, and perfect for those seeking something a little lighter and more maneuverable than a rifle. Shop All AR-15 Pistols
Shop All Handguns
Shop All .223/5.56 Ammunition
Shop All .300 Blackout Ammunition