AR-15 Rifle vs SBR vs Pistol Infographic

The AR-15 Pistol: The Rise of America’s Rifle Variant

ByAaron Basiliere Updated on Reading Time: 8 minutes

The AR-15 Pistol Overview

The AR-15 pistol that we know today is the technological descendant of the Vietnam War-era Colt Commando short barreled carbine rifle that fired 5.56 caliber rounds. During the early 1980’s, however, Colt developed a new 9mm Parabellum cartridge to feed a 10.5 semi-automatic short barrel based upon the Commando’s original receiver design.

Saint Victor 5.56 AR-15 Pistol

The Commando and its post-war M4 successor utilized a small amount of kinetic energy per every 5.56 cartridge dispersed. Colt’s newly developed operating system, however, retro-fitted for 9mm pistol rounds, expended every bit of the smaller projectiles’ energy which caused them to fire at a much faster rate. The 9mm ammo cycled through so quickly–over 1,000 rounds per minute, in fact–that the fire-rate wreaked havoc upon the weapon’s innermost parts. Once a buffer system was installed to curb the firing issues, Colt’s semi-automatic prototype expended nearly 400 rounds less per minute which made it a more viable weapon option for in-the-field use.     

Affixed with a 32-round-capacity magazine, Colt’s new semi-auto SMG was ideal for close proximity engagements. The gun saw a wide range of deployment–from security detail to thwarting terrorism–as U.S. government agencies and military special tactics untits preferred it for its low velocity, pistol-caliber rounds.

After the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was relaxed in 1994, the gun manufacturing industry took advantage of Colt’s original 9mm specs in the development of new armament technology and thus, a then braceless AR-15 pistol was born. The stabilizing arm brace wouldn’t become standard on all models of the weapon until its invention, ATF approval, and implementation in 2013; its original purpose, to aid the aim and absorb the shock of recoil so disabled shooters could fire their weapons with ease and accuracy. 

Depending on the build, this semi-auto pistol could fire an assortment of ammo. Nowadays, AR-15 pistols are often chambered specifically for rifle ammunition.

For those more interested in a full-sized rifle than an AR pistol, our list of the best AR-15 rifles showcases the top options available.

The AR-15 Pistol and its Specifications: At a Glance 

The AR-15 pistol is a .223/5.56 NATO-fed, lightweight, semi-automatic handgun that merges the signature bark and punchy recoil of a long gun with the simplified ergonomics of a compact handgun. Like the larger AR-15 rifle before it, the gas-powered AR-15 pistol has proven to be a versatile firearm that has made waves in the American shooting community. The popularity of the AR-15 pistol is not only due to its refined, yet rugged design, but the sheer excitement of firing this piece of military-grade Americana downrange has led to its trophy-like quality among game hunters and gun enthusiasts alike. 

The AR-15 pistol is classified, by law, as a pistol because its barrel is shorter than 16-inches– from chamber to muzzle–and can be shot one-handed with the assistance of an arm brace with a forearm strap to help soften the amount of recoil and increase target-precision. Additionally, the AR-15 pistol has a louder concussive blast and exerts a larger degree of muzzle flare due to being gas-propelled and having the aforementioned shorter-length barrel.

The AR-15 Pistol Arm Brace

Unlike the AR-15 rifle, the AR-15 pistol does not come equipped with a shoulder stock because a standard rifle stock would affect the weapon’s legal classification under federal law. Rather, the AR pistol is mounted with an ATF-approved adjustable arm brace that ensures the user’s comfortability when aiming while fostering a greater level of shooting accuracy and technique. Furthermore, the pistol’s arm brace, per ATF guidelines, is designed to rest against the user’s cheek when aiming downrange rather than being shouldered like a standard AR-15 rifle.

Springfield Saint Shooting

Photo Credit: On Target Magazine

Through recent improvements made in firearm craftsmanship and laxing federal regulations of the past, the AR-15 pistol’s compact build and facility for enhancements has, in part, led to its surge of popularity in recent years among consumers. Simply put, the AR-15 pistol’s bevy of user-specific modifications including an array of sights, scopes, rail systems, gas systems, grips, barrel types, and arm braces have caused shooters of all skill-levels to stop and take notice. To that end, The AR-15 pistol has become a favorite pet-project among gun enthusiasts nationwide because the pistol’s compact design encourages users to explore the near-limitless modding possibilities to truly make the gun their own.

The Usage and Legal Practicalities of the AR-15 Pistol

Aesthetics aside, many gun owners consider the AR-15 pistol to be a viable weapon system in terms of both home-defense and self-defense. The pistol’s compact design promotes a greater sense of maneuverability around corners and cramped areas of a house, a building, or in the constricted space of a vehicle. Moreover, the shorter barrel of the AR-15 pistol compliments ballistic performance in a close-quarters engagement because the rounds have a far greater chance of hitting their intended target. 

An AR-15 pistol affixed with an adjustable arm brace makes a suitable firearm for hunters of all ability who may find slinging a rifle too cumbersome when hunting deer in the wilderness. As its name suggests, the arm brace stabilizes and better distributes the weight of the weapon because the arm brace not only rests against the user’s forearm, but it allows for a one-handed wield.  The pistol’s .223/5.56 NATO ammo has proven to maintain an accurate flight path of up to 150 yards before losing velocity which makes it a viable hunting weapon albeit at a closer range. 

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Pistol

Photo Credit: Smith & Wesson

From a practical standpoint, AR-15 pistols enjoy a lesser form of federal regulation than other standard SBR’s–including its AR rifle variant. Legally speaking, rifles require registration with the ATF, a bundle of paperwork, a lengthy waiting period, and a pricey tax stamp. AR-15 pistol owners, however, can side-step all of that bureaucratic red tape with a concealed carry permit; what’s more, with said permit, AR-15 pistols can legally go on car rides with their respective owners. In fact, AR pistol loyalists consider these so-called “trunk guns” to be their go-to ride-along weapon of choice.  

The AR-15 Pistol vs. The AR-15 Rifle

To a certain degree, the pros and cons of any shooting weapon fall squarely on the shoulders of user experience and preferability, the AR-15 pistol and AR-15 rifle are no different. Here are some things to consider before pulling the trigger on either of these popular firearms. 

AR-15 Infographic

Photo Credit: USCCA

  • As of this writing, the $600-700 price point for either gun is comparable. But from the legal perspective, an AR-15 rifle requires an ATF registration, a $200 tax stamp, and a lengthy 8-10 month waiting period, but owners of the AR-15 pistol do not need to adhere to such regulations. 
  • A registration and tax stamp are required before a suppressor can be lawfully applied to the muzzle of either of the AR variants.
  • While the AR pistol’s compact framework yields easier handling and greater maneuverability during close proximity encounters, the AR-15 rifle’s barrel-length would ultimately obstruct its intended effectiveness in close quarters situations.
  • Keep in mind, due to its shorter length, the AR-15 pistol, chambered with .223/5.56 ammo, has a much louder reverberating crack and a greater amount of muzzle flash than the AR rifle overall. If a user chooses an AR pistol specifically for home-defense, it may be worthwhile, although not required, to invest in a taxed-stamped suppressor to minimize both muzzle flash and possible hearing damage in either cramped or low-visibility conditions. 
  • Alternatively, .300 Blackout subsonic rounds are specifically tailored for shorter-barreled firearms like the AR-15 pistol. These rounds make far less noise and emit less muzzle flash–especially with a suppressor attached–in a confined space.       
  • The AR-15 pistol can function as a suitable hunting weapon for targets between 100-150 yards out, but its short barrel will impede it from hitting a target at longer range because the projectile loses velocity at a faster rate. AR rifles, on the other hand, can hit a target, comfortably, at 300-400 yards which suggest that the rifle is a more practical option when faced with targets at medium or longer distances. 
  • The heavier AR rifle is designed to be shouldered due to its stock and longer barrel-length, but the AR-15 pistol can be utilized as either a one or two-handed weapon. Furthermore, the pistol’s lightweight, one-handed option, is ideal for disabled or younger gun enthusiasts/hunters who are simply learning the ropes at the firing range. 

While both weapons have their inherent benefits and drawbacks where environmental applications are concerned, it’s clear that the AR-15 rifle is a better fit for outdoor use given its ability to fire a projectile that maintains a truer trajectory in relation to targets downrange. The AR-15 pistol, on the other hand, can still hit a target from a considerable distance, but where it truly shines is from its up-close-and-personal approach which lends it greater utility from a position of either home or self-defense.   

Conclusion

AR pistol loyalists continue to sing the gun’s praise for its steadfast performance at the range which only adds to its mystique and fun factor. The pistol’s bevy of tactical applications in the field as well as its inherent sexiness in comparison to other firearms has also been elemental to its continued success in the American shooting community. From its Special Forces-inspired roots to its hawkishly durable design and intuitive handling, it’s no wonder why the AR pistol has proven to be such a crowd-pleaser among shooters of every skill level. Having won the hearts of gun enthusiasts everywhere, one thing’s for certain, the AR-15 pistol has truly cemented its place in American gun culture.