An AR pistol (sometimes called an “ARP gun”) is a compact firearm built on the AR-15 platform that’s legally classified as a pistol instead of a rifle. The key features:
- Barrel length under 16 inches (typically 7.5″ to 12.5″)
- No rifle stock (uses pistol brace or buffer tube)
- Fires rifle calibers (5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 9mm)
- No NFA tax stamp required (unlike SBRs)
Why choose an AR pistol? You get rifle-level firepower in a compact, maneuverable package perfect for home defense, vehicle carry, and tactical applications – without the wait and paperwork of an SBR.
Best AR Pistols To Buy Right Now
| Model | Price | Barrel | Best For | Rating |
| PSA PA-15 | $550-$700 | 10.5″ | Budget/Value | 4.6/5 |
| Springfield SAINT Victor | $1,000-$1,200 | 7.5″ | Home Defense | 4.8/5 |
| Aero Precision | $800-$1,100 | 11.5″ | Best Balance | 4.7/5 |
| Sig MCX Rattler | $2,600-$2,900 | 5.5″ | Ultra-Compact | 4.9/5 |
| Daniel Defense PDW | $2,000-$2,300 | 7″ | Premium | 4.8/5 |
Based on real-world testing, customer reviews, and value, here are the top AR pistols by category:
For Budget Buyers (Under $700)
PSA PA-15 AR Pistol – Best Value
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5″ nitride
- Brace: SBA3 pistol brace
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Handguard: 9″ M-LOK
Why Buy: PSA (Palmetto State Armory) delivers rock-solid reliability at half the price of premium brands. Perfect for first-time AR pistol owners or anyone wanting a dependable home defense gun without breaking the bank.
Best For: First AR pistol, home defense, budget-conscious buyers
Customer Rating: 4.6/5 stars (1,200+ reviews)
ATI Alpha Maxx AR Pistol
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 7.5″
- Brace: Polymer adjustable
- Included: 60-round magazine
Why Buy: The most affordable AR pistol from a known brand. Great for range shooting and plinking. Not as refined as PSA but gets the job done.
Best For: Ultra-budget option, range toy, learning platform
For Home Defense (Mid-Range $800-$1,200)
Springfield SAINT Victor Pistol – Editor’s Choice
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 7.5″ CMV
- Brace: SBX-K
- Weight: 5 lbs 10 oz
- Features: Free-float handguard, nickel boron BCG
Why Buy: Springfield’s premium entry-level option with professional-grade features. The 7.5″ barrel makes it ultra-compact for tight spaces. Enhanced trigger guard and melonite finish add durability.
Best For: Serious home defense, experienced shooters, compact setup
Customer Rating: 4.8/5 stars (890 reviews)
Aero Precision AR Pistol Complete
Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout
- Barrel: 11.5″ CMV
- Brace: SBA3/SBA4
- Handguard: ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK
Why Buy: Best quality-to-price ratio. Aero Precision’s machining tolerances rival brands costing twice as much. The 11.5″ barrel provides better ballistics than ultra-short options.
Best For: Balance of quality and price, accuracy-focused users, all-around use
Customer Rating: 4.7/5 stars (650 reviews)
Premium / Professional Grade ($1,800-$3,000)
Sig Sauer MCX Rattler
Specs:
- Caliber: .300 Blackout
- Barrel: 5.5″ cold-hammer forged
- System: Short-stroke gas piston
- Overall length: 17.5″ (collapsed)
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
Why Buy: The gold standard for ultra-compact AR pistols. Piston-driven system runs cleaner than DI. Folding brace makes it incredibly portable. Purpose-built for .300 Blackout and suppressed use.
Best For: Suppressed shooting, vehicle/backpack gun, professional/duty use
Customer Rating: 4.9/5 stars (320 reviews)
Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW
Specs:
- Caliber: .300 Blackout
- Barrel: 7″ cold-hammer forged
- Brace: Maxim Defense CQB PDW
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
Why Buy: Daniel Defense legendary quality meets innovative PDW brace system. Compact but incredibly shootable. Premium materials throughout.
Best For: Premium home defense, professional use, suppressed applications
Customer Rating: 4.8/5 stars (410 reviews)
Best for Suppressed Shooting
Ruger AR-556 Pistol in .300 Blackout
Specs:
- Caliber: .300 Blackout
- Barrel: 10.5″
- Brace: SBA3
- Features: Optimized for subsonic ammo
Why Buy: .300 Blackout shines when suppressed. Ruger’s reliability at a reasonable price. Perfect entry into suppressed shooting.
Best For: Suppressor owners, quiet shooting, subsonic ammo
ARP Gun Custom
Key Specs
- Fully customizable to user specifications
- Adaptable to various tactical scenarios
- Durable build for rugged use
Best For
- Competitive shooting
- Specialized tactical operations
ARP BB Gun
Key Specs
- Utilizes BBs (metallic spherical projectiles)
- Designed for safe training and practice
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Best For
- Practice sessions
- Beginner training
- Low-impact shooting scenarios
ARP Gun Micro
Key Specs
- Ultra-compact design
- Lightweight for enhanced portability
- Reliable performance in confined spaces
Best For
- Close-quarter tactical operations
- On-the-go use
- Concealed carry
AR Pistol vs SBR vs AR-15 Rifle
Before you buy, understand how AR pistols compare to similar firearms:
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | AR Pistol | SBR | AR-15 Rifle |
| Barrel Length | <16″ | <16″ | 16″+ |
| Stock/Brace | Pistol brace or none | Rifle stock | Rifle stock |
| NFA Registration | No | Yes | No |
| Tax Stamp | $0 | $200 | $0 |
| Wait Time | Instant | 2-12 months | Instant |
| Interstate Travel | Like handgun | ATF Form 20 required | Like rifle |
| Best For | Home defense, portability | Serious tactical use | Versatility, hunting |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose AR Pistol if:
- You want immediate availability
- Home defense is primary use
- You don’t want NFA paperwork
- Interstate travel flexibility matters
Choose SBR if:
- You want ultimate stability
- You don’t mind waiting 2-12 months
- You need vertical foregrips
- Maximum control is priority
Choose AR-15 Rifle if:
- Accuracy at distance matters
- Hunting is primary use
- Portability isn’t critical
- You want traditional ergonomics
Legal Requirements {#legal}
Federal Requirements
AR Pistol Must Have:
- Barrel under 16 inches
- Pistol brace OR buffer tube (no rifle stock)
- No vertical foregrip (unless OAL >26″)
- Overall length typically under 26″
What Makes It ILLEGAL:
- Adding rifle stock without NFA tax stamp = Illegal SBR
- Adding vertical foregrip (if OAL <26″) = Illegal AOW
- Converting rifle to pistol = Illegal manufacturing
ATF Pistol Brace Ruling (2023 Update)
The ATF issued new guidelines in January 2023. Current status:
- Shouldering a brace is legal when done “incidentally”
- Braces must be designed as stabilizing devices
- Some braces may require registration
- Always verify your specific brace’s legal status
State Restrictions
States with AR Pistol Bans/Heavy Restrictions:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Hawaii
Always verify current state and local laws before purchasing.
Recommended Compliance Accessories
SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace
Specs:
- Material: Reinforced polymer
- Positions: 5-position adjustable
- Weight: 6.0 oz
- Compatibility: Mil-spec buffer tubes
Why Buy: Industry standard brace. ATF-compliant design that’s been on the market for years. Lightweight and comfortable.
Legal Status: Fully compliant per current ATF guidance
Choosing the Right Caliber
5.56 NATO / .223 Remington – Most Popular
Best barrel length: 10.5-12.5 inches
Pros:
- Widely available ammunition ($0.30-$0.60/round)
- Low recoil, easy control
- Effective to 200+ yards
- Standard AR-15 parts compatible
Cons:
- Velocity loss in short barrels
- Very loud under 10.5″
- Excessive muzzle flash
Best For: General purpose, home defense, range shooting
Recommended Ammo for Home Defense:
Federal Premium 55gr Trophy Copper – Reduced penetration, excellent expansion
Hornady TAP 75gr – Law enforcement favorite, proven performance
.300 AAC Blackout – Best for Suppressed Use
Best barrel length: 7.5-10.5 inches
Pros:
- Optimized for short barrels
- Excellent suppressed performance
- Subsonic and supersonic options
- Less muzzle flash than 5.56
Cons:
- More expensive ($0.60-$1.20/round)
- Less common than 5.56
- Must verify magazine compatibility
Best For: Suppressed shooting, hunting, home defense
Recommended Ammo:
Hornady BLACK 208gr Subsonic – Best for suppressed use
Barnes VOR-TX 110gr – Hunting/defensive supersonic
9mm Parabellum – Easiest to Shoot
Best barrel length: 5-8 inches
Pros:
- Lowest recoil
- Very affordable ammunition
- Ideal for new shooters
- Excellent for competition
Cons:
- Requires dedicated 9mm lower/BCG
- Limited range (~100 yards)
- Blowback operation
Best For: Competition, training, new shooters
Caliber Selection Guide
| Your Primary Use | Best Caliber | Barrel Length |
| Home defense | 5.56 NATO or .300 BLK | 10.5-11.5″ |
| Suppressed shooting | .300 BLK subsonic | 8-10″ |
| New shooter/training | 9mm | 5-8″ |
| Hunting (hogs/deer) | .300 BLK supersonic | 10.5″ |
| Budget/range use | 5.56 NATO | 10.5-11.5″ |
| Maximum accuracy | .223 Wylde | 12.5″ |
Essential AR Pistol Accessories
Don’t just buy the gun – here’s what you need for a complete setup:
Red Dot Sights – Critical for AR Pistols
Sig Sauer Romeo5 – Best Value
Specs:
- Reticle: 2 MOA red dot
- Battery: 40,000+ hours
- Features: MOTAC (motion activated)
- Mounts: Low and co-witness included
Why Buy: Best bang-for-buck red dot. MOTAC saves battery life. Clear glass that rivals optics 2x the price.
Perfect For: Budget-conscious buyers, reliable performance
Holosun HS503G – Premium Features
Specs:
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot + 65 MOA circle
- Battery: 50,000 hours
- Features: Solar panel backup, Shake Awake
- Mount: Low mount included
Why Buy: Solar panel provides backup power. Multi-reticle adapts to scenarios. Holosun quality at reasonable price.
Perfect For: Serious use, multiple shooting conditions
Weapon Lights – Required for Home Defense
Streamlight ProTac HL-X Rail Mount
Specs:
- Output: 1,000 lumens
- Runtime: 1.25 hours
- Includes: Pressure switch, mount
- Battery: CR123A or rechargeable
Why Buy: Essential for identifying threats in low light. Pressure switch allows activation without changing grip. Battle-proven reliability.
Perfect For: Home defense, tactical applications
Slings – Don’t Overlook This
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
Specs:
- Type: 2-point adjustable
- Material: Proprietary webbing
- Adjustment: Quick-adjust triglide
Why Buy: Gold standard AR sling. One-handed adjustment. Comfortable during extended use.
Magpul MS1 Padded Sling
Specs:
- Type: 2-point, convertible to 1-point
- Padding: Neoprene shoulder pad
- Adjustment: Quick-adjust hardware
Why Buy: Best value sling. Comfortable padding. Versatile configuration options.
Magazines – Stock Up Now
Magpul PMAG Gen M3 (10-Pack)
Specs:
- Capacity: 30 rounds each
- Material: Reinforced polymer
- Features: Dust cover, over-insertion stop
Why Buy: PMAGs are the industry standard. They work in any condition. Save money buying in bulk.
Perfect For: Building your magazine collection
Muzzle Devices – Reduce Blast
KAK Industry Flash Can
Specs:
- Thread: 1/2×28 (5.56)
- Purpose: Redirects blast forward
- Material: Steel construction
Why Buy: Essential for AR pistols under 11.5″. Dramatically reduces concussion directed at the shooter. Makes shooting more pleasant.
Perfect For: Any AR pistol with short barrel
VG6 Precision GAMMA 556 Muzzle Brake
Specs:
- Type: Brake + compensator hybrid
- Thread: 1/2×28
- Material: Stainless steel
Why Buy: One of the most effective brakes available. Dramatically reduces recoil and muzzle rise. Fast follow-up shots.
Perfect For: Competition, recoil-sensitive shooters
Complete Starter Kit Recommendation
For $1,500 Total Budget:
- PSA PA-15 AR Pistol: $600
- Sig Romeo5 Red Dot: $130
- Streamlight HL-X Light: $110
- Blue Force Gear Sling: $55
- PMAG 10-Pack: $120
- KAK Flash Can: $35
- Cleaning Kit: $50
- 500 rounds 5.56 ammo: $200
- Case: $50
- Training class: $150
Total: ~$1,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ARP gun mean?
“ARP gun” is informal slang for “AR Pistol” used by firearm enthusiasts. The correct terminology is “AR pistol” or “AR-15 pistol” – a compact firearm built on the AR-15 platform but legally classified as a pistol.
Can I shoulder an AR pistol brace?
Yes, according to current ATF guidance (as of 2025), shouldering a pistol brace “incidentally” or “sporadically” is legal. However, regulations can change. Verify current ATF rules.
Do I need a special license for an AR pistol?
No. AR pistols are transferred like regular handguns using ATF Form 4473 with standard background check. However, some states ban or restrict AR pistols entirely.
Can I add a vertical foregrip to my AR pistol?
Only if your AR pistol’s overall length exceeds 26 inches. Otherwise, adding a VFG creates an illegal “Any Other Weapon” (AOW). Angled foregrips and handstops are always legal.
What’s the best barrel length for an AR pistol?
Depends on caliber:
- 5.56 NATO: 10.5-11.5″ (best balance)
- .300 Blackout: 8-10.5″ (optimized for this caliber)
- 9mm: 5-8″ (pistol caliber, shorter works)
Most popular: 10.5″ for 5.56, 8-9″ for .300 BLK
How loud is an AR pistol?
Very loud, especially with short barrels:
- 7.5″ barrel in 5.56: ~165 dB (instant hearing damage)
- 10.5″ barrel in 5.56: ~160 dB (very loud)
- .300 BLK subsonic suppressed: ~120-130 dB (hearing safe)
Always wear hearing protection. Consider a flash can or suppressor.
Can I hunt with an AR pistol?
Yes, where legal. Best calibers for hunting:
- .300 Blackout: Deer, hogs within 150 yards
- 5.56 NATO: Varmints, predators (check state minimum caliber laws)
- 6.5 Grendel: Medium game to 200+ yards
Verify your state allows AR-style firearms and semi-automatics for hunting.
What’s the effective range of an AR pistol?
By caliber:
- 5.56 NATO (10.5″ barrel): 200-300 yards
- .300 Blackout (8″ barrel): 150-200 yards supersonic, 100 yards subsonic
- 9mm (6″ barrel): 50-100 yards
For defensive use, AR pistols excel within 0-100 yards.
Can I convert my AR pistol to a rifle later?
Yes, if done legally:
- Pistol → Rifle: Install 16″+ barrel and stock (in either order)
- Rifle → Pistol: ILLEGAL without NFA registration
- Pistol → SBR: File ATF Form 1, pay $200, wait for approval
Never possess a rifle stock and sub-16″ barrel on the same pistol without approved tax stamp.
How much does a complete AR pistol setup cost?
By quality tier:
- Budget: $700-$1,000 (pistol, basic optic, essentials)
- Mid-Range: $1,200-$1,800 (quality pistol, good optic, light)
- Premium: $2,500-$4,000+ (top-tier pistol, premium accessories, suppressor)
Budget at least $1,500 for a quality complete setup including accessories and ammo.
Where to Buy AR Pistols
Online Retailers (Best Prices)
Top Rated Online Stores:
- Amazon – Wide selection, fast shipping, buyer protection
- Palmetto State Armory – Budget-friendly, frequent sales
- Primary Arms – Good selection, competitive prices
- Brownells – Premium selection, excellent customer service
- GunBroker – Auction site, deals on new/used
Important: All firearms must ship to an FFL dealer in your area for pickup and background check.
Local Gun Stores
Pros:
- Handle before buying
- Immediate pickup
- Build relationship with local dealer
Cons:
- Higher prices than online
- Limited selection
- Less price competition
Final Buying Checklist
Before you purchase your AR pistol:
- Legal verification: Confirm AR pistols are legal in your state/city
- Budget: Set realistic budget including accessories ($1,200+ recommended)
- Primary use: Home defense, range, tactical, or multi-purpose?
- Caliber choice: 5.56 for versatility, .300 BLK for suppressed, 9mm for training
- Barrel length: 10.5-11.5″ for best balance
- Accessories planned: At minimum: optic, light, sling, magazines
- Storage: Secure storage solution in place
- Training: Professional training class scheduled
Our Top 3 Recommendations
Best Overall Value
PSA PA-15 AR Pistol
Reliable, affordable, perfect for first-time buyers or budget-conscious shooters. Best bang for your buck.
Best for Home Defense
Springfield SAINT Victor
Premium quality without premium price tag. Ultra-compact 7.5″ barrel perfect for tight spaces. Professional-grade features.
Best Premium Choice
Sig Sauer MCX Rattler
The ultimate ultra-compact AR pistol. Piston-driven reliability, folding brace, optimized for suppressed .300 Blackout. Professional/duty grade.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Firearm laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current federal, state, and local laws before purchasing. Consult a licensed firearms attorney for legal advice. The author and publisher assume no liability for legal issues arising from information in this guide.
SAFETY REMINDERS
- Treat all firearms as if loaded
- Keep finger off trigger until ready to fire
- Never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy
- Know your target and what’s beyond it
- Wear eye and ear protection when shooting
- Store firearms securely away from unauthorized users
- Seek professional training before defensive use
Need help choosing the right AR pistol? Send us a message and we’ll guide you in getting the ideal firearm!
