AR style pistols

[ProtoPatriot]

Any thoughts on the AR style pistols?

I have already decided to buy one (just not decided on which specific one to get), but thought it would be interesting to see what others thought.

I'm looking at these at the moment:
Sig P516
http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p516-7-5-pistol-with-sb15-pistol-stabilizing-brace.aspx

RRA LAR-15 Pistol
http://rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=231

Blackrain AR-15 Pistol (no link as they don't seem to have it on their website)

Or a custom build by someplace like Wilson Combat or such.


So, thoughts?
Anyone have one?

[camus]

I would only consider it as a means to eventually convert it to an SBR. 10.5" is really as short as I would consider and is not really a pleasure to shoot, JMO.

[00BUCK]

I built my own from a PSA blem lower, RRA LPK, PSA BCG, stripped flat top upper from RedX Arms, 7.5" barrel from Zombie Barrels, plain old A2 flash hider, 7" quad rail, pistol length gas tube and upper parts kit from Del-Ton, and a Spikes ST-T2 heavy buffer. I'd ordered all the parts before the big panic so I can't comment on current availability or shipping times. IIRC I have about $750 in it. Not sure what experiences other people have had with AR pistols but this one fires nice, although a little loud being so close to the muzzle. I'd expect that to be the same with a SBR. It's fun to shoot - and if the SHTF it could become a SBR easily since it already uses a carbine length buffer and spring. That said you'd be surprised at how good of a cheek weld you can get on a foam covered buffer tube.

You'll want to get some 20 rd PMAG's - a full 30 adds just a bit too much weight and bulk.

[Mudinyeri]

I have  SIG P556 and really like it.  Very maneuverable in close quarters. Relatively stable with the right kind of sling.  Not at all unpleasant to shoot.  All-in-all, I would say it makes a very good home defense "pistol" due to its maneuverability and ballistics.  As with anything, practice, practice, practice.

Personally, I don't think I would mess with one of the "stabilizers" like the one on the P516 that you linked, Proto.  It looks like it would take far too long to deploy the firearm in a defensive situation.

The only "down side" to the 556 is that it operates more like an AK than an AR.  The 516 operates like an AR.  From a training simplicity/muscle memory standpoint, I can see this as preferable if you don't shoot AK's.

[FarmerRick]

I built my own from a PSA blem lower, RRA LPK, PSA BCG, stripped flat top upper from RedX Arms, 7.5" barrel from Zombie Barrels, plain old A2 flash hider, 7" quad rail, pistol length gas tube and upper parts kit from Del-Ton, and a Spikes ST-T2 heavy buffer. I'd ordered all the parts before the big panic so I can't comment on current availability or shipping times. IIRC I have about $750 in it. Not sure what experiences other people have had with AR pistols but this one fires nice, although a little loud being so close to the muzzle. I'd expect that to be the same with a SBR. It's fun to shoot - and if the SHTF it could become a SBR easily since it already uses a carbine length buffer and spring. That said you'd be surprised at how good of a cheek weld you can get on a foam covered buffer tube.

You'll want to get some 20 rd PMAG's - a full 30 adds just a bit too much weight and bulk.

I have a similar setup that I just sighted in over the weekend... WAY too much fun!!

[Chris C]

I want to get one for winter CCW.   

[00BUCK]

I have a similar setup that I just sighted in over the weekend... WAY too much fun!!

Almost twins. They really are WAY too much fun!

[ProtoPatriot]

I was thinking they would be great for some fun during a run and gun maybe and more maneuverability in close quarters such as a house or vehicle (be a great truck gun...probably not so good car gun).

But also like others said, future ability to  convert to SBR...but of course with the Sig arm brace, SBR may not be all that important any time soon.

Not to mention other uses I may not be thinking of right now.

There is a cool YouTube video that goes over some of the practical uses of uses of such a pistol. I would link it, but not at home on a computer I can access it (internet sucks where I am at right now and it's a pain on tablets).

Also, you get the SBR benefits without the tax stamp and registration.

[Mudinyeri]

Also, you get the SBR benefits without the tax stamp and registration.

^This

[ProtoPatriot]

I have  SIG P556 and really like it.  Very maneuverable in close quarters. Relatively stable with the right kind of sling.  Not at all unpleasant to shoot.  All-in-all, I would say it makes a very good home defense "pistol" due to its maneuverability and ballistics.  As with anything, practice, practice, practice.

Personally, I don't think I would mess with one of the "stabilizers" like the one on the P516 that you linked, Proto.  It looks like it would take far too long to deploy the firearm in a defensive situation.

The only "down side" to the 556 is that it operates more like an AK than an AR.  The 516 operates like an AR.  From a training simplicity/muscle memory standpoint, I can see this as preferable if you don't shoot AK's.

Very true about the stabilizer, but it is removable and you don't have to use it even if it is on. The stabilizer would be more for when target shooting or just having fun...or even pistol hunting.

[Mudinyeri]

Very true about the stabilizer, but it is removable and you don't have to use it even if it is on. The stabilizer would be more for when target shooting or just having fun...or even pistol hunting.

This are my thoughts and opinions ... I like to practice like I'll fight.  In a fight, I won't take the time to use anything as slow to deploy as the stabilizer.  I have no intention of utilizing my AR pistol for hunting.  It is purely a fun/defensive firearm.  I want fast deployment and "minute of man" accuracy at defensive distances, not long range accuracy from what was intended to be used as a close quarters tool.

Obviously, your intended use(s), thoughts and opinions may be different.

[ProtoPatriot]

This are my thoughts and opinions ... I like to practice like I'll fight.  In a fight, I won't take the time to use anything as slow to deploy as the stabilizer.  I have no intention of utilizing my AR pistol for hunting.  It is purely a fun/defensive firearm.  I want fast deployment and "minute of man" accuracy at defensive distances, not long range accuracy from what was intended to be used as a close quarters tool.

Obviously, your intended use(s), thoughts and opinions may be different.

very much so, always train as close as you can to the possible situations you may incur.

but for fun, I'll do just about everything.

so basically, only use the brace when you want to and store the pistol without the brace attached... at least that was my plan/idea about it...

I figure, just because there is a brace on it, doesn't mean you have to strap it down... basically, I'm saying I don't see the slow down you are mentioning...well I see it, but see a way around.

but either way, which ever setup each person likes, use the one that suits your goals.

I'm more concerned with the which one to get right now, if I really want the brace, I can easily order it for which ever one I get. Sig of course are nice, but so are RRA and Black rain (wonder if POF and Daniel defense make one...).

I do want the AR style, don't really want the AK style.

[00BUCK]

This are my thoughts and opinions ... I like to practice like I'll fight.  In a fight, I won't take the time to use anything as slow to deploy as the stabilizer.  I have no intention of utilizing my AR pistol for hunting.  It is purely a fun/defensive firearm.  I want fast deployment and "minute of man" accuracy at defensive distances, not long range accuracy from what was intended to be used as a close quarters tool.

+1

[Hardwood83]

I would only consider it as a means to eventually convert it to an SBR. 10.5" is really as short as I would consider and is not really a pleasure to shoot, JMO.

I have to agree. And since you asked, I have found no use for an AR pistol and only had one for a few mos until my stamp came back (those were the good old days of 'only' 3mos waiting). If you must have one, I would build rather than buy a whole unit. Parts have become available again and you can put it together the way you like and almost certainly save some $$.

[FarmerRick]

About the only part that is difficult to find right now is a reasonably priced pistol buffer tube assembly.