The Best AR-15 Pistols (2022) – Our Top Picks

Best AR-15 Pistols

You may be surprised, but yes, AR-15 pistols do indeed, exist, and they may even be better than you think.

However, the history of the AR-15 pistols hasn’t always been great. From bad reviews of its practicality to the inevitable comparison to its rifle counterpart, it’s likely that many shooters aren’t familiar with this set of firearms.

But today’s review on the AR-15 pistols isn’t without reasons. At first glance, it may seem that the disadvantages outweigh the pros of getting one. Bulky build with less accuracy and less power, but the true value of an AR-15 pistol isn’t what it seems to be, it is what it can be turned into.

What essentially sets the AR-15 platform above the rest is simply the fact that you get to do just about anything with it. This means your AR-15 pistols’ capability depends solely on your own imagination.

PistolsNameEditor’s CommentRatingGet The Best Deal
Springfield Armory Saint

Most Recommended Option

1. Reasonable pricing
2. One of the most beautiful looking weapons
3. Equipped with an SB Tactical SBX-K brace and a 1:7 twist in a stainless-steel barrel that is treated with Melonite

10/10SHOP NOW
Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5

Premium Option

1. Features a bird’s head grip
2. One of the lightest pistols
3. Does not really need any other accessories

9.5/10SHOP NOW
Arsenal SAM7K-01R1. Sleek and stylish look with its sturdy, streamlined design
2. Pre-equipped with many bells and whistles to bump its weight up to 8 lbs
3. Pistol is extremely reliable and very accurate thanks to Steyr’s hand in its build
9/10Currently unavailable
Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol1. Budget pricing
2. Nitride lined barrel to make it much more durable and accurate
3. Equipped with a 1:7 barrel twist to boost accuracy on top of its SB Tactical pistol brace and standard Magpul MOE grip for better pistol handling
9/10Currently unavailable
Diamondback Firearms DB151. Smallest and lightest choice
2. One of the most maneuverable AR-15 pistols
3. Does not require an additional stabilizing brace
8.0/10Currently unavailable
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P1. Folding brace, a tactical rail, and all the mounting points
2. Great gun by itself without needing any other attachments
7.5/10Currently unavailable
Ruger AR-556 Pistol1. Very reliable
2. Offers plenty of lengths and this is exactly what makes it a great firearm
3. The stabilizing brace that comes with it features an adjustable length
7.5/10Currently unavailable
Century Arms Draco AK Pistol1. It looks like a condensed AK-47
2. Features three different sizes at various barrel lengths
3. Accurate and has high capacity
7.0/10Currently unavailable

What Is An AR-15 Style Pistol?

Despite being a pistol, the AR-15 pistol carries the same name as its rifle counterpart and even uses the same ammunition. The main difference between the pistol and the rifle seems only minor at first, but all those small stuff actually add up to create a whole new firearm in its own league.

The first difference you’d notice on the AR-15 pistol is that it does not feature its own stock. Instead, you’ll need to rely on a stabilizing brace to shoulder this weapon. Giving this firearm a stock would change its classification to Short Barreled Rifle and will require a $200 fee and registration. Having a vertical forward grip also leads to the same issue, hence you won’t see either of those two here.

Another main difference is the size of the pistol. One of the undisputed advantages of the pistol is its maneuverability and use in close range thanks to its smaller stature. The AR-15 pistols have short barrels to give them a clear leg-up on their rifle versions. However, they certainly aren’t conspicuous. These AR-15 pistols are still bulky and come with obvious protrusions that help to maintain its power of only slightly below the rifle.

Legality

Another difference regarding the AR-15 pistol is regarding the legality of it. Despite all the accessories, under the definition of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives the AR-15 pistol is still considered as a pistol. This means that it does not feature a stock with a barrel length of under 16 inches.

No matter how customizable the pistol is, you’re likely to run into some grey area. Several accessories available on the market may push the boundaries of legality or may even be outright illegal in your state. Laws differ in different states; hence you should always double-check your local laws before committing to a purchase or making any modification to your pistol.

Customization

The best part about getting an AR-15 pistol is the unlimited ways to customize and add your own flair to it. You can opt to build one from the ground up or get a pre-made one and add your favorite accessories onto it. With the excessive amount of customization options and the limitless resources available on the internet, your very own AR-15 pistol is only held back by your imagination.

At the end of the day, the essential parts of your pistol such as the caliber you’re using, the barrel length, and the brace will be the main deciding factors in how well your pistol performs. However, the size of your magazine, the rail, mounting points, and optics are secondary, yet it opens up a whole new path to go down as you put your dream pistol together. We have also collected a series of pistol cases in case you are feeling fancy.

The 8 Best AR 15 Pistols in 2022

With lots of research, time, and money, you’re able to customize your AR-15 pistol into an ambitious build project and this ultimately is what sets it apart from the rest on the market. Below are some of the most fantastic pre-made AR-15 pistols you can get your hands on now with customization in mind.

As you go through the list, remember to take note of each individual features and their unique specifications. In any case, the perfect pistol for hunting, defense, or target shooting is usually just one extra part or swap away. AR-15 pistols are created as the ultimate customization hobby for those looking to build their own unique set of firearms.

1. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P

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First on our list is the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P and when you compare this to the other pistols on our list, you’ll certainly notice that this pistol is anything but cheap, and honestly, nor should it be. Daniel Defense is well-known in the industry for manufacturing some of the best firearms available and they’re transferred their Daniel Defense V7 (voted as Rifle of the Year) into the top contender for the best AR-15 pistol on the market.

Other than the premium price tag, everything else on the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P is simply flawless. With this in hand, you can definitely count on being safe. Make no mistake that this is a premium pistol and the price certainly reflects that, but there is also an unbelievable amount of quality and effort poured into this weapon. The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P teeters on the line between a practical weapon and one that belongs in a collector’s list.

The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P features a 10.3-inch long barrel to make a total length of 28.4 inches and 6.55 lbs, making it a rather big pistol. However, as expected of Daniel Defense, they’re managed to make this work regardless. The AR-15 pistol offers so much room for customization that you never need to worry if you have enough space to attach your favorite accessories onto your pistol.

With a folding brace, a tactical rail, and all the mounting points you could ever possibly need, the opportunities and freedom of customizing the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P is limitless. However, the pistol works just as effectively as it is. In fact, a red dot alone may just be more than enough to make this weapon feared by all.

With its high price tag, the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P may be suited for those who are willing to go the extra mile to get accessories for this beautiful firearm. Regardless, it is worth mentioning again that this AR-15 pistol is a premium choice that comes with plenty of quality parts, and it is a great gun by itself without needing any other attachments.

If you have the extra cash and want something reliable to keep your home safe, then the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P is the absolute best bet. A premium price for a premium weapon that will never let you down.

2. Springfield Armory Saint

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We understand that not everyone has plenty of excess cash lying around and if you’re not willing to go the distance, but still have a loose enough budget, then the Springfield Armory Saint pistol may just be what you’ll need. Other than its reasonable pricing, it does come with plenty of reasons to push it to one of the top spots on our list.

Along with its affordable price tag, the Springfield Armory Saint pistol is one of the most beautiful looking weapons you can find on the market. The pistol features a polished style that isn’t just for looks. It is without a doubt that the Springfield Armory Saint is the best transition from an AR-15 rifle to the pistol counterpart.

The Springfield Armory Saint comes with a 7.5-inch long barrel with a total length of 26.5 inches and 5.8 lbs. in weight to barely make it as one of the shortest pistols. Despite the size, the AR-15 pistol is packed with so many amazing qualities to turn it into nothing short of miraculous. Pair that with the fact that it can be purchased at a reasonable price, it is no wonder why the Springfield Armory Saint is so desirable among many.

Equipped with an SB Tactical SBX-K brace and a 1:7 twist in a stainless-steel barrel that is treated with Melonite, the Springfield Armory Saint can even help you take on long-range targets. This pistol can accurately hit targets that are up to 100 yards away thanks to all the work and effort put into it. On top of that, the maneuverability of this AR-15 pistol even makes it an effective choice for any purpose.

One thing you may notice is that it does not have the options a Daniel Defense DDM4 has, considering the Springfield Armory Saint is half its price, but it is worth mentioning that this pistol doesn’t really need to be paired with any other accessory to work effectively.

The Springfield Armory Saint is a basic build that has been refined and perfected to offer a durable, accurate reliable weapon that will act like your favorite pistol. In fact, it is so good that it may just be the only one firearm you’ll ever need.

If you go on other sites and check their reviews, you’ll hear nothing short of outstanding praises for the Springfield Armory Saint. No need for extra accessories and customization, this AR-15 pistol has an amazing quality and great effectiveness that you may just struggle to find ways to improve it.

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3. Ruger AR-556 Pistol

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol makes it to the top 3 on our list simply by virtue of being the absolute best you can buy on a budget. While there are plenty of cheap AR-15 pistols on the market, none of their reliability comes as close as this one. When you purchase this pistol, you know for sure you’re getting more than what you’ve paid for – a fantastic pistol at an even better price.

With a 10.5-inch barrel length and a stabilizing brace, the Ruger AR-556 Pistol totals up to 27.9 inches in length and 6.2 lbs. The pistol certainly offers plenty of lengths and this is exactly what makes it a great firearm. Despite its size, this is still considered as a pistol and it functions just as you’d expect it to.

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol is maneuverable, efficient, and the length means that you can use it at the range with plenty of room for modifications to make it an even more impressive firearm. The longer pistol is also comfortable to hold, but if you want to make handling it even better, the pistol is cheap enough to not feel guilty getting extra accessories for it.

In fact, you may just not be needing any extras at all. The stabilizing brace that comes with it features an adjustable length to turn this pistol into a one size fits all choice to shooters of various body size. If you’re not a fan of the stabilizing brace, you can opt to take it out and still expect the pistol to work just fine without it.

Another great point about the Ruger AR-556 Pistol is that its rifling does not only keep the pistol in excellent condition, it even makes it one of the most precise pistols on our list. You can even add a red dot or a scope onto the AR-15 pistol to make it all that more accurate.

All-in-all, you can trust that you’re purchasing more than what you paid for with the Ruger AR-556 Pistol. This pistol can be used for sporting, home defense purposes, or even just as a starter firearm. While other cheaper AR-15 pistols have their own merits, the Ruger AR-556 Pistol is certainly hard to beat as it is an undeniably excellent pistol with a very reasonable price tag.

4. Century Arms Draco AK Pistol

The first thing that pops onto your mind as you lay your hands on this pistol is that it looks like a condensed AK-47. The grip, the magazine, and the barrel all look like a replica of its famous ancestor. If you’re a fan of the AK-46, then you’ll most likely love how this pistol looks. If you aren’t, then this will just be one ugly gun.

Century Arm’s Draco AK Pistol features three different sizes at various barrel lengths, depending on your personal preference. The 12.25-inch barrel length option totals up to a 21.5 inches length and 5.5 lbs. The other smaller ones come with a 7.25-inch and 6.25-inch barrel lengths. Regardless of the size, this pistol is anything but tactical.

Although the grip on the Century Arms Draco AK Pistol is made of plastic with an unfinished look without a stabilizing brace, this pistol is clearly designed for you to add your own touch with more accessories in mind. Modifying this pistol is certainly going to be a hell of a lot more satisfying than any other pistol on this list. With such a wide range of unique AK upgrades, you can get to add onto this pistol, you may just turn this visually unappealing option into a ridiculous one.

Another thing about the Century Arms Draco AK Pistol is that it delivers an incredible muzzle flash and sound that make many shooters question its quality, but it does give the pistol a whole lot more character to it if nothing else. If you love something that is unique with some character, then you don’t have to look any further.

Nonetheless, you should not judge a book by its cover, despite the one-of-a-kind aesthetics, this pistol is accurate, has high capacity, and even packs a serious punch to it. If you have the time to fit it with a proper stabilizing brace, the Century Arms Draco AK Pistol can be turned into a powerful and reliable firearm to make you feel invincible no matter what situation you’re in.

The Micro Century Arms Draco AK Pistol is the best bet if you’re getting one for home defense purposes, but if you’re looking for something for your own customization project to turn it into something wildly unique, then bigger is definitely better here.

5. Arsenal SAM7K-01R

This is another AK-15 pistol that is inspired by the AK-46 style. Although it still isn’t the prettiest, the Arsenal SAM7K-01R comes in a sleek and stylish look with its sturdy, streamlined design to make it one of the coolest options.

The Arsenal SAM7K-01R is just slightly shorter than the large Draco build with a 10.5-inch long barrel and a total length of 20 inches. However, this pistol comes pre-equipped with many bells and whistles to bump its weight up to 8 lbs.

If you’re a fan of the AK-47 and are looking for a pistol counterpart, then the Arsenal SAM7K-01R may just be your next best friend. This pistol is a little pricey but certainly does not cost an arm and a leg. However, the extra cash is definitely justified as this pistol is extremely reliable and very accurate thanks to Steyr’s hand in its build.

Just like any other pistol, the Arsenal SAM7K-01R is not a good choice for long-range targets. Nonetheless, with its four-groove rifting feature, the pistol is capable of taking heavier ammunition and its effectiveness still caps out at around 20 yards out. Still pretty good for short to medium range targets.

After all, you need to remember that this pistol was never built with long-range shooting in mind, and the accuracy you can expect from this pistol for close-up target certainly makes up for it. Even without a stabilizing brace, you can count on this pistol’s efficient assembly, front-sight and flash suppressor to help make it much more practical and controllable.

One thing worth noting is that the suppressor doesn’t actually do much to reduce the light and noise coming out of the pistol, and just because it is much more manageable does not mean the pistol is an elegant one. However, all of the pistol’s bombastic qualities certainly make an already scary firearm that much more intimidating.

With a premium price tag, customizing the Arsenal SAM7K-01R may just burn through your wallet quickly. But if you’re on the hunt for an effective pistol that you can count on in terms of reliability and accuracy, then this may just be the one for you. This pistol is already suited up and ready to take on anything you may throw in its way.

6. Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5

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If you want something that matches your fun, cool, unique personality, then the Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5 is the one you’re looking for. This pistol stands out from the rest as it is different from everything else on our list here and we’ll tell you why.

This AR-15 pistol features a bird’s head grip, which may cause anyone to pause for a second as many know having one is not only unwieldy, but it will also impact the accuracy and make shooting it a challenge. However, you should not let this deter you from how crazy wild this pistol looks.

The bird’s head grip offers a streamlined design that looks like someone made this out of a box of unrelated parts. This sleek-looking pistol looks like something in a sci-fi movie or a TV show that is set in the wastelands of the post-apocalypse.

Although it does not necessarily have a place in objective use, it definitely is a conversation starter and a collector’s item for those who love keeping unique firearms. With a barrel length of 7.25 inches and 3.9 lbs., the Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5 is one of the lightest pistols on our list here.

On interesting thing to note is that the Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5 does not come with its own stabilizing brace, hence you should definitely expect a whole lot of recoil on this. However, this is the kind of pistol that does not really need any other accessories. If this pistol was much more practical, it would definitely go further up the list.

Just because it does not require many upgrades, doesn’t mean it does not have room for more accessories. This pistol lets you customize it even further without changing the grip, but you need to remember that adding more stuff onto your Fightlite Industries SCR Pistol M-Lok 7.5 may cause it to get even more unwieldy. Changing its grip altogether will just take away this pistol’s charm.

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7. Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol

The Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol may not be the greatest pistols on the market, and the cheap price certainly reflects that. However, if you’re on the hunt for something more affordable that won’t burn a hole through your wallet, then this is the pistol for you.

At almost half the average price of the typical AR-15 pistol, the Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable weapon for home defense purposes. In fact, Palmetto State Armory’s outstanding customer service may also just be another major deciding factor for you to get this pistol.

With a barrel length of 10.5 inches, the Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol totals up to a length of 26.5 inches with a modern weight of 4.5 lbs. These specs are common among most average pistols on the list and it does not particularly excel in any specific area nor does it fall flat in any either.

The Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol features a Nitride lined barrel to make it much more durable and accurate compared to its chrome-lined counterparts. Other than that, the pistol is even equipped with a 1:7 barrel twist to boost accuracy on top of its SB Tactical pistol brace and standard Magpul MOE grip for better pistol handling.

The Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol’s aesthetics are exactly worth celebrating about either. With a basic design and necessities built into it, you won’t find anything too exciting about the pistol. It does not feature the flair, style, or sleek design that other more expensive choices offer, and this also explains the lower price tag.

Of course, the Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol’s simplicity is exactly what makes it the perfect starter pistol. If you need a basic pistol that you can buy now and customize later, then the affordable Palmetto State Armory SBA3 Shockwave Pistol is certainly worth a second look.

8. Diamondback Firearms DB15

Are you a big fan of the Diamondback Firearm’s AR-15 rifle but need something a little smaller and less intimidating? Then the Diamondback Firearms DB15 pistol may just be what you’re looking for.

It is undeniable that Diamondback Firearms has done an amazing job with this pistol, all while maintaining the main advantages of its rifle counterpart and a decent price. Although it may not have the power of the other pistols discussed on this list nor does it have the aesthetic flair, the Diamondback Firearms DB15 is a compact weapon with a price you can’t say no to.

The Diamondback Firearms DB15 has a barrel length of 7.5 inches to add up a total length of 16 inches and 3.5 lbs., making this pistol the smallest and lightest choice on our list. The barrel is an intricate piece of equipment on the pistol, but it’s still not nearly small enough to be inconspicuous. But the compact size does make it one of the most maneuverable AR-15 pistols you can get your hands on.

Adding a brace on this pistol will certainly bump up the weight and length a bit, but this is one of the few options that does not require an additional stabilizing brace to be effective. Most of the cost of the pistol goes to the front end of it to give the Diamondback Firearms DB15 a distinct look and an effective flash suppressor.

Overall, the Diamondback Firearms DB15’s real value still comes in being cheap enough for you to attach your own modifications to it. This pistol is pretty effective as it is, and it works amazingly for the cost. So, if you’re looking to build your own AR-15 pistol project, then this will act as a great base to start.

How To Build AR Pistol?

If you’re eager to kickstart your building project, then read on to find parts you can get for your pistol. Building an entire firearm by your own may seem daunting but it doesn’t always have to be more difficult, with the endless internet resources, building your own AR pistol could be a fun and easy D.I.Y project.

Before starting on your pistol, you first need to know that there are three major things you need to consider: caliber, barrel length, and brace.

AR 15 Pistol Caliber 

Before deciding on the caliber, you need to first determine what’s the primary use of your rifle. Would you be using it at the range, as a defense weapon, or for hunting purposes? Whatever they may be, your main caliber choices for the pistol is likely going to be 5.56, .300 AAC Blackout, or 9mm and here we delve in the details for each caliber:

5.56

This is a great option if you’re not too sure what you plan on using your gun for yet. The 5.56 is inexpensive ammo and a great all-rounder to use for all sorts of shooting purposes.

.300 Blackout

If you want to build your pistol with a super short barrel or prefer to suppress it, then the .300 Blackout is your go-to choice. This is a larger round that can be run through a shorter barrel and is meant to be shot suppressed.

9mm

This is a good caliber for those who own a Glock and want to be able to swap magazines. While it’s not as loud as rifle calibers and is also cheaper to get, the parts for it may be rather difficult to find.

AR Pistol Barrel Length Comparison

Barrels are a critical component in your pistol and if you’re planning to splurge on one thing, it should be on a nice quality barrel. Here we explain a few of the most common barrel lengths you can get for your AR-15 pistol.

11.5”

This length is a pretty safe bet for 5.56 rounds as it can nearly fully burn. Barrels this size are also pretty common to find. A 10” or 11” rail also pairs perfectly with them.

10.3” or 10.5”

While this barrel length is common among USSOCOM rifles, the 10.3 and 10.5 has also been pushing its way into the general public. These two barrel lengths may produce fireballs and can get quite loud, but they’re at a comfortable length for most and allows for a lightweight build.

9”

This barrel length will let you achieve the highest velocity with a .300 AAC barrel length. You can expect to truly experience the pistol feel with a barrel this short.

5.5”

The 5.5 inches barrel length is the most common length for 9mm bullets. Although it is not really offered for much else, the Sig Sauer Rattler uses a barrel of this length in their .300 Blackout.

The Best AR-15 Barrels – Is It The Best AR Pistol Barrel Length?

Well, here are a few top barrels you can get for your AR-15 pistol.

1. Ballistic Advantage Hanson Profile Barrels

You can’t quite go wrong with the Ballistic Advantage Hanson Profile Barrel as they come in just about any length and caliber combination you could ever think of. So, if you don’t quite have something in mind yet, this is a great place to start.

2. Brownells B-TAC AR-15

Although Brownells is not one of the biggest names in the barrel business, they’ve been trading firearms for a long time and know what customers want. This is also one of the cheapest barrels you can get and is a good choice for those looking for a budget build.

3. Rainier Arms Match .223 Wylde Barrel

Most people who look at pistol barrel lengths don’t often have long-range precision in mind since the length of the barrel doesn’t quite allow a round from stretching its legs. However, that does not mean that your barrel can’t help as much as possible. If you want to get a little more out of your 5.56, then you may just want to consider getting the Rainier Arms Match .223 Wylde Barrel.

4. Faxon 11.5” Gunner, 5.56, Mid-Length

The Faxon barrel has got great reviews online. All their parts are manufactured in-house and are known to have strict QC standards. From Glock barrels to pencil profile AR-15 barrels, the Faxon has garnered plenty of fans in the firearm industry.

Top AR-15 Pistol Braces

Braces are the key defining component of the AR pistol. You can find plenty of braces on the market that are simple, light, and more stock like designs. Here is a list of the top few AR-15 Pistol Braces.

1. Maxim Defense CQB Pistol BDW Brace

This is easily one of the best pistol braces you can get your hands on. With a price tag to match, this Rolls-Royce of pistol braces is solid, easy to use, and looks amazing. Because of its price, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to get this for your budget building project or a truck gun. This is reserved for serious use only.

2. SB Tactical SBM4 Brace

SB Tactical are the original inventors of the stabilizing brace, so you can count on them to be good. Today, this manufacturer offers plenty of options, and not just for the ARs. Don’t be surprised to find braces such as HK, CZ, Sig, AK, and even the Mossberg 590 and Kriss Vector Braces designed by SB Tactical.

3. Shockwave Blade

The Shockwave Blade is a great choice for those who want it to look like a stock from the side. While it does not offer the most comfort among other pistols in the market since it is labelld as a “blade”, it does come at a very affordable price and works as a simpler alternative.

4. KAK Shockwave Buffer Tube

While the buffer tube is the most un-sexy part of any brace or stock, it should not be underestimated. Most of the time, when you purchase a brace, you’ll also get a tube together since it’s generally better to get one which the brace manufacturer recommends.

Top AR-15 Optics

A good quality scope is incredibly important and can work to make or break your firearm. If you’re planning to get one for your AR pistol, then the main factors to take into consideration would be the size and zoom. With that in mind, you’ll then need to think about how far you’re planning to shoot and at what conditions.

1. Holosun 510c

If you want a holographic option without burning a hole through your wallet, then the Holosun 510c may just be the answer. This inexpensive optic features a very wide sight picture to make it comfortable to shoot with. You even get an option for a single 2 MOA dot or an entire ring when you purchase this scope.

2. Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic

The most impressive part of this optic is that it can run for 3 years on just a single battery and it is nothing if not durable. The dot in the optic is clearer than you can imagine which makes target acquisition a whole lot simpler. This is hands down a gold standard for red dots.

3. EOTech EXPS 2-0

The EOTech EXPS 2-0 is a kick-ass optic. This is one of the most respected names in the optics world and the EXPS certainly lives up to all the fuss.

4. Trijicon ACOG TA31F 4×32

The Trijicon ACOG TA31F 4×32 is a great option for fixed power thanks to its recognition as a symbol of rugged and functional use.

5. Vortex PST Gen II 1-6×24

If you want to bring your AR-15 pistol out to a range to shoot at targets at 300 yards out, then the Vortex PST is definitely the one to go for. This great all-rounder may add quite a bit of weight to your pistol, but it comes with 6x zoom to give you endless possibilities.

Top AR-15 Accessories and Upgrades

The best part about getting an AR-15 pistol is that you can put anything on it as you would on a normal AR-15 rifle. From slings to a new BCG, they’re all the same.

Top AR-15 Flashlights

1. SureFire M600 Scout

If you want the absolute gold standard of AR-15 lights, then this is the one to get. The SureFire M600 Scout features a rugged built which you can feel in-hand and keeps things simple with full power on or off mode. At 500 lumens, this is works amazingly for some distance outdoors while still not being totally blinding when used indoors.

2. Inforce WML

The Inforce WML is mostly made from polymer and is able to withstand plenty of abuses. This lightweight flashlight comes in two versions. The Gen 1 has 200 lumens while the new Gen 2 has got an upgrade to 400 lumens. While the light is more spread out compared to the SureFire flashlight, it does come in a cooler color. If you don’t like to deal with pressure pads and want to save a few ounces on your rifle, then this is a good choice for you.

3. Inforce WMLx

This is the big brother of the previously mentioned Inforce WML version. This flashlight comes with an infrared and has a dual light system to help you illuminate areas for when you wear night-vision goggles. The IR version gets you 700 lumens of white light and 400mw of IR but, if you prefer, you could also get a pure white light version that gets you 800 lumens.

4. Ozark Rifle Light

The Ozark Rifle Ligh is a great budget pick. While it is a little chunkier and does not feel as great in hand, it is much cheaper than the other options on the list so far. However, you need to remember that you often get what you paid for. This flashlight is not fully waterproof and only comes with a 1-year warranty. But this does not mean it’s not a good light, it offers a bright 600 lumen in the coolest color of the bunch. All-in-all, this robust light is pretty good so far and offers a decent value for the money.

5. Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2

The Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2 is easily one of the best bang-for-the-buck options you can get your hands on. The best part about it is that it comes with plenty of goodies, such as a Picatinny mount, remote pressure pad, regular endcap, and zip ties for cable management. It was a nice surprise to find that the pressure pad is of nice quality and even comes with a higher button for constant on.

With 625 lumens, the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2 offers a powerful center beam that is just a touch cooler than the SureFire. Overall, this is a great beam with plenty of accessories in an amazing price tag.

Top AR-15 Slings

1. Viking Tactics (VTAC) Sling

This is a popular two-point sling that has been specially designed to help you boost comfort and freedom of movement. The one feature that sets it apart from the rest is how lightweight it feels, yet still very strong. It even comes with two pull tabs that let you adjust the length. While the VTAC’s padding is a little thin, it does go a long way in making a world of a difference.

2. Blue Force Gear Vickers

The Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling is another option that is often used by US troops. It even comes with a padded version to offer enhanced comfort. The great thing about it is that it does come in a more manageable length and slightly thicker padding compared to the VTAC Sling. However, a downside is that the nylon of the string itself feels somewhat stiffer and much thicker. With that in mind, if you had a choice, it’s better to go for the padded version.

3. Magpul MS4 Sling

If you’re looking to get a single-point sling that is comfortable, durable, and easy to adjust, then you should give the Magpul MS4 Sling a try. With a 1.25-inch wide nylon material, this sling is strong enough to resist most wear-and-tear from constant abuse yet still soft enough to prevent chaffing and discomfort. A great thing about this sling is that it can be easily converted into a two-point sling with a quick disconnect feature.

4. Specter Three Point

The main reason people opt for a three-point sling is for its comfort. You definitely don’t want to purchase something that feels excessively tight around your body so much so that it restricts your movement more than it should. This is where the Specter Three Point Sling comes in. This option is less likely to cause chafing and does not affect the wearer’s range of motion.

5. Andy’s Leather Ching Sling

The Ching Sling is made up of two straps: a standard two-point sling plus an additional smaller strap connected to the gun’s center stud. The Ching Sling is essentially a two-point sling that has been optimized for the “hasty sling” method of shooting. The Andy’s Leather Ching Sling is a great option for this iconic sling that is easy to adjust without risking any discomfort.

Conclusion

AR-15 pistols do not often have great reviews however, they’re an amazing choice if you plan to create a unique firearm that’s just for you. Whether you’re getting a pre-assembled, complete set or building one from scratch, these pistols come with all kinds of accessories of upgrades to offer you endless possibilities in your customization project.

Creating a one-of-a-kind firearm doesn’t have to be complicated, provided that you know exactly what you want. Hopefully the guide today is helpful for your search in getting the best AR-15 pistol for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I use AR Pistol for Home Defense?

Yes, these AR 15 pistols are extremely affordable and very suited to be used as a home defense tool as discussed above. This is as such as AR 15 pistols offers short configurations so it allows gun owners to easily maneuver within their homes. Besides that, they are equipped with impressive ammo in facing multiple potential intruders. Lastly, they are small and easy to be kept hence, it’d be very accessible and reachable in times of despair.

Is an AR15 the best budget ar pistol?

Whether an AR-15 pistol is worth getting solely depends on individual preference and what are their intentions with the firearm. AR-15 pistols are fun to shoot with, and depending on your own setup, it could make a great firearm for personal defense or close-quarter combat situations. While it’s hard to qualify, shooting a short-barreled AR-15 is just something that needs to be experienced.

Can I carry an AR pistol in my car?

Yes, you can carry an AR pistol in your car if you have a concealed carry permit since the AR-15 pistol is not a rifle but a pistol. This is great since stowing a rifle in your car can be problematic if you drive between cities. Several states have laws that prohibit carrying of rifles in cars. Fortunately, this is not an issue you need to worry about with the AR-15 pistol.

What are the legal concerns of having an AR-15?

As different states have different firearm regulations, we find most of them have no issue permitting you to carry an AR-15 pistol as long as you are allowed to have a concealed carry with you. Anyways, as mentioned above, you need to check the state you are crossing because some of them wouldn’t allow rifles in your vehicle.

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