Thoughts/guidance/opinions on AR pistol

[Doc45]

**Update** Got to shoot another build yesterday thanks to Mason. It was lots of fun but now with the changes from ATF on the brace I'm rethinking about just going the sbr route on my 6920 through a trust. Obviously I couldn't keep it locked & loaded in the truck but, as Clint Smith so eloquently put it, I'd use my pistol to fight to get to the rifle lol.

So lately I've been thinking about how much more practical an AR pistol would be over my 6920. Here are my ideas:
A. Buy a pistol lower, take the Colt upper and get a short barrel for it, put it on the pistol lower or
B. Sell the Colt, keep the buis (ARMS) and Eotech XPS2, sell the carbine in original configuration and buy a pistol, mount the buis and Eotech on it or
C. Buy a stripped pistol lower and build it up, then do the Colt upper w/short barrel on it.
D. Hope I do well enough on my tax refund to keep the Colt and buy a complete pistol.

If I go with a pistol it'll be much easier to tote as a "truck gun". Also if it's a pistol it can be kept "cocked and locked" in a vehicle unlike a rifle.

The Colt is from 2008, has less than 500 rounds through it, has the "restricted" markings and I have the original box/papers/etc. Please chime in with what would you guys think would be the most economic options and if I'm overlooking something. I've got pretty thick skin so if I'm being a knucklehead for even thinking of this let me know as well.

Cheers and thanks.

[mtnrider]

This is just my opinion but I'll throw it out there. AR pistols suck. If you want something shootable, SBR it and put a proper stock on it.

I know it's a little extra money for the stamp but it makes a world of difference. I've built a couple of my SBR's as pistols while waiting for the stamp to come back and just hated them.

[Great-Kazoo]

What size bbl do you plan to use? If I were to do an AR pistol, I'd keep the colt. This way when you wonder why you built an AR pistol, you have the colt to fall back on. Then Form 1 the pistol lower and run a good 10.5 - 12" upper. Could you go the Sig brace route, why not. That's what makes the AR platform interesting, so many configurations and calibers to work with.

[mcantar18c]

I disagree with mtnrider. You can't lay down a blanket term like "Ar pistols suck" any more than you can say "AR platform rifles suck" and have anybody take you seriously. There's just too many variables.
A 7.5" barrel chambered in 5.56, yeah that might suck. But I love mine... 12.5" barrel with a 13" KMR, it's short enough to be easily maneuverable and it's light as hell. The SB15 paired with an Odin Works pistol buffer tube is an excellent combination and allows you to adjust the position of the SB15 (just not on the fly). And it fits perfectly with the M500 in the secret compartment in my truck

[thvigil11]

I disagree with mtnrider. You can't lay down a blanket term like "Ar pistols suck" any more than you can say "AR platform rifles suck" and have anybody take you seriously. There's just too many variables.
A 7.5" barrel chambered in 5.56, yeah that might suck. But I love mine... 12.5" barrel with a 13" KMR, it's short enough to be easily maneuverable and it's light as hell. The SB15 paired with an Odin Works pistol buffer tube is an excellent combination and allows you to adjust the position of the SB15 (just not on the fly). And it fits perfectly with the M500 in the secret compartment in my truck

Agreed.

The OP did state he wanted to use it as a truck gun. To me it might be a little bit smarter to use a pistol as a truck gun as opposed to a registered SBR. I can think of several issues (crossing state lines, vehicle stolen, vehicle break in, or even a major accident) where having an NFA item in the car could cause additional headaches.

To the OP, keep the Colt and build/ purchase an AR pistol. Cheap enough to do in this current gun market. Some good deals on the trading post, online (PSA and such) or even in the local stores.

[Doc45]

Hi guys, thanks for the feedback. First off as for the barrel length I'm thinking of the 10.5" barrel as the best short barrel for reliability. I don't want to mess around with going the sbr route, plus there's the legal issue of keeping a rifle chambered when in a vehicle. I like the KAK tube with the Sig brace (a friend has one) for the pistol.

So if I go this route what are the top lower brands? I like the Daniels uppers but I'm definitely open to others.

Weight really isn't an issue to me when it comes to the entire AR system-I have the Knights rail system on my carbine, fvg, Surefire Scout light, LMT SOPMOD stock, 6 position buffer tube, Ergo grip. Love it.

[mcantar18c]

I went with a JBO Spartan lower. Lots of really cool features (set screws instead of roll pins, for example) for a good price, and they have great customer service. You're welcome to play with it if you want, I'm not too far away from you and might even be at CGC tomorrow night.

[SideShow Bob]

PSA just had a complete pistol lower on sale for dirt cheap, $139 ? I can't recall for sure. Might want to check them out.

[mutt]

Keep the 6920. Selling in this market will mean taking a pretty hefty loss. And remember Hillary is coming. You'll be glad you kept it when the 2016 madness ensues. Remember the days of $2k used ARs? They are coming back unfortunately.

You can roll your own AR pistol for pretty cheap these days. PSA has everything you need and BCM short barrel uppers are a great deal right now too since they are including the BCG.
And yes AR pistols suck, unless you have the SB15 brace. The brace makes them much more practical and stable to use. I have an AR pistol with a PSA lower, BCM upper and SB-15 brace. It's awesome.