While considering the purchase of a firearm, you have some decisions to make. First and foremost, are you going to go with something more on the lines of a handgun, an all-out rifle, or something in-between, like an AR pistol? Even after making that decision, you have untold options. What's more, should you choose a rifle, will you opt for an entire tactical kit, just the weapon itself, or a combination of weapons and a few chosen accessories? Decisions, decisions. You could use a little information to help you make an informed decision. Here, we'll examine the AR pistol vs. rifle dilemma.

AR Pistol Vs. Rifle

In the firearms community, there is a great deal of debate and confusion on the topic of AR-15 pistols and AR-15 rifles. Is an AR pistol practical, and is it even worth it? By going with a pistol, what do you lose, and what do you gain over a rifle? What about the other way around?

You have definite needs when it comes to firearms. But you also probably have a budget and preferences. Let's look at some technical differences between the two firearms in question.

AR-15 Pistol

Because of the 16-inch or less barrel length, this is technically classified as a pistol. Since it will use a stabilizing brace or pistol buffer tube, it's particularly unique. It would be transformed into a short-barreled rifle if it had a rifle stock instead. Though you technically could, you're not meant to shoulder stabilizing braces.

AR-15 Rifle

The 16-inch or longer barrel is one characteristic of an AR-15 rifle. Designed to be shouldered, the stock also helps separate it from the pistol. (For the record, there are AR-style shotguns and AR-15 rifles, which are separate entities.)

Differences between the Two

The performance of your weapon will be influenced by the differences already stated – i.e., whether or not you shoulder the firearm and its overall length.

Aside from that, let's look at some categories to compare the AR rifle and the pistol.

Muzzle Blast:

• From any AR-15 firearm, you're going to get a loud muzzle blast. Considerably louder, however, is the pistol. To avoid blowing your ears out, you might want to consider using a suppressor if the gun is for home defense.
• Additionally, from unburned powder, you’ll get a fireball at the muzzle if you go with a shorter barrel on your firearm (9-, 7-, or 4-inch).

Accuracy:

• For complete combustion and more velocity, a full-sized barrel is better for accuracy. You'll experience less drift and drop, as well as 30% more muzzle velocity, with the longer AR-15 rifle barrel.
• Using an AR pistol without the brace takes away your stabilization, reducing accuracy.

Summing It Up

So, now you know the basic differences between an AR rifle and pistol involve the following:

• The legal classification (re: the pistol buffer tube, stock, or pistol brace)
• The length of the barrel

Granted, there are more, but it boils down to those two basics. Which one you choose, however, will depend greatly on what you're using the weapon for and personal preference.

Whether You Want Pistols or Rifles – Shop at TacOp

If you're looking for an AR-15 rifle, an AR-15 pistol, accessories, a shotgun, clips, magazines – what have you – shop at TacOp Shopbefore you look elsewhere. We carry them all and much more!

Have you got questions? Would you like to place an order? Please contact us at 801-980-4862 or email us at info@tacopshop.com.

You can also use our convenient online form to open lines of communication if you need more information. Fill out the form, send it in, and we will reach out to you.