AR Pistols for Sale
AR pistols bring the AR platform's modularity and accuracy to a compact, legally classified pistol configuration. With barrel lengths from 4 to 10.5 inches and no buttstock, AR pistols deliver serious firepower in a highly maneuverable package without requiring NFA registration as a short-barreled rifle.
Popular AR Pistol Calibers
- 9mm Luger — Pistol caliber AR pistols with Glock-compatible magazines. Lower recoil, affordable ammunition, suppressor-friendly
- 5.56 NATO / .223 — Full centerfire rifle performance in a compact pistol configuration
- .300 Blackout — Optimized for suppressed use and short-barrel ballistics. Excellent subsonic performance
- 7.62x39 — AK-caliber performance in an AR platform pistol
- 10mm / .45 ACP — Maximum pistol-caliber power from CMMG's Banshee platform
Top AR Pistol Brands
CMMG (Banshee, Dissent), Daniel Defense (DDM4 PDW), POF-USA, Diamondback Firearms (DBX), Freedom Ordnance (FX-9), Maxim Defense, Sig Sauer (MCX Rattler), and more.
Frequently Asked Questions — AR Pistols
What is an AR pistol?
An AR pistol is a firearm built on the AR-15 platform with a barrel shorter than 16 inches and no buttstock, legally classified as a pistol rather than a short-barreled rifle (SBR). This classification allows ownership without the NFA tax stamp and registration required for SBRs. AR pistols may use a pistol stabilizing brace in place of a stock. They deliver near-full AR-15 performance in a significantly more compact package.
Do I need an NFA tax stamp for an AR pistol?
No — AR pistols are legally classified as pistols and do not require NFA registration or a $200 tax stamp. Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) with barrels under 16" and a buttstock do require NFA registration. An AR pistol with a stabilizing brace is not classified as an SBR under current federal rules. Always verify current ATF regulations and your state laws before purchasing, as regulations can change.
What caliber is best for an AR pistol?
9mm is the most popular AR pistol caliber for its compatibility with common pistol magazines (especially Glock-pattern), reduced recoil, and low report from short barrels. .300 Blackout is purpose-designed for short barrels and suppressed use — it achieves full powder burn in 9" barrels versus 5.56 NATO which loses significant velocity. 5.56 NATO works in AR pistols but is loudest and least efficient from short barrels.