Rifle caliber pistols for defensive use (ex. AR style pistol)

[evsmech]

After discussing the legitimacy of pistol caliber carbines for defensive use, I now have another question.

What do you all think of rifle caliber pistols? How about the terminal performance of a rifle caliber pistol in 5.56x45mm? I have learned from my other thread that pistol caliber carbines do not have much to offer compared to a rifle. So that got me thinking that perhaps an AR pistol or maybe the Kel-Tec PLR-16 might be a better choice for certain applications such as a truck gun or something that I can keep at my business without having to lug around my AR carbine all the time.

This solution it seems would satisfy the complaints most heard about the inadequacy of pistol ammunition and it would be in a package that is much smaller than a carbine or rifle. I would think it would give me the terminal performance of rifle ammunition. Plus it would be legal to carry concealed if one so chooses.

I hadn't even given this idea any thought before until now. Seems like a great idea. A better solution than a PCC. What do you think?

[friendlyfireisnt]

Rifle caliber pistols are ungainly, not much larger than a SBR, and are at best a compromise weapon.

I understand their purpose, I myself have one being setup, until I get the NFA process finished. But I think they are of limited usefulness.

[bzdog]

Unfortunately, in our state, while we otherwise have reasonable firearms laws, prohibits SBRs and SBSs. An AR pistol has a certain appeal in that context.

-john

[evsmech]

Rifle caliber pistols are ungainly, not much larger than a SBR, and are at best a compromise weapon.

I understand their purpose, I myself have one being setup, until I get the NFA process finished. But I think they are of limited usefulness.

I know many people i have talked to seem to have a sour opinion of AR pistols. however most people are also sour on pistol caliber carbines as well. Using the logic as to why people don't like PCC's mainly their poor terminal perfomance, this would be superior

I am thinking something like this rig from Rock river would be a great outfit for more discrete carry than a fullsize AR.

[MegademiC]

A PCC has to have a 16" barrel for non nfa too, so they are not much smaller than a carbine. If you want a folding stock, aks are very effective.

IMO, id take an sbr ak (7.62x39) or an sbr ar in 300blk/6.8spc. These would be the best solution if possible. If not i'd take an ar pistol in 300blk/6.8 and use the buffer for cheek wield as this is better than a pistol.

5.56 is VERY ammo dependant in short barrel lengths. BH50gr tsx is good out of an 8" barrel but I don't know anything else that performs well.

Maybe Im misunderstanding. Do you want a long gun or an SBR? a PCC is the same size and weight as a ar.

[KlintonP]

IMO, id take an sbr ak (7.62x39) or an sbr ar in 300blk/6.8spc. These would be the best solution if possible. If not i'd take an ar pistol in 300blk/6.8 and use the buffer for cheek wield as this is better than a pistol.

5.56 is VERY ammo dependant in short barrel lengths. BH50gr tsx is good out of an 8" barrel but I don't know anything else that performs well.

Maybe Im misunderstanding. Do you want a long gun or an SBR? a PCC is the same size and weight as a ar.

SBRs in x39 are known for their dismal performance. For a short barrel, 300 or 6.8 would be better options.

New ammunition, like the BH 50gr are definitely bridging the gap and making a 5.56mm SBR or pistol viable for short range self defense.

Also, I would look into a Sig Sauer wrist brace "stock". They aren't technically made for shouldering the pistol and are legal to install on a pistol AR without a NFA.

[DTakas]

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[grendelbane]

I built an AR pistol back in the day, just because I could.

They aren't totally worthless, as some people say. They aren't very useful though. I consider it to be a fun range gun.

It works, it is reasonably accurate. It is reasonably reliable with brass cased ammunition, and will reliably fire 60 rounds before steel case gives any trouble. .223 out of a 7 1/2" barrel isn't going to set the world on fire, but close up is still reasonably impressive ballistically.

The trouble is, where do you actually carry it? I can carry my Gov't model in most situations, and my LCR carries well in really hot weather. In the car, I can carry an actual rifle with no problem. The states that don't allow carry of long guns in vehicles provide a use for AR pistols, but I live in Kentucky, and can legally carry a Deathstar if I want to, (and, if you have seen Star Wars, you know that a Deathstar can destroy planets).

It requires very good hearing protection. All firearms do, of course, but a 7 1/2" .223 needs it more than most.

There are a very few practical uses for an AR pistol, but its best use is fun on the range.

[KlintonP]

I'm not an expert and I'm sure 300 and 6.8 would probably be better but I think it is inaccurate to claim that 7.62x39 is a poor performer from short barrels.

I see absolutely no practical application for that device and while it might be technically legal I would not trust most local law enforcement to be fully informed on that.

X39 definitely isn't the best candidate for SBR was my point. And I really would consider it poor with the current available loads and their expansion thresholds compared to a .300.

I mentioned the brace to be used as a stock. That's why I said "stock". I don't know about you, but if I'm going to field an AR pistol for self defense, I would rather have that as a makeshift stock than the buffer tube. I would never let the hypothetical ignorance of a LEO prevent me from using what I need for self defense. Your mileage may vary, as will his. That's why I mentioned it.

[Grizzly16]

A PCC has to have a 16" barrel for non nfa too, so they are not much smaller than a carbine. If you want a folding stock, aks are very effective.

IMO, id take an sbr ak (7.62x39) or an sbr ar in 300blk/6.8spc. These would be the best solution if possible. If not i'd take an ar pistol in 300blk/6.8 and use the buffer for cheek wield as this is better than a pistol.

5.56 is VERY ammo dependant in short barrel lengths. BH50gr tsx is good out of an 8" barrel but I don't know anything else that performs well.

Maybe Im misunderstanding. Do you want a long gun or an SBR? a PCC is the same size and weight as a ar.

He wants a Rifle Caliber Pistol. Aka an ar15 with no stock and sub 16" barrel. Which is legal in most places.

To the op look up the MK318 (sost) ammo.