The AR-15 platform is quite popular among firearm enthusiasts as it offers high-level configuration and customization.
However, there have been several debates and questions around AR-15 rifles and AR-15 pistols arising in the AR community. Questions like what is an AR pistol vs rifle, what makes an AR a pistol or rifle, what is the difference between AR pistol and rifle, etc.
Before we move on to answering these questions and giving more insights, let us first get the technicalities out of the way.
Technically, What Constitutes an AR-15 Rifle?
Technically speaking, an AR-15 rifle is made up of a rifle’s barrel, a 16-inch (or more) barrel, and a stock that is designed to be shouldered against the shooter’s body.
Also, an AR-15 rifle is capable of only firing in semi-automatic mode, which means that one round is fired per one trigger pull.
The AR-15 rifle is structured in a way that boosts the functionality of the firearm and enhances accuracy, support, and stability while shooting.
Note that an AR-15 rifle must have a barrel that has a minimum length of 16 inches, as anything below that will be classified as a short-barrel rifle.
What About the AR-15 Pistol, What is It, Then?
Unlike the AR-15 rifle, which has a barrel length of 16 inches and above, the AR-15 pistol has a shorter barrel length and this is one thing that makes it a pistol.
Another unique thing about the AR-15 pistol is that it does not come with a stock that can be shouldered, but it uses a stabilizing brace or a pistol buffer tube at the end of the receiver. The stabilizing braces are not designed to be shouldered although practically, they can be shouldered.
This is not a replacement for the rifle stock but an added component that will transform the pistol into a short-barrel rifle. This transformation from a pistol to a short-barreled rifle requires a tax stamp.
How Do AR-15 Rifles and AR-15 PIstols Differ?
The major difference between an AR-15 rifle and an AR-15 pistol is the physical design, the components, and what it is intended to be used for. The difference is mainly the length of the barrel. Sometimes the legal classification of things that can be shouldered is like pistol buffer tube, pistol brace, and the stock.
In the physical outlook, AR-15 pistols are shorter than AR-15 rifles due to the absence of the stock. This further creates a number of differences between the two firearms. There is a difference in the weight distribution, balance, and generally how it is handled.
In how they are handled, the AR-15 rifle has a stock that provides a stable platform that can be shouldered during shooting. On the other hand, an AR-15 pistol does not have a stock which means that it cannot be shouldered while handling.
When it comes to practicality, the AR-15 is suited more for long-range shooting due to the long length of the rifle barrel.
Essential Performance Variations Between AR-15 Pistol and Rifle
The differences listed above contribute a great deal to the functionality of the firearm and these differences will be further discussed according to functionality.
Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, a full-sized barrel will do a better job as it offers more velocity and enough space for combustion of the bullets. The AR-15 pistol, on the other hand, does not have a long-sized barrel and hence is not suitable for long-range shooting. However, they can be easily maneuvered, which makes them do better in short to mid-range shooting.
Recoil management
The AR-15 rifle offers better recoil management than the AR-15 pistols due to its bigger size and weight. This makes the recoil felt by the shooter significantly lower, thereby improving the shooting accuracy.
To achieve great recoil management, some accessory parts like buffer tubes will have to be added to it.
Mobility
In this aspect of functionality, the AR-15 has a clear advantage due to its size and lightweight design. AR-15 pistols are easy to carry and wield, making it a good fit for home and self-defense. On the other hand, the AR-15 rifle may be a bit big and not easy to wield, particularly in small, confined spaces.
Muzzle blast
With AR-15 platforms come a loud muzzle blast; however, this becomes worse with an AR-15 pistol. This loud muzzle blast can be quite unpleasant, but with a suppressor, you can tone this sound down.
If you will be using an AR-15 for home and self-defense, we recommend that you get a suppressor to prevent future ear problems.
Your Best Pick: AR-15 Pistol or Rifle?
In the AR-15 rifle vs AR-15 pistol debate, you may be wondering which one is the best to pick. Well, this depends on a number of things, like your personal preference, shooting needs, and what you intend to use it for.
To enable you to pick the best AR-15 that suits you just fine, here are a few factors that you can consider:
- Purpose – Before you decide between an AR-15 rifle vs pistol, it is important that you consider why you are getting the firearm in the first place.
- Environment – After you have considered what you intend to use the firearm for, it is also important to consider the environment in which you will be using it. Are you going to be using the firearm indoors or outdoors? Is it going to be used in a shooting range or in the forest when hunting? These are questions that you must answer.
- Legal considerations – before you proceed to make a decision, you should find out the laws binding AR15 pistols and rifles in your state or country to avoid having issues with the law and government.
- Comfort -we have been able to establish the fact earlier that these ARs have different levels of comfortability depending on the environment they are being used. Also, to know which of the AR rifle vs pistol is more comfortable for you, you may want to give both a try before you decide.
Situations where AR pistols are of best use
In certain scenarios, the AR-15 pistols may come in more handy than the AR-15 rifle.
An example is self-defense, a pistol is preferable in this case as it is less cumbersome, can easily be maneuvered, and it can deal with threats that may warrant self-defense.
Some armed forces may also prefer the AR-15 pistol option over the rifle, particularly officers who work at close range.
Situations where AR rifles are of the best use
The long barrel length of the AR-15 rifle makes it suitable for situations like hunting that require a long shooting range. AR-15 rifles provide everything that is needed for hunting, from the accuracy level to velocity and the extent of soft tissue damage it can cause at a long range.
Understanding the differences between the AR-15 rifle vs AR15 pistol is of high importance when it comes to making an informed decision.
Although at the core of both firearms is the AR-15 platform, they differ greatly and can be used in different scenarios. An AR-15 rifle is more suitable for long-range shooting, while an AR-15 pistol, on the other hand, is better for close-range shooting.
We hope that now that you have all this information, you are able to make a decision that best suits your needs.
