This AR-15 style–pistol has a shorter barrel and has no buttstock.

An AR-15–style pistol is a handgun assembled using an AR-15–style receiver with suitable parts to create a pistol held and fired with one hand.

History

Colt's Manufacturing Company began marketing the Colt AR-15 self-loading rifle in 1964.[1] These rifles were assembled from interchangeable parts designed to allow replacement of malfunctioning parts without the gunsmith skills and tools required for most firearms. Other manufacturers produced similar parts with features not found on production rifles.[2] Some of these parts can be assembled to create firearms with overall length or barrel-length shorter than rifle dimensions specified by law. These small firearms may be defined as pistols by local laws.[3]

Advantages

RRA's RUK-9BT 9MM pistol
  • Pistols allow use of firearms by disabled persons without full use of both hands.[4]
  • Pistols may be stored in spaces too small to hold a rifle.[5]
  • Pistols may be carried more easily than rifles.[6]
  • Pistols are easier to use in confined spaces.[3]

Disadvantages

  • The AR-15–style receiver is larger and heavier than most handgun actions.[3]
  • Many AR-15 cartridges produce lower velocity[6] with distracting muzzle flash and muzzle blast when fired from pistol barrels.[7]
  • Pistol dimensions reduce accuracy available from more stable holding positions with larger firearms.[6][5]

Publicity

AR-15–style pistols have been publicized by Hollywood films including Clear and Present Danger, Bad Boys, and Spawn.[3]

They have been used in mass shootings in Boulder, Colorado[8] and Dayton, Ohio.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Bob Hutton & Bob Forker (October 1964). "A Beautiful Marriage: .223 Remington and Colt's AR-15 'Sporter'". Guns & Ammo.
  2. ↑ "Modern Sporting Rifle". National Shooting Sports Foundation. Archived from the original on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Cavanaugh, Darien. "The AR-15 Pistol Seemed Like a Bad Joke at First". Medium. War is Boring. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Carter, Molly. "Arming the Disabled: A Self-Defense and Concealed Carry Guide for People With Disabilities". Ammo.com. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  5. 1 2 Lazarus, Mike. "Choosing the best firearm for home defense". California Tactical Academy. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Mudgett, Chris (16 April 2020). "7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying an AR Pistol". Outdoor Life. Archived from the original on 2020-04-17. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  7. ↑ Horman, B. Gil. "The PSA PG-9 Shockwave: The Ideal AR Pistol for Home Defense?". National Rifle Association of America. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  8. ↑ Sanchez, Ray. "The Colorado suspect allegedly used an AR-15-style pistol. Here's how it differs from an AR-15-style rifle". www.cnn.com. CNN. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  9. ↑ Chappell, Bill. "The Pistol That Looks Like A Rifle: The Dayton Shooter's Gun". npr.org. National Public Radio. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
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