Update: The ar15 pistol brace ban is here and you now have to register braced pistols as a Short Barreled Rifle. But the AR pistol itself is totally legal and will remain so, it’s just the stabilizing braces you need to register or remove. Where possible we’re listing pistols without braces, though, for added peace of mind. Because we care…
What are the Best AR Pistols in 2023?
AR pistols have been a revolution for the home defense industry, as well as the military and law enforcement.
Military sub machine guns have spawned semi-automatic weapons of war that have proven a complete gamechanger.
Now they are some of the best-selling guns in America and Joe Biden doesn’t like that one bit. So for 2023 we have new rules and we are already seeing the market react with a new wave of monolithic AR15 pistol that might be even better.
It’s an exciting time in the pistol industry, and we’re betting on bufferless, squared off AR pistols that simply don’t need a brace.
Here are the best AR pistols for sale in 2023.
The Best AR-15 Pistols in 2023
1. Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT
- Price: $3,159.99
- Caliber: 5.56
- Barrel: 9 inches
- Total Length: 31 inch.
- Weight: 5.8lb
- Capacity: 30+1 Rounds
The Sig Sauer LT Spear is military gear, more or less, and the longer barrel, fully enclosed design means it fits the current rules to perfection.
This is the next gen MCX and more or less the only limit to the ocnfiguration is your imagination.
You can order a 5.56 NATO, 300BLK or a 7.62x39mm.
Then you can keep it clean and simple and use one hand on the lightened handguard to combat muzzle rise. An 11.5 inch barrel is actually heading towards rifle levels of stability and you can see how to achieve balance on this pistol without a brace.
Or you can do the tax stamp and SBR process and go for the proprietary parts bin and lightweight brace.
Either way, this might be the best AR pistol on the market right now. If you have the dollars to spend. If not, there are cheaper alternatives just a little further down…
2. Patriot Ordnance Factory Renegade Plus
- Price: $1,898.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inches
- Pistol Length: 31 inch.
- Weight: 5.8lb
- Capacity: 30+1 Rounds
The POF Renegade+ has been a consistent best-selling contender, until availability proved a real issue in the Covid craziness.
With the POF Renegade Plus, it decided to refine the classic Eugene Stoner direct impingement AR-15 concept, rather than fit a gas piston alternative.
POF Billet Receivers and Top AR-15 Parts
It’s a billet lower receiver. You also get the POF Ultimate Bolt Carrier Group, which is every bit as impressive as it sounds with a high phosphate Nickel coating.
A flat 3.5lb match grade trigger comes from POF’s own inventory, as well as the Renegade M-Lok handguard. Nestled inside that free-floating set-up is are 10.5 inches in length of Nitride-treated steel.
3. CMMG Dissent Mk4
- Price: $1,939.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 6.5 inch
- Pistol length: 14.7 inch
- Total: 4.8lb
It looks like the pistol brace regulations and ATF shenanigans is a cloud with a silver lining if the CMMG Dissent Mk4 is anything to go by.
Monolithic pistols with no buffer tube are a clear solution to the stabilizing brace ‘ban and the Dissent Mk4 ditches the buffer tube altogether in this AR15 pistol for the patented CMMG Compact Action’. Well if this is the future, sign us up…
The Dissent comes as a 5.56 NATO AR-15 pistol, or you can order armor piercing 5.7x28mm. You can also get a Dissent Pistol Caliber Carbine chambered in 9mm.
Either way the whole pistol measures less than 15 inches and you could conceal it if you want. When you need it, that 6.5 inch barrel is accurate enough at 100 yards, or 150 with red dot sights on the full length rail.
The Cerakote finish means you can get a range of colors, too, including Midnight bronze, charcoal, green and straightforward Armor Black. Generally the Armor Black is a few bucks cheaper and Midnight Bronze looks a lot like Flat Dark Earth.
Get more info on the action here.
4. Palmetto State Armory Jakl
- Price: $999.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 7.5 inch
- Total: 5.5lb
This is another company to react to the changing landscape with a monolithic truck gun that you can run without a stabilizing brace.
Now the Palmetto State Armory Jakl is more expensive than the usual PSA fare you can find down below. But this is new tech and the monolithic upper is compatible with any Mil-spec lower.
A short and fully contained buffer, a long stroke piston and a tool less 4 position gas block are among the key features. You can strip the whole pistol without tools, too, which is cool.
Essentially this pistol borrows from the AK-47 as well as a variety of others. It just works.
There’s an ambidextrous side charging handle and lots of other goodies. Crucially the PSA is one of the cheapest monolithic pistols you can buy. In these weird legal times, that counts.
5. Radical Firearms FCR
- Price: $504.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 8.5 inch
- Total: 26 inch
- Total: 5.6lb
This relatively small company has built a fearsome reputation with low-budget long guns that punch well above their weight. This new Radical Firearms RF-15 looks set to do the same.
Now this is the 5.56, but it’s great value in either caliber.
The American manufacturer makes most of its own parts, which helps it set its own prices. They are always low, despite unique design touches like the proprietary FGS free float rail system. Radical Firearms says this reduced heat build-up, and boosts accuracy.
A full-length Picatinny rail sits atop Mil-spec aluminum receivers. The Melonite coated CMV pipe work and hard coat anodized finish show solid attention to detail.
If you want all-metal and money is tight, the Radical might be the one for you.
6. Maxim Defense SPS
- Price: $2,065.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 5.5 inch
- Total Length: 18.75
- Weight: 5.9lb
Maxim Defense made its name with the PDW, but now it has worked with SOCOM to create military hardware that the world’s best fighting team believes is an improvement on the vast collection of weapons they already had.
Who are we to argue with that kind of endorsement?
One of the highlights of Shot Show 2019, the high price, high spec Maxim Defense MDX 505 is billed as a sub-compact AR-15 that is designed around the new Maxim Defence SCW PDW brace. Now that’s a problem in itself and the SPS is the safest version to buy.
This lightweight hardware is patent pending and could well turn into a star of the aftermarket parts market. We really like the Flat Dark Earth version as well.
Essentially if the ban is overturned you can slot the Maxim Defense PDW straight over the top of this design, just like adding a normal pistol brace.
6. Rock River Arms LAR-15
- Price: $918.99
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Barrel: 7 inch
- Total: 24.75 inch.
- Weight: 4.8lb
- Capacity: 25+1
Rock River Arms supplies firearms to the DEA and FBI, among others. The AR15 rifles star in pretty much every price band and the semi-auto pistol is a great choice in this price bracket and beyond.
7. Sig Sauer MCX Rattler
- Price: $2,590.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel length: 5.5 inches
- Total Length: 20
inch . - Weight: 5.8lb
- Capacity: 30+1 Rounds
The MCX Rattler is a beast that was designed specifically for elite forces to take into battle. An enclosed pistol buffer tube means it looks like a slick option with the current stabilizing brace regulations drama too.
It’s a more versatile, harder hitting and simply better replacement for the HK MP5. Really, it’s that good and the snub-nosed frame with full auto fire…. Yeah, we could learn to love that.
The compact size means it’s a real specialist tool. it feels like a racing car, and is kind of unbeatable as a CQB.
Look out for the short barrel Sig MCX Copperhead, in 9mm too, and the longer MCX Spear.
8. American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx P4
- Price: $609.99
- Caliber: AAC Blackout
- Barrel length: 7.5 inch
- Total: 25 inch
- Weight: 5.11lb
- Capacity: 30+1
We sneered at the polymer receiver concept too, briefly. But the truth is that this ATI Omni Hybrid Max plastic AR-15 is cheap, lightweight and seemingly durable. As much as we wanted to, we can’t find anything wrong with it.
American Tactical Imports knows it faces an uphill struggle to convince the world that we’re ready for advanced polymer receivers, so it has made a big deal of 2,000 round torture tests and running over it with an 800lb f
And they’re outstanding.
A Sub-$500 Blackout Pistol. Crazy…
The American Tactical Imports ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx gets five stars pretty much everywhere.
Ignore the fact that the load-bearing parts are plastic. You’ve got a weapon that goes bang every time and weighs the same as titanium shiz costing orders of magnitude more.
The ATI Omni Hybrid Max is new technology, but we already have plastic sidearms and it’s a matter of time before plastic rifles are a thing.
American Tactical Imports says that time is now. At this price, the ATI Omni Hybrid semi-auto pistol might be worth a try.
9. CZ Scorpion Evo 3
- Price: $769.99
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel: 7.72 inch
- Total: 16 inch
- Weight: 5lb
- Capacity: 20+1
At its normal price, we think this Pistol Caliber Carbine might be legit the best bang for buck SMG-style weapon you can buy.
The CZ Scorpion’s price tag is part of the appeal, although it has crept up in the last year. Even at this price, it’s a brilliant AR9. It’s
You also don’t need a pistol brace.
That’s good, simple design. Ornate and fussy is for household ornaments…
It’s a real workhorse of a weapon, then, and it’s almost perfect for defensive
Almighty All Rounder
This is exactly what you want by your side if you hear a noise downstairs, or for stashing in the car.
Now it is probably not one for big furniture. It’s simple, defensive, and pure. We like that and might go with a red dot at most.
There is a new wave of contenders, including the likes of Angstadt Arms, but the CZ is a legend of a reason and deserves its top PCC slot.
10. CZ Bren 2
- Price: $1,960.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 14 inch
- Total: 25.8 inch
- Weight: 5.86lb
The CZ Bren 2 is a serious weapon that’s a step up from the more commonly seen Scorpion 9mm pistol. That is here too, but the Bren is a proper weapon in 5.56 NATO or even 7.62x39mm rifle calibers.
This has 30+1 rounds of NATO in a compact package. The CZ Bren is one of the best civilian
The military versions also find their way into the hands of serious special forces units, and not just in Eastern Europe. It has been tested on battlefields I hope you never see.
Owners have all talked up the CZ Bren in the user reviews online, and that’s an encouraging sign. Customization options are also pretty solid. You should have this semi-auto pistol in your life if funds allow.
11. Heckler & Koch HK SP5
- Price: $3,197.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 8 inch
- Total: 14 inch
- Weight: 4.4lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The official civilian version of the iconic HK MP5, the HK SP5K is about as sexy as 9mm AR pistols get..
Getting one can be an issue, so check this link if you get a sold out notice up top for a general search.
Why did it take this long? That’s a question for HK, which limited the public to the equally awesome HK SP5K. It was great, but it wasn’t the Military grade firearm we all wanted.
You get the roller-delayed blowback system that HK perfected on the G3 rifle. Also, a threaded tri-lug adaptor for muzzle devices, a fluted chamber and chrome lined bore and internals.
Crack law enforcement and military types still take the HK to actual war. So we don’t know if we can come up with any better endorsement really.
12. Diamondback Firearms DB15
- Price: $710.99
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Barr: 7 inch
- Weight: 5.1lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The Diamondback DB15 is a mid range pistol that does everything right and nothign particularly wrong.
If you want a mid-length barrel profile, don’t want an enclosed monolith and are planning to make an SBA3 pistol with a license, for instance, then the Diamondback DB15 is a great option.
Diamondback Firearms have found a place on most of our budget rifles list. We really like the Diamondback Firearms DB10, chambered in 308 Win Mag and the Diamondback Firearms DB15 rifle.
13. B&T TP9-N
- Price: $2,045.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barr: 5 inch
- Total Length: 11.9 inch
- Weight: 5lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Design wise, too, in a tight skirmish, could you ask for anything better than this modern day Uzi?
This 9mm is an urban war machine that could make all the difference in a confined space. Switzerland’s SWAT equivalent loves it as a skirmish gun, and they’re not the only ones.
It is also a seriously accurate gun at the range and with the stock in place you can comfortably take aim at 100 yards. For a 9mm with a 5 inch barrel, that’s a pretty long range.
You get 30+1 rounds, it’s an awesome weapon that covers a lot of very different bases. We waxed lyrical about it before in this post on the TP9-N and we like this as a home defense gun or even as an extreme concealed carry gun.
14. Palmetto State Armory Carbine Length AR15 Pistol
- Price: $519.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barr: 7.5 inch
- Length: 26.25 inch
Palmetto State Armory is just its own thing. So if you’re sneering right now, you’re just not one of the PSA crowd. That’s fine, they’ve got along just fine without you and will continue to do so.
This budget manufacturer has a devoted following for a reason. Palmetto State Armory produces basics that tend to work and super cheap parts kits and pistol build kits. This also comes with a carbine length M-LOK Handguard and a Shockwave, so you got quality peripherals.
Now this the PSA semi-auto pistol is quite the sniper, and you can’t fault the accuracy on this chopped down American rifle.
15. Freedom Ordnance FX-9
- Price: $812.99
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel: 4.5 inch
- Weight: 4.5lb
The best-selling Freedom Ordnance FX-9 is a breakout star and now the short barrel version is here it might give the winners a run for their money.
The FX9 has gained an outsized following thanks to the fact it uses Glock-style magazines. So basically yeah, this is another one powered by Glock magazines.
It is also one of the most compact 9mm AR-15 pistols on the market. And maybe the best choice for a concealed carry pistol or truck gun when you a gun online.
16. Bravo Company Manufacturing Recce
- Price: $1,630.99
- Caliber: 5.56
- Barrels:11.5 inch
- Weight: 6.5lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Bravo Company Manufacturing are made by ex soldiers and aimed squarely at reliability and excellence in the field.
These are theoretically the guns the founders themselves wish they had when shit went sideways. And the company has such a good reputation it still does special builds for elite fighting teams to this day.
Availability on the consumer front has been a bit patchy of late, which is why the gun is down here. But if you want a traditional buffer style pistol, and you see one, this Bravo Company Manufacturing Recce is exceptional.
17. Christensen Arms CA9
- Price: $1,649.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrels: 6.25 inch
- Total: 14.5 inch.
- Weight: 5lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The Christensen Arms CA9 is a seriously lightweight pistol with new age materials like a carbon-fiber wrapped barrel to save literal grams.
It’s as much about the dedication to engineering perfection as it is to saving a tiny bit of weight, and we kind of love that about this firearm and the company.
18. Kalashnikov USA KP-9
- Price: $1,017.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 9.25 inch
- Weight: 5.6lb
The Kalashnikov USA KP-9 is probably our favorite 9mm AK pistol.
It is another one that works well without stabilizing braces, too. Build quality is good and the price is right.
19. Century Arms Draco AK-47
- Price: $828.99
- Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm
- Barrels: 6.25 inch
- Total: 14.5 inch.
- Weight: 4.85lb
- Capacity: 30+1/50+1 drum.
We have said it before and we’ll say it again, the Draco Gun is an absolute bargain.
It’s a weapon of mass destruction that could easily form part of a budget defense kit if you prefer the black finish AK to an AR-15. It’s your life and I get the arguments, although 300BLK is there too you know?
This could be a concealed carry AR pistol, kind of, or a hidden truck gun. And the 6.25 inch barrel is one of several lengths on offer.
If you know and don’t care about 300 Blackout ammo, then you can find a selection of AK-47s here. We like to cater to everybody…
20. KRISS Vector Gen 2 SDP Enhanced
- Price: $1,749.00
- Caliber: 10mm auto
- Barrel: 6.5 inch
- Total Length: 18.5 inch
- Weight: 7.28lb
At first glance, this looks to be the ultimate civilian SMG. It’s small, it looks violent and it’s lightweight, ish, so why isn’t the KRISS Vector Gen II higher on the list?
Well the KRISS Super V Recoil Mitigation System wasn’t quite as good as we all wanted it to be in the first generation. But it’s getting much better and this is turning into a best-selling market leader.
This Close Quarters Combat used to be a movie prop and nothing more, with a starring role in Deadpool 2 among its many on screen hits. But it’s turning into something now.
Basically it is cumbersome in its stripped down form, though, and it’s really needs a sling at least.
21. CMMG Banshee
- Price: $842.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel length: 12.5 inch
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
- Weight: 5.7lb
The CMMG Banshee Mk4 will continue alongside the Dissent for those that want to run a more traditional set-up with an external buffer tube.
Key features with the CMMG Banshee include the Radial blowback system that does give soft recoil and other benefits.
22. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P
- Price: $1,774.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel length: 10.3 inch
- Overall Length: 28.4 inch
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
- Weight: 5.44lb
The Daniel Defense is basically the best AR-15 for sale. This is more of the same creamy goodness, in a semi-auto pistol.
Basically everything Daniel Defense touches turns to gold. That’s not an accident, they do great work and have carved out a market share by taking it from the established stars of the industry.
An SBR Without a Tax Stamp
Now, it has taken
If you have the short-barreled Daniel Defense and one of the best concealed carry guns in the world, you are covered…
23. Smith & Wesson M&P Sport
- Price: $899.99
- Caliber: 5.45x45mm NATO
- Barrel: 7.5 inch
- Weight: 5.5lb
Availability is the only reason the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport pistol is so far down. It’s a pretty rare sight on the open market.
If you see one, then it’s a great choice for a budget pistol that does all the things the best-selling S&W M&P Sport rifle does, but in a smaller package.
We also like how the pistol grip looks like the M&P Shield.
24. Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 Pistol
- Price: $1,427.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 9″
This one doesn’t have any great military connection. It’s just the company doing what it does best and producing a consumer-grade gun that kinda fits the profile of Special Forces hardware.
You can get the Springfield Armory Saint pistol chambered in 5.56 NATO. Then it runs and feels like a conventional, if short, AR-15. And that’s why they’re best sellers.
Springfield Armory Saint Pistol: Solid Engineering at a Solid Price
The Springfield Saint Victor AR-15 pistol is a 30+1 round weapon, it’s 26.5″ in total and it weighs in at 5.8lb.
This Saint is mil-spec hardware at a consumer price point and we honestly can’t pick a single flaw in the Springfield Saint Victor. We like the full size American rifle as well.
25. Wilson Combat AR-15 Protector Pistol
- Price: $1,499.99
- Barrel: 11.3 inch
- Total: 27.5 inch
- Weight: 5.8lb
Wilson Combat has become a regular winner of our AR-15 competitions and this could easily have taken the top spot here.
Now you can go for the HAM’R, round, which is impressive in its own special way. proprietary ammo makes us nervous, though, and we’d opt for either the 5.56 NATO semi or, better yet, the AAC 300 Blackout pistol.
This works for hunting, personal defense and just about everything else.
It is a compact AR-15 Plus, with the legendary starburst grip that is actually a BCM part. The TTU two-stage trigger is famous in its own right and you the muzzle devices stand out.
Wilson Combat and BCM will sell you a pistol grip or handguard separately, of course.
26. Battle Arms Development Workhorse Defense Pistol
- Price: $1,199.99
- Cal: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inch
- Weight: 5.8lb
Battle Arms Development makes some of our favorite custom rifles and lightweight AR-15s. The Workhorse is their volume seller, like BMW’s 3 Series, but it’s still really good.
You get a pistol length gas system, RACK ambidextrous charging handle and other assorted goodies. Basically it’s everything you would expect from a semi-auto pistol at this price point. Not much more, not much less.
There are plenty of options in this price bracket, but the BAD Workhorse Defense is right up there with the best of them. And we wouldn’t be surprised if it outperformed more expensive guns.
27. ZEV Tech Core Elite
- Price: $2,322.99
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm
- Barrel: 10.5 inch
- Pistol Length: 27
- Weight: 5.7lb
- Capacity: 30+1
This is our insider pick, as ZEV Tech has simply taken a solid receiver set and added
If you have big money to spend, then look at the company’s billet receiver set, which effectively gives you access to a whole new level of build quality and peripheral components.
But the forged aluminum is a great balance of bang for buck and the muzzle devices on the longer 10.5 inch barrel are kinda fun. Everything else is match grade and it would take a lot to build something of this caliber.
ZEV rifles, pistols and custom Glocks are all top tier firearms and you should try one with the best red dot optics up top.
Others You Might Expect to See
The Foxtrot Mike FM-9 has been a regular feature, but availability isn’t great right now and this cheap HK SP5 just isn’t on the shelves consistently enough for us to include it. The Foxtrot Mike FM-9 is a great pistol, though, so buy one if you see it.
When it comes to AK pistols, Pioneer Arms should probably be here. But we cut several other big namers along with the Pioneer Arms because the list was just too big.
Gun Parts & Accessories
If you want spotting scopes or other handgun parts, lasers, lights, slings, swivels, eye protection, gun cleaning stuff, knives & tools, we can probably help you with partners and top tips from around the United States.
You might need to fix your adjustable gas system, you might just want a new armorer’s wrench. we can help.
Where to Buy Ammo
We have a fair bit of experience when it comes to price shopping ammo, 9mm ammo, 223 ammo, handgun ammo, rifle ammo, 45 ACP ammo, gun cleaning kits and more.
So if you want to feed your best 9mm pistol, you’re looking for ammo, 300 Blackout ammo, shotgun ammo, rifle ammo. handgun ammo or you just want 45 ACP ammo, try these stores.
- Sportsman’s Guide – Great ammo deals, rifle calibers, rifle ammunition, Rimfire ammo, shotgun ammunition etc.
- PSA – bulk deals when you buy ammo online and daily discounts on handgun and rifle calibers.
Other Firearms We Can Sell You
An AR is the lynchpin of your home defense set-up, but it’s not meant to do everything. You need a few extra things for a full firearms kit, and obviously gun cases for everything.
Start with a 308 bolt action rifle with some budget rifle scopes.
They are versatile tools that can form part of your defensive kit, as well as taking care of pest control and hunting duties.
Single shot bolt action rifles & pistols can be fun, too, and they tend to be cheaper.
Get that before you get lever action rifles in your gun safes. Obviously do get a lever action rifle too though, in the end. Because lever action rifles are fun..
Shotguns Are Also Getting Much Better
Semi automatic shotguns, pump action shotguns and shotgun ammo have come on in leaps and bounds from grandpa’s old side by side shotguns.
Now you can get mag fed pump action shotguns that reload in a second and shotgun parts can include 50rd drum mags. With the right optics, scopes or reflex sight up top they’re awesome.
Or you can go the other way with a single shot shotguns, best for turkey hunting.
More and more people are using air guns for hunting and general plinking now too. You can even get airbow air guns that shoot arrows and take the effort out of archery and don’t need ear protection.
Long guns, handguns, pistols, revolvers, semi auto pistols, tactical rifles, tactical and more are all on these pages. Add some laser sights, maybe weapons lights and you’re good for a home firearms kit in your gun safes.
All rights reserved. Privacy policy terms & conditions available on request from customer service, contact us at the main email address for terms of service. But why do you want a privacy policy? The site map, now that’s the one to contact us for on the same email address.
Don’t ask us about a gift card either. There is no gift card program. Check changes to the National Firearms Act before you order and be aware we are part of an affiliate program. Several in fact, and the return policy, shipping etc isn’t down to us and so we don’t really have those terms of service….
The Saint barrel length in 300 BLK is 9″. The 5.56 is the 7.5″
Good catch sir! I’ll correct that.
tHIS THE NICEST, CLEAN, CONCISE COLLECTION PRESENTATION COMPLETE WITH PICTURES SPEC. AND PRICES I HAVE EVER SEEN. KUDOS, GREAT JOB THANKS. FELLOW COLLECTOR SHARING SAME APPRECIATION.
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.
So many awesome guns.. so little time. (and funds?) Not sure why you always leave out the Grand Power Stribog!? I love mine, built like a tank and accurate to 100 yards. The A1 Gen II is proven. Just don’t forgo a little dry lube in the mags. You need to include this 9mm wonder.