Update: The pistol brace ban is coming and it’s probably best to prepare for the worst. But the AR pistol itself is totally legal and will remain so, it’s just the braces we’ll probably need to switch out before long. Where possible we’re listing pistols without braces, though, for added peace of mind. Because we care…
What are the Best AR-15 Pistols in 2022?
Some people will already be racing towards the comments to let me know the best AR pistols aren’t real SMGs.
So, let’s get one thing clear…
These aren’t real sub machine guns.
A Semi-Automatic Pistol Isn’t an SMG by Definition
By definition, an SMG is fully automatic and these are, well, not. But the world at large knows this shape and is looking for Sub Machine Guns for sale on Google. Trust us on this, and they are kind of the civilian SMG.
So if you’re feeling righteous indignation right now. That’s why we did it. The magic Google machine…
Almost Military Grade Guns…
They’re the cool little gems we like to look at in quiet awe, anyway, and they’re works of art in their own right.
They are all just a few tweaks away from military grade firearms, to borrow a Leftist phrase. This is almost a Short Barreled rifle, without the paperwork.
Inspiration and Parts for DIY Builds
So, now let’s look at some of the best AR-15 pistols in the United States. If you’re DIY building then you might just want the inspiration. But the parts & accessory supplier links are in here too so knock yourselves out with high-grade parts.
The Best AR-15 Pistols in 2022
1. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P
- Price: $1,870.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel length: 10.3 inch
- Overall Length: 28.4 inch
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
- Weight: 5.44lb
The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 is basically the best AR-15 for sale. This is more of the same creamy goodness, in a semi-auto pistol.
Basically everything the company 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 DDM4 V7P and one of the best concealed carry guns in the world, you are covered…
DDM4 isn’t a Cheap AR-15
It isn’t cheap, but this pistol still massively undercuts some of the more expensive options and it isn’t ridiculous money.
These are quality ingredients all the way. The mid-length gas block system has also been tuned to a soft and gentle thump from a silk sheet. Or something…
The People’s Champion, and the Industry’s
Is the Daniel Defense the best? Yes is the basic answer. If you’re looking for one to rule them all, you’re looking at it.
We have said elsewhere it gets subjective at this level and the top 10 ARs are probably better than you and me. Especially with a red dot. That means any one of the leaders will serve you well.
Right now, though, the DDM4 feels like the best you can buy off the shelf. Without spending insane money anyway.
2. Rock River Arms RRage
- Price: $973.99
- Caliber: 5.56mm
- 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 would be further up this list if availability wasn’t so limited right now.
Now this video covers the rifle, but it’s still pretty relevant. The Rock River Arms comes with an SBA3 pistol brace and a lot of other good things. Yeah, buy one.
3. Sig Sauer MCX Rattler
- Price: $2,678.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel length: 5.5 inches
- Total Length: 20
inch . - Weight: 5.8lb
- Capacity: 30+1 Rounds
The Sig MCX Rattler is a beast that was designed specifically for the SAS to take into battle. That’s why, in these uncertain times, stock is hard to find.
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.
It was my original winner, but the truth is the compact size means it’s a real specialist tool. it feels like a racing car, which is good in the right circumstances. It’s just those circumstances don’t actually crop up too often.
Special Forces Thoroughbred vs Simpler Defensive Tools
The simpler DDM4 is a more forgiving sportscar for the public road and it’s still as fast as you could ever dare to go. It is easier to master, when it comes to accuracy and just plain old weapons handling.
Still, if you appreciate the back story or you just want the most vicious, compact option money can buy, then you are pretty much looking at it.
Consider the AAC 300 Blackout Rattler
The Rattler was really designed for AAC 300 Blackout. That is the next gen AR-15 round that could render 5.56 NATO redundant. But the Rattler comes in both.
You can fit a suppressor, go full operator and you have the definitive close quarters combat weapon for urban warfare or special ops. Whatever you’re doing that day…
Or you can take the can off and go supersonic with the ammo.
Then you’ve got a totally different weapon in your hands that can nail targets at 150 yards if you use the PDW brace. That’s long range genius.
For personal defense, this Close Quarters Combat weapon is pretty much unbeatable.
Pure, Compact Destruction
This is a 5.5 inch barrel and the whole weapon is just 19.3 inches long. It’s a masterpiece in compact destruction and you get 30+1 rounds in basically a carry pistol.
The MCX Rattler is expensive, but owners love theirs and if you want one monster of a weapon, then this could be the one. It’s a modern-day savage and you’ll be glad it’s on your side when the chips are down.
This dude shows just what it can do, with a suppressor attached, in 300BLK.
4. Radical Firearms FCR
- Price: $631.57
- 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 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. Especially as it’s one of the few budget pistols you can actually consistently buy thanks to the combined efforts of Primary Arms and Brownells.
5. Maxim Defense PDX 505
- 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 brace, 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 MDX 505 is billed as a sub-compact AR-15 that is designed around the new Maxim Defence SCW PDW brace. Now that’s under threat and the SPS is the easiest version to buy.
This lightweight hardware is patent pending and could well turn into a star of the aftermarket parts market.
Lightweight, Shorter PDW
The PDW brace is 4 inches shorter, as well as lighter, which opens up the door to a new world of sub-compacts and it should fit any existing AR-15 platform.
The HateBrake muzzle device is a feat of engineering in itself and is designed to send noise and pressure away from the shooter.
The company itself has been on the move of late, buying smaller companies and doing deals to grow its aftermarket parts business. This is going to help its cause no end.
As for the caliber choice, it’s a little controversial and yet it makes perfect sense from a military perspective. The AK-47 vs AR-15 debate will rage on forever, and even the special forces will probably leave that to the keyboard warriors.
In certain military
Don’t Forget the SPS
You can get an even more stripped down version, the Maxim Defense 505 SPS, which doesn’t really have, like, pistol braces, at all. Just a buffer tube and a sling point that looks suspiciously like a brace attachment point that skirts the buffer entirely. That might work. Get yours here.
6. American Tactical Imports Omni Hybrid Maxx P4
- Price: $479.99
- 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 plastic AR-15 is cheap, lightweight and seemingly durable. As much as we wanted to, we can’t find anything wrong with it.
Americal 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 you want it to 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, and at this price it might be worth a try.
7. 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, a pistol with SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Brace, RACK ambidextrous charging handle and other assorted goodies. Basically it’s everything you would expect 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.
8. CZ Scorpion Evo 3
- Price: $949.99
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel: 7.72 inch
- Total Length: 16 inch
- Weight: 5lb
- Capacity: 20+1
At its normal price, we think this might be legit the best bang for buck SMG-style weapon you can buy.
The CZ’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
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.
9. Patriot Ordnance Factory Renegade Plus
- Price: $2,152.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inches
- Total 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.
Most of us will never push a direct impingement so far into the hot zone that we actually need that piston. But you already know that. Knowledge, need and want are entirely compartmentalized things here.
Military Grade Firearms For Amateur Enthusiasts
Most of them are engineered with better men and women than us in mind and when it gets to this level then the weak spot in the weapon is almost certainly the person holding it.
So then it comes down to the connection with the brand’s story and we have got to say that POF is doing a standout job with this.
With the POF Renegade+, the company took direct impingement to the logical end. It took all the weak points and re-engineered them, plain over-engineered them, and created what it believes is the ultimate incarnation of the best AR-15. Well, not quite, but we’ll get to POF’s other offering and gas system shortly.
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.
POF AR-15 Parts
It comes with one of POF’s proprietary finishing touches. Those include the AR-15 pistol grips through to the buffer tube and pistol stabilizing brace that either
This is really a short barrel rifles without a tax stamp. Add a full auto and any special forces team in the world would take them into battle. You might also want some lower receiver parts, upper parts, bolt carrier groups and more for your own build.
The POF Renegade Plus is Mil-spec plus a lot and this is a totally over-engineered AR that should last you a lifetime. It’s a long range pistol and you can get more stability and distance with a vertical foregrip up front.
You can also get a matching 22LR in the POF Rebel, for training purposes.
Heritage, Class and Pure Performance
This comes with the brand cache and if you dig POF more than the competition then screw the order on this sort of irrelevant list.,
You’re an adult, you can make your own decisions and this might be your new firearm.
Enjoy it, it’s amazing…
10. Palmetto State Armory 9″ Carbine Length Handguard
- Price: $499.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barr: 9 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. PSA produce 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 Palmetto State Armory semi-auto pistol is quite the long range special, and you can’t fault the accuracy on this chopped down American rifle.
The Palmetto State Armory isn’t the best centerfire pistol here with the fit & finish. But it is reliable and comes with a great tactical brace out the box. People like that.
You can spend more on a PSA, too, just go here for a price high to low search. They include the impressive Palmetto State Armory Custom guns.
They’re more expensive, but they are wild pistol caliber carbine length firearms. And again, you can spend a lot less with pistol build kits and a little hard work.
11. Primary Weapons Systems MK111 Pro
- Price: $1,363.99
- Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56x45mm NATO
- Barrel: 11.85 inch barrel
- Total: 31.5 inch
- Weight: 6.5lb
Primary Weapons Systems has almost created an SBR, basically detuned military hardware. And it was our winner here for a while. Could be again…
The 11.85″ out front means this isn’t compact. In fact it looks and feels more like a short-barreled rifle SBR and tips the scales at a lightweight 6.5lb.
This is a
BCM Parts Show True Quality
Bravo Company Manufacturing provided the pistol grip, and that is a sure sign of quality. The charging handle is an Ambi Raptor, you get an M-Lok rail and all the parts are as good as they can get.
That includes that awesome enhanced buffer tube, another PWS proprietary AR-15 component, and the bolted on endplate. It really does look like a Short Barrel Rifle, but it isn’t.
This is a relatively new weapon with an outsized reputation. It’s a specialist, rather than a compact all-rounder, but you could still make a case for putting it higher on this list.
12. CZ Bren 2
- Price: $1,799.99
- 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.
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.
.
13. Heckler & Koch HK SP5
- Price: $3,183.99
- 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.
That created a void that was filled by clones that trod the fine line between inspiration and imitation. Now, it has finally given us the 9mm pistol we always wanted to buy.
You get the roller-delayed blowback system that HK perfected on the G3 rifle. Also, a threaded tri-lug adaptor, a fluted chamber and chrome lined bore and internals.
Expensive, But Great…
Now this is about as expensive as civilian 9mm SMGs get. There are plenty of options for much less money that will serve you just as well and be more easy to carry. But this is the civilian version of the HK MP5. That matters…
You can argue that this is a modern-day tribute. But also military history.
So if you’re looking for the best AR-9, or simply one of the best Close Quarters Combat weapons on the planet, this would be a good place to start. Check here for more info and live links to more current stocks.
14. 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 the Tailhook brace give you more options than most.
15. Christensen Arms CA9
- Price: $1,649.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 7.5 inch
- Weight: 5.5lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Christensen Arms has worked wonders shaving the grams off larger custom AR-15s with the likes of Carbon-fiber barrels. This is advanced material science, all the way.
You get a carbon fiber wrapped steel tube for a barrel here, too, mated to forged aluminum receivers. A hybrid CF-aluminum handguard cuts a little extra fat. Not much, but it all counts and comes at a price.
Price is becoming less of an obstacle, though. Christensen Arms is starting to get known for seriously high end custom AR-15s, bolt action rifles and 1911s. People are ready to pay for these guns, and for good reason.
This AR9 is lightweight, easy to conceal and a real difference maker when it comes to your home kit. It also looks amazing in burnt bronze, with contrasting CF.
9mm ARs are winning the lucrative home war, thanks to the round becoming increasingly specialized for defensive distances.
You have to worry less about a stray 9mm bursting through the wall and killing your neighbor too. That matters.
16. ZEV Tech Core Elite
- Price: $1,844.99
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- 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.
ZEV Tech has made a real name for itself with aftermarket Glock parts and now it has produced its own AR-style pistol chambered for 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout semi-auto.
In essence, ZEV merged with MEGA rifles and now offers long guns and this short-barrel AR-15.
The basic formula is the same, overspeccing with competition parts to turn them into an entirely different animal. If you get the chance, pick one up and feel the difference. It is subtle, but it’s there.
ZEV Tech AR-15 Parts
Get complete uppers, upper receivers, charging handles, drop-in triggers and more from ZEV TECH for your DIY build. Most of ZEV Technologies accessories are for the Glock, but you’ll find some things for your AR too.
- ZEV Parts, accessories and complete firearms on sale at Brownells.
- ZEV Tech firearms, complete handguns, pistols, rifles and more at Guns.com
17. B&T TP9-N
- Price: $2,017.99
- 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 is the Civilian version of the MP9 SMG.
It’s like a modern-day Tec-9, which became a gang legend. But we like that Uzi comparison more. It feels fairer. The Tec-9 was a feral street thug. This is better.
A Swiss Tribute to the Urban Warriors
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, that’s a pretty long range.
This little Swiss beast is 11.9 inches long, and you really could spray and pray with one hand. You could also be a little more precise with two hands, or a brace, but it’s just in that size bracket where you could rock two of them.
But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
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.
The Best 9mm?
You can fit your own side folding stock or any manner of sights, lasers and lamps to this carbine length pistol. You can even get a specific Robocop style retention holster.
It’s a pretty damned cool option, although you have to wonder how often you’d actually get to open carry this thing. Or when you’d want to…
18. Diamondback Firearms DB15
- Price: $856.99+
- Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56×45 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inch
- Total: 26.5 inch
- Weight: 6.6lb
The Diamondback DB15 is another bargain with an outsized reputation.
You get a Wylde chamber in the Diamondback DB15, which is nice. A quad rail, free float handguard and that single stage trigger is well beyond Mil-Spec.
The Diamondback DB15 faces stiff opposition and brave styling is just one of the ways it stands out from the crowd.
Others won’t buy anything else and will tell you their Diamondback DB15 holds up well against anything. Read the reviews and see for yourself.
19. Black Rain Ordnance ION9
- Price: $1,479.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 8.75
- Weight: 5.94lb
- Capacity: 30+1
The Black Rain Ordnance ION9 CQB is another potent 9mm SMG, without full auto pistol capacilities, and it’s another gun that’s compatible with Glock mags.
That makes it a preppers’ gun safes favorite. The Shockwave brace works great and keeps the weight down. Chrome Moly up front and a Black Nitride Coated BCG show a commitment to quality.
Is this better than all the other 9mms on the list? Probably not, but it’s certainly a match for most of them.
Black Rain Ordnance produce quality components for the AR-15 aftermarket industry and their own signature lines. Gun owners are pretty much ecstatic, and we’re sure you will be too.
20. Arsenal SAM7K-01R
- Price: $1,836.99
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm AK-47
- Barrel: 10.5
- Total Length: 20″
- Weight: 8lb (Without Magazine)
- Capacity: 30+1
This is the modern day AK-47, which means it’s pretty damned effective as a truck gun, or for outdoor defensive duties. Indoors? Brave, quite brave…
Refined, controlled and smooth are different things. This is not those things. But it should always go bang.
It doesn’t have the heirs and graces of the Rattler or ZEV Tech, it never did. But you could drag it through a freezing swamp and still be fairly confident it will fire at the other end.
It takes a number of cues from the AK-74 and keeps some of the original. So you get a Krinkov flash suppressor mashed up with the squared off buffer.
Hybrid of AK-47 and 74 That Kinda Works
It isn’t a true AK-47, it isn’t a true AK-74. It’s basically a tribute band that somehow captures the original magic. But we’re not real military history sticklers here. It’s fine.
You can get a toned down, workhorse version of the SAM7K, but the 01R is the true war dog. It comes with a Picatinny Quad Rail so you can accessorise the crap out of it if you want. Again, don’t, but you can.
The parts on this modern-day AK-47 are stunning, from the hammer-forged Steyr through to the solid double hook trigger that is the stuff of legend. It takes any AK-47 mag you can find, too, and that includes 50 round drums.
Period Furniture Makes the Difference
It also includes some pretty cool minimalist underhook brace options that give stability without adding too much weight. They also look the part.
It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s not exactly the most controlled weapon here. If that’s what you’re looking for, go for it.
21. Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 Pistol
- Price: $1,427.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barr: 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.
22. Sig Sauer MPX Copperhead
- Price: $1,930.99
- Barrel: 3.5 inch barrel
- Total Length: 14.5 inch
- Weight: 4.5lb
The best-selling Sig Copperhead might be a relatively simple variation of the MPX platform, but this new arrival might just be the ultimate Close Quarters Combat weapon.
The patented Sig PCB brace (Pivoting Contour Brace) offers PDW levels of rigidity in a compact and more flexible system.
There is a monolithic upper and handguard to save space and weight. The gas-piston system is about as lightweight as they get and it is more advanced and technically cleaner than a blowback alternative.
Of course it’s the short barrel and integral muzzle device that define the Copperhead. It’s basically easy to conceal, literally you could use this as a conceal carry AR pistol. That’s wild, and it’s the new reality. Get this to your local FFL dealer now.
23. Q Sugar Weasel
- Price: $1,991.99
- Barr: 7 inch
- Total Length: 20-25 inches
- Capacity: 30+1
- Weight: 4.8lb
If you really want to know where to buy a Q Honey Badger, then yeah, so do we. But the Sugar Weasel can happen.
They just crop up randomly, so don’t hesitate if you see one.
Q Honeybadger is a Gaming Legend
The Q Honeybadger has been in the works since 2013.
It starred in video games including Call of Duty and Black Ops. Those kids are now old enough. They want the civilian version of that special ops gun for sale, they wanted it years ago. Now, it’s here.
Inevitably there was a redesign in this AR15 pistol. But there were management issues and some weird shiz behind the scenes that probably didn’t help either.
But we are actually seeing guns for sale now, and the Q Sugar Weasel is the mainstream version of the high price, high spec Honeybadger. They’re not just on the internet now and we’re seeing them pop out of gun cases at the range.
24. Angstadt Arms UDP-9
- Price: $1,329.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 6 inch
- Total: 22 inch
- Weight: 5lb
The Angstadt UDP-9 is one of the best 9mms. Increasingly people are turning to the smaller caliber format thanks to its versatility and controlled mayhem.
9mm is arguably the best self-defense ammo, all things considered. It won’t overpenetrate, and the best 9mm bullets are designed to make an almighty wound cavity in the human body. 9mm Luger is freely available, too, which makes this an attractive SHTF gun for preppers.
Glock style magazines slot straight home, so you can have 100-round drum magazines on there if it floats your boat.
The build quality is up there too. We are talking billet receivers, a flared magwell, ambidextrous controls and more on this 9m AR pistol.
Angstadt UDP-9 vs HK MP5K vs CZ Scorpion
It is is ready for a 9mm suppressor and can easily mix it with the mighty HK and CZ options. Dare we say it, the Angstadt might even be better.
The option to use Glock style magazines is a bit of a biggy. We like it. It means you can streamline your gun safe and have options front and center.
You can buy integrally suppressed upper receivers and assemblies. Angstadt also offers several different configurations.
25. KRISS Vector Gen 2 SDP Enhanced
- Price: $1,799.00
- 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.
Decide which one is most important for you and then see if there’s something else on the list that will do the same job and more. But if you have cash to burn and you want wild looking? This works.
Other Calibers are Cheaper
The 10mm is just interesting, from an impact point of view, but the ammo will be way cheaper for the 45 ACP and the 9mm versions of the KRISS Vector Gen 2 SDP Enhanced.
You can buy caliber conversion kits, too, which has helped achieve cult like status with the Prepper community. Well that and the fact it takes standard Glock magazines.
The theory goes that when the world finally comes crashing down and we’re eating each other to stay alive, the KRISS will be a badass.
Now the anti-recoil is getting better and the SDP Enhanced version is actually fun to shoot right now.
So yeah, get one. But maybe go for the compact 9mm pistol. There’s an SBA3 pistol brace if the Vector tactical stabilizing brace is a little operator for your tastes too.
26. Freedom Ordnance FX-9
- Price: $750.99
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Barrel: 4.5 inch
- Weight: 4.5lb
The best-selling Freedom Ordnance FX-9 is a breakout star and now the shorter 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.
How exciting is that? it depends on the size of your tinfoil hat. And if you’re into Glocks.
The muzzle device is actually a 3 inch faux suppressor. You also get a rear charging handle, an AR15 style mag release and other touches that have gone down a storm with the buying public.
We are a sucker for Shockwave Blade brace anyway, especially in a compact and lightweight package like this. Add red dot sights and this is a beast.
27. CMMG Banshee 300 MK57 5.7x28mm
- Price: $1,449.99
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Barrel: 5 inch
- Total: 18.9 inch
- Weight: 4.6lb
Too many experts are naming the CMMG Banshee 300 Mk57 5.7x28mm as the best PCC for us to ignore completely. And we love this extreme carbine length pistol that fires armor piercing rounds.
The CMMG Banshee 300 MKGS in 9mm is a great option for general plinking, too, as well as competition shooting. You can get a version for 45 ACP ammo, 10mm and more.
Now this is a different league. The CMMG MK57 5.7x28mm is designed to puncture body armor. This is some hardcore shiz and I’m not sure who really needs this level of penetration. And yes I do know how that sounds.
Special Ops Needs Armor Piercing Round
FN created this high-velocity bullet for the legendary P80 machine gun, then the blowback FN5.7 sidearm that operatives around the world have adopted.
But they are Black Ops types, taking down drug lords and probably nicer people than that in murky government games. That’s the kind of person who needs a CMMG Banshee 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol.
Now the CMMG semi-automatic pistol has turned it into a high capacity merchant of Death. It’s also something totally different at the range.
John Wick Could Have Used This
Basically if John Wick had access to a CMMG Banshee 300 Mk57 5.7x28mm, then the final war in The Continental Hotel would have been much shorter.
The only problem is it’s an expensive bullet and most of us just don’t need that specific armor-piercing skillset. So spraying and praying with this is just an expensive hobby.
There’s nothing wrong with that, though, and lots of people love theirs!
Now the CQB Micro brace makes this basically a CCW. And if you just want to have the best, well the CMMG certainly could stake a claim to the title.
It’s a specialist tool, but it’s also properly cool. And there are 9mm, 10mm and 45 ACP if you’re looking for a more down to Earth PCC that runs on cheap ammo.
The CMMG Banshee 300 MKGS 9mm is really making waves with enthusiasts and professional users alike. So if you want a compact 9mm AR style pistol, that might be the one you’re looking for.
28. Brugger & Thomet APC223
- Price: $2,899.99
- Caliber: .223/5.56 NATO
- Barrels: 8.75 inch.
- Total Length: 21 inch
- Weight: 7lb
- Capacity: 30+1
Regulars will know we have a huge soft spot for Swiss maestros B&T. This is basically a designer label. I know it, you know it, and yet it has true military applications, it looks amazing and we all want it..
This is a civilian sub-machine gun based on the APC554 SBR that is in active service with military teams, special forces and private security details all round the world.
This is one step removed, but apart from that this is pure military functionality. And that makes for a beautiful AR-15 for sale.
Yes, B&T are never cheap. This one is eye-wateringly expensive and yet, and yet we all want it. It’s a high price, high spec firearm.
It’s perfectly proportioned, minimalist Swiss engineering, with an 8.75 inch barrel and a 30+1 round mag feeding into the pared down body.
An Awesome SBR With a Simple Buttstock
It weighs in at 7lb in total, but the whole gun is 21 inches and it is seriously accurate, despite the additional kick. You can turn this into a potent SBR and it will blow you away with its accuracy at the range.
This weapon comes with rails everywhere for optics, sights etc like an RMR, or even lasers. You can turn this into an SBR assault rifle, if you want, or add a simple Shockwave brace and keep it tight and nimble.
As a
This video is the military version, with the fully automatic option. You won’t get that selective fire, but the rest of the gun can be yours right now…
29. Century Arms Micro Draco AK-47
- Price: $699.99
- Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm
- Barrels: 6.25 inch
- Total Length: 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, and there aren’t too many of them around.
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…
Make an SBR From a Draco Gun
It’s also a really cheap and potentially interesting SBR build, as the ammo hits hard and the core unit is tiny. It’s a cheap way to get started with modding and working on your guns in any case, and you can go mad with magazine capacity and drum mags.
This is a homage to the AK-47, rather than a religious recreation. Still, as a skirmish gun, any kind of shit has gone horribly wrong gun, this is right up there with the best of them. And it’s so easy to carry.
It’s a 30+1 round close quarters spray and pray of the highest order.
It isn’t pretty, but there are whole sites devoted to Draco Gun furniture, rails, range gear etc. You can change it if you want, but I like the purity of the AK-47 and the old-worlde Russian controls.
You can, though, turn it into one of these.
30. Foxtrot Mike Products FM9
- Price: $699.99
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 5 inch
- Total Length: 27
- Weight: 6.4lb
Foxtrot Mike Products have got great reviews and you can buy the FM9 in a range of sizes. From a 3″ concealed carry to a 7″ sniper, and this 5″ version, the one that might be juuuust right.
If you see this compact 9mm AR-style FM9-5, grab it. Because this gun is an absolute peach.
The receivers are machined from billet aluminum. Standard AR-15 triggers, pistol grip and safety selector slot straight in. There’s an M-LOK rail for your gear. And yet you use Glock mags and 9mm ammunition.
It’s a good combo for a CQB weapon where overpenetration is a real thing. We like these pistol caliber carbines a lot, and we’re starting to like the brand.
31. Ruger AR-556 Pistol
- Price: $829.99
- Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inch
- Total Length: 23.5-27.9 inch
- Weight: 6.2lb
The Ruger AR-556 is the best AR-15 pistol by a mile if you’re on a budget and want a big name you can rely on.
Yes you can argue for some of the smaller brands and we’ll make a case for one or two of those shortly. But if you are looking for honest value, then you will struggle to beat the Ruger AR-556 Pistol.
The direct impingement modern sporting rifle variant is so good that it features on two of our recent lists of the best AR-15s for sale for both $500 and $1000 . See for yourself:
- 12 Best AR-15s for $500 or less.
- 21 Best AR-15 rifles on sale under $1000.
- 20 Custom AR-15s in 2021. Big Price Tags.
The Best Value For Money?
It’s fair to say that we love this little Ruger that embodies the brand values of value and basic engineering.
At this price point, a Wylde chamber is a seriously impressive accomplishment and that simply comes down to the economies of scale. Ruger makes a buttload of these receiver kits and that drives the price down.
That 10.5″ up front is good for accuracy at the range, as well as comfort. The full length Picatinny rail means there’s plenty of room to mount the reflex or scope of your choice.
Awesome Reviews For Ruger AR-556
The user reviews and gun review sites absolutely love the Ruger AR-556 10.5 inch, because it’s a durable and rugged workhorse.
If you are really price-shopping, then the Ruger AR-556 is the one you want. It’s really that simple. You can get one of the Palmetto State Armory parts kits and spend even less. But don’t. This is the real deal, the most popular American rifle, at a discount price.
32. Sig Sauer MPX
- Price: $2100
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 4.5 inch
- Total length: 13.5
inch . - Weight: 4.6lb
- Capacity: 25+1
This is a seriously compact little beast. You can dress it up with pistol braces and weapon lights, but you can also keep it stripped to the bone.
Then you can have a monster sleeping underneath your bed. It’s controllable, especially with two hands or the best pistol stabilizing brace. Honestly, it’s just about the easiest 9mm you could ever imagine.
The MPX was designed from the outset to be modular. So you can change its mood completely with a few parts and gunsmithing tools.
The Perfect CCW SMG?
The whole graphite black finish gun is a Picatinny rail, M-Lok handguard or mounting point. It is also as light as it can reasonably be.
It weighs in at 4.6lb, it’s just North of 13 inches in total, so you can use this one-handed at a pinch. That’s
In a warzone, which is where you really need this, these are all positive qualities. As is the fact this 9mm AR style pistol eats the most popular handgun ammo.
Technically you could have two of these at once, but realistically one is enough for almost any altercation. One is the military way, two is Hollywood bad guy…
33. Geissele Automatics LLC Super Duty
- Price: $2,402.00
- Barrel: 10.3″
- Weight: 6lb
Geissele make some of the best trigger sets on the AR-15 market. So it was never going to make a complete pistol and rifle line that sucks.
The most remarkable thing about this near custom firearm, though, is that it has remained readily available through 2021. That counts for a lot at the moment.
Now the core of this semi-auto pistol is not the world famous triggers. Instead it’s the Geissele Automatics Reliability Enhanced Bolt Carrier Group. This is patented nanotechnology coatings on machined mil-spec steel that they call Geissele Nanoweapon.
Advanced medical grade steel is apparently purer, stronger and less liable to fatigue. I mean it sounds true.
The semi-auto pistol is a shop window for the aftermarket parts and accessories Geissele sells for your own DIY AR build. Put them together with top of the line matched receivers. An SB Tactical SBA3 pistol brace completes the look.
It’s a great gun, and it’s available in Flat Dark Earth, or burnt bronze, green and plain matte black. We really like this gun. It emerged during the great guns & ammo shortage. But we think it’s here to stay.
34. Fightlite
- Price: $865.99
- Barr: 7.25 inch
- Total Length: 20.25 inch
- Capacity: 10+1
- Weight: 3.9lb
Yes, really, the Fightlite SCR is an AR-15 pistol with a bird’s head grip.
Why? Cuz America! That’s why… I mean who needs a stabilizing brace really?
It looks cool and it’s clever. I don’t think for one second that historians will look back one day at the time that Fightlite Industries fitted a bird’s head grip to the most popular type of AR pistol and everything changed. But it doesn’t need to.
The Fightlite SCR presents a different kind of challenge. It will be tough to shoot compared to a semi-automatic pistol fired from the shoulder, which could be enough of a USP on its own. It also has a Mad Max vibe about it that I like. It’s a crazy, steampunk AR-15 that will put a smile on your face every time you pick it up.
Objectively, the Fightlite SCR is probably not better than most on this list. But it’s different, and that can be enough.
35. Barrett REC7 DI
- Price: $1,785.00
- Cal: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel: 10.5 inch
- Weight: 5.8lb
Barrett is famous for making some of the most devastating 50 BMG sniper rifles in the world. Now it is making a play for the lucrative duty weapon contracts around the world with Law Enforcement and the military.
The company has the right connections. On this evidence, the products should be pretty damned good too and these are some of the best AR15 pistols right now. Also, availability helps its cause.
Of course we get the toned down semi-auto. But there’s no mistaking its roots as a minimalist weapon of war.
Quality Construction From a Military Leader
The receivers are machined aluminum, not forged, and the BCG is designed to be field stripped and repaired under duress. We like the tailhook pistol braces, too, which shaves a few pounds and gives a purposeful look.
You get a free floated match grade barrel and you can opt for the bigger Blackout and 6.8 SPC calibers if you really want proper protection. Or something…
Barrett absolutely makes weapons of war. But in a concession to the modern world you can order your gun in midnight bronze, Tungsten grey, and a variety of other shades. Black Cerakote finish and FDE Cerakote finish, which you might call Bronze cerakote finish.
36. IWI Galil Ace
- Price: $1,749.99
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO/223 Rem
- Barr (inches): 8.3
- Overall (inches): 26.75
The IWI Galil Ace is a modular weapon that goes into active service each and every day with the Israeli military. You can get it chambered in Russian amo, traditional 5.56 or even .308 Win.
It features a rotating bolt and long-stroke gas operating system. There’s a full length rail along the top, side charging handle, the polymer handguard offers a place for your lead hand and it’s a cohesive design that just works.
IWI has a pretty broad selection of Galil ACE models on offer, from 16″ barrel rifles right down to this.
37. IWI Uzi Pro
- Price: $1,605
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 4.5″
This really is an old-school Uzi 9mm AR pistol, manufactured by those mildly crazy folks at IWI.
They’re seriously on a roll at the moment with the Tavor TS-12 shotgun, the Galil Ace and the Jericho handgun lines finally coming overseas in numbers.
They are better and the Uzi is a relic of a bygone age. Now this is more of a nostalgic toy. It is cool though and that can be enough to get one in your collection.
It has a 4.5″ business end, a 25-round capacity and is chambered for 9mm. There are more in-depth buyers’ guides for Uzis going back through time.
This is an evolution of the simple pistol caliber carbine that sold more than 2 million copies since its inception in 1963. It has evolved and you get a grip safety and some other modern niceties.
This consumer version is a nod to the legend, rather than the real deal Israeli marines carry by their side. But it’s still cool as hell…
The Best AR-15 Pistol Parts
You can get a wide variety of complete uppers, charging handles, gas blocks, upper receivers, drop-in triggers, parts, muzzle devices, red dot sights, a stabilizing brace and more.
As well as basic stock black finish guns, bronze cerakote finish and green cerakote, if that’s your thing. Accessories, magazines, muzzle devices, all those best sellers.
Upper parts, bolt carrier groups, more upper parts, upper price tags, all that jazz. Organise the price from low to high and pick up a bargain. Also look at the spotting scopes, rifle scopes and other stuff.
- PSA – Parts and upgrades for your AR15. The best rifle parts, optics, scopes, reloading supplies, gun cases etc.
- Brownells AR-15 Parts – Charging handles, complete uppers, upper parts, gas blocks, a vertical foregrip, lower receivers, side charging posts, accessories, magazines, muzzle devices and more.
We were kinda shocked to see we can
Other Fun Guns You Need in Your Life
We got air guns, black powder rifles, shotguns, single shot firearms, bolt-action rifles, pistols and lever action guns. In the end we’ll have a buyers guide for them all. From Stag Arms and Smith & Wesson through to the custom rifles, pistols, we got them all for you.
You want parts & accessories? Yup. We even have air guns that shoot arrows. Short Barreled Rifles, 50 BMG rifles, 9mm rifles, pistols, survival gear and more. New products all the time. Organize the prices low to high and get ready to grab a bargain.
You can find a lot of weird shit on this website, we admit it, from Rise Armament snipers to Bird Dog Arms AR-15 pistols. Gun cleaning kits and folding 22LR rifles.
Oddities You Might Just Like For Shits and Giggles
We like black powder, and we want to go beyond the standard firearms, handguns, shotguns and more. Single shot, lever action shotguns, pump action shotguns, we love em all.
But if you’re looking for something close, but not quite like this, check out these AAC Blackouts. 9mm AR pistol options. You want Vortex Crossfire optics, scopes, range gear or magazines? Muzzle devices? A Smith & Wesson M&P Shield? We got new products all the time…
So do our partners, so spend time on their sites. Organize prices low to high and you’ll find a lot of bargains, even cheap AR pistols and cheap bolt action rifles.
What About Shotgun Ammo, Rifle Ammo and Rimfire Ammo?
Yes we can hook you up with handgun parts, shotgun ammo, rifle ammo, rimfire ammo,a pistol caliber and the best bulk ammo deals. Start here. We also like the kind of sniper rifles that take bipods, tripods and truck mounts to use effectively.
Palmetto State Armory is emerging as one of the best ammo dealers in the nation. So have a look at ammo, handgun ammo for sale, and more, here. They include 45 ACP ammo, 9mm ammo and centerfire pistol ammo that is hard to find right now. Including AAC Blackout ammunition.
What about black powder ammo? Yep black powder guns are cheaper, but you still need to save money on reloading supplies, not just on handgun ammo.
You can also buy pump action shotguns, and shotgun parts, shotgun ammo, an upper receiver, what ya like here on the site. A full size 9mm? Yup. And gun cleaning stuff. If you need gun cleaning stuff. obviously…
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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….
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.