AR pistol advice, please

SimpleMan

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https://www.maximdefense.com/product/maxim-cqb-pistol-pdw-brace-for-ar15/

Ok, need a little help here from y'all that really know this stuff. Not long ago, I thought an AR pistol was the stupidest thing I ever heard of, now I want one by yesterday. The above link is the brace I have to have. Don't ask why, It's calling to me.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...per-with-mbus-sight-set-bcg-ch-516446643.html

This is the look I'm after for the upper. I'm not crazy about this particular rail, but it could work for me. I've been through a few butter heads in my time, and the above brace draws attention from the rail. I want the KAK can or flaming pig deal about half covered by the rail. I'm not smart enough to order a rail knowing the can thing will fit into it, but I can run a tape measure though.

I have been spoiled by some sales on CMC triggers and have become addicted to them, so this thing will get one as well. My questions are, do I just order this upper and be done on that part?, do I buy a stripped lower since the brace has a buffer tube and it's getting another trigger?, when ordering this brace, with a 10.5" barrel, what buffer do I need? Are there any options out there I'm missing? I'm not opposed to PSA, but I have a ton of their stuff and wouldn't mind something different.

I'd be open to a complete pistol, but what I've seen on Ranier's site ain't happening at $2K. I'd like to stay under $1K w/o optic, but I may go for some unique or unordinary cerakote. Thanks!
 
If you're considering spending that much money on an arm brace, why not get a SBR*? It will cost less with the stamp, stock and engraving.

Both the Noveske Flaming Pig and KAK flash can are available in slim models.



* Yes, I know there are particular reasons to opt for a pistol over SBR, but just checking if OP's intent falls into one of these areas.
 
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Yes, I know there are particular reasons to opt for a pistol over SBR, but just checking if OP's intent falls into one of these areas.

Not real sure what you mean by this. In my simple mind, by building or buying this pistol, i'm avoiding the stamp and engraving(?). I saw this brace in a local store today, under $300. I'm asking for better options I'm not aware of. I guess I better go educate myself on the difference between a pistol and an SBR, which I thought the whole pistol thing had been clarified as "it's ok to shoulder". Looking for a compact but extendable option to put under truck rear seat, that locks with ignition key while down. Thanks again!
 
I have a similar set up to what your describing but I went the expensive Rainer Arms route. I don't regret it but it's a lot to have in a little pistol. I have a 7.5 in Barrel, with a Noveske KX3 the rail is 9 inches and I think that will get you the look your going for. I like the brace and I actually have 2 of them both have the JP SCS included and haven't run into anything that won't run in them. The rail I went with was super slim barely fits the KX3 but i probably can't run a can on it. I'm most likely going to swap out the 7.5 barrel for a 10 just to be able to run a can if I want to. They sure are fun to shoot that's for sure.


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Not real sure what you mean by this. In my simple mind, by building or buying this pistol, i'm avoiding the stamp and engraving(?). I saw this brace in a local store today, under $300. I'm asking for better options I'm not aware of. I guess I better go educate myself on the difference between a pistol and an SBR, which I thought the whole pistol thing had been clarified as "it's ok to shoulder". Looking for a compact but extendable option to put under truck rear seat, that locks with ignition key while down. Thanks again!
What I meant is, because that brace is so expensive, it's cheaper to get a SBR stamp and make a short barreled rifle.

But if you want to use it as a truck gun covered by your CCW, pistol is the way to go. But I'm not familiar with SC firearms laws - can someone who is advise on whether AR pistols are considered handguns under SC concealed carry law?
 
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http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...-sbpdw-brace-no-magazine-black-516446451.html

This was the lower that got me going. It was on sale for $349. Coupled with the above upper and I'm in for less than $700. Then I compared the SB brace to the Maxim Defense, and saw the Maxim Defense collapses shorter and extends longer. Truck gun under my CWP, yes. But, I travel NC and TN very frequently as well. I'll research the laws, but if you know off the top that would be great.
 
Not real sure what you mean by this. In my simple mind, by building or buying this pistol, i'm avoiding the stamp and engraving(?). I saw this brace in a local store today, under $300. I'm asking for better options I'm not aware of. I guess I better go educate myself on the difference between a pistol and an SBR, which I thought the whole pistol thing had been clarified as "it's ok to shoulder". Looking for a compact but extendable option to put under truck rear seat, that locks with ignition key while down. Thanks again!

Get a Sig Brace or a Shockwave. It’s cheaper.

I don’t have more than $700 in an AR pistol.


Instagram: MuzzleblastMD
 
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...-sbpdw-brace-no-magazine-black-516446451.html

This was the lower that got me going. It was on sale for $349. Coupled with the above upper and I'm in for less than $700. Then I compared the SB brace to the Maxim Defense, and saw the Maxim Defense collapses shorter and extends longer. Truck gun under my CWP, yes. But, I travel NC and TN very frequently as well. I'll research the laws, but if you know off the top that would be great.
Funny, those 2 PSA deals were the exact same things that finally got me to build my HB clone. I didn't realize I could build something like that for under $1k.
Tough to be the lower price (stripped lower 60 + SBPDW 225 + LPK 60).
 
Yeah, PSA has sucked me in a few times, but more often than not, I'll ponder on it till it goes out of stock. I'm not smart enough to put it together from Aero's site. My most intricate build has been 2 complete PSA lowers mated to 2 complete uppers. I found KAK cans for $20 and may build an upper from scratch.
 
I have a similar set up to what your describing but I went the expensive Rainer Arms route. I don't regret it but it's a lot to have in a little pistol. I have a 7.5 in Barrel, with a Noveske KX3 the rail is 9 inches and I think that will get you the look your going for. I like the brace and I actually have 2 of them both have the JP SCS included and haven't run into anything that won't run in them. The rail I went with was super slim barely fits the KX3 but i probably can't run a can on it. I'm most likely going to swap out the 7.5 barrel for a 10 just to be able to run a can if I want to. They sure are fun to shoot that's for sure.


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Did you build this or buy complete? Pretty much what I'm looking for, but with a 10.5" barrel and 12" rail. KAK can is 3 1/4" long, so that should be about right. Nice pistol btw!
 
Did you build this or buy complete? Pretty much what I'm looking for, but with a 10.5" barrel and 12" rail. KAK can is 3 1/4" long, so that should be about right. Nice pistol btw!

Thanks, I built it all from Rainer Arms main parts (upper/lower/rail/BCG/barrel) than BAD for the safety, bolt catch, mag release, and a Geissele SSA Trigger. Im in the process of a budget build .300 BO that I picked up on the latest Aero sale. Should have the rest of the parts early this week. If you need any help I'm always up for putting together ARs.
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Simpleman, what parts do you already have?

I'd go with:
- Aero Upper Lower from E-Arms $86 Shipped plus transfer
- Aero LPK from E-arms $49
- Aero upper parts from E-arms $13
- Aero gas block from E-arms for $19
- Your brace you want, $307 at Guns Midwest
- whatever other grip you may want $15
- Ballistic Advantage 10.5" Barrel, carbine melonite gas tube, and Toolcraft BCG for $192 shipped from Monmouth Reloading
- Barrel nut $8 or so from where ever
- KAK flash can which is Noveske clone $30
- Whatever 12" rail you want, I'd recommend an Aero from Granite Ridge for about $100 shipped

That gets you everything you need less sights for $850ish.

If I were you, I'd do a 7.5" barrel. Seems pointless to me to do a 10.5" and then splurge for that $320 stock kit. Then you can get the 9" handguard and both it and the barrel are cheaper. To help it run, you can just get a heavier buffer. I did the 7.5" and it's pretty fun.

EDIT: here's a pic of mine. I have just under $1,200 in this one... including the $386 Aimpoint and mount sitting on it now (not pictured).
20170517_172205.jpg
 
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Simpleman, what parts do you already have?

Honestly, the only AR parts I have are a few triggers that have been swapped out for CMC's, a few stocks I swapped out and a set or two of Magpul flip up sights, so nothing. I've bought complete rifles or complete uppers and lowers and stuck them together. I see I'm gonna have to build this to get the look I'm after, which is your pistol. Very nice! No real big difference in a 7.5" vs. 10.5" barrel?
 
But if you want to use it as a truck gun covered by your CCW, pistol is the way to go. But I'm not familiar with SC firearms laws - can someone who is advise on whether AR pistols are considered handguns under SC concealed carry law?
(5) "Concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.

Source: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php
 
Truck gun under my CWP, yes.
Better rethink that plan:
(5) "Concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.

Source: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php
 
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(5) "Concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner

Not going down this rabbit hole tonight, so truck gun, CWP is irrelevant? I'm not putting it in a back pack over my shoulder. I'm not "carrying"it. This law speaks of "carrying". "hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing". I'll dig up an answer to this tomorrow. Thanks for pointing it out!
 
Not going down this rabbit hole tonight, so truck gun, CWP is irrelevant? I'm not putting it in a back pack over my shoulder. I'm not "carrying"it. This law speaks of "carrying". "hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing". I'll dig up an answer to this tomorrow. Thanks for pointing it out!
Yeah, I'm not even going to pretend to know. You need a CHP to conceal in a vehicle in NC. But, we can also open carry.

I know SC has different laws. I just know I'd read before they had a length max for pistol, but evidently it may be for a generic concealable firearm as opposed to just handguns.

I'll assume some of the SC members here already know the answer.
 
Honestly, the only AR parts I have are a few triggers that have been swapped out for CMC's, a few stocks I swapped out and a set or two of Magpul flip up sights, so nothing. I've bought complete rifles or complete uppers and lowers and stuck them together. I see I'm gonna have to build this to get the look I'm after, which is your pistol. Very nice! No real big difference in a 7.5" vs. 10.5" barrel?
Mines the 7.5" Odin works barrel with KAK can and 9" Aero handguard.
 
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