First pistol AR questions

bootsector

bootsector

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Hey guys,

I've built a few ARs but first time building a pistol AR. My questions are:

1) What gas tube do I use ? Is there one specific for pistols or is a carbine length sufficient ?

2) Looking to put on either a SBA3/SBA4 brace. Are there specific buffer tubes, buffers and springs for pistols ?

Trying to build it will all parts in FDE - thanks.
 
Your gas tube length depends on the barrel. If it's a pistol gas barrel, then it uses the shorter pistol tube. Barrels over 10 inches can have either, I prefer carbine gas always between 10.5 and 14.7 inch barrels, it's easier on the BCG, slower lock time than pistol gas. The only exception is .300blk, where a pistol gas system works well even into longer barrels.

the buffer tube with the SBA3 will be a 5 position version of the 6-position carbine tube. You can use either.
 
Ikarus1 said:
Your gas tube length depends on the barrel. If it's a pistol gas barrel, then it uses the shorter pistol tube. Barrels over 10 inches can have either, I prefer carbine gas always between 10.5 and 14.7 inch barrels, it's easier on the BCG, slower lock time than pistol gas. The only exception is .300blk, where a pistol gas system works well even into longer barrels.

the buffer tube with the SBA3 will be a 5 position version of the 6-position carbine tube. You can use either.
Click to expand...
Thus endeth the lesson^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
Haven't bought any barrel yet - it's between ballistic advantage and faxon for 5.56. Just starting to put a parts like together.
 
bootsector said:
Haven't bought any barrel yet - it's between ballistic advantage and faxon for 5.56. Just starting to put a parts like together.
Click to expand...
both of those companies are likely to use a carbine gas system on their 10.5" barrels. I recommend the Faxon gunner, it's awesome and lightweight but strong enough to swage a .300blk down to .224...ask me how I know this.
 
Don’t get hung up on it being a “pistol”. As mentioned, the gas port on the barrel will determine the length of tube.

Buffer, spring, etc would be the exact same for a pistol vs SBR. I run standard springs and buffers in all my rifle calibers. Buffers will be different for pistol caliber ARs (and weird things like my AR57).

It’s hard to find just a brace, most come with a buffer tube. I have seven SBA3s and really like them. I do prefer to swap the strap for a SplitFix. The brace will work just fine on a standard 6-pos tube, but comes with a 5-pos tube.
 
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