AR-type pistols, I finally get it!

[Miggy]

During our match today, a buddy brought an AR based pistol similar to the Bushie in the picture below.



His was a different color with an Aimpoint on top but still the same thing. I always thought that it was a pretty dumb idea: it was big, heavy, impossible to conceal so, why bother? Well, the whole thing was clear after he explained to me. You don't use it as a pistol but as carbine! According to ATF it is classified as a handgun (The more knowledgeable members can cite the law with accuracy) and thus you actually bypass all the NFA stupidity. It is an amazingly sweet gun, easy to maneuver and a lot of firepower. I have to say this would be a great home defense gun!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[jualdeaux]

He just better not put a stock or a VFG on it.

[SIXTO]

They are kinda neat, one has been on my list for a while now.

[ExactlyMyPoint]

One of the guys at my gun club had one. He let me shoot it. It was fun.

[dukalmighty]

They aren't my cup of tee the 223 version is pretty loud and as people have pointed out anything more than optics could cause problems

[Miggy]

The recoil buffer was wrapped on neoprene and it took a bit of practice to shoulder the weapon to the right spot (about 5-7 tries) but after that it felt very natural.

[QKShooter]

Fun but, dumb either as a pistol or a carbine because they are neither one very well.
Just my personal opinion that your long standing first impression is the correct one.
But, they are fun.

[SIXTO]

Fun but, dumb either as a pistol or a carbine because they are neither one very well.
Just my personal opinion that your long standing first impression is the correct one.
But, they are fun.

This used to be my thoughts, until I took one on a "Jungle Lane" carbine course, and learned how to use one proper from a guy who knows his stuff. Used right, they are very handy capable tool. I used both a 223 and 9mm model, I think I'd choose the 9mm in this platform.

I'd really like to stick a collapsible stock on one, but I hate the idea of paying for the stamp to do so.

[QKShooter]

I'll try to keep an open mind.

[Miggy]

QK, I was exactly like you. And they look even sillier with optics! But after shouldering it several times & then moving with it I was like "Hey, wait a darn minute here! This is fun!" Then your brain starts figuring out that this baby has real life applications and you start beating yourself for not thinking earlier.

[chester1006]

I can see a 9mm application here for home defense, but .223? Wouldn't that be a problem of bulletstops and such? I mean, even with 9mm you are going to have to be 100% there is nothing in the couple walls behind what you are shooting, right? Or are these just amatuer thoughts on my behalf?

That said, I'd like to have one just to have and shoot. Fun looking weapon!

[Skygod]

I can only see one advantage and that is the ability to shoulder the weapon.

Even a bad shooter will be on target more proficiently if shouldered properly and the sights are aligned during an armed confrontation.

However, it's not exactly a CCW weapon but possibly for home defense.

Not much an opinion here either way, other than some may find it have a "cool factor" in their arsenal.

I've got an stamped SBR with a 10.5" barrel AR15 that is a much better option than this particular weapon.

[rocky]

Close to a PDW as you can get w/o a stamp.

[rstickle]

That sort of answers my question too. I had just seen something about SIG producing a "pistol" version of their 556 rifle. Didn't get it....... Now I see.

[Superhouse 15]

In my opinion, spend the extra $200 and make it an SBR.