Advice on AR pistol

[SirBannedAlot]

Built the lower with a new Anderson receiver, a CMMG Premium LPK, a KAK Shockwave Blade on a pistol buffer tube assembly...

Now I just need to build an upper. I want to build a pistol, that I can now "legally shoulder when needed"... :-)

So if I want to keep it small and compact... let's say the size of an SMG, just for size comparison... Maybe 8.5" barrel?

The real question is caliber. I know that with such a short barrel, the .223 loses quite a bit of velocity... Big boom and flash, fun I guess, but probably not all that useful or practical...but cheap to shoot...

So I was thinking that perhaps .300 blackout would be better, as even at the lower velocity the 120-150gr bullet is gonna hit a lot harder... But the cost of .300 is 2x-3x what .223 costs...

So what do you guys suggest? Is 7.62x39 a viable option? Is a certain barrel length the "sweet spot" for performance and reliability?

And once I decide what to get, who locally carries such an upper, or should I just order parts and build it?

Thanks!

 

[SirBannedAlot]

Just to be clear, my goal(s) here is:

1) Compact
2) Reliable
3) Decent power
4) Relatively cheap to shoot

if it makes sense to do a 10.5" in .223 over an 8.5" in another caliber, let me know your thoughts.

I really want to keep it as tiny and compact as possible, but not at the expense of it being a jam-o-matic and costing an arm and a leg to shoot, you know?

 

[Radar363]

Is there really much difference in manuverability between an 8.5 and an 11.5 inch barrel? I like 12.5" uppers, they seem to be the sweet spot for what I need them to do.

 

[BIKER13]

10.5 always.223 and you got plenty of ammo.

 

[SirBannedAlot]

Hmmm... Who carries complete uppers locally, in that config? I am up in Flowery Branch

 

[jeffk14]

10.5" in .223/5.56 is most likely to give reliable operation with a standard carbine buffer tube and a carbine or H buffer setup. Shorter than that, sometimes they run, sometimes you gotta tweak 'em.

 

[SirBannedAlot]

This is the buffer assembly that I have:

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/A...TE-PISTOL-TUBE-KIT-BATF-APPROVED-_p_4714.html

 

[jeffk14]

This is the buffer assembly that I have:

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/A...TE-PISTOL-TUBE-KIT-BATF-APPROVED-_p_4714.html

A 10.5" upper should be a great match for that.

Edit: look for that same kit, but with the DIMPLED buffer tube. You'll be glad you did.

 

[SirBannedAlot]

A 10.5" upper should be a great match for that.

Edit: look for that same kit, but with the DIMPLED buffer tube. You'll be glad you did.

Well, I already have it. I did however mark it and made my own dimple for the set screw. We good. :-)

 

[SirBannedAlot]

Maybe an upper like this?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/blem...2-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch-7793347b.html