There are a wide variety of AR15 Rifles and AR Pistols on the market today. The biggest difference you will notice right away is the length of the barrel and the compact size of the AR15 Pistol. The AR Pistol is considered a pistol under the National Firearms Act guidelines and will not have a buttstock or vertical foregrip. AR pistols are able to be used with a pistol brace, this brace is used to assist in stabilizing the pistol but it is not to be shouldered like a traditional buttstock.
The AR15 Rifle will have a barrel length of at least 16 inches and will have a fixed or adjustable buttstock. AR-15 Rifles are easily to maintain, accessorize and shoot.
Both the AR15 Rifle and AR15 Pistol make great Home Defense firearms. You can easily add your favorite optic, sling or light source and you will have a formidable weapon to defend your home and family. The AR15 Pistol will have the edge in being lighter and more compact for maneuverability.
An AR pistol or rifle can give you a competitive advantage. Both come with powerful cartridges but there are key differences. Let's take a look at an AR-15 rifle that has a 16 inch barrel and fires full-metal jacket.223 ammo. It can fire at a muzzle velocity in excess of 3,029 feet per second. It only produces a velocity of 2,542 feet per second when compared to a 10-inch barrel. Quite a significant drop in velocity. A lower velocity means less force. At higher velocity, the bullet will also be more likely to break up and tumble upon contact with soft tissue. The pistol's slower velocity may only cause a small tear in the tissue. Depending on the mission, this could be considered a disadvantage for the pistol.
Is there a clear cut winner, no. Does it make sense to own both, yes. The relatively low entry price for both and the ability to accessorize and make them your own means you can’t go wrong with either one. Whether you are looking to use for home defense, range fun or just to add another firearm to your growing collection the AR15 platform could be just what you need. See our selection of AR15 Rifles, AR15 Pistols and accessories below.