Why are so few AR pistols for sale?
- Thread starter pgb205
- Start date
Double Naught Spy
New member
Because most with the cool wrist stocks are now considered SBRs.
See here...
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616065&highlight=wrist
See here...
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616065&highlight=wrist
You're not seeing them in local stores, or you're fearful that nobody is making them, anymore?
In the last year, I've seen/read reviews on models from Bravo Company, CMMG, Wilson Combat, Rock River, Sons of Liberty, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, Ruger . . .
Some distributors and retailers may be waiting to see what will happen, short term, with the legality of arm braces.
In the last year, I've seen/read reviews on models from Bravo Company, CMMG, Wilson Combat, Rock River, Sons of Liberty, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, Ruger . . .
Some distributors and retailers may be waiting to see what will happen, short term, with the legality of arm braces.
not a troll 
I just make a point to NOT pay attention to so called 'news'. I think it's:
1. Often misleading--on purpose
2. Not relevant to my life
3. Nothing I can do to influence the situation
On the rare occasions such as this where it is relevant to my life I can always find out from people who aren't trying to 'sell me' something; as has happened here.
This article explains my viewpoint wonderfully
https://gwern.net/doc/culture/2010-dobelli.pdf
thank you all for replying.
I just make a point to NOT pay attention to so called 'news'. I think it's:1. Often misleading--on purpose
2. Not relevant to my life
3. Nothing I can do to influence the situation
On the rare occasions such as this where it is relevant to my life I can always find out from people who aren't trying to 'sell me' something; as has happened here.
This article explains my viewpoint wonderfully
https://gwern.net/doc/culture/2010-dobelli.pdf
thank you all for replying.
I was looking for AR pistol by SW/Ruger/Aero, even Sig if they make them. Something a bit more refined than my home made AR pistol. I couldn't find anything in stock in my favorite online stores(after checking back for many months) so came here to ask.
I really don't need a brace on my pistol, so hopefully either of the mentioned names start making them with/without a brace.
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One reason you're not seeing them "instock" even at online dealerships is simply $. Having something "in stock" means they physically have it, and that means money is tied up in it, until it sells.
Many dealers won't tie up money in anything they don't think will sell rapidly, and something that may sit for several months before moving isn't attractive to them, and some won't keep things like that "in stock".
Right now, many folks are still waiting to see how the whole "brace/stock" thing finally shakes out, and how the current push to ban or further restrict "assault weapons" goes before purchasing an AR pistol, or anything else the GOVT seems likely to further restrict or even take away with a stroke of next week's pen....
Many dealers won't tie up money in anything they don't think will sell rapidly, and something that may sit for several months before moving isn't attractive to them, and some won't keep things like that "in stock".
Right now, many folks are still waiting to see how the whole "brace/stock" thing finally shakes out, and how the current push to ban or further restrict "assault weapons" goes before purchasing an AR pistol, or anything else the GOVT seems likely to further restrict or even take away with a stroke of next week's pen....
44caliberkid
New member
“LOL” was my intent, just teasing, not to offend. I don’t watch the news either but the pistol arm brace ban was the hot topic of discussion on this forum in General Discussions and Semi Auto Pistols for two months prior to the ban. Also prominent on every gun and second amendment forum and YouTube channel for months. Every gun owner should keep up with these things and the recent assault weapons bans in Washington and Illinois. Before it comes to a state near you.
Double Naught Spy
New member
Not everybody lives and breaths gun stuff. Despite driving more than 35,000 miles per year and owning 3 vehicles, I know nothing of car legislation issues. I am not up on what are or are not illegal modificaitons. I just don't follow that stuff, but a buddy of mine (shade tree mechanic) eats it up. He is actually politically motivated to write his congressman about automotive laws coming up that I never gave a second thought when they were mentioned on the news. He then gets me to do the same thing, so I get him to write in on 2A stuff which he doesn't follow despite being a hunter.
I do follow the gun stuff, but for the life of me I could not recount to you what the issues were on the pistol brace nonsense and what is or is not okay. I don't have any and so really don't track the specifics. I read through the stuff quite some time ago, determined that I didn't agree with it, and really haven't followed the day-by-day developments or all the banter that went with it, some of which was informative and a lot of which was noise.
I do follow the gun stuff, but for the life of me I could not recount to you what the issues were on the pistol brace nonsense and what is or is not okay. I don't have any and so really don't track the specifics. I read through the stuff quite some time ago, determined that I didn't agree with it, and really haven't followed the day-by-day developments or all the banter that went with it, some of which was informative and a lot of which was noise.
stinkeypete
New member
The good thing about an AR pistol is that it's easy to make it a proper rifle. That's about it, in my book.
Then maybe a clever fellow will make a sort of T/C Contender or Remington XP-100 that can use all these excess short barrels!
Then maybe a clever fellow will make a sort of T/C Contender or Remington XP-100 that can use all these excess short barrels!
Currently the bill has not yet been scheduled for a Senate floor vote.
A few years ago, WA changed the legal definition of semi auto rifles to "semiautomatic assault rifles". EVERY SINGLE ONE. Not just military look alikes (AR AK, etc) but every single semi auto rifle, no matter what caliber, how old, fixed magazine or detachable, ALL are now legally defined as semiautomatic assault rifles.
Buying one now requires a 10 day waiting period, a special safety class, and approval of local law enforcement agency. ALSO included in that law are requirements that your personal medical records must be given to the LEO agency so they can determine your "fitness" to posess such a weapon.
Then a couple years after that the passed a law banning "manufacture, sale, transfer" (etc) of magazines holding over 15 rounds. You can keep what you had, but can't buy any more, or sell (or give) what you have to anyone in the state.
I recently sold a semi auto rifle out of state (via FFL dealer), because while I could have legally sold the rifle in state, I couldn't legally sell the rifle's magazine in WA! (nobody will pay much for a semi with no magazine)
NOW, the proposed law would ban the sale of assault WEAPONS which is not only semi auto rifles, but also pistols and shotguns, that meet the definitions specified in the bill.
I don't believe these people are not going to be satisfied stopping there, either. AR pistols, AS PISTOLS would be eliminated, forget all the Fed crap about braces, the pistol with no "brace" at all would be gone.
Local gunshop (who does focus on the "Tactical" market) is doing $20-25K business DAILY right now. And, no, they don't have any AR pistols on the shelf, either.
Everytime they get one, somebody buys it...
A few years ago, WA changed the legal definition of semi auto rifles to "semiautomatic assault rifles". EVERY SINGLE ONE. Not just military look alikes (AR AK, etc) but every single semi auto rifle, no matter what caliber, how old, fixed magazine or detachable, ALL are now legally defined as semiautomatic assault rifles.
Buying one now requires a 10 day waiting period, a special safety class, and approval of local law enforcement agency. ALSO included in that law are requirements that your personal medical records must be given to the LEO agency so they can determine your "fitness" to posess such a weapon.
Then a couple years after that the passed a law banning "manufacture, sale, transfer" (etc) of magazines holding over 15 rounds. You can keep what you had, but can't buy any more, or sell (or give) what you have to anyone in the state.
I recently sold a semi auto rifle out of state (via FFL dealer), because while I could have legally sold the rifle in state, I couldn't legally sell the rifle's magazine in WA! (nobody will pay much for a semi with no magazine)
NOW, the proposed law would ban the sale of assault WEAPONS which is not only semi auto rifles, but also pistols and shotguns, that meet the definitions specified in the bill.
I don't believe these people are not going to be satisfied stopping there, either. AR pistols, AS PISTOLS would be eliminated, forget all the Fed crap about braces, the pistol with no "brace" at all would be gone.
Local gunshop (who does focus on the "Tactical" market) is doing $20-25K business DAILY right now. And, no, they don't have any AR pistols on the shelf, either.
Everytime they get one, somebody buys it...
Double Naught Spy
New member
It wasn't that long ago that such ginormous AR pistols had a small but dedicated group of owners/followers. Some people had holsters made for them and everything. You just never know what some people may like and enjoy. Of course, then the braces came along and the popularity exploded. Now, not so much.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Build your own. Get exactly what you want and in my opinion, an arm brace may be a nice option, but certainly not needed.
Legally, I'd also guess a pistol is pretty easy to make a SBR so maybe some companies would just rather stay away from producing a gun that easy converts.
Legally, I'd also guess a pistol is pretty easy to make a SBR so maybe some companies would just rather stay away from producing a gun that easy converts.
I think you will find that up until January, the AR Pistol market was defined as pistol with brace.
Now those are illegal. Sure we have until May to react, but nib is now regulated as SBR.
So, I think most retailers don’t want to buy a bunch of unbraced pistol inventory until it is more clear what the lawsuits are doing.
Now those are illegal. Sure we have until May to react, but nib is now regulated as SBR.
So, I think most retailers don’t want to buy a bunch of unbraced pistol inventory until it is more clear what the lawsuits are doing.
A buddy called me from a Washington gun store yesterday, waiting along with thirty other people.
They're selling everything in stock.
I know a guy or two working at Rainier Arms, and another at Aero Precision, and those businesses may be very much in peril; don't know how the new law affects "exporting" to other states?
They're selling everything in stock.
I know a guy or two working at Rainier Arms, and another at Aero Precision, and those businesses may be very much in peril; don't know how the new law affects "exporting" to other states?
I would point out that there is a difference between "illegal" and "regulated as an SBR".
Not a LOT for most people, highly restricted might as well be illegal in practical (and economic) terms for most of us, but there is a significant difference in legal status.
AR pistols were sold as handguns before "braces" became a thing, and can still be sold now, as handguns, without a "Brace that is a stock" in the eyes of the Govt.
Or at least they can be until/unless another "assault weapon" law prohibits them.
One thing ATF is not interested in telling you, is that there are laws affecting the taking of NFA items across state lines, such as filling out forms, notifying authorities in neighboring states before crossing the border, etc.
And, of course, SBRs are not legal in some states, so that's not an option if you really want "something" against your shoulder.
And, of course, SBRs are not legal in some states, so that's not an option if you really want "something" against your shoulder.