AR pistol experiment under way

[CR Williams]

I have now in possession a used AR pistol with a 7.5" barrel. Has a few aftermarket changes that I am appreciative of such as a nickle-boron BCG.

Finally started functional tests and sighting-in today. About 200 rounds, a few more than half of them steel-case Russian stuff. A few rounds of fairly rapid fire, initially just a steady mag dump. Most of the brass-cased stuff was run out while sighting in the dot and the BUIS. Got a preliminary 25 yard set up for those. Three failures, two with steel case, one with brass. Set up for a cheek weld as that's the most likely one I'll use. Did try buffer on shoulder, not a problem. Seems to shoot well and I think once I get a standard round in it it'll be less likely to fail. So I'm giving it an initial pass and will be looking for some way to carry it in the car in reach when I carry such things. I guess the next step is to put it on the 100 yard range. The Strikefire has a screw-on 2x magnifier that I may try for that. Shot pretty easy, a little less steady in the hand than a rifle but that makes sense. Don't see a problem shooting it except that I noticed a flinch creeping in. Gotta get that fixed.

I will be looking to pick up some Black Hills 50gr TSX for the working load initially, as that is recommended for best performance out of this short a barrel. There are also some 52 and 55 grain offerings I'll be looking at. I currently believe that I should be able to reach fairly well to 200 yards in the very low likelihood that I need to with this one. What I'm really looking for is something like a heavier punch out to 50, perhaps 100 and maybe some light barrier penetration. Whether I get that remains to be seen.

For now, just have to work some to learn best how to run it.

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[Stengun]

Howdy CR,

Pretty neat shootin' iron!

The "best" way to shoot an AR pistol IMO is with a tactical sling which places tension/resistance on the AR as you push it forward into a shooting position with a standard cheek weld against the buffer tube.

I've always considered a non-select fire or full auto AR pistol, any of the various semi-auto machinepistol style pistols like the TEC-9, Mac 10, 11 or 12 as a range toy instead of a serious SD/HD weapon because they are much harder to shoot accurately, especially in a high stress situation, than a regular handgun.

If they have a buttstock and then they are a good SD/HD weapon.

Paul

 

[CR Williams]

Hi, Stengun. I'd prefer something like an SBR for the role I have in mind, but state law won't allow for carry of a loaded rifle in the vehicle and I don't have to fill out a form every time I cross a state line with this one. Given that, I can live with the limitations.

As for what I've seen called the SAS method using sling tension, I'd have to get the sling up very tight to combine that with a cheek weld. I think that would preclude ambidextrous use. I think. I will likely get a different sling at some point that might allow that, though. I will take a look at that then.

 

[Stengun]

Howdy CR,

State laws do suck sometimes. Arkansas' laws are about the same.

Since I have a CCW permit I can carry any legal revolver or semi-auto pistol on me or about my vehicle and your AR pistol would fall into that category.

Like I said, neat shootin' iron.

Thanks to Uncle Sam I've shot a lot of different SMGs, machinepistols, MACs, etc. and for a sling I always like one that I can wrap around my left arm ( same as shooting a rifle right handed ) to add tension, dynamic tension, resistance, whatever you want to call it while standing in a modified boxer's stance.

I have a friend that has two Olympic Arms OA-93 pistols and he has a double shoulder rig that he made himself so he can carry both at the same time. He also has a single shoulder holster rig where the other side holds 2-30rd mags and a Gerber MKII knife for counter balance.

His nickname is "Rambo". He's a hardcore nut that lives in an underground bunker and draws a crazy check.

Never a buys one of anything. Heck, he even has 2 S&W .460s but he only carries one at a time but when he carries the .460 he always has a Glock 20 10mm as a Bug.

Happy shootin'!

Paul

P.S. I'm surprised that more people haven't responded to this thread.

 

[Warbirds]

What failures did you see? Have you paid attention to where your brass falls? My best rifle almost puts the brass into a pile always at the same spot in relation to the gun. I just wonder where you are getting your info as to what your pistol will shoot best. I have a 7.5 inch pistol, there are pictures of it on this site somewhere. I haven't shot anything except for 55 grain pmc through it, and I don't recall any issues. I do wish I had gone with a 10+ inch barrel as 7.5 is below the recommended minimum for a can. I do agree that I consider it a range toy, it is just too awkward to get a decent sight picture. It is definitely fun but i have gone back to shooting more with my AR rifle because it is more comfortable and accurate.

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[CR Williams]

Warbirds, I believe at least one failure was definitely magazine-related. Assuming I remember correctly now, there were two feed failures and one double-feed or stovepipe. (I may have it backwards.)

As for sighting, I have no problem getting a sight picture. It's not awkward to me with either the Strikefire or the BUIS.

It's supposed to rain tomorrow so I may not get out to the 100 yard range with it then. Whenever I do, my intention is to shift to a 50 yard zero for the dot-sight (may leave BUIS at a 25 yard zero, probably won't). Then I'll begin to get a feel for how it will work for me at longer ranges.

My information about what round to load in it for carry comes from a man who goes by the name DocGKR, IIRC, on forums. He is one of a few people I trust to have solid information about effective ammunition. I don't have any of the Black Hills yet, so will set up some 55gr HP or SP initially as a fighting load when I'm ready to do that.

 

[Warbirds]

If you think about how an AR functions, the longer the gas tube the lower the pressure when the bullet reaches the gas port. With that in mind a pistol gas tube is as short as it gets. I would expect your pistol to be slightly over gassed like mine is, and all AR pistols tend to be. That is why my pistol likes the cheap underpowered steel or brass ammo like PMC or wolf while my rifle with the rifle length gas system will choke on the cheap stuff.


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[dogshawred]

You didn't mention the manufacture of the weapon. Just curious, mine is SGM-9 (Spirit Gun Manu., Miami, Fla.) 7.5" Noveske barrel and VLTOR pistol CASV handguard. I use enlarged quick disconnect sling mounts with a Condor double bungee sling (gives me both single & double point configurations.
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After running a couple of thousand rounds without any failures I feel pretty confident in it's reliability (Federal ball and Black Hills 52 match hollow point/55 soft point)
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My experimentation leads me to feel more comfortable in gaining an accurate shot with the use of a sling to provide tension against for my being able to aim properly. Great weapon for short range accuracy and comfortable to shoot easily. As a long range weapon I would feel handicapped with out a butt stock for support (which adding clearly creates a weapon requiring further licensing).
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Congratulations on your acquisition, enjoy the adventure, just be careful with it's public display. I find the transport of this kind of weapon a crap shoot even with documentation I possess through my correspondence with BATFE to clarify my weapons standing as a manufactured AR15 platform pistol. Which I carry in it's case everywhere it goes. Even then is a police officer going to recognize this as a pistol or a weapon in violation of NFA law without their checking it out with higher authorities before you are allowed to continue on your way. I carry mine cased and as convenient as I can possible have it without being fully visible to prying eyes. Just saying, I don't consider this a visible carry option with all the baggage that could come with it's discovery by LE.

 

[CR Williams]

Phase 5 barrel and pistol tube, H2 buffer. Can't remember anything else about it right now.

Took sick and it rained, so no range work as planned.

 

[CR Williams]

Well, sigh...

Finally got it out this morning to run a 36-yard zero. (I was going to set a 50 yard zero, but information from a video by Travis Haley indicates that with a 36-yard zero I have the best chance of keeping shots in the Golden Triangle from 25 to 200 yards.) Starting with PMC 55gr FMJ for this. Got to where I thought I was getting it before discovering that the ring mount screws had come loose enough to let the red-dot start sliding back and forth. Back home, tighten it up, go do it again. Not so bad...I didn't have the best rest for it this time either.