Those obsessed with micro AR pistol builds are always looking for ways to make their platforms smaller and lighter. This short post will help directly with that. With no further ado let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Start with a Micro AR Upper
Step number one is to start your build with a micro AR upper. That is, an AR upper that is 5” or less. If you start with a 7.5” upper, there is only so much you can do to shorten and lighten the build.
A micro AR upper, with a barrel that’s 5” or even shorter, will take compactness to an art form.
Remove the Muzzle Device
Once you’ve started with a true micro AR upper for your build, unthread the muzzle device and replace it with thread protectors.
Let’s be honest, that flash hider doesn’t do much of anything besides adding weight, length, and general bulk to your build. You don’t need it, and with a pistol-length upper, the muzzle flash is going to be ridiculous, flash hider or not.
So get rid of the thing.
Ditch the Pic Rail for an M-LOK Rail System
Picatinny rails are great. There’s just one thing. They are heavy. If your micro AR upper came with a Pic rail system, upgrade it to an M-LOK rail system.
M-LOK rail systems offer all of the advantages of Pic rail systems but they are considerably lighter, not to mention more comfortable to handle.
Install a Lightweight BCG
There are also lightweight bolt carrier groups you can get that can be used to upgrade your micro AR upper if the build didn’t already come with one.
They will shave a little weight off the build, typically deliver faster, snappier cycling, and on top of it, can cut recoil as well.
Remove the Attachments
No one builds a micro AR for the real estate they offer for attachments. Realistically they are too small for that. On top of that, attachments are just adding bulk and weight.
A naked micro AR will be lighter and handle more easily, especially in tight spaces, than one that has its handguard weighed down with all sorts of attachments.
…and Yes, Use a Short Buffer Tube
Lastly, yes, you can shorten your micro AR if you complete the build with a short buffer tube, something like a 3.5 inch buffer tube, for instance.
A shorter buffer tube will reduce the overall footprint of the build, making it more compact, easier handling in tight spaces, and easier to conceal as well.
…or Skip the Short Buffer Tube Entirely
However, there are also options for you to remove the buffer tube entirely if you want to build an ultra-compact micro ARP.
Such bufferless uppers are typically direct blowback actions, which aren’t quite as reliable as gas systems, but they’re generally fine with low-pressure handgun cartridges like 9mm.
If you’re going to chamber your micro AR in something like that and are really fixated on making it as small as possible, no short buffer tube is short enough. Build with a bufferless upper and see how short a micro AR pistol can really be.
Shop Micro AR Uppers and AR Parts at MCS Gear
In the market for any of these parts, or simply want to see what sorts of super-short micro AR uppers are available?
Check them all out online at MCS Gearup. They even carry some bufferless options for those looking to experiment with that avenue. Visit their website and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions.
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