ARPs, or AR-pistols, are becoming increasingly popular, and give most shooters the flexibility to leverage full rifle firepower in a pistol-sized format.
What’s more, since ARPs are considered handguns and not rifles, they don’t fall under the NFA restrictions associated with SBRs, or short-barreled rifles.
ARPs, as a result, are popular for sport shooting and just for fun at the range, but they are also popular for defensive applications, such as home defense or as truck guns.
Now, one trend that’s dominating the ARP sphere is the rise of the micro ARP. While not new, micro ARPs are enjoying increasing popularity for their even more compact size when compared with traditional AR-pistols.
Table of Contents
Change the Muzzle Device
One of the best things you can do to shave off an inch – or a few – from a micro ARP build is to remove and replace the muzzle device.
Suppressors are fun, but they add a lot of length and weight to an ARP. You are working against yourself if you need a really compact model and suppress it anyway.
But there’s more; most micro ARP uppers come with threaded barrels that already have flash hiders installed.
You may know this, but flash hiders don’t really do too much of anything. Sure, they will disperse the muzzle flash a bit to preserve the sight picture, but with an ARP, you’re going to have a big muzzle flash regardless.
So take that thing off and install thread protectors instead. You’re going to have a brighter muzzle flash, but the whole thing will be more compact.
Go Bufferless or Get a Short Buffer Tube
If you have a micro ARP upper that requires a buffer system to operate, swap the one you have for a micro buffer system. There are super short buffer systems out there that are just over 3 inches long.
Shortening the buffer tube can have a nearly revolutionary impact on how big the gun feels and how it handles. Along with removing the muzzle device in favor of thread protectors, it is one of the biggest upgrades you can make to a micro ARP.
Now, if you really want to elevate a compact build to an art form, then skip the buffer system altogether by building bufflerless. There are ARP uppers that utilize blowback operation, rather than gas impingement, to cycle the action.
That means no buffer tube at all – and, as you can expect, a much more compact overall micro ARP. Just think about it. Removing the buffer tube can take off 3 inches if not more from the overall build.
You’ll have to skip the pistol brace, but then again, think about this rationally. A pistol brace is just another part that adds length to a micro ARP that isn’t needed. If your goal is a compact profile, skip the brace too.
Where to Get Micro ARP Parts and More
Already have a micro ARP and just looking for creative ways to boost performance by making the profile more compact? Or are you staring down the potential of building your first one?
The best place on the web to get micro ARP parts is MCS Gearup. They carry bufferless AR pistol uppers, short buffer tubes, tons of muzzle devices, and complete assembled uppers for micro ARPs, of which some are 5” or even less.
They are ultra-compact, highly concealable, and set new standards for what the term micro ARP even mores. If you crave lightweight performance and easy handling, then take a look at what they offer and get started on your project today.
For more information about Lower Parts Kit GLOCK 17 and M Lok Rail System Please visit : MCS Gearup
