The Difference Between an AR Pistol and SBR

By Eric Jezierski

Rifles can come in all lengths, opening up the question what’s the difference between an AR pistol and a Short Barreled Rifle? (Photo: Eric Jezierski)
With short-barreled AR uppers becoming a standard option, the question “is a pistol or a short-barreled rifle?” comes up more and more. While they may look the same – and are often used the same way – they’re different.
The biggest difference is the former is regulated like any other firearm while the latter requires a rigorous licensing process. But don’t let that scare you. It’s more along the lines of tumbling than gymnastics.
In this article, I’ll dig in and find out what the difference is between an AR pistol and a short-barreled rifle, and which one is right for you.
What is an AR pistol?
The Ruger AR-556 Pistol is equipped with a SB Tactical Stabilizing Brace and fits the description of an AR pistol.
An AR pistol is an AR-15 minus the stock and, usually, long barrel. Since the guts are still the same, an AR pistol is equipped with a naked buffer tube in lieu of a stock, which, on a rifle, would be built around the tube.
More recently, AR pistols have seen a jump in popularity

Source: Guns.com