7 Best AR Pistol of 2023 Reviews | Semi-Automatic, Lightweight Handguns

The Bren 2 MS is the AR pistol that outshines all the firearms in my arsenal. Why? Because it’s an MS! MS stands for modular semi-auto, meaning that you can change the barrel to either accommodate 5.56 NATO or 7.62 x 39mm cartridges, the latter providing unforgiving penetration to your targets.

If you’re familiar with the last-generation CZ 805 Bren, you’ll notice a decrease in weight when you lay hands on the Bren 2 MS since CZ incorporates a carbon-infused polymer in the lower receiver instead of aluminum, which it reserves for the upper receiver.

One thing that makes this AR15 pistol modular is the gas system, a 3-way adjustable one: an option is set by default and meant for normal conditions, a second option for extreme precision shooting (minimally dissipates heat), and a third one to shut down the gas system entirely for pistol-style single shots.

We’re talking here about the accurate, 11-inch version. Just look at this barrel—it’s lengthy enough to allow for top-tier aiming accuracy, especially when you consider that the rear sight has variable aperture measurements for rapid shooting. I personally limit the aperture to fine-tune my long-distance shots, and it works!

The Bren 2 MS’s barrel is home to a three-prong flash hider. CZ has done a great job crafting their flash hiders with open ends since the old-school ones have proven their failure in hiding muzzle flashes. Beside the trigger, you’ll see AR15 pistols’ bolt catch to lock the bolt for magazine insertion.

Similarly, you’ve got the safety switches on both sides, and the magazine release button is two-sided as well—you can release an empty magazine from either side. For bolt release, you have the AR-style button on the side. However, I liked the button at the front of the trigger guard for a one-handed operation.

The trigger pull is the smoothest you can get. This 2-action trigger requires minimal pressure for firing a cartridge. Note that the LOP (length of pull) may vary according to the brace you affix to the buffer tube. For me, the cheek rest provided an optimal LOP to shoot tight groups at the range.

The luxury of shooting an AR pistol is no longer hindered, thanks to the budget-friendly package that Palmetto State Armory presents in its PSA Gen 4. This budget AR 15 makes every aspect of having a pre-built AR pistol prominent: from grips to braces. However, that doesn’t mean that PSA compromises on build quality.

At first glance, you’ll be greeted by a mid-sized 8-inch barrel, forged from a robust block of chrome molly steel. When I first took a glimpse at the barrel, I became sure that it would withstand thousands of rounds in a lifetime, and it didn’t disappoint! Also, the short barrel didn’t ruin my recoil retention at the range.

The mind-soothing thing about having a 9mm PSA Gen4 is its blowback mechanism—no need for gas! This AR pistol has no gas regulator since it relies on the thrust produced by the 9mm round’s propellant. It also has 2 QD cups carved in the rear and front for running a sling in case you use the pistol as a primary weapon.

If you have a Glock CCW piece, the PSA Gen4 will undoubtedly be your loyal companion—it’s the best budget AR 15 pistol. I like the idea that it supports any proprietary Glock magazine. This means that you can switch over between a carry gun like the Glock 17 and this one in no time.

Not only will you be able to exploit the more powerful 8-inch barrel, but you’ll also be capable of acquiring targets at longer distances, given the foldable sights of this AR 9mm pistol. Coinciding with the barrel is a Birdcage flash hider, not very effective owing to the lack of muzzle flashes. So, I’d recommend replacing it with a suppressor.

It’s safe to rest this brace on your shoulders, but you should do the classic cheek weld to avoid FTA problems. As my best 9mm AR pistol, it also ships with a high-quality Magpul grip, whose shiny look hints at a rough texture. However, it felt great in my right hand when I fired the PSA Gen4 in the handgun mode.

This AR pistol has the buttons (like magazine release and safety) on one side—I wouldn’t count it as a con since the CZ Bren 2 MS is designed for ambidextrous usage. Moreover, the charging handle is lined up with handguards. So, beware when you install optics on the rail since you may accidentally skin your knuckles.

If I had anything to complain about, it’d definitely be the mag release button. With extensive use, it gets clogged and may require some oiling in the long run.

Wilson Combat is known for its purpose-built AR firearms for home and self-defense, and the Wilson Combat ARP is no exception. This AR pistol is available in two different barrel lengths: 8 or 11.3 inches, and two calibers: the 300 AC BLK and the 5.56 NATO. I use the latter variant since these cartridges are easily securable in the US.

I like how both the upper and lower receivers of the ARP Tactical are billet, meaning they’re crafted from hard-anodized aluminum that withstands rust. I’m happy with how I shoot the 11.3-inch ARP with mitigated recoil, thanks to the Shockwave Stabilizer Brace.

You may get annoyed because every part of this ARP is proprietary; however, Wilson Combat is a celebrated firearms manufacturer that crafts cold-hammer-forged barrels from scratch for the AR platform’s sidearms. Even the handguards are considerably ergonomic, reflecting its home defense purposes.

I’ll give that trigger guard a huge thumbs up owing to the obtuse cut it has on the base. Moreover, this AR pistol utilizes the TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit), where both the trigger and the hammer are forged from indestructible steel. This trigger also features a tangible positive reset for rapid shooting.

The Accu-Tac hider on the muzzle boasts a three-pronged design confining and muzzle flashes that arise from the 5.56 NATO cartridges. While we’re at the muzzle, let’s take a look at the M-LOK rail that hides the barrel. This rail is compatible with a plethora of optics and even flashlight attachments for nocturnal home defense.

The Gunfighter grip sports a unique texture with velour-padded sections for marksman-grade comfort and confident handling. Above the grip, you’ll see a Fire-Safe switch instead of a button—the safety lock is one slap away! Still worried about burglars? Then, it’s time to try the pre-included suppressor!

The Wilson Combat ARP tempted me to expand my AR pistol arsenal once again with the Wilson Combat AR Protector. While the ARP is primarily targeted at home defense, this one is for self-defense purposes.

This becomes more evident when the manufacturer chambers this 9mm AR15 pistol in the 300 HAM’R caliber, featuring a terminal power comparable to the .308 Winchester. Designed by Wilson Combat, this bullet is more powerful than the traditional 5.56 NATO ammo with bulkier dimensions for a retained mag capacity.

Another unfortunate difference is the lack of a safety lock. So, you probably need to think twice before landing your index on the Tactical Trigger Unit, which is roomier than its counterpart in the ARP. The absence of a rear sight that lines up with the front ramp is a bummer, too.

However, the rear sight’s disappearance pushed me toward discovering the M-LOK rail on top of this AR pistol, which is compatible with a myriad of accessories: flashlight attachments, red dot sights, and scopes.

Admittedly, I had a great time firing this bad guy—the 11.6-inch match-grade barrel is reinforced with a muzzle brake and a Q-Comp flash hider to complement my experience at the range. Combine the personalized accuracy with the top-of-the-line Armor Tuff finish, and you’ll let out a sigh of relief that you’re wielding a Wilson Combat!

The hefty price tags of AR pistols are what most marksmen frown upon, but the FM 7” Glock Style lets you avoid the 4-digit price curse with a minuscule, 7-inch barrel chambered in the good ol’ 9mm Luger caliber. You can effortlessly swap the magazines between this AR pistol and a seasoned Glock sidearm.

Foxtrot Mike Products tries to achieve a budget-friendly package with the FM 7”, and it’s been a great call for me at the shooting range, especially that it incorporates a blowback recoil mechanism that utilizes virtually no gas.

A collapsing brace is synonymous with a customizable LOP and a comfortable cheek weld—well, that’s the main point of holding an AR pistol! I also thought that the lower price, combined with the shorter barrel, will lead to recoil problems. Yet, the brace houses a rigid recoil string capable of absorbing the kickback like a champion.

On the muzzle, you’ll notice a pre-installed blast diffuser that directs the gas produced by spent cartridges once they leave the barrel to the front for improved aiming precision. What even surprises me with the controls at this price segment is the ambidextrous charging handle behind the M-LOK handguard for faster reloading.

I’ve always believed that shorter barrel lengths are for experienced shooters who are looking for a more portable and magazine-friendly AR pistol like the FM 5” Glock Style.

Like its sibling, the FM 7”, this AR pistol is enhanced with billet-infused upper and lower receivers, extremely impervious to elements and rust. Similarly, the 5-inch barrel is chambered in 9mm and compatible with Glock magazines. Actually, that’s the most magazine-friendly AR pistol that I’ve carried—it just eats up what you insert.

I couldn’t whine about the trigger pull here—it’s almost buttery-smooth for the price you pay, let alone that the trigger guard has ample space if you happen to wear gloves. I’ve had no issues with this gigantic magazine release button as it needed no oiling, and the 2-way charging handle is always a welcomed plus!

Being last on our list doesn’t make the Geissele Super Duty LE an AR pistol to refrain from. Contrarily, both the upper and lower receivers are constructed from forged aluminum, found in the high-end Wilson Combat AR Protector.

In America, 5.56mm calibers have the upper hand in ammunition availability for both law enforcement, self-defense, and fun shooting. It’s great that this 10.3-inch barrel is both coated with manganese phosphate for wear resistance and chambered in 5.56mm NATO caliber.

This AR pistol has a stress-relieved bolt for improved barrel rifling—I’ve never come across any malfunctions when pulling the charging handle for a quick bolt release. Another thing that I favor about this upper receiver is the protruding Fire-Safe switch since it’s easily accessible on the left side.