We all love our AR platform firearms whether they are big, small, light, heavy, rifle, or pistol in designation. They are a wonderful building block to create exactly what we might envision in our heads as the perfect firearm and are a tinker’s dream. We at Tyrant produce a huge variety of components that support this platform because of its incredible popularity in the firearms community. One exploding segment of the firearm industry and AR-15s are the smaller versions – AR pistols.
What gives an AR pistol its designation of “pistol” versus being dubbed a rifle is at the rear of the weapon system: whether it has a stock or brace. For some shooters new to this nomenclature, they might not understand the difference. The difference is in the origin of where they came from. Braces were designed over a decade ago to help disabled shooters be able to shoot. If they had injuries, amputations, and/or muscular atrophy they could simply stick their arm through a supportive brace and still fire an AR-15 for defense, hunting, or recreation safely. That is where braces came from.
Now braces are utilized on AR-15s for many additional reasons. They allow younger shooters (those smaller in stature) to get into shooting sports and be introduced to firearms at a younger age and can be more comfortable while doing so because the firearm they are presented is more akin to their size. A brace makes many AR platforms significantly more compact, lighter, and easier to wield, either in tight quarters or for smaller shooters.
This generally smaller package also allows people to tote with them more firepower. This again extends to many disciplines of shooting from hunting, recreation, and/or defense. If you are a hiker or camper it can be very convenient to toss an AR pistol into a backpack for protection against wolves, bears, and two-legged animals who might mean you harm. For recreation, there are entire leagues developed around PCCs (pistol caliber carbines) and smaller firearms like AR pistols. So, you can become proficient in shooting these compact packages in a safe yet challenging environment. Finally, it is much easier to use an AR pistol for home defense versus a much larger and less-wieldy AR rifle within your own home.
Another reason why braces on AR pistols matter is because it is a living example of why so much of our current government regulation against firearms is nonsensical. AR pistols are legal in numerous municipalities and jurisdictions yet a traditional AR rifle might not be. Yet the only difference is whether it has a “stock” or a “brace.” Silly, right?
Nevertheless, it is important to know where a lot of our components have come from and the AR brace is a rather important one. Also, if you need to make any upgrades to your AR pistol always remember that Tyrant has you covered from buttstock to muzzle brake and everything in between. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
