Has anyone tried this, and if so, what were the effects like on operation? More concerned with the gas system and such, not the obvious imbalance a silencer would add to an AR pistol.
Yes, it can be done. You may have to go with a different buffer or lighter/heavier BCG but it should run just like anything else.
The only thing I would POSSIBLE be concerned about is… since you dont have a third point of contact, you may end up with more muzzle flip and that MAY cause a baffle strike, where having a stock and shouldering might not. Again, a pure, hypothetical MAYBE.
No different than suppressing an SBR. You might end up over gassed.
Why? If you’re in an NFA state, SBR that thing.
Curiosity more than anything. Friend has a pistol and I have a HALO. Didn’t know if the pistol buffer tube and gas system would act any differently than carbine+.
Washington allows suppressors, but not SBRs. As an example.
An AR pistol is the same as an SBR without the stock.
Gotcha. Weird.
I thought AR pistols had shorter gas systems and smaller buffer tubes?
It’s a short gas system on some because the barrel is so short, but no different than an SBR of the same length (there are probably some exceptions). Most use a carbine length buffer tube, they are just sans the extra area for the stock.
If you have below 10.5" then yes, other wise no. There are plenty of 10.5" and 11.5" barrel out there.
Ah, much appreciated for the knowledge, everyone. Makes sense now.
Most suppressor manufacturers do not recommend using their 5.56 suppressors on ARs with barrels shorter than 10.3 inches. A 5.56 barrel shorter than 10.3 inches is really hard on the blast baffle…
Yeah, you make a very good point. Honestly, this was just more of an operative curiosity more than anything. 