The AR’s modular nature and advances in CNC machining technology allow for enhancements beyond what we imagined over 50 years ago. Lately, much attention has focused on improving the AR platform via cartridge enhancement. And the 300 Blackout is emerging as one of the most successful alternative AR chamberings.
While whole articles have been dedicated to the 300 Blackout, there’s another popular trend that can’t be dismissed: AR-platform pistols. AR Pistols are dominating in the gun world with barrels shorter than 16 inches and no stock. Only a buffer tube protrudes from the rear of the receiver.
In essence, for people with no legal access to an NFA Class 3 short-barreled rifle, the AR pistol might be the closest way of achieving that level of firepower in such a compact package. Along those lines, the expansion of states issuing concealed-carry permits and honoring other permits from other states is another reason why AR pistols have become so popular.
Below, check out five quality AR pistols available in .300 Blackout.
DoubleStar Mini Dragon
The Mini Dragon I tested has a 9-inch, 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate and M4 feed ramps. Other barrel lengths are available. The muzzle has 5/8×24-tpi threading for the easy installation of a sound suppressor, and it comes capped with an A2-style flash suppressor. You’ll also find a railed gas block, and the Mini Dragon operates via a pistol-length gas system. Surrounding the gas system and barrel is a round, free-floating forend made from Type III hardcoat anodized aluminum.
A short section in the middle is checkered for traction. The upper and lower receivers are also made from forged aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum. In addition, the lower is fitted with a polymer A2-style pistol grip, and the long buffer tube is left exposed with no foam covering. It’d be easy to add a popular pistol stabilizing brace here, and all told, the Mini Dragon weighs about 5 pounds unloaded and measures 25.5 inches long. (star15.com)
CMMG Mk4 PDW
CMMG is well known among AR-platform enthusiasts, and the Mk4 PDW in 300 Blackout marks the company’s most compact weapon equipped with the free-floating RKM7 KeyMod handguard and a nitrided 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel. It also comes with a Magpul MOE pistol grip and triggerguard along with a 30-round magazine and CMMG’s lifetime quality guarantee. Cerakote finishes and M-LOK handguards are also available. (cmmginc.com)
Rock River Arms LAR-PDS Pistol
Rock River Arms (RRA) offers a staggering array of ARs in a variety of models and calibers. The company even offers piston-driven models in the form of the LAR-PDS. The proprietary piston operating system has several advantages; the most important for this pistol variant is that there’s no buffer tube. This greatly reducing the overall length. Customers can customize the LAR-PDS Pistol with various furniture and control options direct from RRA. (rockriverarms.com)
American Tactical Omni Hybrid MAXX
The Omni Hybrid MAXX features several patented components that separate it from other AR pistols; the upper and lower receivers are made from polymer with special metal reinforcements. The goal is to save weight without losing any durability. In addition, the lower features a patented overmolded metal insert that reinforces the buffer tube housing and rear takedown pin. Furthermore, the 8.5-inch barrel and low-profile gas block are surrounded by a free-floating forend. (americantactical.us)
Spike’s Tactical 300 Blackout 8.3″
In the AR world, Spike’s Tactical is known for producing some truly jaw-dropping guns that approach the “custom” label. This particular 300 Blackout pistol is somewhat toned down but still offers plenty of high-end features, including a nitrided 8.3-inch Douglas barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, a SAR3 handguard, Magpul MBUS sights and a Jewell trigger. There are many other features, but the pistol is still very affordable. (spikestactical.com)
300 Blackout AR Pistols Specs
| Manufacturer | DoubleStar Mini Dragon | CMMG Mk4 PDW | Rock River Arms LAR-PDS Pistol | American Tactical Omni Hybrid MAXX | Spike’s Tactical 300 Blackout 8.3″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 300 Blackout | 300 Blackout | 300 Blackout | 300 Blackout | 300 Blackout |
| Barrel | 9 inches | 8 inches | 9 inches | 8.5 inches | 8.3 inches |
| OA Length | 25.5 inches | 25 inches | 18.25 inches | 24.5 inches | 24.5 inches |
| Weight | 5 pounds (empty) | 5.3 pounds (empty) | 5 pounds (empty) | 4.9 pounds (empty) | 5.13 pounds (empty) |
| Grip | Polymer | Magpul MOE | Polymer | Polymer | Polymer |
| Sights | None | None | None | None | Magpul MBUS |
| Action | Direct impingement semi-auto | Direct impingement semi-auto | Piston-operated semi-auto | Direct impingement semi-auto | Direct impingement semi-auto |
| Finish | Matte black | Matte black | Matte black | Matte black | Matte black |
| Capacity | 30+1 | 30+1 | 30+1 | 30+1 | 30+1 |
| MSRP | $920 | $1,000 | $1,310-$1,460 | $670 | $1,040 |
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