The Ultimate Guide to AR-15 Pistol Kits

The Ultimate Guide to AR-15 Pistol Kits

Jul 22, 2025

Build Your Ideal AR-15 Pistol with an AR-15 Pistol Kit

When it comes to personalizing a firearm, few platforms offer the flexibility and performance of the AR-15 pistol. At AR15-Overstock, our AR-15 pistol kits give you everything needed to build a compact, reliable, and customizable pistol — without breaking the bank.

Shop AR-15 Pistol Kits → /ar-15/pistol-kits
Browse Uppers → /ar-15/uppers
Shop Accessories → /ar-15/accessories

Why Choose an AR-15 Pistol Kit?

An AR-15 pistol combines the versatility of the AR-15 rifle with a shorter, lighter footprint. The shorter barrel and absence of a rifle stock make pistols easier to maneuver in tight spaces while still delivering impressive performance for home defense, range fun, or tactical use.

A pistol kit takes the guesswork out of parts selection — kits bundle compatible uppers, lower parts kits (LPKs), handguards, barrels, and often a BCG and charging handle so you can assemble a firearm that matches your needs.

Benefits of Building with AR15-Overstock Kits

  • Cost savings: Kits bundle parts at a better price than buying components individually.

  • Customization: Choose barrel lengths, finishes, handguards, and calibers to suit your goal. Explore our 5" micro kits and other compact options. Shop 5" Micro Kits → /ar-15/pistol-kits/5-inch

  • Education & control: Building your pistol teaches you how it works and how to care for it. See our 

  • Quality sourcing: We select components for reliability and fit so your build runs right from the start. Shop BCGs → /ar-15/parts/bcg

Popular Uses for AR-15 Pistols

  • Home defense: Compact length and stopping power make pistols well-suited for close-quarters defense.

  • Range shooting: Lightweight, fun platforms for high-volume, economical practice.

  • Tactical / PDW-style use: Law enforcement and experienced shooters use AR pistols where maneuverability matters.

Tips for First-Time Builders

  • Check local and federal laws. Regulations vary by state and change over time. For official federal guidance, see the ATF resources. External: ATF — Firearms Rules & Regulations.

  • Gather the right tools. A vise block, punches, torque wrench, and an armorer’s wrench will make assembly smoother.

  • Follow a trusted guide. Use our step-by-step walk-through and the product pages’ specs to confirm what’s included. 

  • Verify kit contents. Confirm whether the kit includes the BCG, charging handle, LPK, and buffer assembly, or if these are sold separately. Shop Parts → /ar-15/parts

Legal & Compliance — Know Before You Build

Always confirm legal compliance before purchasing or assembling an AR pistol:

Key notes: stripped lower receivers are serialized and must be transferred through an FFL; pistol braces, vertical foregrips, and short-barrel configurations have specific rules that vary by jurisdiction.

Ready to Build?

Start your build today — whether you want a compact 5" micro pistol, a 10.5" carbine-style pistol, or an uppers-only upgrade, we’ve got the parts and kits to get you there:

Building your own AR-15 pistol is rewarding, cost-effective, and gives you full control over every component.

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