AR-based and other such pistols have never been more popular, and as pistol-caliber carbines have also become more mainstream, it's no wonder the two haven't been put together sooner. Of course, there have been variants around for quite some time, but it seems like 2020 has seen a dramatic increase in this relatively new style of handgun. One thing's for certain: Stylewise, we've sure come a long way from the Bushmaster Arm Pistol.
CMMG | Banshee 300 Mk4 5.7x28mm
While the Banshee 300 platform is not new, nor is the chambering new for CMMG, the 40-round magazine that fits in a standard AR-15 lower receiver is new indeed. That magazine is the basis for this pistol, but CMMG offers the magazine and the upper receiver for sale (separately), too.
▶ CMMG Micro/CQB Rip Brace
▶ Magpul MOE grip
▶ M-Lok handguard
▶ Threaded barrel
Caliber: 5.7x28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 40 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 19.2 inches
Weight: 68 ounces
MSRP: $1,424.95
(660) 248-2293 cmmginc.com
Responding to customer input on the highly popular Scorpion line, CZ has added a folding brace, replacing the earlier, collapsible one. Adding to the compactness, the handgun now has a minimal flash hider. Ambidextrous controls only enhance this pistol’s appeal.
▶ Four-inch barrel
▶ Non-reciprocating charging handle
▶ Folding brace
▶ Magpul back-up iron sights
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Magazine Capacity: 20
Barrel Length: 4.12 inches
Overall Length: 22.5 inches
Weight: 84.8 ounces
MSRP: $1,227
(800) 955-4486 cz-usa.com
Diamondback | DBX
Proving that the 5.7x28 mm round is, indeed, making inroads, Diamondback released the DBX pistol to accommodate it. Taking existing magazines and with the ability to add a stabilizing brace, the DBX makes a compelling case for a PDW.
▶ Available with brace
▶ Compatible with FN Five-SeveN magazines
▶ Standard AR-15 fire control
▶ Threaded barrel
Caliber: 5.7x28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 16.1 inches
Weight: 48 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(321) 305-5995 diamondbackfirearms.com
Heckler & Koch | SP5
A genuine Heckler & Koch, semi-automatic variant of the company’s iconic MP5 submachine gun, the SP5 has been flying off the shelves. All the styling, details and quality that made the original so desirable are present in this civilian version.
▶ Navy barrel
▶ Threaded tri-lug adaptor
▶ Roller-delayed blowback operating system
▶ Fluted chamber
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.86 inches
Overall Length: 17.8 inches
Weight: 82 ounces
MSRP: $2,799
(706) 568-1906 hk-usa.com
KRISS USA | Vector 22 SDP-SB
The new Vector 22 SDP-SB is a dedicated, semi-automatic, rimfire pistol that incorporates the same aesthetics and ergonomics of the original design. Compact and lightweight, it provides simple manipulation and is easy to transport.
▶ Ambidextrous safety
▶ SB Tactical SBX-K brace
▶ Low-profile flip sights
▶ Direct-blowback operation
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 6.5 inches
Overall Length: 24.3 inches
Weight: 89.6 ounces
MSRP: $649
(714) 333-1988 kriss-usa.com
LWRCI | SMG 45
Operating via a proprietary short-recoil/delayed-blowback operating system, the SMG 45 brings some oomph to the modern sporting pistol thanks to its .45 ACP chambering. It is loaded with ultra-high-end features and is a joy to shoot.
▶ SB Tactical folding brace
▶ Magpul MBUS Pro sights
▶ Paddle-style magazine release
▶ LWRCI Ultra Combat Grip
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Length: 26 inches
Weight: 94 ounces
MSRP: $2,995
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
Rock River Arms | BT-9
Expanding its line chambered in 9 mm, the BT-9 AR pistol features a billet aluminum lower receiver with a Glock-compatible mag well, eliminating the need for a magazine-block adapter.
▶ Hogue rubber pistol grip
▶ Smith Vortex flash hider
▶ Extruded aluminum A4 upper receiver
▶ Lightweight freefloat handguard
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
Overall Length: 21 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 80 ounces
MSRP: $1,350
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
