AR-15 pistol build kits chambered in .223/5.56 — a compact AR pistol on the most common AR-15 caliber. Each kit includes a short barreled upper (commonly 7.5″ or 10.5″), handguard, gas block, muzzle device, BCG, charging handle, pistol buffer setup, grip, and lower parts kit, with an 80% lower or without a lower. No brace or sights included. Filter by barrel length, handguard, and finish.

AR-15 .223 / 5.56 Pistol Build Kits

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Choosing a .223/5.56 Pistol Kit

These kits build a compact 5.56 AR pistol. Check the lower option and barrel length before ordering.

With or without an 80% lower

"With 80% lower" kits include an unfinished lower; "no lower" kits include everything except the lower. The title says which, and whether the upper ships assembled.

What's in the kit

A short barreled upper (chrome-moly barrel, handguard, gas block, muzzle device, BCG, charging handle), pistol buffer parts, grip, and lower parts kit. "With lower" kits add an 80% lower. No brace, no sights. Contents vary by kit — check the listing.

Barrel length

Pistol kits use short barrels — most commonly 7.5" and 10.5" — with pistol-length gas. 7.5" is the most compact; 10.5" gains a little velocity and smoothness. 5.56 in a short barrel trades some velocity for size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these kits include a brace or sights?

No. They don't include a stabilizing brace or sights/optics — add those separately to fit your build and current regulations.

With lower vs no lower — what's the difference?

"With 80% lower" includes an unfinished lower; "no lower" includes everything else. Choose based on whether you have a lower.

 Are AR pistols legal / do you need an FFL?

It depends on configuration and where you live, and the rules around AR pistols, braces, and unfinished receivers have changed and continue to evolve. Confirm current federal and state law and how a specific kit ships before ordering. General information, not legal advice.