In the past I’ve always purchased complete rifles but had been always planned on purchasing an AR pistol. I liked the idea of having a rifle caliber weapon that would fit in the suitcase for traveling. Once COVID hit finding a complete AR that was reasonably priced became next to impossible. This led me to look at other options, so I embarked on my first AR build, a 300 Blackout Pistol Build.
Background for My 300 Blackout Pistol Build
Because I wanted the shortest possible barrel and a weapon that lent itself well for being suppressed, I landed at .300 AAC Blackout. For those of you not familiar with this caliber it was developed specifically for the M4 in military applications. A requirement arose from the military to shoot .30 caliber bullets from an M4 platform. The caliber needed to use normal bolts and magazines plus maintain a 30-round capacity. One of the main uses would be engaging targets at across the room distances from short, suppressed barrels. If you’d like to know more on the history of the 300 Blackout here’s some additional reading.
Stripped Lower and Lower Parts Kit
For my first build I decided to keep it on the lower end of the budget and went with Anderson Manufacturing for the stripped lower and lower parts kit (LPK). Anderson makes quality Mil-Spec lowers that are extremely budget friendly. The lowers are CNC machined from 7075 T6 aluminum forging and marked “Multi-Cal”. They also feature type III black hard anodize with an open trigger. You can order a wide variety of logos on them with the standard being their galloping horse. If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t care for fancy logos there’s also an option to have no logo at all.
Regarding the LPK I went with the Anderson Manufacturing stainless-steel hammer and trigger. I’ve heard this LPK described as the best “bang” for the buck. So far I haven’t been disappointed. The trigger isn’t a Geissele but it works well for what I’ve intended.
Stabilizer and Buffer
I looked at various stabilizer offerings and settled for the Strike Industries. Since none of them appeared terribly comfortable I didn’t see the need to spend a lot extra on it. In addition, I’m considering shelling out the $200 to make this a SBR and would thusly replace it with a collapsible stock.
Strike Industries Stabilizer features:
- Ambidextrous QD points
- Lightweight, Slim profile
- Compatible with Strike Industries Slick buffer tubes and other pistol buffer tubes with a 1.25″ outer diameter.
- Set-screw locking for secure position adjustments
Given this was my first 300 Blackout pistol build I didn’t want to make a mistake with the buffer tube assembly. Normally I don’t think I’d be too worried about this if it were a carbine but being a pistol build I wanted to make sure it worked as designed.
I splurged a little and went with a Spike’s Tactical AR-15 pistol buffer tube assembly kit with a T2 buffer. It’s a great buffer assembly but my favorite feature is the QD socket in the end. Makes attaching a sling a breeze.
Spike’s Tactical Pistol Buffer Assembly features:
- Integrated QD socket
- Mil-Spec Buffer tube with dry film lube
- Latch plate
- Castle nut
- Mil-Spec 17-4 Stainless Buffer spring
- ST-T2 Tungsten buffer
- Spike’s Tactical Lifetime Warranty
Palmetto State Armory Complete Upper
Not wanting to get deep into the weeds on my first 300 Blackout pistol build I went with a PSA complete upper. The 7.5” barrel seemed like a good option since I was wanting something small and compact to fit inside a suitcase.
I chose the PSA 7.5” phosphate 300 AAC Blackout 1/8 with the 6” M-Lok handguard. It also included the BCG and charging handle.
Features for the PSA Upper:
- Barrel:5″ Chambered in 300AAC Blackout, with a 1:8 twist rate, M4 barrel extension, and a pistol length gas system. This phosphate barrel is finished off with a PSA 6″ Lightweight M-Lok free-float rail, .750″ diameter low profile gas block, and an A2 flash hider.
- Upper: Forged 7075-T6 A3 AR upper is made to MIL-SPECS and hard coat anodized black for durability.
- Bolt: Bolt is made of Mil-spec shot-peened Carpenter 158 steel. Gas key is secured with grade 8 fasteners and staked per mil-spec. Bolt carrier is parkerized outside, and chrome lined inside.
Optics
Keeping in the theme of keeping this build somewhat budget friendly I went with the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight. For the price this is an excellent red dot but not the easiest to sight in. In order to make click adjustments you’ll need a small screwdriver. I have other red dots that it’s a knob that you can easily click with your fingers. The frustration with sighting in is minor but still annoys me. One additional thing that I miss on this red dot, flip up covers. But for the price it’s still a great bargain.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight features:
- Adjustable Brightness – brightness settings from 1 to 11 with the 3 MOA Dot reticle inside
- Nitrogen purged fog-proofing and waterproof construction
- Shockproof construction
Final thoughts on my 300 Blackout Pistol Build
This thing is a blast to shoot but finding ammo as most of you know is quite the hunt these days. I still have a few additional items I need to add but was anxious to get it completed. In the near future I’ll be adding flip up backup sights and a sling. Also, don’t forget to add include a quality AR15 cleaning kit to your must have accessories.
If you’ve felt intimidated by trying to build an AR, don’t. It’s more or less like Legos for adults. I’m addicted now and have another seven lowers in the safe ready to be built. Any suggestions for the next build? 308, 5.56 pistol, 6.8?