Can You Shoulder an AR Pistol with a Buffer Tube?
The popularity of AR pistols has surged in recent years, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and ease of use. However, one common concern among shooters is whether these pistols can be shouldered, just like their long-barreled rifle counterparts. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a straightforward answer to this question.
What is a Buffer Tube?
Before we dive into the main question, let’s define what a buffer tube is. A buffer tube is a component of an AR-pattern firearm that serves as the recoil buffer and gas piston tube. It’s essentially a cylindrical tube that is installed inside the upper receiver and contains the buffer, buffer spring, and the gas piston. The buffer tube plays a crucial role in absorbing recoil and smoothing out the cycling of the action.
Can You Shoulder an AR Pistol with a Buffer Tube?
The short answer is no, you cannot shoulder an AR pistol with a buffer tube. Here’s why:
- Design: The buffer tube is not designed to be shouldered. Its purpose is to serve as a recoil buffer and gas piston tube, not as a shoulderstock attachment point.
- Length: AR pistols have a shorter overall length than their rifle counterparts, and the buffer tube is positioned to accommodate the shorter receiver. Shouldering an AR pistol would require a redesigned buffer tube or a new, longer receiver.
- Angle: The angle of the buffer tube does not allow for comfortable shoulder mounting. The tube is angled to facilitate the upward motion of the bolt carrier group, not to provide a stable shoulder platform.
But What About Some Compromise Solutions?
You may be thinking, "But what about some compromise solutions? Can’t I just attach a makeshift shoulderstock or use a sling to shoulder the pistol?" Here are some potential compromise solutions:
- Using a makeshift shoulderstock: You can attach a makeshift shoulderstock to the pistol using a buffer tube-specific shoulderstock adapter or a sling. However, these adapters may not provide the same level of comfort, stability, or accuracy as a dedicated rifle shoulderstock.
- Using a sling: You can use a sling to shoulder the pistol, but this will likely compromise your shooting technique and accuracy. Slinging an AR pistol will require adjusting your shooting form, which may not be optimal for precision shooting.
- Modifying the buffer tube: Some manufacturers have created buffer tubes with additional attachment points or slots to accommodate shoulderstocks. These modified buffer tubes can potentially be used with shoulderstocks, but they may still compromise the pistol’s recoil characteristics.
The Reality Check
While compromise solutions exist, the reality check is that AR pistols with buffer tubes are designed primarily for pistol-style shooting. They are not intended for rifle-style shooting, where the shoulderstock plays a crucial role in accuracy, comfort, and control. If you need a shouldering option, consider opting for a dedicated rifle instead.
Conclusion
To summarize, the answer to the question "Can you shoulder an AR pistol with a buffer tube?" is no. The buffer tube is not designed for shoulder mounting, and compromise solutions may compromise your shooting performance. If you need a shouldering option, consider a dedicated rifle or modified AR pistol with a purpose-designed shoulderstock. Here’s a summary of key points:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shouldering an AR pistol with a buffer tube | None | Unstable, inaccurate, and uncomfortable |
| Compromise solutions (e.g., makeshift shoulderstock or sling) | Some stability and comfort | Compromises shooting technique and accuracy |
| Dedicated rifle | Comfortable, accurate, and controlled | Longer overall length and potentially heavier |
By understanding the limitations and characteristics of AR pistols with buffer tubes, you can make informed decisions about your firearm choices and shooting techniques. Happy shooting!
