AR-15–style pistol

Colt's Manufacturing Company began marketing the Colt AR-15 self-loading rifle in 1964.^[1] These rifles were assembled from interchangeable parts designed to allow replacement of malfunctioning parts without the gunsmith skills and tools required for most firearms. Other manufacturers produced similar parts with features not found on production rifles.^[2] Some of these parts can be assembled to create firearms with overall length or barrel-length shorter than rifle dimensions specified by law. These small firearms may be defined as pistols by local laws.^[3]

• Pistols allow use of firearms by disabled persons without full use of both hands.^[4]
• Pistols may be stored in spaces too small to hold a rifle.^[5]
• Pistols may be carried more easily than rifles.^[6]
• Pistols are easier to use in confined spaces.^[3]

• The AR-15–style receiver is larger and heavier than most handgun actions.^[3]
• Many AR-15 cartridges produce lower velocity^[6] with distracting muzzle flash and muzzle blast when fired from pistol barrels.^[7]
• Pistol dimensions reduce accuracy available from more stable holding positions with larger firearms.^[6][5]

AR-15–style pistols have been publicized by Hollywood films including Clear and Present Danger, Bad Boys, and Spawn.^[3]

They have been used in mass shootings in Boulder, Colorado^[8] and Dayton, Ohio.^[9]