I completely disagree about blast, flash, and 'horrible' muzzle velocities in "shorter than 10.5 inch" barrels.
I have a 7.5" AR-15 pistol chambered for 5.56x45mm.
I built it as a "toy" with no real hope of utility. But...
It was assembled from a hodgepodge of parts (
at least 13 different manufacturers!), and has not malfunctioned ... ever. (A big issue with many AR pistols - regardless of barrel length.)
Blast and flash are no worse than a 16" carbine. (With nothing but a YHM 5C2 on the pistol.)
In theory, they
should be worse. But, in reality, it's no different than a carbine.
Muzzle velocity is down. There's no arguing about that. But, anyone that wants to argue about the effectiveness of a 2,000 fps 55 gr SP can be the first volunteer as a test subject for terminal performance.
With my 20" DPMS barrel, squirrels explode. With my 7.5" (unknown manufacturer) barrel, squirrels explode.
Yea, there's a notable difference between 3,000(+) fps and 2,000 fps; but 2,000 fps is still nothing to sneeze at.
In 2009, SWAT magazine did a test with a 7.5" upper receiver, and found that 75 gr OTM (non-AP) loads still blasted through Level III body armor and their test dummy at 25 yards from a "too short" 7.5" barrel. Trauma plate. Vest. Dummy. All dead.
What more do you want?
Yes, it's short.
Absolutely, you're losing velocity from a 20" barrel.
No, it's not a .22 LR.
No, it's not useless.
But, no, it's not really use
ful, either.
My 7.5" AR is the only real "range toy" that I own. I take it out after ground squirrels, badgers, and coyotes; and have been known to have it as a "truck gun" on certain big game hunts. But, other than that... it's just for fun.
Is it good for hunting paper? Not really. (My choice of sights precludes such.)
Is it good for hunting big game? Not really. (See previous comment about sights.)
Is it good for hunting small game? Not really. - It kills stuff really well, but it's difficult to eat the meat if you can't find it, because said rabbit/squirrel exploded.
Is it good for concealed carry? Stop living in a fantasy...
Is it a rifle? No. But it shoots like an SBR.
Is it a good pistol? Absolutely not. The damned thing weighs 5.5 lbs!
Would I build another? Absolutely. Everyone loves it. Ruger 77/22 Hornet (close equivalent)? Fun, but ... meh. Standard .223/5.56 AR? Common place, and ... meh. 7.5" AR pistol?
Everyone wants to get trigger happy.