Can You Put a Scope on an AR Pistol? Detailed Guide 2024

Usually, we use scopes for rifles to get the maximum accuracy during shooting. But a strange idea stuck into my mind if we can use the scope on AR pistols. So, I searched it and got no suitable answer at all. After extensive research, I got the answer.

So, can you put a scope on an AR pistol? Yes, you can put a scope on an AR pistol and get your shooting accuracy better. However, you’ll have to compromise on eye relief as you will get short eye relief when you mount a scope on an AR pistol.

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind before using the scope on your AR pistol. In this guide, I am going to explain everything. So stay connected.

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Can You Put a Scope on an AR Pistol?

AR pistols are becoming popular among gun enthusiasts due to their compact size and maneuverability. However, many people wonder if it’s possible to put a scope on an AR pistol or not.  Yes, it is possible to put or mount a scope on the AR pistol. But you’ll get very compromised eye relief, so you should be ready for that.

There are a few things that must know before mounting a scope on an AR pistol as small mistakes can lead you towards regards. In the section below, I am going to mention some important points that must be kept in mind before putting a scope on the AR pistol.

1- Eye Relief

As you know eye relief is an important consideration when mounting a scope on any firearm, and AR pistols are no exception. Shooting accuracy highly depends on the comfort of the shooter. If the shooter is not comfortable, then chances are high that his shooting accuracy will be down.

So, to be able to comfortably and consistently get excellent shooting accuracy, you must have long eye relief. When you use a scope with an AR scope, your eye relief will be compromised due to the smaller size of the pistol. So, you should choose a scope with long eye relief which could compensate for the effect of a smaller size pistol on the eye relief.

2- Magnification

Magnification power is another important thing that you should keep in mind. Choosing a higher magnification scope for an AR pistol won’t be a perfect idea as it will make the visuals shaky, so you won’t be able to shoot the target accurately. I highly recommend you choose a scope with adjustable magnification so you can adjust the magnification according to your needs. Choosing a scope with fixed higher magnification is not recommended.

The Legality of Scopes on AR Pistols

The legality of scopes on AR pistols is a topic of interest for many gun owners. In fact, I saw many outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to use the scope on an AR pistol were asking if is legal to put a scope on an AR pistol or not. There are no such rules that could prevent you from using the scope of an AR pistol. You can use the scope on a pistol without any issue at all.

In January 2023, the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) made a new rule about rifles. According to ATF, a rifle is a gun with a long tube (16 inches or more) that you shoot from your shoulder. Usually, rifles are held near the shoulder while shooting.

This also includes guns that you can shoot from your shoulder because of some parts attached to them. So, if a gun has a special brace and you use it on your shoulder, it’s now called a short-barreled rifle, and special rules apply to it. So, the AR pistols also fall in this category as you use the shoulder while shooting with AR pistols.

In other words, AR pistols that are intended for shoulder firing can be known or called short-barreled rifles. So using a scope with such short-barreled rifles is not an issue at all. From a legal point of view, it is just like using a scope with any other rifle. You don’t need to be worried while scope on the AR pistol.

However, there are some states and localities that have their own laws regarding the use of scopes on AR pistols. I highly recommend you ask for the local authorities when you go to any specific region for hunting to ensure you can use the scope on the AR scope. To be honest, there won’t be any issue at all.

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Benefits of Using a Scope on an AR Pistol

It is important to note that AR pistols are very versatile, and there are many optics that be used with these guns. These optics include red dot sights, holographic sights, and scopes. It is up to the personal preference which topics you use to get your accuracy, but using the scope on the AR pistol does have benefits. In the section below, I am going to mention some of the potential benefits.

• Mounting scope on AR pistols offers improved accuracy at longer ranges. While red dot sights and holographic sights are excellent for close-range shooting they don’t offer perfect results when used for long-range shooting or hunting. So, with a scope, the shooter will be able to zoom in on the target and make more precise shots.

• Not to forget, a scope usually provides better target identification. Scope offers better and adjustable magnification power as compared to all the other optics like red dots or holographic sights. So you’ll be able to zoom in on the target and make a decision about whether or not to engage the target.
• Another benefit of using a scope on an AR pistol is that it can help with rapid target acquisition. Once the scope is mounted on the pistol, you’ll be able to they can quickly and accurately engage multiple targets.
• All the optics such as red dot sight etc. are made for close-range shooting. If you use them for long range, you won’t be able to get the target which is too far away. But scope gives yo versatility. You will be able to shoot the target no matter how far or close it is.

Frequently Asked Questions