What Is an ARP? The Complete Guide to AR Pistols in 2026 Introduction: What Does ARP Mean? If you've been browsing gun stores, firearms forums, or online marketplaces and kept seeing the acronym ARP, you're not alone in wondering what it means. ARP stands for AR Pistol — a compact, AR-platform firearm that meets the federal legal definition of a pistol rather than a rifle or short-barreled rifle (SBR). At first glance, an ARP can look like a shrunken AR-15 rifle, which leads to a lot of c …

Pistol braces (also called stabilizing braces or arm braces) remain a popular accessory for large-format pistols like AR-15 and AK builds. They provide forearm support and improved stability without turning your pistol into a short-barreled rifle (SBR) under current federal guidelines. Whether you’re building a compact home-defense pistol, a range toy, or a truck gun, choosing the right brace makes a big difference in comfort, control, and portability. Here are the 5 main types of pistol …