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We are going to be producing an Auto Extracting Single Shot AR Pistol next month, and we'd like to hear what the Calguns folks want on their AR Pistol before we make the final spec. Keep in mind that our intention is to provide a solid pistol that will be a starting platform for customers to accessorize from. There's no sense in driving the price point up with lasers, lights, and other add-ons that are more of a personal choice. If you have time, we'd be interested in your thoughts. 
The first question is what length barrel? 10.5" or 7.5"? I'll opine that the 10.5" barrel has better external ballistics and therefore more practical. Then again, the fireball on a 7.5" barrel is pretty cool.
Chromed or no? We use 4140 steel since 4150 would require particle inspection after the proof round, and that just drives the price up unnecessarily. Unless you shoot full auto, you will never need a 4150 barrel. (...and keep in mind we're talking about a BB equipped single shot.) We like the idea of using chrome lined barrels in our rifles because it provides better extraction and longevity. For the same reason, we're leaning towards a chrome lined pistol barrel. But, what do you all think?
Caliber? Of course the initial offering will be 5.56 NATO, but is there any other calibers you'd want? I know 9mm is popular, but part of my thinking is that if I'm an end user who decided to put his or her own 10 round magazine in the firearm after purchasing this single shot, do I want ten rounds of 9mm or ten rounds of 5.56 NATO? HMMMM? Considering the magazine restrictions, I want the biggest baddest cartridge I can stuff in there. That's why we're producing 25 W.S.S.M. rifles and hopefully we'll soon be able to provide 450 Bushmaster pistols.
Twist rate? 1x9 seems the most versatile twist rate for 5.56 NATO. 1x7 is great for the heavier bullets, but sacrifices the lighter spectrum.
Grip? The A2 grip is pretty standard, but I've had a few people tell me lately that the Hogue grip is a worthy add-on that just about everyone appreciates.
Trigger? Right now, we're planning on milspec triggers, but we're open to ideas.
The most practical way to carry an AR pistol, in my opinion, would be with a single point sling attachment. Is it worth it to simply equip an ambi sling attachment right from the factory, or do most folks carry the pistol in a different manner?
Sights? We equip our rifles with a front sight gas block because they don't interfere with glass scopes, they co-witness with red dots, and they are necessary when a customer attaches a rear sight. We don't equip a rear sight since there are so many options. For $50 we can add a solid YHM rear sight to the A3 upper. Is it worth the extra $ to have a rifle to take from the store to the range, or are you going to put your favorite rear sight on anyway?
We realize there is a lot of opinion mixed in with the questions above, and we hope that that doesn't dissuade you from telling us what's really on your mind. I'm sure other manufacturers will read this page and benefit from your insights as well. The way I see it, the more ARs that are out there in California, the odds are there will be more people that vote like me!
Thanks again for taking the time to provide your input!
The first question is what length barrel? 10.5" or 7.5"? I'll opine that the 10.5" barrel has better external ballistics and therefore more practical. Then again, the fireball on a 7.5" barrel is pretty cool.
Chromed or no? We use 4140 steel since 4150 would require particle inspection after the proof round, and that just drives the price up unnecessarily. Unless you shoot full auto, you will never need a 4150 barrel. (...and keep in mind we're talking about a BB equipped single shot.) We like the idea of using chrome lined barrels in our rifles because it provides better extraction and longevity. For the same reason, we're leaning towards a chrome lined pistol barrel. But, what do you all think?
Caliber? Of course the initial offering will be 5.56 NATO, but is there any other calibers you'd want? I know 9mm is popular, but part of my thinking is that if I'm an end user who decided to put his or her own 10 round magazine in the firearm after purchasing this single shot, do I want ten rounds of 9mm or ten rounds of 5.56 NATO? HMMMM? Considering the magazine restrictions, I want the biggest baddest cartridge I can stuff in there. That's why we're producing 25 W.S.S.M. rifles and hopefully we'll soon be able to provide 450 Bushmaster pistols.
Twist rate? 1x9 seems the most versatile twist rate for 5.56 NATO. 1x7 is great for the heavier bullets, but sacrifices the lighter spectrum.
Grip? The A2 grip is pretty standard, but I've had a few people tell me lately that the Hogue grip is a worthy add-on that just about everyone appreciates.
Trigger? Right now, we're planning on milspec triggers, but we're open to ideas.
The most practical way to carry an AR pistol, in my opinion, would be with a single point sling attachment. Is it worth it to simply equip an ambi sling attachment right from the factory, or do most folks carry the pistol in a different manner?
Sights? We equip our rifles with a front sight gas block because they don't interfere with glass scopes, they co-witness with red dots, and they are necessary when a customer attaches a rear sight. We don't equip a rear sight since there are so many options. For $50 we can add a solid YHM rear sight to the A3 upper. Is it worth the extra $ to have a rifle to take from the store to the range, or are you going to put your favorite rear sight on anyway?
We realize there is a lot of opinion mixed in with the questions above, and we hope that that doesn't dissuade you from telling us what's really on your mind. I'm sure other manufacturers will read this page and benefit from your insights as well. The way I see it, the more ARs that are out there in California, the odds are there will be more people that vote like me!
Thanks again for taking the time to provide your input!
