There are many ways to make an ARP shorter, and that is the name of the game. Two of the best ways are to build with a short buffer tube or to choose a bufferless upper. 

Of course, starting with a short assembled upper is imperative. But here’s what either of these alternatives can offer you.

The Short Buffer Tube

One of the most straightforward ways to make an ARP build shorter and lighter is to choose a short buffer tube, such as a 3.5” buffer tube, which will take length and weight off your ARP build. 

While the buffer weights used in ARP builds tend to be fairly heavy, you don’t need to add the extra length with a standard buffer system. 

The shorter system will make the ARP more compact and thereby easier to handle in tight quarters. 

Also, a shorter buffer tube will result in a shorter overall distance that the BCG needs to travel, which can result in faster, potentially smoother cycling with appropriate weights and the right spring. 

A short buffer tube is preferable to a bufferless upper if you are building around a relatively high-pressure cartridge, such as 5.56 or 7.62 Soviet. 

These higher pressure cartridges will generally not perform as reliably with a direct blowback bufferless upper, but more on that for a second. 

That makes a short buffer tube the best option if you’re building around a rifle cartridge, as a buffer system, despite its complexity, will run more smoothly and more reliably overall. 

The Bufferless Upper 

Another option at your disposal for making an ARP as compact as possible would be to build with a bufferless upper. 

Most bufferless uppers utilize direct blowback action, which relies on the mass of the bolt and the pressure of the cartridge to cycle the action rearward. 

The good news about a bufferless upper is that it offers the ultimate choice in shortening and lightening the ARP. As the name suggests, a bufferless system entirely lacks a buffer tube and weights, so a bufferless system is inherently shorter and lighter than an ARP with a buffer system. 

Because there is no buffer system with a bufferless upper, you can shed not just the tube but the stock if you want, and don’t even need to mount a pistol brace, keeping the build even more compact. 

Now, if a compact footprint is your top priority, a bufferless build is the best option. However, there is one important note to keep in mind with a bufferless system. 

Bufferless actions, specifically direct blowback actions, do not perform well with high-pressure cartridges. However, they’re a prime option for low-pressure cartridges like 9mm and .22LR.

Therefore, if you’re building around a pistol caliber, bufferless may be a better option for an ARP, but would not be the best option for a rifle caliber. 

Shop Short Buffer Tubes and Bufferless Uppers at MCS Gearup 

Keep in mind that these are just two options for making an ARP shorter and more compact, and that moreover they cannot be used together. Only an ARP with a gas system needs a buffer, and a bufferless upper doesn’t need one. 

There are also other things you can do to shorten and lighten the build, such as using lighter handguards or removing muzzle devices. 

Explore bufferless uppers, short buffer tubes, handguard systems, lightweight bolt carrier groups and more over at MCS Gearup. They carry a wide range of assembled uppers and other AR and ARP parts. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly for more information.

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