Springfield's Saint line brings a well-regarded AR to the market, and this version is the pistol format. It shoots 5.56 and.223 ammunition, has a 9.6-inch barrel and a black finish. At just over a thousand dollars it sits in the middle of the AR pistol field.

An AR pistol is compact. With a barrel under ten inches, it fits in a truck seat or a case easily. It has no stock, so you must pay attention to how you hold it and keep your grip firm. Practice in a safe range setting before you count on it for anything else.

The 5.56/.223 chambering means you have a wide choice of ammunition, from cheap steel-case practice rounds to better defensive loads. A short barrel makes more muzzle blast than a rifle, so wear good ear protection and eye protection at the range. Accessories for the AR family are everywhere, including lights, optics and slings. Handle it in the store if you can, since fit in the hand tells you more than any description.

This firearm is new. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer of your choice for the background check and transfer.