In a recent article, I mentioned that a G17 fit my needs as a “truck gun” as well as anything else.
However, just because I don’t NEED a short AR doesn’t mean I don’t WANT one.
AR & AK pistols, as it turns out, are a ton of fun!
AR Pistol
Those of you that have tracked my AR pistol updates will remember when I installed the enhanced cheek rest from Thordsen Customs.
I’ve hesitated to write this review, realizing that some of you would use the comment section to turn the entire point of this article into a “to shoulder or not to shoulder” legal argument.
Let me briefly say, I wholeheartedly believe in freedom, generally chafe under all restriction, but don’t want this article to be hijacked, obscuring the reader’s view from a helpful conversation about a useful piece of kit.
I’m interested in talking to you about this gear’s usefulness, especially as its design intends.
Thordsen Customs Enhanced
I installed the enhanced cheek rest in June of 2016 and began testing in in July. The installation videos provided online by Thordsen Customs are succinct and useful— installation shouldn’t pose a problem for those who are relatively used to installing gun upgrades.
The pistol traveled with me to my favorite dirt pit and I began to put her through her paces. After that, the little gun became my sidekick, going with me on shooting trips for several months. After shooting whatever I had come to the range to shoot, I would bring the little AR out to feed. She ate lots of ammo. The more I shot her, the more I appreciated this upgrade.
Three Point Contact
Adding a purpose-built third point of contact for your cheek significantly improves the usefulness of an AR pistol. We’ve know this fact for some time, hence all the padded buffer tubes out there. However, an actual cheek rest proves far more comfortable then a padded or wrapped buffer tube. It goes farther than comfort though. You’ll discover that the 40 degree cheek rest allows you to find your site in a more constant way than when using some variation of the modified buffer tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx7-ONRLbFU
Additional Features
The QD mounts provided on both sides are in great position. In my view, utilizing a single point sling is quite helpful when employing an AR pistol. These QD points make it easier for you to set up and way more likely that you’ll consistently do so.
The Mission First Tactical saddles are attractive and useful. My only bone to pick with this set from Thordsen is insignificant. The MFT saddle can be snagged on the front edge and raised from the buffer tube a bit. This is uncommon, but a piece of gorilla tape lives on mine ensuring it doesn’t budge.
Though I never used the two water tight battery compartments (to save weight) I do like the idea and am glad Thordsen utilized the space so efficiently.
Summary
In summary, we all know the most used options for AR Pistol builds. I’m not throwing shade on the others, but I’m going to come right out and say that I prefer this option over Phase 5’s padded tube, the Sig brace, and the Shockwave from KAK industries. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but as the market currently sits, I prefer this option over the others I’ve tried.
