8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

The AR world is constantly evolving—but lately, one platform has been generating serious conversation: the AR-380.

Compact. Lightweight. Low recoil. Affordable to shoot.
The AR-380 is carving out its own lane between traditional 9mm PCCs and full-power rifle calibers.

At Moriarti Armaments, demand for our 8" AR-380 pistols and uppers has surged—and for good reason.

Let’s break down why shooters are paying attention.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

An AR-380 is an AR-style pistol or carbine chambered in .380 ACP, typically built on a compact platform with a short barrel (most commonly 7–8 inches).

While .380 ACP has traditionally been associated with compact handguns, pairing it with the AR platform unlocks surprising advantages:

• Reduced recoil impulse

• Increased stability vs. handgun use

• Improved accuracy at distance

• Lightweight configuration

• Lower cost per round

It’s not trying to replace 5.56.
It’s offering a different mission profile.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

The 8-inch AR-380 configuration is where performance and practicality meet.

Optimized Velocity

An 8" barrel allows .380 ACP to reach more consistent velocities compared to subcompact pistol barrels.

Improved Control

The added weight and brace configuration dramatically reduce muzzle flip.

Compact Footprint

Still highly maneuverable for:

• Range training

• Backpack setups

• Truck gun applications

• Lightweight home defense builds

Suppressor Compatibility

Threaded 8" barrels make it easy to run suppressor-ready configurations (where legal).

Moriarti’s 8" AR-380 pistols and upper assemblies are purpose-built around this balance point.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

Ammo Accessibility

.380 ACP remains widely available and typically more affordable than many rifle calibers.

For high-volume range shooters, that matters.

Low Recoil = Better Training

The soft-shooting nature of .380 in an AR platform makes it ideal for:

• New shooters

• Recoil-sensitive shooters

• Rapid follow-up shot drills

• High round-count range sessions

Less fatigue. More trigger time.

Lightweight Builds

Compared to AR-10s or even standard 5.56 builds, AR-380 platforms can be:

• Slimmer

• Lighter

• Easier to store

• Easier to transport

An 8" AR-380 pistol from Moriarti delivers compact performance without bulk.

Suppressor-Friendly (Where Legal)

.380 ACP performs well in suppressed configurations due to:

• Lower pressure compared to rifle calibers

• Naturally softer report

• Reduced gas blowback in tuned systems

For shooters building compact suppressed setups, AR-380 offers an appealing alternative to 9mm PCCs.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

While 9mm AR platforms dominate the PCC market, AR-380 fills a slightly different niche:

The AR-380 isn’t about maximum power.
It’s about efficiency and shootability.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

At Moriarti Armaments, we build platforms designed for reliability and clean cycling—not gimmicks.

Moriarti 8" AR-380 Pistols

• Compact 8" barrel configuration

• Threaded muzzle

• Durable handguard systems

• Tuned gas systems

• Lightweight, balanced build

Moriarti AR-380 Upper Assemblies

• Drop-in compatibility with mil-spec lowers (where applicable)

• Built for smooth cycling

• Ideal for custom lightweight builds

• Perfect for pistol or SBR configurations (where legal)

Whether you want a complete pistol or just the upper to complete your build, Moriarti offers AR-380 solutions engineered for performance.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

• Range enthusiasts who want low recoil

• Shooters looking for lightweight builds

• Suppressor enthusiasts (legal states)

• Builders who enjoy unique AR configurations

• Those wanting a compact, easy-to-control platform

The AR-380 is not a replacement for your 5.56 rifle.
It’s a complementary tool—optimized for different goals.

8" AR-380 Pistols & Uppers | Moriarti Armaments

The buzz around AR-380 isn’t hype. It’s practicality.

As shooters look for:

• Affordable range options

• Lightweight builds

• Suppressor-ready platforms

• Soft-shooting configurations

The 8" AR-380 pistol platform checks all the boxes.

If you’re ready to build something different—something efficient, compact, and fun to shoot—explore Moriarti Armaments 8" AR-380 pistols and upper assemblies today.

Compact. Smooth. Purpose-built.