The DPMS Firearms 5.56 11.5 M-Lok MOE SBA3 Pistol is a modern, purpose-built AR pistol designed for shooters who want a compact, maneuverable platform without sacrificing reliability or firepower. Chambered in 5.56 NATO with an 11.5-inch barrel, this rifle delivers the versatility of an intermediate cartridge in a truly handheld form factor. The short barrel and carbine-length gas system strike a practical balance—gas is ported early enough to keep reliability high while maintaining a profile small enough for confined spaces, vehicle mounting, or close-quarters engagement. Whether you're setting up a dedicated truck gun, a home-defense AR, or a compact range shooter, this DPMS platform delivers mil-spec quality without the size penalty.
Build quality matters on a pistol you're trusting in urgent situations. The upper receiver is forged 7075-T6 aluminum, hard coat anodized to MIL-SPEC, and includes a forward assist and dust cover—the same durability you'd expect from a rifle-length platform, just more compact. The barrel itself is chrome-moly steel with a phosphate finish, 1/7 twist for modern 5.56 projectiles, and capped with a low-profile M-Lok gas block and A2 flash hider. The bolt carrier is full-auto profile, shot-peened Carpenter 158 steel with hardened gas key and Grade 8 staked fasteners—shooter-proof internals that run when you need them to. The lower is forged 7075-T6 as well and marked MULTI for multi-caliber use.
The controls and ergonomics reflect modern AR thinking. You get a Magpul MOE pistol grip for secure hand placement, an SB Tactical SBA3 stabilizing brace to maximize shootability, and a 6-position buffer tube that lets you dial in length of pull. The DPMS Panther Polished Trigger is a clean, single-stage fire control group—light and predictable. M-Lok mounting across the handguard means you can add lights, lasers, grips, or slings without fuss, and the 10.5-inch rail keeps weight manageable while providing real estate for accessories.
Key Features
- 11.5-inch chrome-moly barrel in 5.56 NATO with 1/7 carbine-length gas system—short, handy, and reliable
- Forged 7075-T6 upper and lower receivers, hard coat anodized to mil-spec durability
- Full-auto profile bolt carrier group with shot-peened Carpenter 158 steel bolt and hardened, staked gas key
- Low-profile gas block and lightweight M-Lok handguard for rail-mounted accessories
- SB Tactical SBA3 stabilizing brace and Magpul MOE grip for ergonomic control
- DPMS Panther Polished Trigger single-stage fire control group
- A2 flash hider to manage muzzle signature and blast
Specifications
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 11.5 inches |
| Barrel Profile | A2 |
| Barrel Material | Chrome-Moly Vanadium Steel |
| Barrel Finish | Phosphate |
| Twist Rate | 1 in 7 |
| Gas System | Carbine Length |
| Gas Block | Low-Profile, .750" Diameter |
| Muzzle Device | A2-style Flash Hider (1/2 x 28 thread) |
| Receiver Material | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Upper/Lower Finish | Hard Coat Anodized |
| Handguard | DPMS 10.5" Lightweight M-Lok |
| Bolt Carrier Profile | Full Auto |
| Bolt Material | Carpenter 158 Steel, Shot-Peened |
| Trigger | DPMS Panther Polished Trigger (PPT), Single-Stage |
| Grip | Magpul MOE, Black |
| Pistol Brace | SB Tactical SBA3 Stabilizing Brace |
| Buffer Tube | 7075-T6 Aluminum, 6-Position Adjustable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 5.56 pistol legal as a pistol, or will I need a brace?
This platform is built with the SB Tactical SBA3 stabilizing brace and is configured as an AR pistol. Laws around braces and pistol configurations change by jurisdiction, so verify local and federal regulations in your area before purchase or use.
What's the practical effective range of an 11.5-inch 5.56 pistol?
The short barrel reduces velocity compared to rifle-length ARs, which limits effective range. This pistol excels in close- to mid-range applications—home defense, truck-gun duty, or confined-space work—rather than distant target shooting. For precise long-range performance, a rifle-length 5.56 is the better choice.
Can I add a light, laser, or other accessories to the M-Lok handguard?
Yes. The DPMS 10.5-inch M-Lok handguard is designed for standard M-Lok rail-mounted accessories, so lights, lasers, grips, and mounts will fit directly without adapters.
What's included with the pistol?
We can only confirm the features listed in the specification table. For details on what ships with the firearm—magazines, documentation, hard case—contact us directly or check the item listing.

