Just like handguns, AR pistol manufacturers have been trying to figure out how to make their guns smaller and more compact for years now. One company took compact to a whole new level and may very well be changing the way we look at AR pistols again. That company is FoldAR. Owned and operated by Corby Hall, who is no newcomer to designing guns having helped LWRCI design it’s REPR in 2005. He also had a hand in the Daniel Defense DD5 in 2011.
The FoldAR Pistol Just Got MoBetta with a Quick-Change Barrel System
Update from the Editor:
The FoldAR gets an upgrade that shooters will appreciate—a new takedown pin that allows quick change between calibers. The new MoBetta Whatchacaw quick-change barrel system accommodates all AR-15 applications and allows users to quickly switch between calibers and barrel lengths.
The new barrel system is available on all FoldAR models allowing them to switch between 9-inch, 12.5-inch, and 16-inch barrels easily. Likewise, the system allows for fast caliber changes between 5.56×45 NATO and .300 AAC Blackout on all barrel lengths. However, the 16-inch barrel can also utilize 6.5 Grendel.
Although FoldAR remains a non-NFA pistol, if you attach a barrel system less than 16-inches, you will want to ensure you have a pistol brace installed in place of a buttstock. This will ensure that your firearm remains NFA-compliant and will not require an SBR tax stamp.
As of now, the updated FoldAR MoBetta pistols are only available as complete firearms. However, beginning January 1st, 2023, stand-alone Whatchacaw add-on barrel systems will be available. But the barrel systems will only be available to customers who have purchased (or are purchasing) a 2023 MoBetta complete firearm.
FoldAR Pistol Details
FoldAR is a veteran owned and operated company, and all parts are proudly built in the USA. The company manufactures many of its own components and is currently offering its designs in a bi-fold pistol configuration as well as a single-fold rifle configuration. Both come offered in .223/5.56 or .300 Blackout configurations. I got my hands on the pistol chambered in 223/556 for testing.
The pistol looks like pretty much any other AR pistol during firing, but it folds down to just over 10 inches total length and fits right into a tiny sling-style backpack for deep concealment and simple transportation. The pistol brings an MSRP of $2,399, which is a bit on the higher side in today’s market but not terrible considering what you are getting.
To fold the pistol, all you have to do is press a little steel button on the bottom of the brace to fold the brace in and pull the tab on the side of the rail to open the locking lever hook assembly. This unlocks the barrel and rail from the rest of the upper and allows it to swing over and lock, using a little locking lug that fits into a hole in the rail. It only takes a matter of seconds to open or close. The pistol also features a modified and shortened bolt carrier group to accommodate the folding abilities of the brace. I know what you are thinking, does it run? The answer is simple, hell yeah it runs.
Running the FoldAR Pistol
Shooting the FoldAR feels like shooting any other AR Pistol really. I was able to get around 500 rounds through it during testing with two malfunctions. Some garbage .223 reloaded ammo I found caused both malfunctions. I found that it had issues in two other ARs I tried it in as well. I love the fact you can lock the bolt back and keep the pistol in the backpack with a full 20 round magazine loaded. Then when you deploy it, all you need to do is drop the bolt and you have a round chambered. If you are looking for a fantastic vehicle gun that can easily be concealed in a backpack, that will also pique the curiosity of any gun nut, look no further than foldar.com.
FoldAR Pistol Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde (5.56 NATO & .223 Rem)
- Barrel Length: 9 inches
- Overall Length: 25-3/4 inches (unfolded)
- Folded Length: 10-3/4 inches
- Folded Width: 5-3/4 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
- Gas block: Fully Adjustable (.750-inch Diameter)
- Barrel Twist: 1:7
- Muzzle Device: A2 Compensator 1/2″-28
- Muzzle Thread Pitch: 1/2″-28
- Barrel Material & Coating: 4150 Alloy Steel – QPQ “Melonite” Black Nitride
- Bolt Carrier Group: Modified (Shortened) Mil-Spec (MPI-Tested Bolt) – Black Nitride
- Trigger: ALG Defense QMS
- Rail Configuration: Magpul M-Lok
- Special Features: SHUT Upper-Lower Locking Hinge
- Lower Receiver: FoldAR – FLDR15
