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Quick Look

The .308 pistol is a compact handgun chambered in the .308 Winchester caliber, originally designed for rifle use. It offers powerful ballistics in a handheld platform, focusing on delivering rifle-level performance at close to medium range. While niche, .308 pistols attract enthusiasts seeking precision and power beyond typical pistol calibers.

Why It's a Top Choice

High stopping power with .308 Winchester cartridge
Suitable for hunting and specialized tactical use
Generally compatible with rifle magazines
Offers versatile platform for customization
Strong recoil requires experienced handling

Key Variants

Pistol Caliber Carbine — Ideal for shooters seeking rifle ergonomics with pistol cartridge power.

AR-10 Pistol — Compact AR-10 style in .308 for tactical applications.

Kel-Tec RFB Pistol — Bullpup design featuring 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 caliber in pistol form.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.308 Pistol	Ar-10 Pistol	Kel-Tec RFB Pistol
MSRP	$1,200–$1,800	$1,400–$1,750	$1,600–$1,900
Capacity / Size	10–20 rounds, compact	10–20 rounds, AR layout	10 rounds, bullpup
Weight	5–7 lbs	6–7.5 lbs	7.5–8.5 lbs
Optics-Ready	Yes, many models	Yes, Picatinny rail	Yes, integrated scope mount
Trigger Type	Single/double action	Single/double action	Striker-fired
Notable Pro	Superior caliber power	Modular AR platform	Compact bullpup layout
Notable Con	Strong recoil, larger size	Heavier weight	Less common parts/support

Best Use Cases

Hunting medium game in confined areas
Home defense with high penetration
Competition requiring precision at moderate range
Range practice with rifle-caliber ballistics
Collecting unique pistol platforms

FAQs

Can I use standard .308 rifle ammo in a .308 pistol?

Yes, most .308 pistols chamber rifle cartridges but verify specs and use loads suited for the shorter barrel length.

What is the typical effective range of a .308 pistol?

Effective range usually spans 100 to 300 yards depending on barrel length and shooter skill.

How does recoil compare to other pistols?

Recoil is significantly stronger than typical pistol calibers due to the .308's power; experienced shooters handle it best.

308 PISTOL for Sale