USA Carry
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Maps
  • State Guides
    • A-E
      • Alabama
      • Alaska
      • American Samoa
      • Arizona
      • Arkansas
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Delaware
    • F-J
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
    • K-M
      • Kansas
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Maine
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Mississippi
      • Missouri
      • Montana
    • N-O
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • New Hampshire
      • New Jersey
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Northern Marianas
      • Ohio
      • Oklahoma
      • Oregon
    • P-U
      • Pennsylvania
      • Puerto Rico
      • Rhode Island
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
    • V-Z
      • Vermont
      • Virgin Islands
      • Virginia
      • Washington
      • Washington D.C.
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Maps
  • State Guides
    • A-E
      • Alabama
      • Alaska
      • American Samoa
      • Arizona
      • Arkansas
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Delaware
    • F-J
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
    • K-M
      • Kansas
      • Kentucky
      • Louisiana
      • Maine
      • Maryland
      • Massachusetts
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Mississippi
      • Missouri
      • Montana
    • N-O
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • New Hampshire
      • New Jersey
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Northern Marianas
      • Ohio
      • Oklahoma
      • Oregon
    • P-U
      • Pennsylvania
      • Puerto Rico
      • Rhode Island
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
    • V-Z
      • Vermont
      • Virgin Islands
      • Virginia
      • Washington
      • Washington D.C.
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
USA Carry
No Result
View All Result
  • DAILY GUNS & AMMO DEALS – CLICK HERE!
Home Articles

Convert Any Full-Size Pistol into a Carbine

Ben Findley by Ben Findley
March 26, 2014 - Updated On February 1, 2021
in Articles, Gun Reviews
Reading Time: 7 mins read
SigTac Adaptive Carbine Platform (ACP)

SigTac Adaptive Carbine Platform (ACP)

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Sig Sauer has introduced a simple device to convert ANY full-sized railed pistol (up to a 5-inch barrel) into a carbine… easily, quickly, and inexpensively they say. It is called the SigTac Adaptive Carbine Platform (ACP). The information says it works with a Sig, Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield XD/XDM, 1911 and other full-sized pistols. It certainly sounds inviting, but everything has pros and cons. I wonder if you have a non-Sig pistol with a standard rail will it really fit the ACP and perform well? If you own one of the flagship SIG pistols (e.g. P226, P229, P220) it probably will, but what if you have another Sig or different model pistol? Depending on the controls, safety and de-cocker for your particular pistol design, they might not be easily accessible. I wonder about malfunctions and stoppages with it and if they would be more difficult to clear. Perhaps SIG Sauer will publish a list of compatible models known to work reliably with the ACP or there will be independent, supportive studies.

The Sig ACP is simply a frame into which you lock a pistol to make it a shortened and lightweight version of a full-length rifle. It really is not a true carbine. It seems the intended benefit of this pistol-to-carbine conversion is to have a longer barrel to increase accuracy, stability, and muzzle velocity in a still relatively compact form with the pistol flexibility. Well, does it really enhance accuracy? Perhaps, the added weight of the ACP helps to manage recoil. This may help you bring your gun back on target more quickly than with a pistol alone. An advantage is that you can covert just about any caliber pistol that will fit the ACP, like .22s, 9mm, .40s, and .45s. The Sig adapter is not the first device to convert a pistol to a carbine, but others that exist generally adapt to only a very-limited range of pistols. To my knowledge, SIG is probably the first company that can claim their conversion device is multi-manufacturer friendly. An important consideration is that you must ensure that certain of your configurations and added accessories meet the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATFE), Department of Justice regulations. For example, adding a vertical fore grip to a handgun-based platform MAY create a gun that is regulated under the Gun Control Act of 1968 as an “Any Other Weapon (AOW).” It would seem to this non-legal layman that it may be possible to legally add a fore grip IF it is done the proper way. Be careful and investigate this and other modifications for yourself before making any changes or additions.

Sig says that their ACP is the industry’s first universal, aircraft-grade aluminum pistol to carbine adapter designed to quickly and easily transform virtually any full-size railed pistol into an M1913 accessory customizable carbine platform. Simply slide your pistol into the accessory rail clamp adapter and lock it into place by tightening the rear pin of the clamp assembly they say. To place it into battery, just pull the ACP charging handle.

4-Tighten Rear Adapter on Pistol

 

2-Slide Pistol into Adaptive Clamp Assembly

 

The ACP provides the end user with a specific mission configurable carbine and is available in three configurations by Sig. It is my understanding that they must be purchased from a Sig Dealer, but some claim some third-party dealers sell them.

THREE ACP CONFIGURATIONS Offered By Sig

1.   ACP – STANDARD Comes with the ACP universal pistol rail adapter fitted with a QD sling mount- $279.

ACP-Standard ConfigurationTHE STANDARD ADAPTIVE CARBINE PLATFORM (ACP) allows any handgun with an accessory rail to be quickly modified into a personal defense weapon or carbine style firearm. Regardless of the brand, most pistols equipped with an accessory rail can be mounted to the ACP without the need for modification to the base gun.
ACP will accept most railed guns with barrels up to 5″ in length.

This standard model allows for fast, easy conversion and works with most railed pistols, equipped with a QD sling mount.

Fabricated from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, the ACP sports M1913 rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock
positions with a full-length top rail at the 12 o’clock position. Compatible accessories such as lights, red
dot sights and lasers can be mounted for additional functionality. The ACP brings Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) features to almost any handgun.

Specifications:

  • Length – 14.0 in
  • Width – 2.75 in
  • Height – 5.0 in
  • Weight – 17.0 oz
  • Features – Machined Aircraft Aluminum Housing with M1913 Top Rail and 3 Additional Rails

Not for sale in the State of California. Also available in a LE version with folding stock NFA rules (registered serial numbers, etc.) apply.

2.   ACP – ENHANCED Comes with the ACP universal pistol rail adapter, QD sling mount, MIL-GRADE Mini Red Dot Sight and a single point bungee sling- $399.

ACP-Enhanced-Red Dot Sight and Sling ConfigurationTHE ENHANCED VERSION ADAPTIVE CARBINE PLATFORM (ACP) allows any handgun with an accessory rail to be quickly modified into a personal defense weapon or carbine style firearm. Regardless of the brand, most pistols equipped with an accessory rail can be mounted to the ACP without the need for modification to the base gun. ACP will accept most railed guns with barrels up to 5″ in length.

This enhanced model includes the new SIG SAUER Mini Red Dot Sight, a quick detachable sling swivel and a Single Point Bungee Sling.

Fabricated from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, the ACP sports M1913 rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions with a full-length top rail at the 12 o’clock position. Compatible accessories such as lights, red dot sights and lasers can be mounted for additional functionality. The ACP brings Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) features to almost any handgun.

Specifications:

  • Item Number – ACP-L
  • Length – 14.0 in
  • Width – 2.75 in
  • Height – 7.0 in (w/Mini Red Dot Attached)
  • Weight – 17.3 oz
  • Features – Basic Plus – Red Dot Sight, Quick Detachable Bungee Sling

Not for sale in the State of California. Also available in a LE version with folding stock NFA rules (registered serial numbers, etc.) apply. 

3.   ACP – LE A tactical and law enforcement variant that comes with the ACP universal pistol rail adapter and a folding stock- $399. All NFA rules (NFA registered serial numbers, etc.) apply.

ACP-LE- with Folding Stock ConfigurationThis law enforcement version with the folding shoulder stock may be viewed by the ATFE as being a short barreled rifle (SBR) which means it would have to be registered, you would pay a $200 or so tax stamp fee, and wait six or so months for permission to use it. I would guess that the Standard or Enhanced ACP versions would NOT have to be registered with the ATFE as an SBR, only the LE version as an NFA device. You need to investigate this for your jurisdiction and situation. I wonder if you decide later to use a different pistol with your ACP (given the ATFE definitions of firearm, SBR, pistol, etc.) would you need to register and pay another transfer tax for the second “pistol?”  Probably, since the pistol itself would be registered as the SBR. This would mean that you cannot use any other pistol in the ACP unless you register it also and pay the $200 stamp tax for that other gun. If you decide to sell your pistol, you would then probably have to have it de-listed as an SBR or else it would be transferred to the buyer with a special form and pay the tax, etc. So, is there a valid reason for the time and money expenditures just to get the folding stock version? Not for me, but your call!

THE SIG SAUER® LE ADAPTIVE CARBINE PLATFORM (ACP) allows any handgun with an accessory rail to be quickly modified into a personal defense weapon or carbine style firearm. Regardless of the brand, most pistols equipped with an accessory rail can be mounted to the ACP without the need for modification to the base gun. ACP will accept most railed guns with barrels up to 5″ in length.

NOTE: This National Firearms Act-regulated military/law enforcement model features a top folding shoulder stock. Civilian purchasers must comply with the requirements for registering a short-barreled rifle.

Fabricated from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, the ACP sports M1913 rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions with a full-length top rail at the 12 o’clock position. Compatible accessories such as lights, red dot sights and lasers can be mounted for additional functionality. The ACP brings Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) features to almost any handgun.

Specifications:

  • Item Number – ACP-LE
  • Length with stock folded – 15.0 in
  • Lenght with stock open – 22.0 in
  • Width – 2.75 in
  • Height – 5.0 in
  • Weight – 24.0 oz
  • Features – Basic Plus – Top Folding Stock (NFA Regulated, Civilian purchasers must comply with registering a short-barrel rifle)

Not for sale in the State of California. Sig states that all configurations must be purchased from a Sig Dealer.

SUMMARY 

An interesting new Sig product for you to consider the pros and cons for YOUR use. Undeniably, Sig pistols are quality, well-made pistols and I own several. However, for this adapter product you must ask yourself: What is the optimal utility for me? What will this ACP do for me and my shooting experience? Will the ACP fit and perform well with my particular model pistol? Do you want the advantages and benefits of a carbine with your pistol? If so, are there other options or self-contained small carbines that meet my needs. Am I willing to pay for any added benefits? Have fun exploring this and be safe!

Continued success!

* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever. 
© 2014 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].

Tags: carbineconversionpistol
Ben Findley

Ben Findley

Col. Ben is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services weapons training, Special Ops duty at various bases, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms. He is a Vietnam-era veteran and serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Veterans Foundation of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and for the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor. His doctorate is in business and education and he has served as director of legal affairs for an organization and taught university business law. He is a graduate of two law enforcement academies for civilians. Ben wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” (second printing) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters. His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at [email protected].

Next Post
Femme Fatal Holsters’ Corset Holster Review

Femme Fatals Holsters’ Corset Holster Review

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect with
Login
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Please login to comment
8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Previous Post

6 Self-Defense Tools To Save Your Life

Next Post

Femme Fatals Holsters’ Corset Holster Review

Related Posts

Concealed Carry Expanded: PA and VA Finalize Firearm Reciprocity Agreement
Articles

Concealed Carry Expanded: PA and VA Finalize Firearm Reciprocity Agreement

June 11, 2025
Articles

“People That Want To Kill You Don’t Care About Your Feelings”

June 10, 2025
Masked Gunman Killed by Employee During Attempted Robbery at Sugar’s Crab Shack
Articles

Masked Gunman Killed by Employee During Attempted Robbery at Sugar’s Crab Shack

June 9, 2025
Articles

When Flying With Guns Goes Perfectly [Episode 19] – Spirit Airlines LAS to MSY

June 9, 2025

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

Navigate Site

  • State Guides
  • Maps
  • Articles
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Store
  • Deals
  • Giveaway
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps
  • Concealed Carry Permit Guides By State
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • American Samoa
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Guam
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Northern Marianas
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virgin Islands
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Washington D.C.
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Giveaway
  • Store
  • Daily Deals
  • Contact

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Maps
  • Concealed Carry Permit Guides By State
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • American Samoa
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Guam
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Northern Marianas
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virgin Islands
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Washington D.C.
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Articles
    • Defensive Gun Uses
    • Concealed Carry
    • Gun Reviews
    • Gear Reviews
    • Training
    • Firearm Laws & Litigation
    • CCW For Women
    • General Firearm
    • Open Carry
    • Self-Defense
    • Survival
    • Home Defense
  • Forums
  • Podcast
  • Giveaway
  • Store
  • Daily Deals
  • Contact

© 2025 USA Carry LLC

wpDiscuz
8
0
Join the conversation, please comment.x
()
x
| Reply
You are going to send email to

Move Comment
Gun Deals
Gun.Deals