A short-barreled, AR-platform firearm chambered for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge, utilizing a long-stroke or short-stroke gas piston system rather than the traditional direct impingement system, constitutes a specific type of upper receiver assembly. This configuration combines the compact nature of a pistol with the modularity of the AR platform and the enhanced reliability offered by a piston-driven action. An example would be a 10.5-inch barreled upper receiver with a carbine-length gas system and a piston assembly attached to the bolt carrier group. This type of upper is typically paired with an AR pistol lower receiver.
Piston-driven operation offers several advantages, including reduced fouling in the receiver and bolt carrier group, leading to improved reliability and decreased maintenance. This system also typically runs cooler than direct impingement systems, making them more suitable for suppressed fire and high-volume shooting. The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge itself is known for its subsonic capabilities and effective performance in short barrels, making it a suitable choice for close-quarters engagements and suppressed applications. The historical development of this combination of features is driven by the demand for compact, reliable, and powerful firearms for a variety of applications, including home defense and certain professional uses.