The 360 Precision Recon CQB is a 12.5-inch AR pistol chambered in .223 Wylde, built for shooters who need a compact, high-performance 5.56-capable platform without NFA paperwork. At its core is a 12.5-inch Criterion Core Series chrome-lined barrel — one of the most respected duty-grade barrels in the AR pistol market — paired with a carbine-length gas system that keeps the action smooth and reliable across a wide range of .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition.

The .223 Wylde chamber is not just a 5.56 chamber with a different name. It uses tighter tolerances than a standard 5.56 NATO chamber, which means better accuracy with match-grade ammunition while still safely firing mil-spec 5.56 at full pressure. You get the precision of .223 Remington and the reliability of 5.56 NATO in one chamber.

Built on the same billet 7075-T6 HD15 Gen2 ambidextrous platform used across the entire 360 Precision lineup, the Recon CQB features a TriggerTech AR-15 Duty PVD flat trigger at 3.5 lbs, a Toolcraft DLC-coated BCG with 9310 bolt, a 360 Precision Vector-3 muzzle brake, and an 11.75-inch M-LOK handguard that provides full-length accessory rail space for lights, lasers, and optics. The SBA3 adjustable brace keeps this classified as an AR pistol under federal law, requiring no NFA tax stamp.

Every Recon CQB is machined, assembled, and tested in 360 Precision’s Warminster, PA facility.

Who should buy the Recon CQB?

The Recon CQB is a strong fit if you want:

• A compact .223 Wylde / 5.56 NATO AR pistol that outperforms shorter-barreled alternatives in velocity, terminal ballistics, and reliability.
• A premium duty-grade platform for home defense, law enforcement, or tactical applications where maneuverability and dependability are both non-negotiable.
• A Criterion chrome-lined barrel that delivers accuracy comparable to match-grade stainless while standing up to high round counts and sustained training schedules without degrading.
• A no-NFA AR pistol with full ambidextrous controls, billet construction, and your choice of seven Cerakote or anodized finishes.

If you need a compact 5.56 platform that bridges the gap between a full-length rifle and a sub-12-inch SBR, the Recon CQB occupies that sweet spot.

Why 12.5 inches instead of 10.5 or 11.5?

The 12.5-inch barrel length is a deliberate choice, not a compromise. It represents the point where 5.56 NATO ballistics start to perform meaningfully better than shorter configurations:

• Velocity: The 12.5-inch barrel gains 100 to 200+ fps over a 10.5-inch barrel, which directly improves terminal performance and extends the effective range of both defensive and match ammunition.
• Powder burn: More barrel length means a more complete powder burn. That translates to less muzzle flash, less concussion, and less unburned propellant compared to shorter barrels – all of which matter for indoor use and suppressed shooting.
• Reliability: The 12.5-inch barrel runs a carbine-length gas system rather than the pistol-length gas required on shorter barrels. Carbine gas produces a smoother recoil impulse, less bolt carrier velocity, and less mechanical stress on the action. The result is a more reliable rifle across different ammunition types and conditions.

The trade-off is a few extra inches of length and roughly half a pound of weight compared to a 10.5-inch build. For most shooters, the ballistic and reliability gains far outweigh the marginal size increase.

How does the Recon CQB compare to the Bandit 300 BLK Pistol?

These are the two compact platforms in the 360 Precision lineup, but they serve different roles:

• Recon CQB (.223 Wylde, 12.5″ barrel, $2,020–$2,205): Higher velocity, better long-range terminal performance, wider ammunition availability. The .223 Wylde / 5.56 NATO caliber is effective from close quarters out to 300+ yards. Choose this for general-purpose compact use, duty applications, or if 5.56 / .223 is your primary caliber.
• Bandit 300 BLK (.300 AAC Blackout, 8.3″ barrel, $1,855–$2,040): Purpose-built for suppressed shooting. The .300 Blackout caliber is optimized for short barrels and subsonic ammunition. More compact at 24.25 inches collapsed (vs. 27 inches for the CQB). Choose this for suppressed home defense, subsonic shooting, or if you prioritize maximum compactness.

Both run on the same billet 7075-T6 platform with identical ambi controls, TriggerTech triggers, and Toolcraft BCGs. The decision comes down to caliber and intended use.

How does the Recon CQB compare to the full-size Recon Rifle?

The Recon CQB and Recon Rifle share the same billet platform, trigger, BCG, and ambidextrous controls. The differences are designed around different use cases:

• Recon CQB (12.5″ barrel, AR pistol, $2,020–$2,205): Compact, maneuverable, uses a pistol brace, no NFA. Built around a Criterion CORE chrome-lined barrel. Best for CQB, home defense, and applications where size matters.
• Recon Rifle (16″ barrel, semi-auto rifle, $1,775–$1,975): Full-length, higher velocity, proper rifle stock, midlength gas system. Built around a 416R stainless steel dimpled SPR barrel. Best for all-around use where compactness is not the primary concern.

The CQB trades barrel length (and the velocity that comes with it) for portability. The Recon Rifle trades portability for ballistic performance and a smoother-cycling midlength gas system. If you want the same compact upper without the full rifle purchase, the 12.5-inch complete upper is available separately and drops onto any Mil-Spec lower.

Is the Recon CQB NFA-regulated?

No. The Recon CQB is classified as an AR pistol under federal law because it uses a pistol brace (SBA3) rather than a rifle stock. It does not require a federal NFA tax stamp and ships as a standard firearm transfer through your local FFL, subject to state law. If you want a similar compact platform with a proper rifle stock, the Recon CQB can serve as the foundation for a Form 1 SBR build after ATF approval.