Don’t need name recognition, looking for what is considered a good beater. Was looking at the modern materiel as I think their builds are great for the cash but interested in other options. This will be purely for a self defense gun. Doesn’t need to be flashy

Mid tier I'd prob go BCM. Could build out an aero on the cheap.

Home rolled?

Get a good barrel and bcg from criterion, spikes, bcm or dd then finish it with aero parts

BCM

Build it

ok coming back around to this as I have can in hand (hybrid 46) so looking 8" barrel min, was thinking of a Q product or possible DD. I have never built a firearm before, but have worked on plenty of AR's

steve

If you've worked on ARs, you can build one no problem.

Otherwise, DDM4 PDW (pistol)
https://danieldefense.com/ddm4-pdw.html

Nice start:
https://www.kakindustry.com/ar-15-parts/upper-parts/barrels/300-blk/8-0-inch/kak-special-1-5-5r-300-blackout-8-inch-pistol-ss-barrel

I do like the pdw, honey b, virtus. I'm actually considering removing brace completely from virtue and going that route

Build it.

I bought a complete pistol from PSA a good while back for $500.  Does everything I need it to.

BRT gets it

https://blackrivertactical.com/WP/BRT-8-0-OPTIMUM-Hammer-Forged-Chrome-Lined-Barrel-300BLK-PDW-p440556374

1/5 Twist for improved terminal performance of expanding subsonic projectiles. Also provides enhanced stability with long, heavy subsonic projectiles through suppressors.30 Caliber Feed Ramps for reliable feeding of heavy round nose and hollow point expanding subsonic loads.
Gas System tuned for reliable operation in all 4 modes:
Subsonic
Subsonic Suppressed
Supersonic
Supersonic Suppressed
300 BLK Chamber for compatibility with all supersonic and subsonic ammunition. Our multi-step process produces true SAAMI-spec chamber dimensions with excellent concentricity and includes separate operations for throating and chamber polishing.
Hammer Forged for extreme durability and accuracy. Our precision hammer forging process produces an exceptionally straight and smooth bore finish with ideal land and grooves profiles, all of which are key to maintaining accuracy. The forging process also increases hardness and produces beneficial grain flow alignment which improves toughness.
Chrome Lined Chamber and Bore for excellent service life and resistance to corrosion. Our industry leading process was developed specifically to address the unique requirements of precision firearm barrels and includes 5 key improvements to ensure highly uniform and accurate results. This includes an electro-polishing treatment before chrome lining.

Sig Rattler. not the cheapest but the shortest you can get one shooting. 16" and fires folded.

I really like Aero Precision.
I used their lower and parts kit on my build.
Everything fits and operates perfectly.

More info on this short build…