I'm starting to think about a new AR project involving a SBR that will fit in the smallest possible envelope and picture this as being an 11.5" upper with a side folding stock.  Oboviously this will have to involve some other technology than the standard recoil spring design, and I have a sense that the gas piston-driven upper is what I should be looking at.

I've been playing with ARs for some time and have a couple of M16s as well, but have only the dimmest idea about this kind of design that would allow a side-folding stock, not having paid any attention to this kind of AR before.  I've got the registered SBR receiver and a Gemtech suppressor to add to the mix if it gets off the ground.  I'm especially interested in the suppressor angle and avoiding the face full of gas effect I currently get (and yes, I have one of the gas buster charging handles, too).

Can anybody supply a link or other information as a departure point for this fold-up, suppressed AR project?  

Many thanks in advance for news, views, advice or warnings on this subject.

The only side-folding AR15 design I am aware of is the Ares Shrike. It uses piston technology, and offers a drop in option or a full-on belt fed number (holds-breath)

Un-folded view

LINK

And what is the total cost on that beauty? (the shrike)

ZM Weapons is not a piston design, but it permits folding stocks.

OA-98, IIRC, is a piston design, and allows folding stocks.

Quoted: And what is the total cost on that beauty? (the shrike)

I think they sell the drop in piston conversion for $400, the complete Shrike @ around $3,000-$5,000 depending on your place in line (IIRC)

THE FACT THAT AN AR HAS A PISTON IS IRRELEVANT TO WHETHER OR NOT IT CAN BE MADE INTO A FOLDER.

The gas system is NOT what keeps the stock from folding.  

IT'S THE BUFFER AND RECOIL SPRING.

You need a way to move the recoil spring into the upper receiver.  That move does not require a piston.

Youc ould always go with a ZM Weapons rifle but its not piston.
www.zmweapons.com/index.htm

These are not mine, just pictures I found while researching the idea.

Quoted: The only side-folding AR15 design I am aware of is the Ares Shrike. It uses piston technology, and offers a drop in option or a full-on belt fed number (holds-breath) Un-folded view LINK img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/redfisher19/Shrike-SC-001Small.jpg

I think we should stick to existing products.......

Quoted: These are not mine, just pictures I found while researching the idea. 209.200.17.142/images/zm300-1.JPG 209.200.17.142/images/zm300-2.JPG 209.200.17.142/images/zm300-4.JPG 209.200.17.142/images/zm300-3.JPG

looks like an AR-FNC

that first one appears to have one of the old blooming vortex FHs...