There is always a trade off...
The 556/223 pistol certainly is not as effective as a carbine or rifle, but like it’s longer siblings, it still can defeat 3a+ armor, whereas any standard pistol caliber , in handgun or carbine platforms will not....
Just depends on the perceived threat environment.
That said, I don’t carry an AR pistol, but am concerned about armored threats. So I assume I likely will have a failure to stop, and train accordingly.
“So I assume I likely will have a failure to stop, and train accordingly.”
Shoot ‘em in the crotch.
L