FoldAR Nano Remnant Review: Best Concealable PDW?

FoldAR impressed me a few years ago with their AR-15 that could fold in half, but still shoot sub-MOA groups. Their new Nano Remnant takes the concealable concept to a whole new level.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of a rifle that can fit in a shoe box, then saddle up. But bring your money bags because this is a premium-grade transformer.

I used an LVPO, red dot, and just over 300 rounds of training and defensive ammo to test the Nano Remnant and find out if it’s worth your hard-earned money. My main goal was to learn if the rifle’s performance was worthy of recommendation.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 9/10

With just over 300 rounds fired, I noted 2 failures to feed early, during zeroing in the first 25 rounds. One was with Wolf ammo, the other with PPU. These were the only malfunctions.

Ergonomics: 7/10

The Nano Remnant loses minor points due to an abbreviated buffer tube, though the controls, grip, and forend all work very well together.

Accuracy: 8/10

Early zeroing groups were sub-MOA, but full groups ranged from 1.5” to just over 2”.

Customization: 8/10

As an AR-15, the FoldAR benefits greatly from an incredible aftermarket as well as customizable options on their website. However, there are some parts that are proprietary and cannot be changed.

Value: 8/10

At $2,800, the Nano Remnant is expensive, even as far as premium AR-15s go. That being said, its performance, in addition to folding down to 11.75”, put this rifle into a unique category.

Overall: 8/10

FoldAR Nano Remnant

$2800at FoldAR

Prices accurate at time of writing

$2800at FoldAR

FoldAR Nano Remnant Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: .300 Blackout
• Overall Length: 23.5” (11.75” folded)
• Barrel Length: 7.5”
• Height: 5.5” (folded)
• Width: 2.75” (Maxim brace)
• Weight: 5 lbs. 15 oz.
• Capacity: 30+1 (or by magazine)
• Country of Origin: USA
• Comes With: Pelican Aegis SXS slingpack,Lancer 10-round magazine

Features

• FAB Defense Folding Grip
• TrueNorth Concepts Gripstop
• Adjustable gas block
• Breek Warhammer Ambi Charging Handle

How I Tested the FoldAR Nano Remnant

I was determined to test the Nano Remnant in a way that revealed its performance while keeping its very intentional design in mind. This is a concealable rifle that either folds up for storage or unfolds to work.

My single-day range session consisted of multiple deployments, pulling the Nano Remnant from the included bag, and firing it. I tested the pistol with three brands and weights of ammunition.

I captured notes on reliability, ergonomics, shooting impulse, and ease of use due to the slightly more complicated nature of fielding this firearm.

Accuracy testing was conducted using a Vortex AMG 1-10x24 LPVO (Elenor), which was zeroed and then fired from a CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vise, shooting prone at 100 yards.

I later removed this and installed a Vortex Crossfire II for simplified testing, which included range drills, shooting steel targets, and working from a VTAC Barricade.

The weather was mostly sunny, in the 90s, with some clouds. In addition to the included Lancer 10-round magazine, I used a variety of commonly available AR-15 magazines.

Round Count & Reliability Testing

Because the Remnant arrived in the 7.5” 300BLK version (it’s also available in a 7.5” 5.56mm), I used just over 300 rounds to test reliability. For the test, I selected AAC 110gr V-Max, PPU 125gr HP BT, and Wolf 145gr FMJ.

Much of the testing was conducted using the included Lancer 10-round magazine. This was due to the size requirements of getting it in and out of its concealing slingpack.

However, additional commonly available 30-round magazines were used to test cycling and performance. These included MFT, Hexmag, Magpul, and Lancer.

Accuracy Testing

Accuracy testing was completed with a Vortex AMG 1-10x24 LPVO, shooting prone, using a CTK Precision P3 Ultimate Gun Vise. I first zeroed the optic at 25 yards before setting up at the 100-yard mark.

I initially fired three-shot groups and adjusted my zero at 100 yards. Once established, I fired 5-shot groups using AAC V-Max 110gr.

Range Testing the FoldAR Nano Remnant: Accuracy & Reliability

It’s easy to get confused when testing a firearm like this. It’s technically an AR pistol, and has a shorter barrel than some actual handguns I’ve fired.

Regardless of its diminutive size, it is designed to have an effective range of 250-350 meters. While I didn’t have any match ammunition for the lineup, I used a variety of weights to get a range of performance.

With the Vortex AMG 1-10 LPVO mounted, I placed the Remnant in a gun rest and fired some groups while shooting prone. My first three shots lined up nicely at 1.09”.

Still adjusting zero, I shot a second 3-shot group and was rewarded with a 1.83” group. This was encouraging, so I made my final inputs on the optic and shot a group to confirm, netting a .91” group.

Feeling fairly confident, I began shooting 5-shot groups. My first effort started well with three close, then two drifted, giving me a 2.3” group.

Focusing again, I managed a 1.3” group of five. All accuracy was tested using the AAC 110gr V-Max, and the average result convinced me that the Remnant is very accurate, though sometimes I am not.

The next objective was to find out the velocities I could expect from a variety of ammunition. Using the Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, I tested AAC, Wolf, and PPU.

Shooting five shots each, the ammunition’s speed correlated with bullet weight, as I would have expected. In essence, heavier weights were slower while lighter weights were faster.

During velocity testing, two feed failures were noted. Both were within the first 25 rounds. One was with Wolf, the other with PPU. These cleared with an immediate action drill and did not happen again.

Besides accuracy and reliability, I tested a number of other qualities on the Remnant. First off was ease of retrieval and deployment.

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Drawing the firearm from the bag is pretty straightforward. The Pelican slingbag is sturdy and has chunky zippers that can be ripped open.

Pulling the collapsed Remnant out, you first must break the forend away from the docking tab it sticks to on the rear of the receiver. However, there is a bit of a catch here.

Because the bolt face of the BCG actually sticks out of the folded portion, you have to pull back on the charging handle in order to close the Remnant. When the barrel extension and star chamber are mated to the upper receiver, you can release the bolt, close the hook, and secure the lever.

This takes a little bit of practice to get used to, but you’re doing a couple of things at the same time. Additionally, you have to be careful not to pinch your fingers when closing the locking lever. Ask me how I know!

This action is the secret to FoldAR’s repeatable accuracy, so it needs to be pretty stiff to handle the chamber pressures. Once you’ve gotten down the basics, you can practice to improve your deployment speed, bringing it down to a handful of seconds.

With the previous FoldAR I tested, this would have completed the transformation, and you’d be ready to shoot. Not so with the Nano Remnant, it’s like a micro-ninja, all that compressed coolness requires a little more deployment.

Next, you must pull out the Maxim Defense pistol brace that is tucked away neatly and then lock in the FAB Defense folding grip. Run the charging handle, and you’re able to begin firing.

As an occasional competitor, I get the concept of economy of motion. This may seem like a lot, but streamlined, it only takes a few seconds to get the Remnant out and shooting.

You’re not going to beat anyone from a draw, but that’s not its intended design. The Remnant is more about having great capability tucked away in a manner that doesn’t make anyone needlessly nervous.

FoldAR champions the Nano Remnant as a great option for school resource officers. You can see the appeal of a uniformed officer around children without an obviously slung rifle, but the longer ranged protective capability is there all the same.

Two other observations were noteworthy. With a 7.5” barrel in 300BLK, the unsuppressed Remnant is pretty spicy as far as its report. While it wasn’t bad for me, it gave our videographer’s Shell Shock ear pro a run for its money.

Recoil is naturally a bit stiffer than that of a 5.56mm, but it's the trade-off for moving up to a .30-caliber. These both tamed significantly when I threaded on a Dead Air RXD30Ti suppressor.

FoldAR Nano Remnant Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

Overall ergonomics are very interesting on the Remnant. This is a gun designed to shrink away when it's not being used, so there are some trade-offs.

First, depending on the optic used, you may or may not have cheek weld. This is because the Maxim Defense brace leaves a gap between it and the short buffer tube.

In spite of this, I had zero problem hitting any target from 100 yards and in. Another result of this setup is extra gas and debris deposits on your face from the hole in the buffer tube.

On the forend, there really isn’t a great deal of room because of the 7.5” barrel. The True North Concepts Gripstop works well and provides adequate protection for your support hand, but you are right on the muzzle device.

Finally, the last observation came a couple days after the shoot. The Maxim Defense collapsing pistol brace has a hard rubber end, and shouldering it bruised my collarbone nicely.

I understand it was not designed for this use, but I test firearms how you would shoot them. I’d sincerely recommend getting a short-barreled rifle version.

I’d like to also point out that FoldAR carefully chose the accessories they used on the Remnant. None of them feels cheap, and they should last a long time.

Grip

The FAB Defense grip is a hard plastic style with three molded finger grooves similar to a Hogue. It's comfortable, folds neatly out of the way with a push of the side button, and locks into place easily.

Trigger

FoldAR includes a nickel-match PTFE single-stage trigger. It broke crisply at an average of 3 pounds 5.6 ounces on a Lyman Digital trigger gauge. Reset was tactile and audible.

Controls

Controls are pretty standard. On the left side are the fire control and bolt catch/release. The right is adorned with the usual magazine release you’d expect.

The Breek Warhammer charging handle is a nice upgrade from Milspec. It’s ambidextrous, and a good size that isn’t so big it hangs up on things.

The Remnant has other controls, such as the release on the Maxim Defense brace. There is also a button on the FAB Defense grip that allows it to fold. It also features an adjustable gas block.

FoldAR Nano Remnant Downsides

I experienced only a few minor issues during testing, and one involved the gas block. Keeping in mind that 300BLK tends to run a bit dirtier than 5.56mm, I was still a bit surprised to notice my left palm getting dirty.

This was repeated later in a glove I wore, and it could have only been the gas block. While inconvenient, it’s certainly not a deal breaker.

Another observation came from the shortened buffer tube. There’s a tiny hole at the end of the short buffer tube that is situated right on your cheek when you shoot.

Over time, this hole blackened a section of my beard. Although the look was quite rakish, I didn’t like the gases and debris collecting on my face.

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Who Should Buy the FoldAR Nano Remnant

The design of this firearm lends itself to a somewhat limited segment of shooters. Hunting or competitive avenues would be a stretch or outright misuse. You don’t take a Corvette to the mud bog.

No, the Remnant is designed to be stored in a small package, potentially on your person, and deployed in emergency defense of life. The obvious audience here is law enforcement.

That said, many law enforcement applications are also beneficial in defending the home and hearth. Here, the Remnant shines if you’ve got the coin to spend.

Keep in mind, the Remnant represents a significant increase in firepower, compared to a pistol, in a slightly larger package.

Upgrades & Accessories for FoldAR Nano Remnant

With a firearm this noisy, you definitely need some hearing protection to prevent hearing loss. We choose Shell Shock because we tested and developed it to our specifications!

ShellShock EXO Pro Elite

$119at ShellShock

Prices accurate at time of writing

$119at ShellShock

Dead Air makes great suppressors and we used their RXD30Ti to tame the .300BLK in the Remnant. This can is lightweight and does a good job of knocking down sound and recoil without too much gas in your face.

Dead Air RXD30Ti

$894at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$894at Guns.com

Silencer Central (See Price)

Palmetto State Armory (See Price)

What if you spent too much on a firearm but still need a quality red dot with your remaining money? Look no further than the Vortex Crossfire 2!

Vortex Crossfire 2 Red Dot

$120at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$120at OpticsPlanet

Primary Arms (See Price)

Palmetto State Armory (See Price)

FoldAR Nano Remnant

$2800at FoldAR

Prices accurate at time of writing

$2800at FoldAR

Final Verdict

FoldAR makes great rifles that are accurate and reliable. They also fold into small packages, making them easier to conceal.

Compared to the original full-sized FoldAR we tested, the Remnant is even more specialized. Ergonomics takes a minor hit due to the parts used, but it is negligible compared to its performance.

Sub-MOA accuracy, solid reliability, and quality components abound on the Remnant. I’m hard-pressed to think of any firearms that can do all of this, from a 11.75” folded start.

So to answer the primary question, yes! The FoldAR Nano Remnant truly is the best concealable PDW.

Meet the Experts

At the helm of this review was Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis. Sean has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications, evaluating and testing guns and gear, and has written hundreds of articles. Finally, Sean is the author and presenter of the Gun Noob: AR-15 series.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Will you be picking up a Nano Remnant? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check out our review of the full-size FoldAR!