AR-9 pistol that isn't horrible

CodeWarrior1241 · Nov 25, 2018

I'm looking to get an AR 9mm upper that simply works. The only ones I see from retailers is PSA and I'm not looking to do QC for them... I've got a normal AR lower I want to use, and can get Colt magazines and mag insert.

Looking for the most common variant that would have max compatibility with user replaceable parts, specifically BCG etc., so probably straight blowback with a normal charging handle, not side-charger and not some proprietary delayed blowback system. Or is there no such thing as a "common" 9mm BCG?

I have seen Clandestine write in the past that Colt mags are easier to make work on the platform vs Glock mags, so going with that unless this has changed... Can I expect functional bolt lock back on empty mag with a Colt mag and magwell insert?

Is there a reliable go-to people use for a 7"-9" bbl 9mm upper that works out of the box without smithing?

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DaemonAssassin · Nov 25, 2018

The AR-9 world is just as proprietary as the AR-10 world.

StantonCree · Nov 25, 2018

A1Uniform has at least 1 9mm complete original colt upper in stock. It’s SBR/Pistol size. I don’t remember the exact size.

outrider58 · Nov 25, 2018

As far as the upper goes, nothing much needed. Just match a 9mm bolt to your FCG(as in ramped bolt or not). Other than that, put a heavy buffer(7oz or more) and a heavy(AR10) buffer spring in your lower. You be GTG.

teratos · Nov 25, 2018

CodeWarrior1241 said:
I'm looking to get an AR 9mm upper that simply works. The only ones I see from retailers is PSA and I'm not looking to do QC for them... I've got a normal AR lower I want to use, and can get Colt magazines and mag insert.

Looking for the most common variant that would have max compatibility with user replaceable parts, specifically BCG etc., so probably straight blowback with a normal charging handle, not side-charger and not some proprietary delayed blowback system. Or is there no such thing as a "common" 9mm BCG?

I have seen Clandestine write in the past that Colt mags are easier to make work on the platform vs Glock mags, so going with that unless this has changed... Can I expect functional bolt lock back on empty mag with a Colt mag and magwell insert?

Is there a reliable go-to people use for a 7"-9" bbl 9mm upper that works out of the box without smithing?

Sent from my SHIELD Tablet K1 using Tapatalk

I have 2. My first is a Colt pattern lower (DDLES, now QC-10). Has a CMMG bolt, TROS 5” 3-lug barrel - not an option today, I know - AR-10 Tubbs spring, Q9 heavy buffer. SSA-E trigger. Clandestine did his reliability package on it. Never have a problem unless it gets very dirty, then a squirt of oil fixes it.

I have a CMMG Guard bolt/barrel. It is one of those proprietary systems, but it’s CMMG. 8” barrel. It is attached to a Glock 80% lower as a pistol.

Let me tell you why I like the CMMG Guard better. It takes a standard buffer. Standard buffer spring. There is significantly less weight of the gun. Significantly less felt recoil. Significantly less crud in the chamber when shooting because of the delayed blowback. It’s a better system. Period. Been 100% reliable. CMMG is a big company. I don’t think there is a big risk there

TheOriginalMexicanBob · Nov 25, 2018

Check with Olympic Arms...they have a sale going on with complete uppers going for $399. I'm going to get an upper in 10mm to use with my M4 Carbine in .45 ACP. What I don't know is if it's only carbine length uppers on sale or pistol length. Contact them and ask. If they can do it they can ship it straight to you.

http://www.olyarms.com

engineerbrian · Nov 25, 2018

outrider58 said:
As far as the upper goes, nothing much needed. Just match a 9mm bolt to your FCG(as in ramped bolt or not). Other than that, put a heavy buffer(7oz or more) and a heavy(AR10) buffer spring in your lower. You be GTG.

Chad set my 9mm AR up with a Tubbs 308 flate wire buffer spring and a Heavy Buffers, 12.5 ounce buffer. I shoot the gun suppressed most of the time and it cycles subs with no issues :thumbsup:

Rack&Roll · Nov 25, 2018

My PSA proprietary lower that was built out with premium parts by Mark @ Precision Arms has run flawlessly. (Glock mags)

outrider58 · Nov 25, 2018

engineerbrian said:
Chad set my 9mm AR up with a Tubbs 308 flate wire buffer spring and a Heavy Buffers, 12.5 ounce buffer. I shoot the gun suppressed most of the time and it cycles subs with no issues

I've got a couple and I only shoot subs. Never had a problem. I think the trouble starts when people shoot supers through AR9s. I've never tried. I only shoot 147s.

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Mdeng · Nov 25, 2018

StantonCree said:
A1Uniform has at least 1 9mm complete original colt upper in stock. It’s SBR/Pistol size. I don’t remember the exact size.

I second the Colt AR-9 upper from A1 uniform. I purchased one and love it.

Kevmo · Nov 25, 2018

SUB'd cause i'm looking to build a 9mm AR pistol

alucard0822 · Nov 25, 2018

Built a few, typically sticking with the same brand of receivers, bolt and barrel will keep you out of trouble. I like QC10 and outside of a LRBHO that isn't quite 100%, they run well. Have had good luck with Foxtrot Mike too, although had to swap barrels to his "revised" chamber specs to feed 100% with taper crimped ammo(handloads, some FMJ and defensive HP), he sent one for $80 shipped. The FM lower is awesome, only GLOCK mag LRBHO that works 100% with every mag. For Colt mags, Hahn bottom load mag blocks, and KAK blocks may need a small tweak, but run well once set up. Blowback generally will run reliably with very heavy buffers and springs, but you can sometimes get away with lighter weights if you aren't running really hot ammo. I only run a 5.5oz buffer and carbine spring in my 16" PCC match carbine, cycles fast and soft with lighter 9mm. I've run hotter defensive ammo in others, found an 8oz buffer and Tubb spring give better results in my 7" pistol, less gas from the port, less "slap" and good function.

md_al · Nov 25, 2018

I use a 10.5" PSA upper on a AR9 PSA Glock magazine lower. Works well with the Binary trigger... Suppressed or not.

clandestine · Nov 25, 2018

You gonna suppress it?

You building it as a pistol with a brace, carbine, or SBR? EDIT, I see it's going to be a pistol. What buffer setup? Just a tube or Brace?

The most reliable bolt lock is to use a Hahn adaptor (without the Llbolt catch device) and use a Colt long tabbed 9mm bolt catch. Personally I prefer to avoid the bolt catches on 9mm AR's as they tend to take a beating.

What's your budget?

teratos · Nov 25, 2018

clandestine said:
You gonna suppress it?

You building it as a pistol with a brace, carbine, or SBR?

The most reliable bolt lock is to use a Hahn adaptor (without the Llbolt catch device) and use a Colt long tabbed 9mm bolt catch. Personally I prefer to avoid the bolt catches on 9mm AR's as they tend to take a beating.

What's your budget?

I’m going to drop off my CMMG build. You fondle it a while and see how you feel.

clandestine · Nov 25, 2018

teratos said:
I’m going to drop off my CMMG build. You fondle it a while and see how you feel.

Excellent

hodgepodge · Nov 25, 2018

teratos said:
I’m going to drop off my CMMG build. You fondle it a while and see how you feel.

You had him at "fondle it".

clandestine · Nov 25, 2018

hodgepodge said:
You had him at "fondle it".

It's 2018. There is no rules.

teratos · Nov 25, 2018

hodgepodge said:
You had him at "fondle it".

Hahaha. I look forward to clandestine’s opinion. I am his student. He is the master.

CodeWarrior1241 · Nov 26, 2018

OK... Might have to revisit the CMMG delayed blowback option then. Do those typically need smithing as well or are they gtg out of the box?

Looking for this to be a pistol with brace and bbl <10". I own no suppressors at present, but my intent is to have something that can accommodate one and alternatively shoot supersonic 115gr also. Is this realistic, again without a lot of tuning?

Guess bolt hold open is not realistic, shame about that but certainly good to know, thanks Chad!

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AR-9 pistol that isn't horrible

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