User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 1/11/2024 9:21:15 PM EDT
Building a shorty upper for my SBR. I only want to use endomags since this will get swapped out pretty regular until I SBR another lower.
Can’t decide if I want to build a RDB, blowback, or get one of these BRN/Matador’s. Are the foxtrot mikes with side charger worth a fuck or crap like some of their other stuff? Just need it to work with endo’s. |
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 1/11/2024 9:30:44 PM EDT
[#1]
Bear in mind there are two different types of EndoMags.
One with the built in ejector to be used with straight blowback setups. I don't like that version since you must have the mag inserted to clear a live round. The ejectorless EndoMag version relies on the ejector in the upper which would be 3 different uppers I know of: 1. CMMG RDB 2. MEAN Arms bearing delay 3. Angstadt MDP-9 Roller delay |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/12/2024 8:42:59 AM EDT
[#2]
If it's a 5.56 SBR lower, a standard blowback upper is the cheapest option, but will require a buffer swap, too. Just the buffer - the carbine spring is fine. This is by far the most "universal" buffer I've found for any 9mm upper: https://kakindustry.com/9mm-carbine-buffer-extended-gold-top
The FM blowback stuff isn't really crap - they recently updated their barrel feed cones so they feed better than before. It's not as good as the Mat-9, Macon Armory, or Aero/BA EPC feed cone, but it's an improvement. The only things IMHO that should be discarded immediately are their buffer and recoil spring. I bought one of their stripped aluminum lowers as a test platform and it runs well. I have a Matador Mat-9 upper I'll be testing soon. Reports are that they work, AND you don't need to worry about swapping buffers when you swap uppers since it's all one self-contained unit. Their feed cone (funnel shaped barrel face bevel that leads into the chamber) is excellent and should feed practically anything. Building an RDB upper is a good choice, too. As Amphibian mentioned, they use the ejectorless endomags since the ejector is in the bolt. Again, no buffer swap needed. ...and Mean arms has their new Exomags on pre-order (I have one on order for testing) that's a complete mag without needing to install a kit in a Pmag. |
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 1/12/2024 9:56:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: networkguru]
[#3]
I havefollowed many of the AR9 threads and the testing.
There is a lot of good testing here to read about. But so far I still only have a 8" blowback upper. Barrel is a cheap combat armory version. I polished the feed cone. It has been 100%, never a glitch. The upper receiver is a gibbz side charger that I got to reduce supressor blowback. Blowback still sucks. I have run standard carbine spring and a YHM 9mm buffer. The also worked for .223 but not 100% on last round lockback. I got a AR stoner 9mm buffer that is heavier and longer. Supressor blowback still sucks. .223 upper jams with that buffer. Too long. I have one ejector endomag. I am very happy with it. It has performed perfectly for ~1000rds. I would prefer the version without the ejector due to the safety factor but until I can find a 100% reliable "delayed" upper, I will stick with what I have. I love AR9's. In the meantime, I just SBR'd a AP5 to play with. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/12/2024 10:00:57 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Droppoint: If it's a 5.56 SBR lower, a standard blowback upper is the cheapest option, but will require a buffer swap, too. Just the buffer - the carbine spring is fine. This is by far the most "universal" buffer I've found for any 9mm upper: https://kakindustry.com/9mm-carbine-buffer-extended-gold-top The FM blowback stuff isn't really crap - they recently updated their barrel feed cones so they feed better than before. It's not as good as the Mat-9, Macon Armory, or Aero/BA EPC feed cone, but it's an improvement. The only things IMHO that should be discarded immediately are their buffer and recoil spring. I bought one of their stripped aluminum lowers as a test platform and it runs well. I have a Matador Mat-9 upper I'll be testing soon. Reports are that they work, AND you don't need to worry about swapping buffers when you swap uppers since it's all one self-contained unit. Their feed cone (funnel shaped barrel face bevel that leads into the chamber) is excellent and should feed practically anything. Building an RDB upper is a good choice, too. As Amphibian mentioned, they use the ejectorless endomags since the ejector is in the bolt. Again, no buffer swap needed. ...and Mean arms has their new Exomags on pre-order (I have one on order for testing) that's a complete mag without needing to install a kit in a Pmag. Yeah I’ve built several 9mm’s before, all blowback, but all with colt style lowers. I’ve had a few of Rudy’s barrels before as well. My 300 lower is already running a 9mm buffer incidentally enough, since adding a KX5 on it, added back pressure allows it to run perfectly with one. Thanks for the insight! So much has come on the market since my last 9mm AR. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/12/2024 10:02:38 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By networkguru: I havefollowed many of the AR9 threads and the testing. There is a lot of good testing here to read about. But so far I still only have a 8" blowback upper. Barrel is a cheap combat armory version. I polished the feed cone. It has been 100%, never a glitch. The upper receiver is a gibbz side charger that I got to reduce supressor blowback. Blowback still sucks. I have run standard carbine spring and a YHM 9mm buffer. The also worked for .223 but not 100% on last round lockback. I got a AR stoner 9mm buffer that is heavier and longer. Supressor blowback still sucks. .223 upper jams with that buffer. Too long. I have one ejector endomag. I am very happy with it. It has performed perfectly for ~1000rds. I would prefer the version without the ejector due to the safety factor but until I can find a 100% reliable "delayed" upper, I will stick with what I have. I love AR9's. In the meantime, I just SBR'd a AP5 to play with. Yeah the ejector in the mag is offputting. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2024 12:16:21 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Mad-Machinist]
[#6]
Sample size of one.....but the one I have (CMMG RDB) continiously allows about 3 rounds to go nose down in the mag after firing a couple of rounds producing a rather aggrivating stoppage. . Called Mean and asked if I could ride up for a visit and show what is happening.....was told they didn't allow visitors.....three months ago and still waiting for a call from their engineer.....
|
|
|
|
PA, USA
|
Posted: 1/23/2024 6:12:07 PM EDT
[#7]
I tried Endomags back in the day & they were junk. Stern AD9 for me now
|
|
|
MN, USA
|
Posted: 1/23/2024 6:59:38 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RangeToy: I tried Endomags back in the day & they were junk. Stern AD9 for me now How far back and junk in what way? I have been using Endo's in my blowback 9 for about 4 years and they have been 100%. |
|
|
PA, USA
|
Posted: 1/23/2024 8:22:40 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By s4s4u: How far back and junk in what way? I have been using Endo's in my blowback 9 for about 4 years and they have been 100%. A couple years ago. I had 1 destroy a PMAG. My biggest problem is the company told me to F off and refused to even look at anything. Forget about admit they had a defective product etc. They are scumbags. I had to do a chargeback on them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/23/2024 8:39:53 PM EDT
[#10]
Well it looks like I’m picking up a Colt mag lower pistol build from the EE offer guy locally after all. I’m still going to pick up a few Endo mags to try the upper on my SBR lower but I will likely just go ahead and stamp this lower. I do like colt mags and anything is better than a Glock mag in these things.
|
|
|
|
WA, USA
|
Posted: 1/28/2024 8:02:59 PM EDT
[#11]
my mean mags work fine, but wish there was a mag loader for them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/31/2024 6:50:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FishKepr]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Atropian_Defector: Yeah the ejector in the mag is offputting. I went with RDB and that was a major factor. 1) Too programmed to remove a mag and cycle the action. 2) Potential wear on the plastic ejector. No failures at all so far with the Mean/CMMG magazine inserts. |
|
|
|
MI, USA
|
Posted: 2/7/2024 11:20:11 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Stoney: my mean mags work fine, but wish there was a mag loader for them. I have no personal experience; but from looking at the photos, it appears that a Blind Squirrel Enterprises mag loader might also work for loading Endomags. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with or financial interest in any vendor or manufacturer. I am not a competitive shooter or a blogger who receives any form of compensation or sponsorship for endorsements, or favorable public or private comments. I do not have a website, podcasts, webinars, or online videos; or books/magazine articles. Use of vendor and/or product brand names, if any, is for informational purposes only; and products or services were purchased by me from regular commercial sources. Best of luck. MHO, YMMV, etc. Be well. |
|
|
LA, USA
|
Posted: 5/13/2024 1:00:12 PM EDT
[#14]
Ive had no problems with mean arms. When I converted to RDB, they offered to swap out all of my endomag inserts for the ejectorless version. I didn't want to wait, so I modified the ones I had.
They've been rock solid and have been the most reliable in terms of feeding. |
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/14/2024 11:17:22 AM EDT
[#15]
This is just my experience but the endomags mimic a side by side presentation to the chamber. Your bolt must be Colt compatible. I realize there's not many of these out there but I had a JP bolt that was "glock cut only". It did not play well with the endomags. I sold the JP stuff and have since found another bolt that is a hybrid I believe. For as much as I've shot it (which isn't much) it works fine.
|
|
|
AK, USA
|
Posted: 5/14/2024 11:54:45 AM EDT
[#16]
I have some endos. They cost almost nothing - buy one and try it out. I was really excited to move away from a mag block, be able to use AR mag holders, etc, etc.
But I quickly went back to Colt SMG mags and my Hahn top-insert block. The safety issue is no joke. |
|
|
MI, USA
|
Posted: 5/14/2024 1:25:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By s4s4u: How far back and junk in what way? I have been using Endo's in my blowback 9 for about 4 years and they have been 100%. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By s4s4u: Originally Posted By RangeToy: I tried Endomags back in the day & they were junk. Stern AD9 for me now How far back and junk in what way? I have been using Endo's in my blowback 9 for about 4 years and they have been 100%. Been running a Gen3 PSA for about 4 years and endo's have been flawless ymmv |
|
|
WA, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 1:49:10 PM EDT
[#18]
i like endo's, but they are hard to load. i keep trying different things to make them easier.
|
|
|
MI, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 3:44:08 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Stoney: i like endo's, but they are hard to load. i keep trying different things to make them easier. If MEAN Arms made a mag loader, IKEA stock would probably nose dive as all the table tops that now get smashed by Endomag users "mortaring" the last ten rounds into their EndoMags would no longer need replacing. But seriously, have you tried a Blind Squirrel Enterprises mag loader with a ~5/16 in. thick spacer fastened in the back of the inside of the loader to position the push stud for pushing down the cartridges effectively into Endomags? And, as others have noted, the potential for a live round being left chambered is a real concern with Endomags; and is shared with Blind Squirrel Enterprises adapters as well as. Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with or financial interest in any vendor or manufacturer. I am not a competitive shooter or a blogger who receives any form of compensation or sponsorship for endorsements, or favorable public or private comments. I do not have a website, podcasts, webinars, or online videos; or books/magazine articles. Use of vendor and/or product brand names, if any, is for informational purposes only; and products or services were purchased by me from regular commercial sources. Best of luck. MHO, YMMV, etc. Be well. |
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 3:59:07 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Stoney: i like endo's, but they are hard to load. i keep trying different things to make them easier. |
|
|
MI, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 6:29:58 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By amphibian: As with just about any double feed mag, you can easily 'bump' load Endomags. With very little force applied to the round on top, bump the base of the mag on a bench and they easily load. As someone with arthritis and physical damage to my shoulders, I find this comment unhelpful, condescending, rude, and insensitive. MHO, YMMV, etc. |
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 7:07:27 PM EDT
[Last Edit: amphibian]
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SecondAmend: As someone with arthritis and physical damage to my shoulders, I find this comment unhelpful, condescending, rude, and insensitive. MHO, YMMV, etc. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SecondAmend: Originally Posted By amphibian: As with just about any double feed mag, you can easily 'bump' load Endomags. With very little force applied to the round on top, bump the base of the mag on a bench and they easily load. As someone with arthritis and physical damage to my shoulders, I find this comment unhelpful, condescending, rude, and insensitive. MHO, YMMV, etc. This is the Internet, I cannot see what your physical condition is. How many times people say to do something with their right or left hand and I'm sure some people reading those instructions may not have use of either hand. I don't think anyone is trying to offend anyone that is handicapped in any way. Does that mean everyone has to preface every instruction to accommodate everyone's medical conditions first these days?? I also have several mag loaders and I personally find the bump method requires less effort than using many mag loaders on the market. It is an OPTION, one that people can use or discard. Also an option that does not cost anything. |
|
|
MN, USA
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 9:52:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: s4s4u]
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SecondAmend: As someone with arthritis and physical damage to my shoulders, I find this comment unhelpful, condescending, rude, and insensitive. MHO, YMMV, etc. Huh?!? Dafuq does your physical condition have to do with it? It takes no more energy to bump a mag than it does to press the trigger. I was going to suggest the exact same thing. Bump 'em 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/19/2024 10:14:54 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SecondAmend: As someone with arthritis and physical damage to my shoulders, I find this comment unhelpful, condescending, rude, and insensitive. MHO, YMMV, etc. Holy Snowflake alert! I ended up with colt mags anways, helps that there's a lula that works for them 
|
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 5/20/2024 3:03:17 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By amphibian: Does that mean everyone has to preface every instruction to accommodate everyone's medical conditions first these days?? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By amphibian: Does that mean everyone has to preface every instruction to accommodate everyone's medical conditions first these days?? Originally Posted By SecondAmend: MHO, YMMV, etc. |
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 5/20/2024 3:16:20 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CJofFL: Hmmm, perhaps we need to consider using some type of all encompassing 'signing off' at the end of all our posts?!? I dunno, maybe something like... Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CJofFL: Originally Posted By amphibian: Does that mean everyone has to preface every instruction to accommodate everyone's medical conditions first these days?? Originally Posted By SecondAmend: MHO, YMMV, etc. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/20/2024 3:37:18 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Atropian_Defector: ... I ended up with colt mags anways, helps that there's a lula that works for them The only thing I don't like about Kaw Valley is the 1/2x36 threading they use. |
|
|
|
MN, USA
|
Posted: 5/20/2024 4:06:20 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CJofFL: Hmmm, perhaps we need to consider using some type of all encompassing 'signing off' at the end of all our posts?!? I dunno, maybe something like... A comment deserving of a  |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/21/2024 10:37:45 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Mad-Machinist: Sample size of one.....but the one I have (CMMG RDB) continiously allows about 3 rounds to go nose down in the mag after firing a couple of rounds producing a rather aggrivating stoppage. . Called Mean and asked if I could ride up for a visit and show what is happening.....was told they didn't allow visitors.....three months ago and still waiting for a call from their engineer..... Same. I emailed them pictures and after several back and fourths suggestions that didn't help they asked me to take a video. Junked them and went to Metalform colt mags. |
|
|
|
WA, USA
|
Posted: 5/26/2024 3:13:01 PM EDT
[#30]
Blind Squirrel Enterprises don't work, it might if it was 1/4" more to the front and 1/4" deeper.
|
|
|
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
