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Posted: 3/2/2011 6:20:29 AM EDT
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I've got the fever to build a short, AR pistol with plans to SBR it down the road. I want it short without ballistics suffering too much and cheap ammo. I was eying 300BLK but the ammo prices and availability have pushed me away. I've decided on 9mm. I've thought about getting a nice dedicated 9mm lower but I already have a spare pistol lower. I'm thinking my best (and most affordable) guess is to just use a nice mag-block and go from there. Here's a rundown list of what I'm shooting for:
Mega Lower Spikes Mag Block (good choice?) Inexpensive 9mm upper (thinking RRA but open to suggestions) 7" Handguard 7-8" barrel (I'd prefer the shortest length without being inside the handguard, I know a longer muzzle device could help) I'm a bit confused on the bolt and hammer setups. I don't mind making this a dedicated 9mm rifle and would prefer maximum reliability. Do I need a ramped bolt or a 9mm hammer? Which would you recommend? Where is a good place to source barrels of various lengths? I apologize for the questions that I am sure are asked on a daily basis, I just haven't found these answers I'm looking for. I checked the FAQ but it seems to be a bit disorganized and outdated. |
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Spike's mag block has a good reputation. RRA seems to be the cheapest upper when bought new (PK Firearms) RRA has a 7.5" barrel (Adco and others in the EE stock these complete uppers) Standard bolt? 9mm hammer. Ramped bolt? Any hammer. I haven't seen any conclusive evidence of one being more reliable than the other. Spike's and Adco are your best bet for someone stocking a barrel. I would recommend you shop Adco and PK Firearms for complete uppers. I don't know of any other dealers off hand. |
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If you don't mind a dedicated 9mm lower, I would recommend an actual 9mm lower with the built in magwell. They cost a bit more, but save you from having to buy the mag block. You can even buy a complete 9mm lower with the hammer already installed. Mine has been 100% with quality magazines.
RRA makes good complete 9mm uppers for the money. I have heard good things about Spike's as well. If you think you may want to suppress the gun in the future, look into a Gemtech Talon upper or a 3-Lug barrel also. |
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I have two 9mm AR's, one with a mag well adapter, one dedicated (CMMG). If I had it all to do over again I would just go for the CMMG 9mm dedicated lower and skip the mag adapter all together. Why?
1) Cost Its really not much more for a dedicated CMMG lower than a good mag adapter. (CMMG is much more affordable than the overpriced RRA) 2) Dependability. While many lowers with adapters run fine, some have issues. The dedicated 9mm lowers are much more trouble free. No drama... Now, if you have a pistol lower that is another ball game. Myself I want to do an SBR on one of my lowers and I have to decide which one..... |
| Thanks for the help, I know these questions are very basic and mundane.. I'd prefer to do a dedicated 9mm lower but I already have a spare pistol lower. I like to do things the right way so I guess I should consider just holding out for a dedicated lower and not worry about reliability/conversions. |
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Im in the same boat. I ordered a bunch of parts to build my SBR when I get back home. I got: Spikes tactical upper TROS 5.5" barrel Spikes magwell Spikes 7" omega rail SBR'ed spikes lower magpul ACS stock/grip Eotech XPS so far I need to order a ramped bolt, backup sights and a 3-lug adapter for my Gemtech multimount can. Well, and I have to build it all when I get back of course. |
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Buy a CMMG 9mm bolt that is already ramped from the factory. I have both a ramped and un-ramped bolt and both work well. I am sure the ramped bolt will win out in longevity. Its cheaper to buy the CMMG that is made ramped than to get a RRA that you have to pay to have ramped. Plus, from the pictures I have seen the factory ramping seems like its done a bit nicer.
Shop around but this is one place I found a fair price on the CMMG 9mm bolt: YHM CMMG 9mm ramped bolt |
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