Chances are you have a Glock or might buy one down the road.
It’d be nice to have a carbine that shares both ammo and mags right?
And how about something that might be already familiar to you in the ergonomics and function of the AR-15?
Boom!
The AR-9 was born and has taken over the market ever since.
Let’s go over why they make sense and then a couple of our favorites.
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Why Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) AR-9s?
I probably already spoiled it above…
But it simply makes sense to have both your long gun and sidearm in the same caliber and magazine. Especially if you aren’t looking to expand your collection past a few firearms or are looking primarily at home defense.
Plus, we love our Glocks (Best Glock Models) and our AR-15s (AR-15 Buyer’s Guide).
And as opposed to handguns which take a lot more skill and training to shoot well…you have many more points of contact and a longer sight radius in a PCC.
Plus, with pistol-braced variants, you can have everything in a shorter package without sacrificing much.
That shorter length also allows you to add a suppressor, and since it’s an AR…endless upgrades.
AR-15 & AR-9 Parts Compatibility
A big question that comes up…how much of an existing AR-15 can you keep?
Most things are the same…but you’ll see a big difference in lowers.
First is the ejector:
And also a different magwell to handle Glock (or other pistol mags).
Also, on the lower is a different magazine catch style that I actually prefer to standard AR-15s. Different manufacturers will differ slightly…but it’s a larger/longer catch.
On the upper, you’ll have a different bolt for your specific pistol caliber that’s simpler due to most guns being direct blowback. That also means no gas block or gas tube!
And, of course, a caliber-specific barrel.
And though the lower will take any mil-spec AR-15 trigger group…I’d opt for something specifically built to handle the more recoil of the AR-9. Check out our suggestions in Best 9mm AR-15 Triggers.
Otherwise…you’re good with swapping everything else out!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best AR-15 Pistol Caliber Carbines (AR-9)
1. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PX-9
A major name in budget options for a wide range of firearms, the PSA PX-9 is a solid installment in their lineup.
And one of the best bang-for-the-buck starter AR-9s you can get.
Fit and finish are decent, but it will always go bang. And in the end, that’s what really matters, right?
I’ve used them for a couple of PCC competitions and had a blast.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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PSA stocks everything from complete carbines to complete lowers and complete uppers so you can build to your heart’s content.
However, it should be noted that most PSA AR-9s do not have Last Round Bolt Hold Open.
But they do make some of the best-looking AR-9s we’ve seen (or shot!).
Check out our full review here.
What’s your take on the PSA?
2. Aero Precision EPC-9
Looking for something a little more refined…and perhaps with a last round bolt hold open (LRBHO)?
Our recommendation mirrors our regular AR-15…and that’s to check out Aero Precision with their EPC-9 (Enhanced Pistol Carbine).
It’s definitely enhanced with the LRBHO as well as some small niceties that make building and using it an upgrade.
Remember the mag release? The EPC-9 might be our favorite.
And if you’re building your lower from the ground up…you’ll appreciate a threaded bolt catch to avoid marring the finish when installing.
The fire control group also has hardened pins to deal with the extra recoil from the blowback system.
But how does it shoot? In one word…great.
Check out our full review of the Aero EPC-9 here.
Want a shorter pistol AR? We’ve built an 8.3-inch barrel version and love its balance, adequate rail space, and extra maneuverability.
Want to snag one? Aero is meaning to be mostly built at home…but there are plenty of complete uppers and lowers to choose from!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Oh, yea…we also have a video review too:
3. UDP-9 by Angstadt Arms
The UDP-9 is a finely-tuned 9mm AR-15 pistol that’s compatible with Glock and Glock aftermarket magazines.
While it does have a pretty hefty price tag, there were no corners cut when making this AR-9. Plus, it’s not afraid to eat only the steel-cased stuff.
Since the UDP-9 functions like every other standard AR-15, you don’t have to worry about getting adjusted to new controls when shooting it for the first time.
We have a complete article on the UDP-9.
If you’re looking for a high-end AR-9…check out the UDP-9.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And you know it…a video!
4. Foxtrot Mike FM-9B
Looking for a small AR-9? Check out the Foxtrot Mike FM-9B.
There are 10-inch, 5-inch, and 4-inch variants. And here we have their tiniest bois!
A little too close for my comfort, but even without a folding stock, you’re good to go inside a gray man backpack.
I’d much rather have a QD suppressor ready if you go with the 4-inch variant.
But 10 inches will give you a good amount of usable rail space and lower the possibility of losing some digits.
It’s also reasonably priced and comes with last round bolt hold open.
Check out our full review of the FM-9B to see what other aspects we liked.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And we also have a video review as well:
5. Palmetto State Armory AR-V
PSA hits our list again, but this time with the AR-V…a decently priced PCC with a unique twist.
Using either PSA’s proprietary AK-V/AR-V magazines, the AR-V can also use CZ Scorpion EVO mags.
We dig this PCC’s ability to give you some options in terms of mags, especially if you already own a Scorpion or PSA’s 9mm AK variant.
Operating with a 10.5-inch barrel covered by a PSA 9-inch M-LOK handguard, we found the AR-V to be pretty reliable and accurate.
It has a matching mag release that is on the AK-V and takes a little bit of getting used to…but it is great once you do.
Of course, you can check out the review here to learn more.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And yes…a full video review on the AR-V!
6. CMMG Banshee Series
Want to look down on all these blowback guns with an air of superiority?
Check out CMMG’s Banshee series, which relies on a proprietary “radial delayed blowback” gas system that seriously cuts down on recoil, especially during rapid fire.
There are, of course, 9mm variants…but been there done that…we hands-on tested their 10mm.
And from our reviewer’s mouth…”it ran like a scalded dog” by eating up that extra oomph and making the 10mm feel like 9mm.
There are also different levels of awesomeness within the Banshee series…from the 100 to the 200 to our tested 300. It comes with everything you might want already upgraded.
Plus, it looks great.
Check out our full review here. Or even check out a full review of the 5.7 Upper.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Sig Sauer MPX
Here’s another high-end AR-9 option…that scoffs at the idea of a simple blowback action.
The Sig MPX uses a short piston recoil system that lets you get rid of the buffer tube for a nice compact package, especially in a pistol format.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Everything will be familiar to a standard AR-15 and with the added bonus of nice ambidextrous controls as well.
It shot flawlessly for us and was a joy suppressed.
And in the dark…
Check out our full review of the MPX for all the details. This might be our favorite AR-9 based option at this time.
See it in all its glory in our video:
8. B&T APC9 PRO
Want another high-end PCC to consider? Then look no further than the APC9 Pro from Brügger & Thomet.
Made in Switzerland, the APC9 Pro is one of the most flexible guns on this list as it is capable of running B&T, Glock, and Sig Sauer P320 magazines based upon which lower you select.
And while the forend isn’t very long, the dual, auto-folding, non-reciprocating charging handles won’t get in your way. This helps keep the overall profile very compact.
The controls are a pretty familiar blend, and the APC9 Pro handles very well. Felt recoil is manageable and even tame when a suppressor is used – but don’t forget the adapter because the barrel has the European tri-lug setup.
All this capability comes at a lofty price, though!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You know you wanna read more on this neat, little gun, so check out our full review or peep the video below!
Final Thoughts
So, in summary, AR-9s are a fun blend of a handgun caliber and a carbine length. We’ve given you some of our favorite AR-9s from budget creations…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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to more bang-for-the-buck options that come with a last round bolt hold-open option.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And our current favorite with the Sig MPX.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Still looking for other PCC options? Check out our non-AR-specific article Best Pistol Caliber Carbines for more ideas.
The post 8 Best Pistol Caliber AR-15 Carbines (AR-9) appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.