I’ve been getting a few emails and comments on the 9MM build. Most folks want to know why I want one. The reason is to fire at the indoor range. I want a rifle that mimics my 5.56 that I can take to CCA’s indoor range and get some practice with. Others have asked why bother since the performance of a 9MM is questionable. Well, according to one of the testers at AR15.com, a 9mm out of a 16 inch barrel exceeds 430 foot pounds, roughly equivalent to the 45 Colt and more powerful than a 45 ACP (both shot from handgun barrels, of course). Additionally, the ammo is cheap. For $11, I can get 100 rounds of Winchester White Box at Wal-Mart. Most importantly, because it will be fun.

The next question I usually get is what do I need to swap out my 5.56 AR to a Colt style 9MM system. Well, after looking at it, I decided it was better to just have a dedicated 9mm AR. To convert, you need magazines, a 9mm mag block, a 9mm upper half of the gun, a 9mm buffer (for a CAR stock, with an A2 stock it’s unnecessary), and a 9mm hammer. In other words, it’s not simply a matter of swapping out the upper receiver and will require push pins and partial disassembly of the fire control group and popping out the buffer. Now, if you look at it from the other side you realize that your 9mm parts are only lacking a lower receiver, a fire control group and a stock assembly to become a complete rifle. In other words, for a few extra dollars (around $200), you can have a dedicated rifle to eliminate the need for swapping out all the time.

Some folks tell me it sounds fun but they have no desire for a 9mm and want something with more oomph. Well, you’re in luck. Olympic makes ARs in 9mm and 40S&W that take Glock magazines. Now, they’re even making them in 45ACP and 10mm. Their site doesn’t list them but you can get them here.

And did I mention that pistol caliber carbines are just cool?

Posted in uncategorized on February 7th, 2006 by SayUncle | RSS 2.0 |