[Franchi Affinity for 3 gun?]

I too have a Franchi Affinity all set up for 3 gun. I have around 700 rounds threw mine so far and not one problem. That is including both federal 100 round value pack and the winchester univeral. It does not take the same extension as the beneli m2, but nordic makes an extension that fits it. Mine is out fitted with TTI lifter, safety, bolt release, and a nordic oversized bolt handle. Also the serial number is no where near the loading port so you can open it up to your hearts content. I highly recommend them. Watch for deals I picked up mine new off of gunbroker for $630. 

[Cheap hand guard options?]

One of my 9mm Ar rocks a Matrix Arms as well. I actually prefer it to my Kaw Valley Precision Konza due to its mounting. This weekend shooting a match others have commented on how nice it looks and asked who made it. I think for the money it is a very nice option. 

[Anybody have Amazon Firestick with KODI?]

28 minutes ago, alotur said:

I looked and didn't see pre loaded Kodi sticks

I just searched on Amazon kodi box. Lots to choose from. Also lots of reviews. Use google search best kodi player. Firesticks work ok but you basically have to jailbreak them to use kodi on them. I'm obviously not very techy, lots of videos on youtube to help you with setup no matter what type of player you decide. It is very nice not having a cable or satellite bill. 

[Anybody have Amazon Firestick with KODI?]

I started with a firestick. It works great but it has since moved into a bedroom and for our main tv we now have a kodi box. If you just go to amazon and search kodi box or kodi player there are many to choose from. These come with kodi ready to play, have better speed, ram etc than the fire stick. Plus you can download other apps like amazon and netflix to have a all in one player. Plus they come pre-installed with kodi. Plug it in, update it and go. 

[Best PCC trigger?]

I have two dedicated psa glock lowers. One build with a JP bolt and SCS, with a ALG ACTIVE trigger and the JP reduced enhanced reliability springs (red and yellow). So far this set up has been running perfectly in about 1500 rounds. Its pull is about 4lbs according to my trigger scale.

My other build, PSA glock lower with Kaw Valley Bolt and Kaw Valley 7.5 oz buffer with their spring, I put I the Rise Armament sporting trigger, that is often on sale for 99 dollars or so. Well I really enjoyed the trigger it did not hold up. In less than 200 rounds I had the actual upper portion of the trigger where is contacts the hammer Crack and break in half. 

Just a heads up and could be a fluke. When it was working no issues with reset. 

[Sig Romeo 4 brightness]

I have a the 4B on one of my AR-9 and a vortex spitfire on the other. The 4B is definitely my preferred optic I like it much more than the spitfire. It is considerably brighter. I do not think you will have any issues with the brightness. I really like the circle dot for matches with closer targets. If Im going for a little more precision it's nice to be able to turn off the bigger circle and use just the dot. I am a fan. 

[A second gun]

I have a back up now. Actually had my side charging handle break at a uspsa match on the last stage. Luckily I had a buddy let me shoot his and finish. I have a back up now. I just keep it in my vehicle and it's there if I need it. 

[Let's see some pcc's]

[bcg weights]

Spinta BCG Weight - 15.55 oz. with rear weight. (12.19 oz. with weight removed set up for JP SCS)

KVP BCG Weight - 15.52 oz. with rear weight (12.16 oz. with weight removed set up for JP SCS)

JP BCG Weight - 13.55 oz. (The JP does not have a removable weight)

Buffer Weights 

JP SCS Gen 2 9MM - 8.56 oz

Kaw Valley Precision - 7.55 oz

Total Weight Combo's

JP BCG + JP SCS = 22.11 oz 

Spinta BCG + KVP Buffer = 23.1 oz 

Spnta BCG + JP SCS = 20.75 oz

KVP BCG + KVP Buffer = 23.07 oz 

KVP BCG + JP SCS = 20.72 oz

[Benelli M1 or M3K]

Another option is the Franchi Affinity. It's made in the Benelli factory and is basically Beneilli version of the Stoeger. I paid 630 for mine shipped and set it up for 3 gun using all drop in Benelli parts from Tarran Tactical. I was all in and set up for 3 gun at 1k. Still cheaper than a M2, and in my opinion a little better quality than the Stoeger. Mine has been running  perfectly, I'm very happy with the decision. 

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

23 hours ago, Patrick Scott said:

pfcchambers,

This may be a strange request, but maybe you can help me out. If you were to run a normal carbine buffer and buffer spring with no spacer in the buffer tube would the fake gas key contact the "trap door" in that matrix upper? I have heard some conflicting info on that. Thanks 

I have not run it with a standard carbine buffer, but I have ran it with the Kaw Valley pcc specific buffer and spring their solid 7.5 oz combo. It worked well and had no issues. The only differnce a standard buffer should have is being shorter and lighter. I don't see how that would come in contact with anything. 

[Small Frame Open Build]

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking about using czc multi cut optic mount. Since no holes have been cut figure no reason I can not just use a CZ specific mount. This is a left mounting only mount and gives me tons of optic options. I might just forego the barrel and run with out a comp. Minor gun for steel challenge, and some outlaw steel matches we have around here with no power factor. 

[side-charging 9mm AR upper]

Check out a matrix arms side charger. No special bolt needed. Pick your bolt, JP, Spinta Precision, Kaw Valley. If you order from Joe Bob's, first order a Kaw Valley Barrel, it will then give you the option of a discounted upper. Saves you 20 bucks. Been very happy with mine. 

[Adjustable Sights - not enough adjustment?]

Yes like kneeling atlas said all the way down to 0.110. When I bought mine a few years ago 0.120 was the shortest. I'm pretty certain I could run a 0.110, but the 0.120 has been working and keeps my rears fairly level and not cranked up to much. 

[Small Frame Open Build]

I have some questions for any of you Tanfoglio experts out there. I am currently in the process of converting my small frame 9x19 Tanfo one of the Israeli imported 'Mossad" version. I am getting my frame drilled and threaded for a mount. One question is what mount do you all recommended? I bought a ipscalex mount to try but the right sided screw holes will interfere with my serial number, rather than pay to have the serial number moved I am just going to go with another mount. I am assuming I could use a CZ mount since the holes have not been yet done on my pistol. Can anyone confirm this? From reading thru the forums it seems the Cheely mount is highly recommended. So I am considering this mount in the CZ/Czech mate version. I also assume that a 2011 mount would not be the best fit height wise, but I am not certain on this either. If anyone who has played with different mounts has the answers any help would be much appreciated.

Secondly if anyone knows where to source a small frame 9x19 6 inch barrel please let me know, or PM me if you have one.

Thanks all for your help, I will be sure to post pictures once the project is complete. Pretty sure I am going PVD coated on the finish so it might be a bling, bling Tanfo.

[Adjustable Sights - not enough adjustment?]

Well I never ran out of full adjustment, when using the factory sight heights, I found I had to raise my rear sight almost all the way up. I did not like the way it looked and also considering that the LPA Super Sights are known for breaking I figured the more threads holding the rear sight together the better. I have been using Dawson Fiber optic front sight with a height of 0.120'' on all of my guns. I like it much better.

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

On 10/15/2016 at 1:48 PM, Patrick Scott said:

pfcchambers,

Is it possible with that side charger to run the bolt to the rear and use the bolt catch to lock it back all with one hand? If so how easy is it?  I think being able to do all that with one hand would make showing clear and flagging easier. 

With the Matrix arms, only side charger I have used, it an easy one handed motion. The more I use the side charger the more I am liking it. Just shot a 6 stage steel challenge match this weekend with the pcc. Gun ran great, all my show clears were performed in the above manner. It is easier than a traditional charging handle.

[Which Comp for 9mm]

I agree with you 100%, if you already have something threaded on the end of your barrel, just stick with it. I only have comps on mine because I bought just a barrel and did not have anything to put on the threads. 

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

No problem, I am far from an eloquent writer and not very techy so excuse my rambling on and poor quality cell phone pics. There just does not seem to be as much info out there on PCCs yet so I figured I would share some of what I learned. It will be exciting to see how far PCCs will develop if they get popular enough. 

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

2 hours ago, JRM83 said:

That build with the Konza rail on it is pretty close to what I am looking at assembling. What is the unloaded weight on it?

To be honest I have not weighed the rifle as a whole. I have never mined a heavier rifle. It was built with no regards to being light weight. 

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

18 minutes ago, JRM83 said:

That build with the Konza rail on it is pretty close to what I am looking at assembling. What is the unloaded weight on it?

To be honest I have not weighed the rifle as a whole. I have never mined a heavier rifle. It was built with no regards to being light weight. 

[Which Comp for 9mm]

12 minutes ago, mhearn said:

AP Man is also 1/2x36 I think.

Yes AP is 1/2x36, I have a Kaw Valley and  Faxon barrel. Both are 1/2x36.

[Its ready!]

3 hours ago, TXMXRACER said:

Chambers--we need to talk. I have been trying to get mine built.  Get with me sometime

 

shane

Just saw there is no 3-gun with TXMG this Saturday. I plan on shooting this weekend. Waco I believe is still not doing USPSA due to their berm situation. I guess I might have to drive a bit further for a match on Saturday. 

[Which Comp for 9mm]

On 10/7/2016 at 10:31 PM, pfcchambers said:

Check out AP Manufacturing. They have a 9mm comp. Only 30 bucks. It's almost identical to my JP 9mm comp. I know it probably doesn't do much but I wanted a comp on mine. 

Finally got some pics. 

[PCC 9 MM build (AAR)]

I thought I would share some on the information I have learned in putting together a few AR-9s. Full disclaimer I am no gunsmith and a mostly unskilled shooter who shoots for fun purposes only, any information here is simply my opinion take it as you will. When starting out and wanting to get into PCC, cost was the first thing I considered. Second, was the fact that I am most familiar with the AR platform and liked the fact I had many options to set them up how I wanted. I do think the MPX and Scorpion are awesome and if funds were not an issue I would own one of both. One aspect that concerned me going with the AR in 9 mm was reliability. I have no plan to use this for anything else other than gaming so no thought went into "tactical concerns". I also personally did not want to deal with the legalities and cost of SBRs or silencers, a 16-inch carbine was always my intent. I have so far completed two PCC in 9 mm. One to get me started in PCC and one for as Xmas/B-Day for my father. I have also acquired most of the parts two build me a backup gun to have at matches but to date still need a barrel, Charging handle, and trigger group. 

I was in somewhat of a hurry to get one before certain events that may be happening this coming November cause an increase in price or firearm/parts availability issues. I started looking to find the required parts and did find myself limited on what was available so the parts used in my builds may have been slightly different had all options been available. 

Magazine style -I choose to go with Glock magazines due to their reliable reputation and ease of finding magazines. I do not own a Glock pistol so whether I choose Glock or Colt style I would have had to buy magazines. At the time of ordering my lowers, PSA had a sale on 10 ETS Glock magazines, which brought their cost down to around 15 dollars per mag. At one point in time it sounds like some of the Colt style magazines were a bit finicky but from what I have read most seem to have good luck with them now. The angle of loading the magazine is the only one reason looking back I would re-think the Glock lower. However, I do not find reloads with the Glock lower to be too hard and honestly, I could go either way on which style to use if I was to do it over again. If you already own Glock, mags go with what you are able to get.

Lower- I was able to catch some stripped Palmetto State 9 mm Glock dedicated lowers in stock and ordered two. I did not want to use a magazine conversion I had decided I wanted a dedicated lower. Based on a little internet research these lowers appear to be made by New Frontier Armory for Palmetto. This style of lower does not have a last round bolt hold open. The lowers I received had some slight color deformities but nothing I was worried about I am going to be dumping the gun into a barrel after all. The lowers have some nice little touches I liked. Instead of using roll pins, it has threaded screws. No deal breaker but it was a nice touch when putting the lower together. In addition, they come with an oversized integral trigger guard. Fairly certain New Frontier makes them for PSA, and Joe Bob's Spartan 9 mm lowers, So probably not going to be many differences, pick whatever one you get the best deal on.

Upper- This was the hardest part to source when I was ordering. I initially was not going to go with  a side charger upper. My 3-gun set ups are traditional charging handle and wanted to keep similar feel. However when looking for an upper I initially wanted to go with New Frontier Armory's slick slide upper with LRBHO. I could not however find any in stock anywhere and I guess I am inpatient. So I went with what I could source which happened to be a 9 mm slick side upper by Spinta Precision. The second upper I decided to try was a Matrix Arms side charger due to the fact it was in stock and was actually more economical when I priced in not having to buy a charging handle. (If you run a plain jane charging handle it would be cheaper but I knew I was going to buy a nice ambi, oversized option). So far I am really liking the Matrix arms side charger and would buy another. I went with the Matrix arms for my father’s PCC.  I have not finished the PCC using the Spinta upper yet as my charging handle I ordered, the new Geisslle Super charging handle is on back order. I chose this one as it supposedly has a lip on the back end of the charging handle that helps with blow back. Based on what I know now, I would buy whatever is available first, second decide if you want traditional charging handle or side charging, and third if you must have LRBHO feature. 

Bolt - From what I gather the BCG and buffer is the heart of the 9 mm AR platform and I did not want to skimp on this aspect of the build. In deciding on a bolt I was not able to find a ton of information as to sell me on any one particular brand. Based on my lower/magazine choice the BCG needed to be already cut for Glock magazines. Most BCGs being sold today work with both Glock and Colt style magazines. The PSA Hybrid bolt, JP Enterprises, Spinta Precision, Kaw Valley Precision and New Frontier Armory offerings all are made to work with Glock or Colt style magazines.

Spinta Precision BCG - This is the first BCG I ordered. It was the cheapest as well. It comes with a nice QPQ finish, machining was also top notch. Full disclosure I did have to send it back to Spinta Precision due to the fact the hole for the roll pin holding the extractor was oversized. First outing the extractor fell out and bent ending my range time. Spinta was great to work with and ended up just replacing the whole BCG, they had first class customer service. In addition, I know have no concerns over their products, if you have an issue they will take care of you.

JP Enterprises BCG- As I am sure anyone belonging to this forum knows JP is top notch and you probably cannot do much better. I ordered this BCG because I wanted to see the difference between this and my Spinta. After receiving it, quality is of course top notch, however the only gripe about the JP is the plain phosphate finish is not as nice as the QPQ you get on the KVP or Spinta. Cost was the most expensive to the tune of around $100 dollars more than the Spinta and KVP. 

Kaw Valley Precision BCG - When ordering my the barrel for my father’s build I saw KVP was now offering a BCG and figured since it was only 10 dollars more than the Spinta I would give it a shot. The KVP BCG looks great, QPQ finish, great machining. If I was to remove the KVP logo  I would not be able to tell the difference between this BCG and the Spinta. 

Overall- the Spinta and KVP are so close in all aspects pick whatever one you can get. The JP is well a JP. If you have the cash and want a JP BCG, get it. So far, they are all working well.

I weighed all three of my BCGs these are my results.

Spinta BCG Weight - 15.55 oz. with rear weight. (12.19 oz. with weight removed set up for JP SCS)

KVP BCG Weight - 15.52 oz. with rear weight (12.16 oz. with weight removed set up for JP SCS)

JP BCG Weight - 13.55 oz. (The JP does not have a removable weight)

Buffer System - As stated above the BCG and buffer system seem to be the most crucial aspect in the AR 9 mm platform. I bought Kaw Valley Precision's PCC kit they sell with the included extra heavy spring, proper length buffer and tube. I also bought a JP gen 2 9 MM silent captured spring. Right now I am currently slightly preferring the JP SCS. Mostly due the fact is really smoothed out the action. Reliability is a tie between the two. More testing will be needed between the two before I would make any definitive recommendation. I am also running the JP SCS with the JP Bolt, I have not done enough testing yet to compare the Spinta or KVP BCG with the JP SCS. 

Buffer Weights 

 

JP SCS Gen 2 9MM - 8.56 oz

Kaw Valley Precision - 7.55 oz

Total Weight Combo's

 

JP BCG + JP SCS = 22.11 oz 

Spinta BCG + KVP Buffer = 23.1 oz 

Spnta BCG + JP SCS = 20.75 oz

KVP BCG + KVP Buffer = 23.07 oz 

KVP BCG + JP SCS = 20.72 oz

Trigger - Triggers in the AR 9 mm platform seem to vary greatly in what works. All of the BCGs I bought are cut to work with AR-15 style hammer and do not require a 9 mm specific. My limited research led to the thinking that for utter reliability it was best to stick with a mil-spec trigger group. In my 3-gun rifles, I run Velocity 3 lb. flat triggers. I find these to be an exceptional trigger. They per Velocity are not recommended for any blow back guns so I needed to find another option. I decided due to cost to try the ALG ACT trigger and threw in a JP reduced power spring kit. This set up has been 100% with all BCGs and I do like it. Later I might get something else however simply because I one really like my flat triggers and my 3 lb. flat triggers. If I decide to get something else it will most likely be a POF flat trigger. (If anyone has tried the POF flat trigger in an AR-9 and has had, good results let me know.)

Handguard – Pick whatever one you like. I tried out the Kaw Valley Konza rail on one build, went with a Faxon on the other, the third is undecided. One thing to consider is on both Matrix arms and Spinta both handguards took some filling and modifying to get them to fit the non mil-spec uppers. The Konza took far less modification than the Faxon. However, I much prefer the mounting system the Faxon uses to the Konza. So pick your poison.

Barrel – As stated above I had no desire to do a SBR or run a silencer. A 16-inch carbine was what I was after. Most AR 9 barrels I looked had 1:10 rifling with 1/2X36 threads. I am a fan of Faxon Firearms who also makes the KVP Barrels. One barrel I went with KVP 16 inch, the other was the Faxon branded barrel. The KVP was 10 dollars cheaper. So far, they both offer very good accuracy and if I notice any perceivable difference, I will report later.

Compensator – In a 16 inch, 9 mm blowback rifle a comp is probably a waste of money. But both barrels were threaded 1/2x36 and I was definitely not going to waste money on a bird cage or thread protector that I know for a fact would do nothing to mitigate recoil so I bought a comps. The first one I bought from Joe Bob’s was a JP 9 mm comp. It is the style no longer offered by JP. The second and third Comp I purchased was from AP Manufacturing. The AP compensator looks almost identical to the JP and was only $30 to the JP’s $65; the AP also included a jam nut, which I am a fan of. My recommendation would be to check out the AP comp: cheap, looks good, and if anything adds some weight to the end of your barrel.

Optic – I decided on the New Vortex Prism AR. I figured USPSA would all be close and quick and 3- gun the farthest my 9 mm would be any good for would be 100 yards or so. Still waiting on the Prism to show up, running a TRS-25 I took of another rifle until the Vortex arrives.

Summary – Overall, I have learned a ton in putting together a few PCCs. The guns shoot well so far and I am happy with the overall outcome. If I ever decided, I do not want it I do not think I would lose any money selling it. I will continue to try some different BCG and Buffer combos as well as ammo to see what feels the best to me. Surprisingly my little PCC has more felt recoil than both of my tuned .223 guns do, but it is still very little I mean it is a 9 mm. The cost of feeding the 9 mm for me is half of what .223 would be. I am looking forward to playing with it in both USPSA and 3-gun.