Help me build an AR-9

[blue72]

My goal is to build a reliable, accurate 9mm with controllable recoil with a budget under $1,000 plus the components I already have

 

I already have an AR-15 lower and upper reciever. buffer tube, shoulder stock, glock mags, grip, handguard, and red dot optic…so I need help with the rest

 

Thanks in advanced 

[bulldog009]

So you need a bolt, barrel, and recoil system? Are you dead set on a standard AR lower - a dedicated Glock mag lower may be a better option if you're starting from scratch. 

I'd look at JP for the barrel, bolt, and silent captured recoil spring system. 

There are a number of manufactures who make quality Glock mag lowers - QC10, New Frontier, Spikes, PSA, etc. 

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

I'd suggest looking at the Stern Defense Glock magazine adapter for the AR15 magazine well.  Saves you having to get an AR9 lower.  Only downside - you need to use the mag release switch on the adapter rather than the AR15 one.

 

     https://getstern.com/products/magazine-adapters/

[blue72]

17 minutes ago, bulldog009 said:

So you need a bolt, barrel, and recoil system? Are you dead set on a standard AR lower - a dedicated Glock mag lower may be a better option if you're starting from scratch. 

I'd look at JP for the barrel, bolt, and silent captured recoil spring system. 

There are a number of manufactures who make quality Glock mag lowers - QC10, New Frontier, Spikes, PSA, etc. 

 

I live in New York, they just banned lowers so I need to use the AR-15 I already have

[jerseyglock]

I'm changing my pcc setup and will be selling Stern Defense magazine adapter kit with magwell. Where in NY are you at?

[bulldog009]

9 hours ago, blue72 said:

 

I live in New York, they just banned lowers so I need to use the AR-15 I already have

That's understandable then. As some others have mentioned already, Stern Defense is probably your best option then. 

I would still look at JP for the rest of your components. They have built a solid reputation in the industry for high quality parts. You might pay a little more, but you get what you pay for. I think you will be able to get what you need within your budget. 

[dwzuspsa]

Go with the Sterns with a Taccom barrel and bcg and Tim's 5 inch shrouded barrel with the feed ramps and top 1911 guide....works great for me for over 6000 rounds jam free!

[frankge]

I looked at the stern and imho you spend that amount might as well buy a 9mm lower for a bit more. I am dipping my toe in and decided to play around with endomags. If I like pcc more I’ll get a lower. I have a bunch of parts and lowers so I didn’t want to go and buy another right away. My want for a pcc is just to participate in some of the pcc only and mini 2 gun matches

Edited December 16, 2022 by frankge

[mmc45414]

I have a CMMG that takes Colt mags, but am getting curious about Stern, because they offer an M&P option.

[Pmatte1]

With all the parts you have already and an extra 1k you could do a pretty nice QC setup

[ysrracer]

Lead Star has 9mm barrels on sale for $99.

[zzt]

I like a balanced rifle.  I started with a stock Lead Star Prime PCC with 16.1" steel barrel.  I tried a Wiland Ultarlight 5.5" sleeved barrel.  Way too whippy.  My trigger control had to be perfect or I'd move the muzzle when firing.  Tried a Smoke Composite stock.  No go.  So I'm back to stock except for an A5 buffer tube.  The carbine tube always felt a little short.

 

I also tried stuff recommended on these forums.  Tubb flat wire recoil spring.  Yuck.  Sheel roller delayed buffer.  Absolutely no joy.  Magnetic delayed buffer.  No joy initially, but I will continue testing.

 

My go to is a Blitzkreig hydraulic buffer, their short stroke plug and a JP silent carbine spring.  I also added 3/4" of spacers to the rear of the buffer sort it would short stroke in an A5 tube.   Zero dot bounce if placed on my shoulder correctly.

[Kjrobbins24]

Not a vital component, but the Techwell PCC Magwell makes reloads almost automatic

[blue72]

I see CMMG has RDB bolt and barrel for $499…..is this worth it if I’m looking for a soft shooter?

[Z-Chaos-Factor]

18 minutes ago, blue72 said:

I see CMMG has RDB bolt and barrel for $499…..is this worth it if I’m looking for a soft shooter?

Not unless you want to replace ejector springs every few hundreds rounds.