I'm looking to get a 9mm carbine to shoot at indoor ranges. In the running were HiPoint 995 w/ ATI stock, Beretta CX4 and Just Right Carbine. However, I really like the AR platform and wanted to get some opinions on the following setup:

 

Complete 9mm Upper: http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom16bd9mmsscarbinehga1flashhideruppercomplete-intropricing.aspx

Promag 9mm magblock: http://www.jsesurplus.com/promag-15-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.aspx

Polymer Lw-15 complete lower from http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/New_Frontier_Armory_LW_15_Complete_Poly_Lower_p/nfa-lw15blk.htm

 

Seems to be a fairly inexpensive 9mm AR setup but not sure if it will be cheap and unrealiable. Anyone have any experience with these?

 

Also, anyone know of where I can get some 15rd 9mm AR mags? Thanks.

I built one, and i can tell you that the pro mag block is the biggest POS i have ever seen. It would not even come close to feeding without serious modifications(welding). I have not been able to find 15 rnd mags either, i just bought a bunch of 10 rounders from midway, and get the SMG lula while your at it. they are a pain to load.

The flash hider on the upper and adjustable stock on the lower are problem. You will need a muzzle brake /compensator and have your FFL pin that stock. Also, I have never heard a good thing about a Promag product. I have owned ProMag magazines, and they are complete garbage. I don't know anything about their mag block though. Just giving you an idea about some of their other products.

The problem with a colt style 9mm ar will be the mags. Expensive, high capacity and not much variety. Its also probably not the best to use a polymer lower with a blowback upper. They tend to have more violent recoil shock to the buffer system and could shear off the receiver extension mount.

Any suggestions on a better 'value' mag block?

cx4 for pistol caliber carbine (in nj) imo

Olympic made a 9mm lower that was milled for glock mags, I dont think its in production any more though. It worked VERY nicely, one of my buddies has one and loves it.

 

Henry

Any suggestions on a better 'value' mag block?

 

I have a spikes on order, but not sure when ill be able to test it. Ill let you know how it works. at least its adjustable. . .

I have a 9mm buffer if you need you $15? That's 1/2 what it cost.

I think I'll just forget the mag block and just get a CMMG complete 9mm lower.

 

CMMG complete lower: $300 + $43 (ffl xfer + nics)

JSE complete upper: $395 + $22 shipping

 

Total is $760 but I'll need some mags. Can't find any 15 rounders but 10 rounders are $17 ea

 

cx4 for pistol caliber carbine (in nj) imo

 

CX4 is nice and the 15rd mags are cheap/easy to find. However, for the price I'd rather have the 9mm AR. Now, if the CX4 was around $500, different story.

If you're going the route of a dedicated lower, Double Diamond makes one model for Colt mags and one model for Glock mags. Being able to use glock mags opens up your possibilities for mags since you can use 15-round G19 mags. Its about the same money as the CMMG too.

 

http://www.shop.doublediamondsupply.com/AR15-Glock-Mag-Lower-Receiver-DDARGL.htm

Complete DD lower is around $555! bit too steep.

Lone Wolf also makes a Glock 9mm magazine compatible lower:

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=285845&CAT=288

 

They're always listed as backordered, but according to a post I had read from an LW rep on another forum, they just make them as they're ordered or something.. so the wait isn't too long. (no first hand experience, so can't confirm - just something I read)

 

That said, the DoubleDiamond seems like a slightly better design and is probably the way I'd go if I was looking for a 9mm AR.

 

The Glock 9mm lowers may cost more initially, but I imagine you'll make up that money in the long run since Glock mags are much easier to find and relatively inexpensive. If you already own a 9mm Glock it's a no brainer IMHO

Nice Caine, was just thinking about these wild reading another thread a few minutes ago.

Complete DD lower is around $555! bit too steep.

Actually its not. consider that the dd lower is ready to accept pistol msgs natively versus any 223 lower needs an expensive mag block to feed the same mags and the cost is a wash. Also consider that the dd lower won't have feeding issues like some blocks do and there you get some peace of mind that it functions which is worth something too.