AR9 to Mimic AR15 for Training

[Gmac]

Apologies in advance, as I'm assuming this has been discussed at length. I had done a search but didn't see anything recently on this topic.

I'm kicking around getting a 16" AR9 variant to closely mirror my duty rifle in .223/5.56 (ADM build). This is solely for the cost of 9mm vs. 223, and added training time as a result. For those that have done something similar, did you see any training benefits? Any cons, training scars, or issues?

Also, are there any suggestions in the $1k or sub price range? This is strictly a training tool, but I also would like something reliable which I believe can be accomplished in that range, and it has to take Glock mags. From my research, the Aero EPC-9 and the Faxon Bantam check a lot of boxes. I am familiar with both companies but have limited personal experience with their products. Any feedback on Aero, Faxon, or any other company in the AR9 carbine space would be greatly appreciated.

[GJM]

Another possibility is an AR in .22 — allows you to do much of what you can with a 9mm PCC at even less cost.

[CleverNickname]

Just get a 9mm upper and some Endomags (https://www.meanarms.com/products/detail/endomag-9mm) for your current rifle. STANAG-size mags have disadvantages compared to Glock mags if you're using them for competition or something, but the Endomags using standard PMAG bodies will mean you can use the same mag carriers/pouches you use on duty for training, your muscle memory will be the same when manipulating the magazines, etc.

[nate89]

I've used a variety of "AR9" models, most of them I built, and did for a similar purpose that you outlined-a less expensive way to practice with a rifle. I went with the colt pattern lowers (from QC10) as a lefty, because it allowed me to use ambi mag releases. I also liked the idea of a 90 degree magazine, which is closer to an actual 5.56 gun. Then when the mean arms pmag adapters came out, I started using them as the mag body was identical to a 5.56. The only disadvantage was the method to clear the rifle. Because the ejector is part of the magazine, I would usually lock the bolt back, then remove the magazine, then verify empty once again.

The final step for me was building an upper with the CMMG radial delay system and using the mean arms mag adapters (without the ejector as the CMMG system has the ejector in the bolt like a standard 5.56 bolt). In my opinion this is the best option if you are looking for a practice gun. The magazines are the same, the manual of arms is the same, the recoil feels more like a 5.56 gun (to me) than a straight blowback. You can also use your existing AR lower, usually with no modifications. The radial delay system means you don't need an extended buffer or spacers in the receiver extension. Perhaps you get a heavier buffer (especially is shooting suppressed), but often is not necessary. I also appreciate the lack of concussion when practicing at an indoor range with a 9mm rifle vs a 5.56. I think a sub-$1k budget is very possible, especially if you are only needing to buy/build an upper instead of a complete gun. I found a used bolt/barrel on another forum, but even buying everything new I'm confident you could finish an upper with a budget red dot for under $1k.
-CMMG radial delay bolt/barrel
-BCM blem upper (or something similar)
-pick your preferred CH, or just swap with your existing upper
-pick a forend
-add a muzzle device if you have a QD silencer-otherwise it's probably not needed and you can save the money
-pick a budget red dot, there are a ton out there

[mmc45414]

I'm kicking around getting a 16" AR9 variant to closely mirror my duty rifle in .223/5.56 (ADM build). This is solely for the cost of 9mm vs. 223, and added training time as a result. For those that have done something similar, did you see any training benefits?
In addition to having several serious benefits, my 9mm AR is more fun than a barrel full of monkeys :cool:
In addition to being lower cost, it is much better able to practice close range presentations, maybe on pistol ranges not setup or permissible for 5.56, perhaps including steel targets that are not durable enough for 5.56, at close ranges that world require frangible ammo. And much less blast if any of those ranges might be indoors. After I got mine our group would frequently take turns running the same drill scenarios we just did with pistols, it is great practice and great fun.
And more and more PCC match opportunities.

I will admit when I brought it home I felt like my wife had sent me to the store to buy tampons, but it has turned out to be one of the best things I ever bought.

[DDTSGM]

I have built several AR pattern 9mm PCC's for my wife and I to us in our club's 'outlaw' PCC matches and they are great. Having gone the route of using AR lowers and EndoMags my advice would be go with the dedicated 9mm lowers.

Several years ago when the price of ammunition and components skyrocketed, I built two .22 caliber AR's mimicking the two 9mm PCC's. We use Colt M&P 15/22 mags with a Better-Mag Adaptor https://www.redi-mag.com/product/better-mag-s-22-rimfire-magazine-adaptor/ and AR Catch 22 bolt catches.

Ammo prices have come down from what they were, but we still use the .22's a lot more than the 9mm's.

If I wasn't going to do both a 9 and a .22, I'd chose to just do the .22 - you can build one just about anyway you want. As an example, I also have a pretty exact .22 clone of my Service Rifle for practice.

You can hear and see 9mm on plates between 50 - 100 better than .22 - obviously, but inside 50 you can see the hits just fine and if you have electronic ear pro usually her them between 25 - 50.

[John Hearne]

Been doing it since 2005 and have found it very useful. Concur with the advice to just get an upper and the Endo Mags. I'm running a Vortex red dot as a stand-in for my Duty Aimpoint Pro.