Someone please explain the existence of this platform to me.
With the MP5 phased out by MK18ish 5.56 SBR’s in favor of better ballistics, why would someone convert their AR to 9mm?
From those I have seen, 9mm AR’s are usually short barreled, probably around 8-10’, so the switch wasn’t a step-up over the 8.9" MP5 barrel.
The only viable reason I can see for this type of conversion, at the Dept. level, is perhaps its easier and cheaper to convert a stable of M4’s or Colt Commandos to 9mm instead of purchasing MP5s. If this is the case though, why would they even switch to the 9mm from the 5.56 to begin with?
Is there any logical reason for this, besides simply because they could?
I understand the cost and suppression aspects, however;
I was led to believe that the 9mm offers high barrier penetration than the 5.56, as the 5.56’s velocity is the primary factor in its armor and barrier penetration, which is instantaneously bled off once it strikes a target, whereas the 9mm’s capability is in its mass, which it retains throughout penetration.
Wouldn’t this make the 5.56 better in a shoot house than 9mm?
But I guess in close-quarters live fire drills, the 9mm would be a better training round due to reduced chance of armor penetration in the even of an ND/AD.
9mm is a pistol round, while .223 is not, thus why many indoor ranges etc don’t allow rifle rounds, regardless of if a specific round can penetrate walls more etc.
9mm has many different advantages in different areas. Many people just like them because they are fun. Many like them because of the size of magazines. I think there are actually so many variables that play into why some like 9mm, it’s almost impossible to discuss true viability, because each person wants something for their own reason.
Also, there has been more than a couple threads just on this subject lately, so I suggest you dig through this forum section. Lots of info. 9mm isn’t for everyone, but definitely still has it’s place.
Might I mention, just because military or LEO does something, doesn’t mean it makes the old gun they switched away from bad (or even caliber). The 9mm on this forum is a very highly regarded round by many might I also mention.
Went beyond a conversion, built a 9mm only SBR off a RRA dedicated magwell lower. Why…the 9mm is a fun little round, has no recoil, easy to teach my kids on without them getting nervous, cheaper than 5.56, ability to use at indoor ranges…did I mention fun to shoot? Not to mention, it was the first AR that my son and I put together. The 9mm is one of several AR’s I own…but seems to get a lot more rounds thru it than others.
Whats the deal with that? Some are always saying that the 9mm is going to be worse with that so it is therefore the reason that the MP5 or similar is now not being deamed as useful with CQB?
If that were the case wouldn’t frangible rounds or similar specialty rounds just nullify that argument?
If you prefer the power and versatility of the 5.56 so be it, but that won’t improve its performance in a very short barrel.
My wife’s agency transitioned from the Uzi to the Colt 9mm SMG a decade ago. I have never been a fan of the Colt SMG. Anyone running them is doing so solely on the per unit price as they are the worst conglomeration of compromises ever assembled in one platform. For those needing a 9mm SMG, there are so many better alternatives out there, especially, now. H&K, B&T, anyone?
I’ve considered the reloading aspect, but the 9mm I generally buy isn’t really any less expensive than the 5.56 I generally buy, so for me it’s a wash.
I need to get my press set up and get into reloading for 9mm but I don’t know where I’d find the time, and reloading is second only to precision shooting for absolute most boring thing I can do that is still firearms related.
:eek:
Well, for me, my Colt 9mm is simply fun to shoot. Another big advantage for me, is that my girl is willing and able to shoot it. She is highly sensitive to loud noises, and this is the first firearm above a .22 she likes to shoot.
Well, for me, I selected this caliber for several reasons. I can shoot this rifle at my local indoor range, ammo is less expensive for it, and It is a lot of fun to shoot. These 9mm AR’s beg to be SBR’d and suppressed. I just wish mine was already:confused:
I have owned a Colt 9mm and later a RRA 9mm. I used them for cheaper practice vs shooting 5.56 but frankly I dropped them because they did not do anything I wanted that my .22 long rifle AR does not due but way cheaper.
Pat
I read an article about the OP’s question in a Police/Gun magazine and he said the same as most here, and the cost savings of having a “one round” Police dept.
why 9mm ar? I used to ask same questions so i made a list of reasons…
1.it can shoot steel close up( without destroying targets)
2.most indoor ranges only allow pistol cal.)
3.makes more sence for home defence than 5.56
4.some area shooting ranges allow nothing but pistol
5. easier to suppress ( and with subsonic really works)
6.short barrel not hard to do (and dont matter if i loose velocity)
7. ammo alot cheaper ( when i go to range i take 1000 rds with me cause i have 5 other 9mm guns)
8.fun
9.there are too many reasons to list , personally i have a newer intragrated magwell rock river 9mm with all magpul fde furniture , they are worth the investment if you can affordor get any 9mm carbine it just fun.
Reducing the capabilities of a police force to only have “one round” would be a terrible idea as they’d find themselves easily outgunned by generally anyone/everyone. You need bigger calibers and different calibers for different things such as being able to shoot through stuff, and being able to shoot farther, or being able to shoot [i]very/I] accurately.
Not all police engagements are face to face or only a few feet away so I think the cost savings would be easily outweighed by the reduced capabilities. The North Hollywood Shootout is a perfect example of a “one round” police force being outgunned.
