Want to train cheaper than burning through 5.56 so was wondering what 9mm AR upper and conversion would be preferable? I saw a YHM one that was a flattop and had a rail handguard, so setting it up similar to my other AR’s would be relatively easy.
Is a 9mm upper a good training tool? I can shoot popper targets that aren’t rifle-rated.
If the .22 situation was different I’d say get an M&P 15-22 and call it good. That thing was my first gun and is still a favorite. Sadly I don’t know when .22 will ever become widely available again. What’s your price range? There was a thread on this just last week I think.
I just saw a CMMG complete upper for $725. That is about as high as I’d like to go. However, there is more than just a complete upper isn’t there?
Buffer
Magwell adaptor (don’t know squat about them; the Hahn one is like $200)
Magazine (which ones are reliable?)
Looks like I’m pushing $1K with the above extras needed.
The 9mm upper is a worthwhile training tool - similar recoil, similar manual of arms, usable on most pistol ranges and cheaper than .223. Wins all around in my experience.
Based on your plan, look seriously at JSE. I had three different JSE uppers and all have been solid, including a 9mm blowback. The have very low price point ($4-500 complete) and solid customer service, though I haven’t any major issues. http://www.jsesurplus.com/ar9mm.aspx
I am using a LWD dedicated lower so no experience on a mag block.
Grant had some Colts in stock the other day, still might.
#1 Get a heavy buffer, i use a Vltor A5H4 and a carbine spring.
if you got a rifle length stock, get a carbine adapter (nylon spacer)
#2 A Hahn or Rock River bottom loader will do the trick if you are not getting a dedicated lower.
#3 Mags, my experience is that C-products 32rnd mags work great.
2 or 3 of them FTF the last shot in some magwelladapters, the follower touched the feedramp on a promag magwell adapter.
My 10rnd promag locks the bolt open on the 9’th shot, need some adjustment of the follower.
you guys got so much cool stuff available, the JSE uppers cost almost as much as i had to pay for my barrel and magwelladapter 
So if I don’t want a dedicated lower I need a magblock. What is the difference between a top-loader and a bottom-loader?
the bottom loader is secured with a screw, just remember to tighten it and you are fine…
toploader is secured by the bolt catch = pain in the a$$ to switch between 223 & 9mm as you need to remove the boltcatch in order to install & remove the adapter.
Gotcha. Thanks.
I was looking at a CMMG dedicated 9mm carbine online. With the cost of an upper, magblock, mag, and buffer it might be just as cost effective to buy a complete dedicated 9mm weapon.
BTW, most pistol-rated poppers should still be okay to shoot with the longer carbine barrel shouldn’t they?
your welcome.
if you can get a complete weapon, do it.
a complete weapon gives you the advantage of keeping all your 9mm parts in one place, it’s wery irritating to go to the range just to realize you got the wrong buffer or forgotten the magwell at home.
you can safely shoot theese poppers with a .38 super, the carbine will still be safe.
A dedicated lower is the way to go. I ended up buying the CMMG stripped lower, but if doing it over I would buy the complete CMMG.
It’s available at Bud’s and you may find it a little cheaper somewhere else, but Bud’s has free shipping.
There are some good deals on 9 mm uppers if you look. Try Mas Defense.
Aero precision blem upper - $60.00- http://aeroprecisionusa.com/upper-receivers/ar15-stripped-upper-receiver-no-forward-assist-blem.html
cmmg 9mm bolt that works with ar15 trigger groups. - $162.51- http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-CMMG90BA4AD
green mountain barrels- $149.00 - http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m21-9mm-16-1-10-twist/
Far practice a promag 9mm adaptor and mags. Practice not as dependable at hanhns.
A 9mm buffer and what ever handguard and sight/optics you prefer.
Check out JSE Surplus for a package deal to.
Went with a CMMG complete 9mm M4 carbine from Bud’s.
A friend who owns one said 9mm actually recoils a little more than 5.56mm. Guess that’s because it’s blowback? If I can shoot quickly and (combat) accurately with a 9mm AR then a 5.56mm should follow suit rather easily I would think.
Weight the buffer in your cmmg. The Hahns 7oz for 9mm carbine length will slow and soften the recoil stroke.
Dedicated is the way to go. I have a DDLES and it’s great, but if they hadn’t been around I’d have gotten a CMMG.
Stick with Metalform mags. I have both 32 and 20rd, all have been great except one I returned for replacement.
Yes, 9mm guns absolutely do recoil more than 5.56 guns. A consequence of straight blowback operation and the huge amount of reciprocating mass that’s moving during cycling (those 9mm bolts are heavy as hell, coupled with a 5.5oz buffer).
I do think they have a place as a training tool, especially in situations where it’s not practical to shoot a 5.56 gun. I love the fact that I can use mine on all the pistol gongs and poppers at my range. The only thing that doesn’t carry over well is the mag manipulations. On top of having a much different feel and shape, full mags don’t load on a closed bolt like 5.56 guns do. When tac loading on a closed bolt, I have to grip the mag with my palm and bottom three fingers, then force the mag to lock while using my thumb and index finger gripped on the flare of the magwell.
The only other thing that needs to be considered is zero. I use 25 meter zero, which approximates my 50 yard zero with a 16" 5.56 “close enough” at the ranges I shoot it. 9mm bullet weight also plays a big part here, too. Shooting 147 grain with a 25 yard zero, I have something like 8 inches of holdover at 100 yards. 115 grain is considerably flatter shooting out to 100, if you were actually planning on shooting that far with a 9mm.
I see Stag has come out with a 9mm rifle. Has anyone seen one yet?
Pretty soon, you will be able to build your own Colt 9mm Upper. We have the upper receivers and BCG’s/barrels are not far out.
C4
Colt 6951 is currently the best option. Colt has them sorted out, no worries about beating up your lower…and frankly not much more expensive than the other options out there. Ditto on Metalform magazines.
I’m very excited about this. SBR barrels?
Eventually. They are dragging their feet on short barrels currently.
C4