AR-9 Complete Upper: A Comprehensive Guide
The AR-9 complete upper is a highly sought-after component in the firearm community, offering a blend of quality, reliability, and customization options. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, understanding the intricacies of this upper receiver is crucial. Let’s delve into the various aspects of the AR-9 complete upper to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Construction
The AR-9 upper receiver is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the standard AR-15/M4 upper receiver. It features a lightweight, forged 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, which provides excellent strength and durability. The design is based on the popular AR-15 platform, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of accessories and parts.
One of the standout features of the AR-9 upper receiver is its M-LOK handguard. This modular handguard allows for easy attachment of various accessories, such as lights, lasers, and tactical grips. The M-LOK slots are evenly spaced, providing a secure and stable mounting platform for your accessories.
Caliber Options
The AR-9 upper receiver is available in various calibers, including 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Each caliber offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to choose the right one for your specific needs.
| Caliber | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm | High capacity magazines, lower recoil, and affordable ammunition | Less stopping power compared to larger calibers |
| .357 SIG | Higher velocity, increased stopping power, and excellent terminal ballistics | Higher recoil, limited magazine options, and more expensive ammunition |
| .40 S&W | Good balance between stopping power and recoil, and widespread ammunition availability | Higher recoil compared to 9mm, and limited magazine options |
| .45 ACP | Excellent stopping power, reliable performance, and widespread ammunition availability | High recoil, limited magazine options, and more expensive ammunition |
Barrel Options
The AR-9 upper receiver is compatible with a variety of barrels, including carbine, mid-length, and full-length options. The barrel length you choose will depend on your intended use, such as close-quarters combat, medium-range engagements, or long-range shooting.
Carbine barrels, typically 16 inches in length, are ideal for close-quarters combat and maneuverability. Mid-length barrels, around 18 inches, offer a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. Full-length barrels, around 20 inches, are best suited for long-range shooting and precision.
Gas System Options
The AR-9 upper receiver is available with different gas system lengths, including carbine, mid-length, and full-length options. The gas system length you choose will depend on your firearm’s intended use and the specific caliber you’re running.
Carbine gas systems are designed for shorter barrels and are ideal for calibers with higher pressures, such as .357 SIG and .40 S&W. Mid-length gas systems are suitable for a wide range of calibers and offer a good balance between performance and weight. Full-length gas systems are best for calibers with lower pressures, such as 9mm, and provide the most consistent performance.
Customization and Accessories
The AR-9 upper receiver is a versatile platform that allows for extensive customization. You can choose from a variety of handguards, stocks, sights, and other accessories to tailor your firearm to your specific needs.
Some popular accessories for the AR-9 upper receiver include:
- Optics: Red dot sights, scopes, and holographic sights
- Barrel accessories: Flash hiders, compensators, and muzzle brakes
- Handguards: M-LOK, Keymod, and other modular handguards
- Stocks: Collapsible, fixed, and adjustable stocks
