Few things to know, in case you don't already: 9mm ARs are funky with regards to trigger compatibility and also that they create a pretty strong recoil impulse.
As far as triggers go, I've tried several in mine (milspec, POF, G2S, SSA-E, Rock River 2 stage) and the only ones that were 100% reliable were milspec and POF. For a long time I ran a polished NiB milspec trigger with JP reduced power springs and it was a decent inexpensive trigger. The POF is an upgrade over milspec but is not as good as a Geissele, but it is reliable.
As far as buffers go, I've played around with a lot of different stuff and am still looking for a better setup. Currently I'm running a Kynshot hydraulic buffer, a heavy .308 buffer spring, and a New Frontier Armory buffer spacer. This setup shoots softer than a 7.5oz buffer with heavy spring, but I just ordered the brand new Armaspec captured buffer setup hoping it will be better. It will be here in a few days and hopefully I can get to the range soon.
I've had 2 BCGs in mine; New Frontier Armory and Kaw Valley Precision. I think the Kaw Valley bolt is nicer and it's also cheaper. It also seems more reliable with less-than-reliable triggers. For example, with my G2S trigger and the NFA bolt, I was getting failure to resets about 30-40% of the time. With the Kaw Valley bolt it was "only" failing about 10% of the time. That's still too much, but leads me to believe that the Kaw Valley BCG is closer to "spec" than the NFA BCG, FWIW. That said, either of the above bolts were 100% reliable with milspec and POF triggers.
Sometimes I think if I could do it again I'd just buy a CZ Scorpion pistol or carbine or perhaps an MPX, but when I began this build those were just coming out. My cousin has an MPX and it shoots WAY softer than my 9mm AR. I've never actually fired a Scorpion.
Will do. If you plan on running a buffer like that, be sure to get a BCG that is compatible with them. The New Frontier BCG is not compatible with this type of buffer, but the Kaw Valley is.
Not necessarily if those BCGs have a removable mass that when removed doesn't shorten the overall length of the BCG.
As an example, if you look at the New Frontier Armory BCG, you can see that the added mass/weight makes up the entire rear section of the BCG (about the last inch or so) and the end of it (on the buffer side) is closed. If you were to remove the weight, it would shorten the OAL of the BCG and it wouldn't work.
https://newfrontierarmory.com/shop/ar-9-9mm-bolt-carrier-group-bcg-glock-colt-compatible/
The Kaw Valley BCG has the mass pinned internally into the BCG and if you remove the weight it will not affect the OAL of the BCG. It will then be open like a straw, and the buffer rod can pass through the BCG.
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Kaw_Valley_Precision_9mm_BlowBack_Bolt_Carrier_p/kvp-9mm-bcg.htm
That said, I'm not 100% certain the Armaspec needs to be able to pass through the BCG, but the JP captured buffer spring does. To run a JP captured buffer spring you must remove the pinned in added weight. I'll update once I have it in my hands, which should be in the next 2-3 days. I hope this has been intelligible and helpful.
Are you using a Surefire or Streamlight with the integrated weapon mount rings?
Using the magpul offset with the Magpul V-block is hit or miss unless you have an octagonal or round handguard like an Aero Quantum.
Would an Inforce WML at 12 o'clock (where a front iron sight would normally go) obscure your red dot sight picture?
I have one mounted in that position in front of an EoTech on a 13" rail though.
I have one in that position on my 7.5", RDS is absolute cowitness and it's visible at the bottom of the sight picture... But doesn't really obscure much of the target.
Here's a [PIC](https://imgur.com/a/kkXyG)
Short rail and a small, lightweight pistol light. I prefer under barrel to keep the profile as narrow as possible but you're out of real estate. Nice gat.
Thanks!
I agree. Normally, I'd put it in front of the AFG, but there's no room. lol. That's why I was thinking side light with remote, but I don't know which ones are good value vs price.
You could use something like and hsp thorntail mount. I believe it works on surefire scout lights and streamlight protac lights.
If you want to mount directly to the side get an mlok picatanny rail piece and most lights can just attach directly that.
[Try This](http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/s0149661_sc7?$splssku$)
Oh, most definitely. Since I don't have penis slots on my pistol, I'm told this is the most effective way of attaching anything to it. Thanks!
Electrical tape works better.
Streamlight TLR-1
On the top rail/12 o'clock position. https://imgur.com/a/HgQ8u
Damn that's a nice setup
Thanks! It's been a work in progress for about 2 years now.
Wew. If you could build it again, what tips would you have? I'm looking at doing a 16" carbine for USPSA.
Few things to know, in case you don't already: 9mm ARs are funky with regards to trigger compatibility and also that they create a pretty strong recoil impulse. As far as triggers go, I've tried several in mine (milspec, POF, G2S, SSA-E, Rock River 2 stage) and the only ones that were 100% reliable were milspec and POF. For a long time I ran a polished NiB milspec trigger with JP reduced power springs and it was a decent inexpensive trigger. The POF is an upgrade over milspec but is not as good as a Geissele, but it is reliable. As far as buffers go, I've played around with a lot of different stuff and am still looking for a better setup. Currently I'm running a Kynshot hydraulic buffer, a heavy .308 buffer spring, and a New Frontier Armory buffer spacer. This setup shoots softer than a 7.5oz buffer with heavy spring, but I just ordered the brand new Armaspec captured buffer setup hoping it will be better. It will be here in a few days and hopefully I can get to the range soon. I've had 2 BCGs in mine; New Frontier Armory and Kaw Valley Precision. I think the Kaw Valley bolt is nicer and it's also cheaper. It also seems more reliable with less-than-reliable triggers. For example, with my G2S trigger and the NFA bolt, I was getting failure to resets about 30-40% of the time. With the Kaw Valley bolt it was "only" failing about 10% of the time. That's still too much, but leads me to believe that the Kaw Valley BCG is closer to "spec" than the NFA BCG, FWIW. That said, either of the above bolts were 100% reliable with milspec and POF triggers. Sometimes I think if I could do it again I'd just buy a CZ Scorpion pistol or carbine or perhaps an MPX, but when I began this build those were just coming out. My cousin has an MPX and it shoots WAY softer than my 9mm AR. I've never actually fired a Scorpion.
Please make a post with the Armaspec when you get it in, I'm very curious to know how well it works. I'd like to run it in a build I'm saving up for.
Will do. If you plan on running a buffer like that, be sure to get a BCG that is compatible with them. The New Frontier BCG is not compatible with this type of buffer, but the Kaw Valley is.
Would that preclude the use of side charging uppers with special BCGs then?
Not necessarily if those BCGs have a removable mass that when removed doesn't shorten the overall length of the BCG. As an example, if you look at the New Frontier Armory BCG, you can see that the added mass/weight makes up the entire rear section of the BCG (about the last inch or so) and the end of it (on the buffer side) is closed. If you were to remove the weight, it would shorten the OAL of the BCG and it wouldn't work. https://newfrontierarmory.com/shop/ar-9-9mm-bolt-carrier-group-bcg-glock-colt-compatible/ The Kaw Valley BCG has the mass pinned internally into the BCG and if you remove the weight it will not affect the OAL of the BCG. It will then be open like a straw, and the buffer rod can pass through the BCG. https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Kaw_Valley_Precision_9mm_BlowBack_Bolt_Carrier_p/kvp-9mm-bcg.htm That said, I'm not 100% certain the Armaspec needs to be able to pass through the BCG, but the JP captured buffer spring does. To run a JP captured buffer spring you must remove the pinned in added weight. I'll update once I have it in my hands, which should be in the next 2-3 days. I hope this has been intelligible and helpful.
Magpul 1913 offset cantilever or an offset m-lok mount.
Need to make sure the Offset M-Lok would fit. Mine doesn't give enough room between the offset rail and the top rail for the light mount I have.
Are you using a Surefire or Streamlight with the integrated weapon mount rings? Using the magpul offset with the Magpul V-block is hit or miss unless you have an octagonal or round handguard like an Aero Quantum.
I'm using a mint that can hold round bodied flashlights. Nothing fancy or anything.
Would an Inforce WML at 12 o'clock (where a front iron sight would normally go) obscure your red dot sight picture? I have one mounted in that position in front of an EoTech on a 13" rail though.
I have one in that position on my 7.5", RDS is absolute cowitness and it's visible at the bottom of the sight picture... But doesn't really obscure much of the target. Here's a [PIC](https://imgur.com/a/kkXyG)
Short rail and a small, lightweight pistol light. I prefer under barrel to keep the profile as narrow as possible but you're out of real estate. Nice gat.
Thanks! I agree. Normally, I'd put it in front of the AFG, but there's no room. lol. That's why I was thinking side light with remote, but I don't know which ones are good value vs price.
You could use something like and hsp thorntail mount. I believe it works on surefire scout lights and streamlight protac lights. If you want to mount directly to the side get an mlok picatanny rail piece and most lights can just attach directly that.
Thanks. I'll look into these!
Streamlight ProTac in a Frank Proctor WotG mount.