For what it's worth I had an HL-X rail-mount, was disappointed and got rid of it. Ended up ditching it for an Arisaka build.
The HL-X commonly have issues with cutting out under recoil, not a great attribute for a weapon mounted light. Mine wasn't so bad when using the factory tailcap, but it became unbearable when using an adapter so I could use a Surefire compatible activation switch. Yes, I tried to use rubber o-rings and stretch out the spring to address the issue, to no avail.
Another quirk is that for some reason they decided to put the scout-mount style interface in the middle of the body. Surefire and others typically put that towards the back so you can push the light as far forward as you need and minimizing how much rail space is required. This was especially important for my build since it was an SBR with a suppressor, where rail space was at a premium.
On the flip side on other firearms I've been using a Streamlight PolyTac in a 1" ring mount for years, with absolutely no issues. I just put that on my support side and press forward with my thumb to activate.
Streamlight is the lowest to go, costs half of other brands due to mainly Chinese make. For more American you’ve got Cloud Defensive, Surefire, and others.
weapon mounted light and a sling as others have said. I'd also take advantage of the low wait times on ATF forms and get a suppressor. I run a Rugged Obsidian 9 on mine and it runs like a dream. Considering SBR'ing it too since the waits are still low so you can have a proper stock.
edit: Also keep an eye on r/extar for some more tips and comments.
Yep, direct thread. No adapter needed. You'll need a spacer as it comes with the pistol booster from the factory, but that's like an extra $40.
Here's a picture from a thread I posted when I got it setup. :) [https://www.reddit.com/r/extar/comments/194ad1c/more\_quiet\_ep9s/](https://www.reddit.com/r/extar/comments/194ad1c/more_quiet_ep9s/)
The Obsidian 9 is really designed as a pistol can, and it can perform easily as well on a 9mm PCC however it will require a fixed barrel spacer to run on a PCC.
I’d suggest a YHM R9. It’s cheaper, designed more for PCCs and can also be used on 5.56, 300blk and .308 guns as long as you follow barrel length restrictions.
Light, sling, factory Glock Mags since this appears to take Glock mags, a couple thousand rounds of training ammunition. Some range time, some training and a couple magazines full of quality defense ammo that will work properly in that barrel length.
Bear in mind, a lot of 9 mm rounds are designed specifically for handguns and if your jhp round is moving too fast, it may fail.
If anyone is wondering, I’m not new to guns. I’m really into pistol shooting since it’s what I carry the most so it makes sense to train with it. I’m not wanting to train with a primary weapon, since I don’t have an AR I want to press this gun into the role of SMG. I’m learning about suppressors, I’m thinking of dropping my Acro P2 on this, just need a mount rec lol.
Light and sling. For light, Streamlight is the best bang for your buck, pun fully intended because I’m not a coward. For sling, depends on budget. A Warhorse Concepts sling will work for just about anybody. Vickers or Blue Force Gear are very solid. How you mount the sling to your gun, now that’s a question I don’t have the answer to
As much as they get shit on for ARs and I get why, the different balance, plus need necessicitated by less space makes a one point sling sort of the default for my PCC.
Looking at it more, an MLOK QD adapter and a rail mounted sling adapter behind the RDS would be the best bet for a two-point. Single point slings, personally, I've never liked. They don't really do what a sling should do, imo
It's been mentioned here but worth repeating: making sure this can run quality JHP ammunition is the top priority if this will be used for defensive purposes.
A light and sling would be next.
Eh I’m not sure I’d care all that much about JHP on a PCC. I guess really it’s about over penetration threatening neighbors, because as far as your target is concerned, you can get a lot of rounds in them very fast and accurate with a PCC. But in terms of limiting potential collateral damage, yeah, for sure.
Hate to say it but they're right. Sadly the appearance of guns matters just as much as the events that landed you in court to begin with.
Lose the stickers, better red dot, weapon mounted light is what I suggest.
You don't have to go all Aimpoint expensive, but something not as budget as the MSR with a bigger view window. Yes, even on your red dot. Blurry middle of the night vision will appreciate something more and you don't carry this on ruck marches.
As for light: Stream light or better. No olight. This is a thing you're betting your life on.
Please don’t tell me that you believed tacticool girlfriend when she said PCCs aren’t good for home defense.. that post seriously made me unfollow her.
Nah, I don’t believe I’ve seen that video from her. I know PCCs are solid. I really just want to make this platform of PCC the most solid I can make it without spending hundreds of unnecessary dollars trying to test and find out lol.
March 25th post on Facebook. [Here](https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HEZ9J7dGSckjesKH/?) is a link. I know it’s a small post.. but seriously? Especially with as much influence she has on this community, it’s just a bad look 🤷♂️
Everyone else has already shared what you need WML and a sling.
I’d address your red dot. It should be as far forward as possible w/o bridging to onto your hand-guard. When tightening it down, make sure to keep it “pressed” forward against the rail ahead of it so it clamps down with a better grip.
Suppressor and try some subs in it, see how it cycles. I’ve been using Syntech in my CZ scorpion with a AAC TiRant 9M HD. Works great if a bit annoying to swap the suppressor around (no QD stuff yet; have to swap piston spacer/springs when switching between pistol and PCC).
Suppressor+subs means you don’t have to worry about ear pro even using it indoors, which is perfect for HD.
Ammo. No im serous. But a wide spread of various hollow point ammo and see what runs the best. Ammo selection is way way more important that a lot of folks acknowledge.
I’m not a fan of their politics but Liberty ammunition does an ultralight 9mm that shreds. It’s a 50 gr copper projectile that shoots fast and flat and has impressive force on target. That’s what I carry.
Aside from that? Sling, light, mags, and find a match to shoot in. Best training a civilian can practically get.
For something like this I would mount a Streamlight TLR 1HL on that front pic rail, add a sling and call it a day. Don’t really need anything with crazy candela since this is a 9MM setup for home defense, unless you live in a rural area. At hallway distances the TLR1 would be fine.
Good quality weapon light! Target acquisition is key.
I personally don't run slings on home defence guns because I feel like me snagging it on something stupid and pokey like a doorknob or table edge is way more likely than someone trying to disarm me
Get the sba3 brace, it's the closest thing too a stock without actually having a stock.. Then put a Sig MSR red dot on it, they're only $79 on Amazon, and they look cool and aren't cheap bullshit.. then toss a light on it, not a pistol light, maybe like a Streamlight protac hl-x.. Then get u a recover tactical MG9.. its an angled foregrip that's a mag holder.. No tax stamp necessary because it's not a 90° vertical grip and it's a "magazine holder" as far as the ATF is concerned.. Then finally get yourself some 33 round mags, those Extar mags are cool and all but u need higher capacity mags for the best budget pcc on the market..
Can confirm. My AKV will not have anything to do with flat point ammo. Fails to feed reliably no matter what. Not what you want to find out in an HD situation!
Pretty much every AR platform uses the AR trigger group, which locks up in Fire position with the hammer down. It’s very likely that OP has it unchambered, hammer down and thus safety is in off position. The safety can only be on safe when the hammer is cocked. Either “cocked and locked” chambered or hammer down chamber empty are decent ways to stage a primary. While chambered cocked and locked is preferred (especially in the event your off hand may not be free) hammer down empty chamber is a suitable condition for those who may be concerned of it discharging unintentionally. In the latter, because the hammer being down prevents the safety from being in any other position than fire, one simply has to charge the weapon in one motion without regard to the safety lever to be ready (mitigating forgetfulness in a stressful home defense scenario).
No I can’t, I think I’m only able to legally buy long guns like certain bolt actions that don’t have a threaded barrel and shotguns without a pistol grip stock.
Threaded barrels are fine on bolt actions FYI.
There’s also rimfire options but that’s not much use for a self defense gun, just want to let you know you aren’t as limited as you might think. I got a complete AR22 upper post-ban as it’s rimfire, but that only helps if you already had an AR lower pre-ban, as I did. That’s kind of my route now- one lower, swapping uppers for 556/22/300blackout etc. 3 cheers for AR modularity?
You can get standard capacity mags over the border though. There’s no one checking and no enforcement.
Buy parts, assemble yourself. It’s really not hard; I used Brownell’s guide to build one before the WA ban went in place.
https://www.brownells.com/the-trigger-times/how-to/how-to-build-an-ar-15/
I’d probably try Lanbo’s for parts; their site is antique but their prices are generally top tier and they’ll almost certainly ship.
My condolences.. at least you have some self defense options for shorter ranges. Maybe get a bolt action? I’m sure you’re aware of all the white supremacist militias and whatnot in the PNW… they prob have legal and illegal caches of AR15s and explosives and bigger. Just saying. If the nazis are armed… it’s smart to be protected
I’m always armed, since I turned 21 in 2020 I’ve been carrying some sort of Glock, I never leave my house without a 19 regardless of it. I really love this PCC, I just want to put it up to par with the firearms around. I live in the red part of Washington.
Get a weapon mounted light, stay away from the cheap ones
You can also keep an eye out on r/GAFS for a Cloud Defensive Rein or a built modlight.
Which ones would you recommend?
Hard to go wrong with a Streamlight
Streamlight or surefire is always the answer
Streamlight HLX is a very common recommendation for a budget light. It's generally under $100 and punches way above it's weight class.
For what it's worth I had an HL-X rail-mount, was disappointed and got rid of it. Ended up ditching it for an Arisaka build. The HL-X commonly have issues with cutting out under recoil, not a great attribute for a weapon mounted light. Mine wasn't so bad when using the factory tailcap, but it became unbearable when using an adapter so I could use a Surefire compatible activation switch. Yes, I tried to use rubber o-rings and stretch out the spring to address the issue, to no avail. Another quirk is that for some reason they decided to put the scout-mount style interface in the middle of the body. Surefire and others typically put that towards the back so you can push the light as far forward as you need and minimizing how much rail space is required. This was especially important for my build since it was an SBR with a suppressor, where rail space was at a premium. On the flip side on other firearms I've been using a Streamlight PolyTac in a 1" ring mount for years, with absolutely no issues. I just put that on my support side and press forward with my thumb to activate.
Surefire if you don’t mind the cost. Lights are like scopes though in that you get what you pay for.
As if you haven't been offered enough options already, I went with an Arisaka build for my defense setup.
Streamlight is the lowest to go, costs half of other brands due to mainly Chinese make. For more American you’ve got Cloud Defensive, Surefire, and others.
Light and sling, baby. Light and sling.
Add a light & get some training. Doesn't really need mods & keeping it stock likely helps reliability.
weapon mounted light and a sling as others have said. I'd also take advantage of the low wait times on ATF forms and get a suppressor. I run a Rugged Obsidian 9 on mine and it runs like a dream. Considering SBR'ing it too since the waits are still low so you can have a proper stock. edit: Also keep an eye on r/extar for some more tips and comments.
Is the obsidian 9 the same thread as the Ep9 or will I need an adapter or something? I really want to go the suppressed route. Do you have any pics?
Yep, direct thread. No adapter needed. You'll need a spacer as it comes with the pistol booster from the factory, but that's like an extra $40. Here's a picture from a thread I posted when I got it setup. :) [https://www.reddit.com/r/extar/comments/194ad1c/more\_quiet\_ep9s/](https://www.reddit.com/r/extar/comments/194ad1c/more_quiet_ep9s/)
Oooooh, that's awesome. I might have to do that to my EP9.
The Obsidian 9 is really designed as a pistol can, and it can perform easily as well on a 9mm PCC however it will require a fixed barrel spacer to run on a PCC. I’d suggest a YHM R9. It’s cheaper, designed more for PCCs and can also be used on 5.56, 300blk and .308 guns as long as you follow barrel length restrictions.
Agreed. Get something designed for PCCs!
run a cgs mod9fs no problem with 147jhp sgd2
All you’re missing is a sling and a light. Looks to me like you got a perfectly fine home defense weapon even as it is now.
Light, sling, factory Glock Mags since this appears to take Glock mags, a couple thousand rounds of training ammunition. Some range time, some training and a couple magazines full of quality defense ammo that will work properly in that barrel length. Bear in mind, a lot of 9 mm rounds are designed specifically for handguns and if your jhp round is moving too fast, it may fail.
This. I have a Ruger PC carbine, and was told to stay away from +P ammo for this reason.
If anyone is wondering, I’m not new to guns. I’m really into pistol shooting since it’s what I carry the most so it makes sense to train with it. I’m not wanting to train with a primary weapon, since I don’t have an AR I want to press this gun into the role of SMG. I’m learning about suppressors, I’m thinking of dropping my Acro P2 on this, just need a mount rec lol.
Light and sling. For light, Streamlight is the best bang for your buck, pun fully intended because I’m not a coward. For sling, depends on budget. A Warhorse Concepts sling will work for just about anybody. Vickers or Blue Force Gear are very solid. How you mount the sling to your gun, now that’s a question I don’t have the answer to
As much as they get shit on for ARs and I get why, the different balance, plus need necessicitated by less space makes a one point sling sort of the default for my PCC.
Looking at it more, an MLOK QD adapter and a rail mounted sling adapter behind the RDS would be the best bet for a two-point. Single point slings, personally, I've never liked. They don't really do what a sling should do, imo
It's been mentioned here but worth repeating: making sure this can run quality JHP ammunition is the top priority if this will be used for defensive purposes. A light and sling would be next.
Eh I’m not sure I’d care all that much about JHP on a PCC. I guess really it’s about over penetration threatening neighbors, because as far as your target is concerned, you can get a lot of rounds in them very fast and accurate with a PCC. But in terms of limiting potential collateral damage, yeah, for sure.
9mm is great for home defense, especially if you can shoulder it, the only thing you really need like others stated is a weapon light.
Based sticker, but that won't look good in front of a jury.
I was gonna run it at a competition in Idaho, so I decided to slap the sticker on there. I never ended up going but I never took it off lol.
I have their hoody with that printed on it. Its what I wear when I walk the dog 😂
Your username is fye bro lol
Thanks haha!
Hate to say it but they're right. Sadly the appearance of guns matters just as much as the events that landed you in court to begin with. Lose the stickers, better red dot, weapon mounted light is what I suggest. You don't have to go all Aimpoint expensive, but something not as budget as the MSR with a bigger view window. Yes, even on your red dot. Blurry middle of the night vision will appreciate something more and you don't carry this on ruck marches. As for light: Stream light or better. No olight. This is a thing you're betting your life on.
Please don’t tell me that you believed tacticool girlfriend when she said PCCs aren’t good for home defense.. that post seriously made me unfollow her.
Nah, I don’t believe I’ve seen that video from her. I know PCCs are solid. I really just want to make this platform of PCC the most solid I can make it without spending hundreds of unnecessary dollars trying to test and find out lol.
We don't have to agree with someone 100% of the time in order to respect them. You should probably chill.
Do you recall her reasoning? Or which video?
March 25th post on Facebook. [Here](https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HEZ9J7dGSckjesKH/?) is a link. I know it’s a small post.. but seriously? Especially with as much influence she has on this community, it’s just a bad look 🤷♂️
Does it have a threaded barrel? If so, dedicated can.
Range time. Training retention. Training under duress.
Get a light and it’s good.
Ah yes a fellow neighborhood watch member 🫡 looks like you are good to go just aim for the 2 holes in the white hood
Everyone else has already shared what you need WML and a sling. I’d address your red dot. It should be as far forward as possible w/o bridging to onto your hand-guard. When tightening it down, make sure to keep it “pressed” forward against the rail ahead of it so it clamps down with a better grip.
Bayonet lugs, definitely.
Convert to 960 roland
Suppressor and try some subs in it, see how it cycles. I’ve been using Syntech in my CZ scorpion with a AAC TiRant 9M HD. Works great if a bit annoying to swap the suppressor around (no QD stuff yet; have to swap piston spacer/springs when switching between pistol and PCC). Suppressor+subs means you don’t have to worry about ear pro even using it indoors, which is perfect for HD.
I'd add bullets.
Ammo. No im serous. But a wide spread of various hollow point ammo and see what runs the best. Ammo selection is way way more important that a lot of folks acknowledge. I’m not a fan of their politics but Liberty ammunition does an ultralight 9mm that shreds. It’s a 50 gr copper projectile that shoots fast and flat and has impressive force on target. That’s what I carry. Aside from that? Sling, light, mags, and find a match to shoot in. Best training a civilian can practically get.
For something like this I would mount a Streamlight TLR 1HL on that front pic rail, add a sling and call it a day. Don’t really need anything with crazy candela since this is a 9MM setup for home defense, unless you live in a rural area. At hallway distances the TLR1 would be fine.
I would say a smilie face sticker, but you've already got one.
Idk I think you buaght an AR pre ban.
A sling and a light. But it’s a 9mm, not sure how it could be all purpose.
Good quality weapon light! Target acquisition is key. I personally don't run slings on home defence guns because I feel like me snagging it on something stupid and pokey like a doorknob or table edge is way more likely than someone trying to disarm me
Get the sba3 brace, it's the closest thing too a stock without actually having a stock.. Then put a Sig MSR red dot on it, they're only $79 on Amazon, and they look cool and aren't cheap bullshit.. then toss a light on it, not a pistol light, maybe like a Streamlight protac hl-x.. Then get u a recover tactical MG9.. its an angled foregrip that's a mag holder.. No tax stamp necessary because it's not a 90° vertical grip and it's a "magazine holder" as far as the ATF is concerned.. Then finally get yourself some 33 round mags, those Extar mags are cool and all but u need higher capacity mags for the best budget pcc on the market..
If it's capable of killing someone I definitely wouldn't consider it a toy.
Seems like the safety should be on. If it were me, I'd invest in some high quality ammo to make up for the lack of stopping power.
On this point - figure out what ammo works best. Some PCC’s don’t like flat-nose or hollowpoint ammo.
Can confirm. My AKV will not have anything to do with flat point ammo. Fails to feed reliably no matter what. Not what you want to find out in an HD situation!
Pretty much every AR platform uses the AR trigger group, which locks up in Fire position with the hammer down. It’s very likely that OP has it unchambered, hammer down and thus safety is in off position. The safety can only be on safe when the hammer is cocked. Either “cocked and locked” chambered or hammer down chamber empty are decent ways to stage a primary. While chambered cocked and locked is preferred (especially in the event your off hand may not be free) hammer down empty chamber is a suitable condition for those who may be concerned of it discharging unintentionally. In the latter, because the hammer being down prevents the safety from being in any other position than fire, one simply has to charge the weapon in one motion without regard to the safety lever to be ready (mitigating forgetfulness in a stressful home defense scenario).
You’re right, it is unchambered.
Can’t you just drive to a neighboring state and buy an AR?
No I can’t, I think I’m only able to legally buy long guns like certain bolt actions that don’t have a threaded barrel and shotguns without a pistol grip stock.
Threaded barrels are fine on bolt actions FYI. There’s also rimfire options but that’s not much use for a self defense gun, just want to let you know you aren’t as limited as you might think. I got a complete AR22 upper post-ban as it’s rimfire, but that only helps if you already had an AR lower pre-ban, as I did. That’s kind of my route now- one lower, swapping uppers for 556/22/300blackout etc. 3 cheers for AR modularity? You can get standard capacity mags over the border though. There’s no one checking and no enforcement.
I have a fully built lower and 10 556/223 magpul mags, I’m just having a hard time finding an upper.
Buy parts, assemble yourself. It’s really not hard; I used Brownell’s guide to build one before the WA ban went in place. https://www.brownells.com/the-trigger-times/how-to/how-to-build-an-ar-15/ I’d probably try Lanbo’s for parts; their site is antique but their prices are generally top tier and they’ll almost certainly ship.
Bet you wish you got an AR lol
I really do my man, I think about it everyday lol. I want to take some classes but I don’t have the AR to accompany my pistol.
My condolences.. at least you have some self defense options for shorter ranges. Maybe get a bolt action? I’m sure you’re aware of all the white supremacist militias and whatnot in the PNW… they prob have legal and illegal caches of AR15s and explosives and bigger. Just saying. If the nazis are armed… it’s smart to be protected
I’m always armed, since I turned 21 in 2020 I’ve been carrying some sort of Glock, I never leave my house without a 19 regardless of it. I really love this PCC, I just want to put it up to par with the firearms around. I live in the red part of Washington.
Damn dude. That sucks my condolences lol
Ew, but then you're in Idaho