Looking for a cost-effective and reliable 9mm in the AR-15 platform?
Look no further than Palmetto State Armory’s new PX-9 where you can get a full carbine for around $500.
I got my hands on one and review it for fit/feel, shootability, accuracy, reliability, and more.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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By the end you’ll know if it’s the right choice for you…whatever your end purpose.
Table of Contents
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Who Is It For?
Pistol caliber carbines (PCC) have been all the rage and there’s plenty of them in their own platforms (Best Pistol Caliber Carbines).
But there’s something comforting in having one in the AR platform. You get to use almost all the same furniture and manipulations are in the same place.
Here’s some reasons why a PCC makes sense:
- Same mags/ammo as your pistol (if you’re packing a Glock)
- Enough power for home defense
- New PCC competition classes in USPSA (normally just for pistols) that are super fun
Fit, Feel, & Finish
Like I said in my previous PSA review of three of their AR-15 uppers…they are so affordable because from raw materials to the final product…they do it in-house.
But sometimes there’s some discoloration or slower than average shipping times. The shipping has gotten a lot better through the years though.
How does their 9mm fare? Pretty darn good.
There’s only the complete lowers listed for sale…but I got mine special for good ole California.
It was easy to put together due to the extractor and magazine release already installed. Plus the integral trigger guard.
Another perk…the rear takedown detent pin is very smartly accessed from the bottom along with the safety detent. No more yelling at the end plate (How to Assemble an AR-15 Lower).
Magazine well custom cut for Glock magazines worked but was a little tight in the beginning.
I wish for maybe a little flaring of the bottom for easier insertion.
My package came with the Magpul STR stock which gave a nice cheekweld. Pistol grip was Magpul as well.
But I went with a Strike Industries Mega Fin for CA featureless compliance :-(.
My one nit-picky complaint is that the front of the lower is a little sharp. If you like to hold your rifle there…it’s not the most comfy.
Now onto the upper…
Much better feeling handguard compared to the kinda sharp AR-15 ones in the previous review.
It looks pretty cool, was slim, and easy to grip in hand.
Standard comes with a flash-hider but I went for a featureless model with thread protector. 9mm is relatively low speed and gas so a compensator doesn’t really help.
Barrel is nitrided so it isn’t the rough standard phosphate covering. Makes it a little more premium looking and has some corrosion benefits too.
You’ll also notice that there’s no gas block. 9mm ARs work by blowback…so no gas block is needed but you do feel it more.
And though I don’t have a picture of the buffer and spring…make sure to use the one they give you (or some other 9mm version) or else you can break some stuff. You need a strong enough buffer to dampen the blowback.
The bolt is also specific to 9mm and looked well-machined (see how there’s no gas key). The charging handle was standard mil-spec.
Upper receiver has some nice cuts to it that make it look a little different from a regular AR-15.
However…a little discoloration matching between the upper and lower.
How Does It Shoot?
What really matters at the end of the day!
Check it out during one of my recent night competitions.
Recoil
One thing to keep in mind is that 9mm ARs has more recoil out of the box…thanks to their gas blowback system.
However…the PX-9 was milder and more pneumatic feeling. Not loud and violent like the Stag Arms I previously reviewed (until I found the right load).
Though this doesn’t give you the full effect of shooting…here’s how the reticle moves when I shot it in a sled:
Once you got the hang of it…you could easily bring it back and hit 100 yard steel with a 1x optic almost 100% of the time.
Plus if you start upgrading with a captured spring buffer or lighter loads…you can make it really soft shooting.
Manipulations
The magazine release was really stiff at first. But once I oiled it and broke it in by dry-pressing it a couple dozen times…it was just like any other release.
Same with magazine insertion…it’s just gotta wear in a little.
Magazines dropped free from the get-go although it was a little hard to insert a full mag on a closed chamber. But it’s doable (not like the Stag).
My one big complaint is that there’s no last round bolt hold open (LRBHO). If you’re competing with this…you’ll want to make sure you’re counting and reloading before emptying a mag. Or just go with ridiculously hi-cap magazines.
Dirtiness
I ended up with a lot of unburnt powder sitting on top of the BCG and magazine.
Everything still went bang every time through the 500 or so rounds and various brands of ammo…but I will make sure to at least wipe everything down before the next shooting session.
Accuracy
Standard testing procedure for me to eliminate most human error:
- Lead Sled DFT ($200)
- EOTech EXPS-2 ($490)
- Rise Armament Trigger ($99)
I went with the Rise Armament trigger since it was in my Stag review and is a great value for a drop-in trigger under $100. Perfect for PCC where 100+ yard groups don’t matter as much.
Plus the EOTech EXPS-2 for a fast close-up optic. Check out more at Best Holographic Sights.
I shot 4 brands of ammo (Best 9mm Ammo) at a pace of about 1 shot every few seconds once I was back on target. Waited for barrel to cool down between each brand.
I tested it out to 50 yards…which is a good distance for 9mm.
And the results:
The first set was Remington and I was getting depressed thinking this gun was going to be junk.
But turns out…it’s just a little finicky with ammo. But it does LOVE American Eagle 115 gr!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Also pretty good with our favorite home defense round of Federal 147 HST.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And somehow it didn’t like my light shooting 147 reloads that I usually use for my 9mm 1911.
Main takeaway…try out a couple brands of stuff in your barrel. When you find it…load up the truck!
Recommended Models
Thank goodness there’s not the bazillion models of AR-9s as there are for AR-15s.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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PSA has complete AR-9s…but if you know PSA, the best way is to build your own from uppers and lowers. That way you save some taxes on complete firearms.
Let’s start with the lower…they only have complete ones for now…no stripped. As of today…there’s a more bare-bones mil-spec one or one with a better Blackhawk buttstock.
Update: PX-9 is the one PSA forges themselves and what they are transitioning to completely in the future. It’s currently only guaranteed to work with their upper.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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I tested the lower with a Rainier Arms upper build…and it works great!
For the upper…there’s a couple more options.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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My specific one that I have and heavily recommend since their handguard is pretty comfy is the 16″ 13.5 lightweight handguard version.
By The Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
A little breaking in with the magazine release and magazine insertion. Otherwise performed flawlessly over 500 rounds and 4 types of ammo.
Accuracy: 4/5
Picky with its ammo…but good knowing that it really liked American Eagle 115 gr. I’d still check with your own barrel since it might be different.
Ergonomics: 4/5
Handguard feels much better than PSA’s AR-15 models I tested. But wishing the front of the lower receiver wasn’t so sharp and that it has a flared magwell.
Looks: 4/5
Handguard looks pretty cool and futuristic with cosmetic cuts. Same with the upper receiver which sets it apart. But loses some a point for slight mismatching color of upper and lower.
Customization: 5/5
It’s an AR platform with M-LOK so you can do anything to it. I added in a new trigger, flashlight, and holographic sight.
Bang for the Buck: 5/5
You get entry into the PCC world for right around $500 that takes Glock mags! Only caveat is that there’s no LRBHO but it’s relatively easy to plan around even in competition.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Conclusion
Cheap ammo, (hopefully) existing Glock mags, and familiar AR-15 ergonomics…what’s not to love?
Besides no last round bolt hold open and not perfectly matching in color…the PSA PX-9 lower and 9mm uppers are an awesome deal that’s so far performed admirably. I’ll keep this updated as I shoot more (and compete with it).
Until then…what’s your take on the PSA 9mm rifle? Is it on your radar or do you have another favorite PCC? Looking at other PSA stuff? We’ve reviewed (almost) all their guns from ARs to AKs and everything in-between.
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Nice, what the hell was going on in the background when you were doing that rapid string of fire? Wildfire?
Yes lol
I took my new PX9 10.5 inch 9mm to the range to sight in my Sig Sauer Romeo. After two rounds using a new SGM Tactial Glock 19, 17 round mag, it jammed the bullet between the bolt and just below the barrel entrance and compressed the bullet into the casing; primer up bullet down. Ok, fluke. I fired three more rounds and it happened again. Now, I decide to change the ammo. I put in PMC 124 gr. FMJ's. I smack the butt of the mag smartly to make sure that it is locking in place. I fire two rounds and it happens again. Now, I decide to try a Glock 12 round magazine that I have used for years without issue on my Glock 26. Same amo. Four shots later. Again. Only this time, it is so jammed that I have to use a screw driver to wedge it out of the firing chamber. I ask for one of the range hosts to see if they can figure out what is happening. He loads the SGM and pulls off seven shots. Number 8 catches. We look at the mags and see no difference in the plastic lift. He is at a loss to explain it. I decide to call PSA. They, of course, want me to send it back. At this point in time, I really don't feel comfortable with a two to three week turn around. That leaves me the only option to take it to a local gun smith. Not a happy camper.
Having a heck of a time with mine. PSA lower with an older PSA upper. Won't feed the coated lead hand loads, but will do fine on FMJ. The rounds are a bit long and are feeding into the flat at about 5:30. I'm planning on making a very slight mod to the feed cone and polishing it.
Hello, I have a psa px9 16 in. barrel with adj. Stock and pistol grip and live in CA so my question for you today is do they make a hellfighter for my dedicated 9mm lower with non last round bolt hold open?? Hope to hear from u guys soon
Was it the Juggernaut hell fighter pin and maglock you were referring to? And were you able to find any info out?
I just purchased one from PSA about two hours ago. Now we wait.
Probably the most entertaining and knowledgeable articles I’ve seen in a while. I’m in the process of wanting to build a PCC but don’t know where to start. Me also being in California this was a good article to get an idea but still need a little insight. The lower you bought had the buffer tube, fcg and stock all installed? With going maglock option “jt hellfighter” could it be built as a pistol in California? If not I’ll go the 16” barrel route. Thanks for the great content I’m going to check out more of your write ups.
I've been considering a PCC AR for some time. Thank you for this review. I am curious regarding the blow back depositing... stuff on the magazines. Did your test include the Pmags that Magpul for Glocks? If so, did the blow back melt or otherwise deform the polymer? I have a polymer magazine for my Rem 597. While it is just a .22LR, Its blow back cycle has taken its toll on the magazine's feed lips.
I don't own a Glock handgun, so a PCC would mean buying dedicated mags for it, and Mapgul Pmags would be an obvious choice for cost savings.
Hey Joe, I shot all my rounds through that one Glock mag and so far so good. I don't think it's much heat...just some unburnt powder.
The most obvious glaring question about 9mm ARs (ANY 9mm AR) is "WHY?"
Once upon a time in the 19th century into the beginning of the 20th century, there were practical reasons to want a handgun and a rifle both chambered in the same cartridge, particularly when your whole ammo supply was tucked in little loops on the back of your belt. As we moved into the 20th century, those reasons applied less and less to the average citizen. With the transition from revolvers and lever action rifles, to magazine fed semiautos the "Pistol Caliber Carbine" still made practical sense for ranchers and rural law enforcement officers, but for the rest of us, it was mostly a fun range toy.
At the middle of the 20th century, the US military rediscovered the concept of a carbine, which became very popular with our forces in the Pacific where ranges were short, making a light quick-handling weapon preferable to the more powerful but larger, heavier, and slower-pointing full size rifle. The carbine was ill-suited for most use in Korea, but was used anyway because (to use a phrase coined much later) "you go to war with the Army you have." After Korea, that carbine became an inexpensive fun range toy for many veterans and civilians.
Then for reasons best omitted here, the Army decided to eliminate its real rifle and issue everyone a new "rifle" that was really just another carbine. But that was 50 years ago, and by now almost everyone who never used a real rifle mistakes the AR for being one.
Not only does everyone "need" to have an AR to play with, but every newly designed long gun has to be made to look like an AR to make the marketing people believe they have a chance of selling it.
OK, so today having something that looks and acts like an AR apparently is the key to acceptance for modern shooters. I get that. What I don't get is why would you want an AR shooting 9mm? There does not seem to be any situation in which 9mm pistol rounds are superior to the 5.56mm that is native to the AR. Even for people who want it for "home defense" who are worried about "over penetration" there are better choices among 5.56mm ammo than among 9mm for limiting over penetration. The only areas where the 9mm would seem to offer any advantage over 5.56mm in an AR are cost per round, and reduced noise/flash/recoil. I see those "advantages" pitched as reasons to choose a 9mm AR for practice and for training new shooters. I will readily admit that 9mm is cheaper per round than 5.56mm, and produces less noise and flash. I suppose it also produces "less recoil" although I have never seen anyone who found the recoil of a semiauto AR bothersome other than NY Daily News reporter Gersh Kuntzman who has since become someone that even snowflakes look down on as a joke.
So, yes, let's say that 9mm is better for initial training and practice because it is cheaper and easier than 5.56mm. BUT if you're going to start with one of the lightest, cheapest-to-shoot, least recoiling centerfire rifles made, then emasculate it further by chambering it in 9mm. why not go all the way and move to .22LR which is even cheaper per round, produces even less noise, less flash, and almost no detectable recoil?
PCC's can be shot at handgun only ranges and on close range steel where many rifle caliber firearms are not allowed. Most organized shooting disciplines are based on handguns PCC's mesh just fine in these environs. Carbines/rifles not so much.
It makes sense to me as someone thinking about getting into rifles. I currently shoot a Glock 9mm and being able to share ammo and magazines saves a lot of cost for me and lets me get into it at a lower price point and commitment. Maybe down the road if I take to rifles I might get a dedicated platform and sell the carbine to another. Or maybe I decide I prefer handguns but don't mind keeping the carbine around as another home defense option that is cheap to keep because of ammo/mag sharing. Seems like a reasonable option that makes enough sense that people are buying them. Like all gun choices there's compromises to make in terms of your commitment and budget. FWIW I have also considered a AR chambered in .22LR for the reasons you expressed (also because its a rifle I feel certain my wife can handle) and I already am committed to .22LR in the house anyway (my wife shoots a s&w Victory).
You discount home defense, but that is exactly where these 9mm PCC/Braced Pistols shine. It is probably the most versatile caliber to defend one's family/home/vehicle/business etc. The 9mm round is hardly an "emasculated" choice. It is an excellent blend of velocity/energy/controllability/capacity/suppressability and serves many of us just fine. When fired from a carbine length barrel it provides energy similar to a .357 magnum handgun, yet without the flash, sound, and recoil. The modern braced pistol architecture provides advantages to a handgun as it can be fired from the shoulder if needed, is easier to mount optical sights and lights etc., and works well surppressed. A typical urban/suburban homeowner is served much better by a pistol caliber round than a rifle caliber round, and 9 mm is the most versatile of pistol caliber rounds. I hope this helps folks understand the very reasonable choice people make to purchase a 9mm PCC/PDW/Braced Pistol.
I have a Palmetto Glock Mag AR9 in pistol form with about a 12 inch barrel (including the KAK can on the end). It is great for our local range that only allows pistol calibers on their steel range (about 25 yards). It is also not too front heavy for younger shooters to use at the range and with the sigbrace on the back to use as a cheek rest it works well for other new shooters who want more than a 22lr but don't yet want the "blast" of an 5.56 from a short barrel.
It's also at least 10 to 15 cents cheaper to shoot per round than 5.56/223 (factory ammo) probably more if you reload considering powder capacity and associated cost. I don't reload yet so i can't confirm that at this time.
-But Cheaper to shoot, lighter front end (in a AR9 pistol), lower "blast" than AR pistol, can be used where Rifles are not allowed... about the same recoil as a 5.56 ar make it the firearm that is always at the range with us.
To each his own... but This is the "WHY" for me. (also 33round glock mags make it great fun to shoot even though we usually only load 15 to 20 at a time for plinking sessions.)
I know this is way after the fact, but I just wanted to add for other future viewers that pistol caliber carbines/pistol AR's 8"-12" barrels have a place in certain scenarios. Home defense is a big scenario where a 8" barrel in a pistol carbine is extremely well suited, far more than a handgun, if you are not an avid pistol shooter. The carbine pistol is more stable, naturally more pointable, the 9mm hits like a 357 magnum sans concussion and massive flash and it is easily adapted to lights and lasers to assist in target selection and identification. To state that pistol caliber carbines don't make sense is to disregard the fact that all special operations, law enforcement and private security regard these in high esteem. There are definitely a multitude of benefits in CQB scenarios that are under valued. If you have ever entered a residence or building with an AR or M4 and fired off a mag indoors, you would quickly realize that it is disorienting and damaging to the shooter. Suppressors assist dramatically for the 556 round, but a suppressed 9mm or 45 will beat it all day. In an urban setting, I would not feel undergunned carrying a 9mm pistol caliber carbine, in fact I would typically prefer it, especially in an MP5.
Sorry, Freddy, but I was talking about true pistol caliber carbines, not pistol caliber whatever-you-want-to-call them. I'm not even sure what to call a pistol caliber AR pistol -- should we call it a "pistol caliber pistol" or admit that it is the real "Pistol Caliber Carbine" and that all the other PCC's are misnamed?
On one side we have the fact that by the time you shorten the barrel to the length of many of these guns, you really do have a Pistol Caliber Pistol with little or no ballistic advantage over a plain ordinary pistol.
On the other hand, you are right that whatever-we-call-it is easier for inexperienced shooters to use in a home defense scenario -- especially if our inexperienced shooter has the good sense (or training) to use an ensconced defender strategy instead of stupidly wandering around inside his house looking for bad guys.
Some of this discussion will shift soon, since the ATF has decided to settle the name for these guns for us. Very soon they will simply be Pistol Caliber SBRs
I do agree with you though that a real select-fire PDW or SMG is certainly adequate in most CQB situations, but that isn't something most of us have to worry about.
"My one big complaint is that there’s no last round bolt hold open (LRBHO)."
.
PSA does make a LRBHO lower for Glock mags, however, you are better off without it. Much like the QC10 lower upon which it is based, the LRBHO feature is unreliable, at best. This is a common complaint for the particular method those two LRBHO Glock lowers use to pop the bolt catch. Without consistency myself and a few range friends just disabled the feature. Better to just get used to the different feel of the last round. Just like your normal AR you will be able to discern the feel of the last round with enough trigger time.
Thanks so much for that insight! I couldn't find the LRBHO enabled ones at PSA (in stock at least). But you're right...you can get used to the last feel/sound. Or if you're competing...to count your shots and plan the stage.
Ummm.......on a "normal AR" the bolt holds open on the last round.
It does feel a bit different but I and almost everyone else prefer and have gotten spoiled to having the bolt hold open. PSA's 9mm would be perfect if it had this feature. I've heard about their early LRBHO models malfunctioning but other manufacturers have gotten it right.
FX-9....etc.
I got a spikes tactical glock lower, and it fits perfect and the lrbho works flawlessly. It looks just like the PSA but with a different logo.