The AR-9 / Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC), including the Aero Precision EPC-9, has been rising in popularity since 2020.  What makes the AR9 platform unique is the close resemblance to the AR15 platform, with some reductions in recoil and cost!  9mm Ammunition is half the price of the cheapest brass-cased ammunition for the AR15, not to mention there are a few components you wouldn’t need to purchase if this is your first build.

The AR-9 isn’t gas-operated in the same way a traditional AR-15/AR-10 is.  The AR-9 bolt is cycled by gas blowback.  AR-9 barrels do not have a gas port, gas block, or gas tube, an approximate $50 savings.  Generally speaking, many of the components are compatible between the AR-9 and AR-15 platforms, including, stocks, handguards, triggers, buffer tubes, and furniture.  Components unique to the AR-9 platform include bolt carrier group, barrel, magazines, and in some cases both upper and lower receiver.

If you are looking to get into the AR-9 platform, we encourage you to look no further than the Aero Precision EPC-9, sold here at Arm or Ally.  The EPC-9 is a purpose-built, and thoroughly tested PCC platform which has received its praises in the short time it’s been available.