8 Best Pistol Caliber AR-15 Carbines

Have you got a pistol yet? Have you got an AR-15? Enter the AR-9 Platform! Discover why these guns are excellent defensive weapons and some of our favorites.

You may already own a Glock, or you might purchase one in the future.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a carbine which shares both ammunitionand magazines?

How about the ergonomics and functionality of the AR-15, which you may already be familiar with?

Why Pistol Caliber Carbine AR-9s (PCCs)?

You probably already know the answer to this question.

It makes perfect sense to have your sidearm and long gun in the same caliber. If you don’t want to add more firearms to your collection or if you only care about home defence, then this is the best option.

PCCs have a larger sight radius and more contact points than handguns, which require a great deal more training and skill to use.

With pistol-braced versions, you get everything you need in a smaller package, without having to sacrifice much.

AR-15 and AR-9 parts compatibility

The question is: How much of your existing AR-15 can I keep?

The majority of things are the exact same…but there is a huge difference in lowers.

There is also a different Magwell to handle Glock (or any other pistol magazines).

On the lower side, there is another magazine catcher that I prefer over standard AR-15s. It will vary slightly between manufacturers…but the catch is larger/longer.

You’ll find a simpler bolt on the upper due to direct blowback in most pistols. This means that there is no need for a gas block or tube.

Of course, there is also a barrel that is specific to the caliber.

Though the lower can take any mil-spec AR-15 Trigger Group…I would opt for something that is specifically designed to handle the greater recoil from the AR-9. See our suggestions at The Best 9mm AR-15 triggers.

You can swap out everything else!

Best AR-15 Pistol Caliber Carbines (AR-9)

1. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) PX-9

The PX-9 from PSA is one of their best budget-friendly options. One of the most affordable starter AR-9s available. It will always work, regardless of fit and finish. In the end, isn’t that what matters?

I used them in a few PCC competitions, and had a great time. PSA stocks complete carbines, lowers, and uppers. You can then build your own gun to your heart’s desire.

It should be noted, however, that the majority of PSA AR-9s don’t have the Last Round Bolt Held Open.

2. Aero Precision EPC-9

You’re looking for something more refined… and perhaps with a Last Round Bolt Hold Open?

Aero Precision’s (Enhanced Pistol Carbine,) EPC-9 (Enhanced Pistol Carbine), is our recommendation. The LRBHO is a great addition to the LRBHO, and it has some nice little features that make it easier to build and use.

Remember the mag release? The EPC-9 is our ‘s favorite. If you are building your lower from scratch, a threaded-bolt catch will help to prevent damage when installing. The fire control group has also hardened pins in order to handle the additional recoil of the blowback system.

Do you want a pistol AR with a shorter barrel? We built an 8.3 inch barrel version, and we love the balance, rail space and extra maneuverability.

Want to grab one? Aero is meant to be built mostly at home…but you can choose from a variety of uppers and bottoms!

3. UDP-9 by Angstadt Arms

The UDP-9 pistol is compatible with Glock magazines and Glock aftermarket magazines. The AR-9 is a high-end rifle, but it was not made cheaply. It’s also not afraid to only eat steel-cased food.

You don’t need to adjust to any new controls if you are shooting the UDP-9 for the first. It functions just like every standard AR-15.

If you are looking for an AR-9 that is high-end, check out the UDP-9.

4. Foxtrot Mike FM-9B

Are you looking for a smaller AR-9? Look at the Foxtrot MikeFM-9B. There are 10 inch, 5 inch, and 4inch versions. Here is their smallest bois!

It’s a little close for comfort, but you can still fit a gray-man backpack without the folding stock. If you choose the 4-inch version, I would much prefer to have a QD suppressor at hand.

However, 10 inches of rail space will allow you to use the entire length of your track and reduce the chance of losing a few digits.

The price is also reasonable and it comes with a last round bolt open.

5. Palmetto State Armory AR-V

PSA is back on our list, this time with the Ar-V…a PCC at a reasonable price with a unique twist.

AR-V mags can be used with CZ Scorpion EVO magazines as well as PSA’s AK-V/ARV magazines.

This PCC is a great choice for mags if you own a Scorpion 9mm AK or PSA’s variant.

We found the AR-V pretty accurate and reliable. It has a 10.5-inch barrel that is covered by a PSA M-LOK 9-inch handguard.

It is a bit difficult to get used to the mag release, which is similar to that of the AK-V. But once you are comfortable with it, it’s great.

6. CMMG Banshee Series

You want to look down at all these blowback weapons with a superior air?

Check out CMMG’s Banshee Series. This series relies on a proprietary “radial delayed blowback” gas system which reduces recoil significantly, especially when firing rapidly.

We have tested the 10mm version, and there are 9mm versions as well.

Our reviewer said …”it “ran like a scalded-dog” by consuming that extra oomph, and making the 10mm seem like 9mm.

Banshee also comes in different levels of awesomeness…from 100, 200 and our tested 300. The Banshee series comes with all the upgrades you could want.

7. Sig Sauer MPX

Here’s a high-end AR-9 that scoffs the idea of a blowback action.

The MPX has a short-piston recoil system, which allows you to get rid of the tube buffer for a compact package.

The controls are ambidextrous and the AR-15 will feel familiar.

The film was shot perfectly for us, and we were elated. In the darkness…

8. B&T APC9 Pro

Looking for another high-end PCC? Look no further than the Pro by Brugger & Thomet.

The APC9 Pro, made in Switzerland, is the most versatile gun on the list. It can be used with B&T, Glock or Sig Sauer P320 mags depending on which lower you choose.

The dual, non-reciprocal, non-auto-folding charging handles will not get in the way, even though the forend doesn’t have a very long length. The overall profile is kept very small by this.

The APC9 Pro is very easy to handle, thanks to its familiar controls. When a suppressor or other device is used, felt recoil can be managed and even made to seem tame. But don’t forget your adapter as the barrel is European tri-lug.

This capability is not cheap!