Description
9mm Pistol Upper for your next Ar15 build.
7.5" 9mm Barrel
1/2-28 threads, A2 9mm flash hider
'Sport' upper receiver, lightweight with no dust cover or forward assist needed.
7" Slim Keymod Rail
Nitride/Melonite 9mm Bolt Carrier Group, Ramped for standard hammer, compatible with glock and colt mags.
Charging Handle
Item #: 9mm7
Coupons for Mid State Firearms store
Comments (7)
The PSA hybrid bolts cause major problems. I went that route on a Colt build and finally ended up with a running gun after swapping bolts. Nasty feeding issues from the right side of the mag. Runs ok on Glock lowers but still not reliable. Many more stories of this on the interwebs.
The recent price drop has definitely grabbed my attention to the point where I just spent the last hour surfing their website. Looks like this company has the potential to penetrate the 9mm AR market harder and faster than anyone else (which is a VERY bold statement to make). That said, there are a few legitimate and potential concerns I have that need to be comforted before I make the leap of faith with Mid State Firearms.
- Has anyone actually used ANY of their components for a build, but more importantly/ specifically - their 9mm AR components?
- Their prices are definitely more reasonable, and I can appreciate the customization interface too. But the prices in each drop down don't make total sense when comparing to the varieties offered through each of the 3 (three) deals they have listed for 9mm AR uppers. It's actually a little frustrating.
I.e; one listing is face value at $399, then if you opt to remove certain components, they discount the price per each removed component. My issue with this is the discount is not even close to what they're marking it up for on other completed upper builds. I understand why they're doing this, so an explanation into why would be fruitless. My issue is more the discrepancy in-general. It's too great. I think we should be able to discount the face value considerably more - for instance if I wanted to install my own charging handle and not use your basic one, why don't you give me a $10-20 credit instead of $8? I don't know ANYONE that sells charging handles for $8... Or, why are you only discounting me $99 for removing the 9mm BCG from the build but another build you want to charge me $130? Both of those prices are overpriced (you and I both know that). I get the fact that they're new(er) than traditional AR components, and as such (kind of) deserve the right to be worth a LITTLE more, but the ones you have listed are NOT Nickel Boron.
The list goes on and on, but it's all the same song. Then of course let's flip the role and go to the 9mm AR parts category for if/when someone wanted to build it themselves. C'mon... You're not gouging us with those prices, but you're right on the edge of it!
If you want to be known in the industry (which you don't really seem to be - yet at least), and have a product that (seems like it could be) is capable of holding a candle next to other big-shot names, then why not introduce yourself/ your products to all of us with unbeatable door buster prizes? Do it for 1 month - preferably on a patriotic holiday such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, etc... But even after the intro sales price, still keep them at record low prices for upwards of 1 year.
I understand you're in the business of making money, but this is a sure way to do it. Once you get your product in the hands of capable gun enthusiasts, and at prices as competitive as I'm suggesting, in time, they will have convinced dozens-hundreds of people over the years due to their skill in the field. Word of mouth spreads faster in this industry than many others. For the better and worst. I like what you guys are striving for and you seem to be willing to reason with your customers by trying to give them what they want, so I also want to see those desires of yours to flourish in the trade come to fruition.
Thanks for the effort, I'm not just yet ready to spend that kind of money for entry level-looking components. They don't look like garbage which is why I'll keep my eyes on you guys. Best of luck!
With taste,
The PhunGuy
For a parts build you could build this yourself for:
• Anderson LW sport receiver: $39.99 (Aim Surplus) + $6 shipping: $46
• Spinta Precision 9mm Glock cut nitrided BCG: $129.99+$4.95 shipping: $135 (or get a 'blem' and save $20...I have one, can't find the 'blem')
• Spinta Precision 9mm 8" barrel: $74.95 (free shipping if the BCG is ordered at the same time)
• Radical Firearms Charging Handle: $9.99 (Primary Arms sale)+ $2.85 shipping: $13
• 1/2x28 9mm Birdcage: $13
• Matrix Arms 7" Victor Rail (what they are using): $39 + $8 shipping (Chandler HW): $47
~$329 shipped
Tools needed: Torque wrench and crows foot wrench (1-3/16) for the barrel nut, upper receiver vise. If you don't have these tools, or cannot borrow them from someone, the savings on DIY are more than eaten by the cost of the tools. However, if you have them, this is an easy build as there is no gas tube that needs to be timed vs the barrel nut and the cheap rail used is a very simple install. Highly recommend you use some VC-3 Vibratite on the exterior of the barrel nut to mate with the rail as it has NO anti-twist indexing, just clamping force (and keep your torque on the 3 rail clamping bolts under 30ft-lbs as they do not use steel inserts, just aluminum threading).
Add your own CH, etc., however you like as it is your build.
Just add your choice of dedicated Glock lower, PSA dedicated colt lower, or standard AR15 lower with 9mm mag well adapter, and you are ready to roll. I've only build using dedicated glock lowers (New Frontier Armory, PSA and QC10), and those run like tops.
Was going to get a Kel-Tec Sub2000, but after all constant the fudge going on with availability being virtually non-existent, and the few dealers that did have them, hiking the prices (on a relatively primitive firearm), I've decided I'm going to pick up 1, maybe 2X 9mm AR platforms. That said, I think the prices could/should go down a little before I make the jump. Not to mention the fact it's still a relatively new concept and within the next 12-18 months, I'm sure there will be at least 5-10 more/new manufacturers offering their version of this as well.
All that said; great post! Going to keep on this maker to see if anyone has any complaints.
Thanks!
PSA recently had complete 9mm pistol uppers of various lengths with hybrid BCG included for between $220 & $230 shipped. They had 9mm stripped lowers for $69 not long ago. Mid State produces quality stuff, but if you are on a budget, PSA is the way to go.