[TABING]

Does anyone make a 9MM upper that will fit on a Bushmaster lower, and how much$$$$??

[Redlg155]

The two most popular, Rock River and Olympic Arms 9mm uppers will fit on any standard "milspec" lower.

The Colt style requires a hammer change and a magazine block for the changeover. There are some older Bushmaster lowers that do not require a hammer change, but that is the exception rather than the norm. These are fed by either Colt or modified UZI magazines.

The Oly style just replaces your upper. No magazine block is needed if you use the Oly modified Sten mags. If you want to use unmodified Sten mags you need something like the SOCOM block.

Both uppers are price from $350-$500 depending on where you purchase them. Magazines blocks run a bit extra. A bit over $100 for the Colt or about $75 or so for the SOCOM type for the Oly.

Good Shooting
RED

[Swamp Yankee]

American Spirit Arms makes a 9MM upper that works fine with any mil spec lower. www.gunkits.com
I really like the magwell adapter, just drops in from the top. My ASA flattop has been 100 % reliable with any factory or reloaded ammo I've fed it. I didn't care for the fake collapsible stock that came with the rifle so I mounted the 9MM upper on a Bushmaster lower.
The only drawback I've found with the ASA, it uses Colt mags that are both hard to find and expensive. Good alternative is the Argentine surplus 40 round mags that CDNN carries from time to time.
Take Care

[M1911]

I'm curious. What's the attraction of 9mm in an AR15?

[Onslaught]

I'm curious. What's the attraction of 9mm in an AR15?
SUPER-cheap ammo, extra-low recoil, less noise, something different, another toy, etc...

Just FYI - No offense or insult meant at all... But ASA is a curse word on AR15.com. I have no personal experience with them, and I'm glad yours works for you, Swamp Yankee... But in doing my own research for 9mm AR's, you are the only person with an ASA that likes it.

When I buy, it will probably be the Rock River one, and I'll buy it from www.sableco.net .

[rock jock]

Redleg has got it down. He was an invaluable help when I bought my RRA 9mm upper last year. I went with the Colt-style setup because of the availability of Uzi mags. I use the same aftermarket trigger (from Accuracy Speaks) on my .223 upper as on my 9mm upper. The things I have to switch when making the transition are:

- remove/add mag block from lower
- switch spring/buffer from lower
- switch out the upper

As for the "why", the answer is that my local club only allows pistol-caliber carbines in 3-gun matches since we do not have adequate berms and surrounding land to minimize risk from .223/5.56 rds. The recoil is very low and the gun is a lot of fun with 9mm ammo, even though it does look funny with a stick mag.

[Schuey2002]

The two most popular, Rock River and Olympic Arms 9mm uppers will fit on any standard "milspec" lower.
So, which one is better in your opinion,and why, Redlg155??

I'm still in debate mode and can't decide which one to get.;)

[Redlg155]

So, which one is better in your opinion,and why, Redlg155??

I can't say that either system has a great advantage over the other. There are many satisfied users of both types of systems and each has its pros and cons. I like the Colt type because of the availability of relatively inexpensive UZI magazines that can easily be modified or purchase already modified. Modification consists of just adding a mag release cutout.

Oly welds a block onto their STEN mags and then charges a pretty penny for the service. Their website quotes $65.00 for a modified STEN mag. A SOCOM block is nice, but it has a paddle type release. I'd rather use the standard AR release.

I've been extremely happy with the durability and quality of the Rock River 9mm uppers. Here is my baby. :D
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p4d108c4d26df0e1c5cb169844c7ade72/fcbe1954.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p442cb5c58978b27bf2fc21e7203b7218/fcbe195c.jpg

M1911...the attraction is that I can pratice with my AR15 anywhere and with much less expense and noise. It's hard to beat $11 for 100rds of 9mm ammo. Even less if you reload. Shooting indoors is always an attention getter on ranges where only pistol calibers are allowed. You just have to try one to see how much fun they are!

Good Shooting
RED

[Onslaught]

If I may elaborate on what Redlg155 said... only because I've been researching recently for a couple of months, and he "may" have breezed over a couple things that may need more pointing out to someone who's not familiar with them.

The RRA system -

Conversion block to use Colt and Modified Uzi mags (no stupid chunk-o metal welded to it though) $150

Mags $20 - $40 apiece, depending on make and capacity.

Mag release - Standard AR mag release.

The Oly system -

SOCOM conversion block to use UN-modified Sten mags $70-ish.

Mags $5 a piece, less in quantity.

Mag release - Paddle release in front of magwell. If you depress the AR mag release, the SOCOM block falls out!

SO...
Basically, it all boils down to which one is more important to you... on the RRA version, the block costs more, and the mags cost more, but you get to use your regular AR mag release. On the Oly version, the block is half the cost, the mags are STUPID cheap, but you have to switch to using a paddle release, and remember NEVER to press the AR mag release!!!

[Onslaught]

Hmmm... the Beretta CX4 does look interesting...

Almost like the HK UMC went out drinking and picked up a Hi-Point Carbine... 9 months later, we have the CX4 :)
http://www.berettaweb.com/Beretta%20CX4_Storm/CX4_2.gif
When someone here buys one, we must have a range report!

[TABING]

Thanks for the info. One more question, since an upper is not an FFL item, where can I order a Rock River or an Olympic Arms upper and mags and other stuff necessary?

[Redlg155]

If I'm not mistaken the Olyarms website has a list of distributors that you can use or you can order from them directly. You can also order from Rock River directly. In my experience I've found that you can get a better price going through a distributor than ordering direct from the factory.

Two of the guys I like to use areTriple Break Products (http://www.triplebreakproducts.com/) for Oly items and Sable Co (http://www.sableco.net/) for Rock River items. Both are great and have excellent track records.

I'd also check over at AR15.com in the Industry section for more distributors. Before ordering make sure you look for some references and ask around the forums. That may save you some heartache.

Good Shooting
RED

[TABING]

Couple more questions,

Sable Co has the RRA from $376-443,

what is the recommended handguard length,

and is the chrome lined barrel worth it for only 40 some dollars more?

the conversion block is $124. but is it easily installed?

and where are modified Uzi mags available?

I'm ordering this stuff from overseas, and when (or if)I get back to the States will I be able to just stick it all together and go out and shoot it, or am I being unrealistic?

[Sven]

Pick up a copy of Shotgun News - dozens of places selling these uppers.

My new name for Shotgun News is "Big list of cool stuff you mostly can't purchase in California"

:mad:

[TABING]

Shotgun News??? in the United Arab Emirates I'd have a better chance of finding a pig a in the market. they ain't got no "stinkin" shotgun newses here. I'll see if I can get one sent over, but the way thengs are heading here it may be awhile before I see that.

thanks for the heads up.

[Redlg155]

what is the recommended handguard length,

Mostly personal choice. Mine in the pic is a midlength handguard. With the barrel cut to 14.5" Kurt's A3 Tacbrake brings it back up to 16". I've had the standard shorty version and it works just as well. There is no gas tube, so there aren't any differences in reliability. You will however find more accessories for the standard shorty handguards. I just like having extra room on mine for a gripping surface. Railed handguards are available for both mid and standard, but if you are looking for a railed handguard "snap or bolt" on type of attatchement then you need a standard shorty. You can then use the fobus, RAS, SIR and a couple others. The only mid length options out there screw on in place of the barrel nut and free float the barrel.

and is the chrome lined barrel worth it for only 40 some dollars more?

Unless you are planning to shoot full auto, then No. I've never had any sticky chamber problems with my 9mm ARs. The straight blowback action lets the gas push the fired casing out directly. Much different from a standard AR where the bolt unlocks and then pulls the fired casing out.

the conversion block is $124.but is it easily installed?


Yes. It you just insert it into the magwell as you would a regular magazine while depressing the mag release. There is a cutout for your mag release in the mag block. Once there you tighten the mag block into place using a allen head screw. Takes all of 30 seconds.

and where are modified Uzi mags available?

. Sable Co has Rock River modified mags on his website. They are also available from Vector Arms. If you the least bit handy you can also just get Uzi mags and notch out your own. Either that or have a local smith cut out a notch.

Good Shooting
RED

[TABING]

So... I don't need the 9mm hammer, buffer, stock spacer etc. ?
I was reading in AR15.com about changing hammers , buffers etc.
Is this necessary?

[Redlg155]

Tabing...
So... I don't need the 9mm hammer, buffer, stock spacer etc. ?
I was reading in AR15.com about changing hammers , buffers etc.
Is this necessary?

Hmmm..let me see if I can do it this way to help clarify matters.

Type--------------------Colt/Rock River --------------OlyArms
Hammer Needed....................Yes*1________________No
Mag Block Needed..................Yes__________________No*2
Buffer......................................Yes*3________________No
Stock Spacer...........................Yes/No*4_____________No

*1. Some standard AR15 hammers such as the early Bushmaster Hammers will work. Most will not and will require a hammer change.

*2. No mag block is needed if you use an Olympic Arms modified magazine. If you plan to use unmodified Sten mags then you must purchase a SOCOM mag block.

*3. A heavier 9mm buffer is recommended if you fire full auto. Many users also want the 9mm buffer in a collapsible type stock or RR type shorty stock. Otherwise a full length standard buffer will work.

*4. You must use a stock spacer if you plan on using a 9mm buffer in a full length buffer tube. This includes fake collapsible stocks that use a full length buffer tube. You do not need one with the Rock River type entry or shorty type stock or with a collapsible buttstock. This spacer compensates for the difference between the 9mm buffer and the standard full length buffer.

Sorry about the spacing as I couldn't figure it out quite right.

Good Shooting
RED