45 ACP AR - What's the way to go today?

[MMcfpd]

Olympic Arms produces their K45 upper that: a.) seems to be the standard and b.) uses a modified Uzi 10 rd. magazine that is unavailable at this time. While my shooting history is relatively short (1st firearm purchased in May '06), I've already encountered problems with magazines that are supposedly made for the guns I've tried to use them with, so the modified magazine makes me twitch just a bit. That, the unavailability and the limited 10 rd. capacity seem to be major drawbacks to the Oly alternative at this time.

CNC Gunsmithing is developing their AR45 aluminum lower that will take unmodified M3 magazines. That alternative would seem to be the best route, but I don't get the impression that they're ready for prime time yet. There is one completed stripped lower advertised for (Yikes!) $1500.00.

Although I didn't find it on their website, Cavalry Arms apparently makes a MK II polymer lower receiver that will accept M3 or Thompson magazines, with a magazine block. I've seen a few references to use of that with a Hahn Precision block(?) to produce a .45 ACP AR. CNC's AR45 page notes what they feel are some limitations to the Cav Arms product:

...they used plastic receivers which aren't very versatile, as you can't change out the stock and pistol grip to fit your needs. They also used a mag catch similar to that of the AK-47. With that method, you have to hold the rifle with one hand, and then with the other hand grab and release the mag, then reach for another mag and insert it in the receiver.

L & G Weaponry offers a .45 ACP upper, but their webpage doesn't offer much information, and I haven't seen any web feedback on this conversion.

Bushmaster, of course, is, or soon will be, offering their Bushmaster .450, but that uses a different, and new, cartridge and I'd prefer to stay with the .45 ACP.

MGI makes a modular lower receiver, but that's not applicable to a .45 conversion at this point.

So, what's the way to go for a .45 ACP AR right now? Or should I just wait a little bit longer?

 

[Plink]

If you're looking for a pistol caliber carbine, you might be better off looking into the guns specifically designed as such. They're a lot cheaper and most likely more reliable also, as they were built from the ground up around that caliber. Ruger makes nice ones, so does Kel-Tec and a few others. Most of them use easily available pistol magazines, so that's less of a worry also.

 

[doubleg]

I understand you on this one. Your only options are to wait, or settle for a 45 uzi or a UMP.

 

[DogBonz]

or find a HK USC

They are expensive and scarce, but they are truly awesome.

 

[MMcfpd]

Heh. I have an HK USC and, yes, it is an awesome firearm. And it's whet my appetite for some more .45 ACP carbine, with a larger magazine.