Wilson's AR9 pistol caliber or something cheaper?

Cal Sportsman ^ | 4/21/2016 | C Cocoles

[w1n1]

Pistol caliber carbines have become extremely popular since the ammo shortage a few years ago. Just recently, the prolific Wilson Combat company released information about their new 9mm rifle the AR9.

At first glimpse the Wilson AR9 has the similar appearance of an AR-15, so obviously an AR clone. It’s a quality-built 9mm AR with a quality AR price of $1,995.

Unfortunately, that price is what's killing it in the eyes of the buyer, check it out.

1. The Sig MPX is also a quality built AR style carbine: $1,732
2. The Zenith MKE Z-5 Rifle is based of the classic, reliable MP-5: $1,500
3. The new popular kid is the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine: $999
4. We’ve covered the Beretta CX4 Storm 9mm Carbine: $800
5. Just Right Carbines (JRC): $774
6. Kel-Tec Sub-2000: $500
7. MechTech Carbine Conversion Unit: $434

Something that seems to be overlooked in the higher end rifles is that people are not looking for a pistol caliber sniper rifle. A pragmatic approach is shooting on the cheap, and using the same magazines we have for our pistols.

What do you all think, would you spend on any pistol calibers?, Read the rest of the story here and find out what people really want.

[Blood of Tyrants]

You can get a rifle conversion kit for a Glock handgun for about $500.

http://www.mechtechsys.com/

[circlecity]

What is the muzzle velocity of one of these things as compared with, say, a Glock 19?

[V_TWIN]

Ah yes, a gun thread on FR...... buckle your seat belt brother. :^)

[riverrunner]

Stay away from the Kel-Tec Sub-2000.

Pistol caliber carbines are fun and can be useful but for the money a standard AR in 5.56 well do every they can and then some. except shoot pistol ammo.

I own to pistol caliber carbines both lever guns in 357 and 44 mag.

For defensive purposes standard AR of some type is a lot better.

[riverrunner]

One well gain 50 to 150FPS depending on the bullet weight powder used and so forth

[Yo-Yo]

If that is truly what you want, there are a whole lot of other AR pistols in 9mm for a lot less money.

With the recent ATF reversal of their Sig Brace ruling, the appeal of AR pistols as a tax stamp-free SBR alternative has waned.

[JJ_Folderol]

Chiappa M1-9 at about $420 online. It’s blowback operated rather than piston, but looks quite close to the original M1 carbine.

It also takes mil surplus Beretta FS-92 magazines for about $15 each.

[MHGinTN]

I would put my Kel-Tec Sub in 40 cal up against any of these pricey wannabees. If you go with a pistol caliber carbine, go up in bullet weight. No use to make a 9mm carbine when a Glock 17 with 32 round mags will do just as well. Step up to the 40 S&W round since the tool will be shouldered ...

[baltimorepoet]

I have a Kel-Tec Sub2000, takes Beretta 92FS mags. You can also get one that takes Glock 17 mags. It does fold nicely into a laptop bag. I plan on buying a Beretta 92FS and a Glock-type Sub2000, so I have magazine interoperability.

I also have AR15 and a FNH SCAR (.308).

I envision them in different roles. (similar roles for the Sub2000 & the Ruger 10/22 Takedown)

[Elderberry]

I love my 357 Herrett. So for a pistol caliber carbine, I'd love the 358 MGP.

http://www.mgpcustoms.com/Home.php

[Forty-Niner]

Personally I wouldn’t bother with any of these type novelty weapons.

Die hard JM Browning fan (except Garand/original ARs/Stoners). 1911s, Superposed, M-2, M-1&14, AR 15 RIFLE.

While I understand the attractiveness of the “modular” Stoner designs, the “pistol” type configurations escape me. I always believed a pistol was what you used to fight your way to your rifle.

Using a cut down rifle to fight your way to real rifle makes no sense.....I guess it’s just all in good fun, and doesn’t have to be logical! Lolololol...........

[ßuddaßudd]

FR is the only way I can view g─n stuff at work . .

[CMailBag]

If you want cheap, look at the Hi-Point Carbines. Cabela’s has them in 9MM, 40, and 45, all at $269.99

[SJSAMPLE]

Ditto.
I had the SUB2000 in .40SW for maybe three months.
I think I bought it for $280, sold it for $200.
I was glad to be rid of it.

It was just boring.
I’m trying to remain focused on my Glocks (5) and ARs (4) and avoid novelty guns.

[xander]

I’ve built several and first off most of the arguments against them are from people that think this path is contemplated by someone who doesn’t already own a regular AR. Some might be looking at one as their first AR/gun, but this is primarily a niche market item where an existing AR owner wants to try another variation. Nothing wrong with a PCC, they are a bunch of fun with a number of practical applications.

[CodeToad]

So, $2,000 for a 30 round mag 9mm when a $500 pistol with 16 round mag does the same job??

[Turbo Pig]

If you want cheap, look at the Hi-Point Carbines. Cabela’s has them in 9MM, 40, and 45, all at $269.99

And, it has the added benefit of being able to use it to beat someone to death should you run our of ammo or jam :-)

[Turbo Pig]

So, $2,000 for a 30 round mag 9mm when a $500 pistol with 16 round mag does the same job??

Not gonna argue the price of the Wilson AR-9; it's ridiculous. PCCs do serve a purpose, though. It is much easier to fire a rifle than it is a pistol. If, in a pinch, I had to arm someone who didn't have training I could teach them quicker and get better results at greater relative distances with a PCC, than a pistol. In the end, you use what ya got, and I wouldn't feel bad if a PCC was in the bag of what I got when the time comes.

[Kommodor]

I think that many people are thinking that in sparse circumstances, having a pistol and ‘rifle’ that can use the same ammo stock is a good thing. Some choose the revolver/lever action cowboy style combo. Others choose the semi-auto equivalent.

I have a Beretta CX4 in 9, and it’s quite a bit of fun. Enough fun that I’ve considered getting one in .45 to go with my 1911. We’ll see.