Wilson Combat AR9 Pistol Caliber Carbine

Word has come to us from the remote reaches of northern Arkansas that Wilson Combat (@wilsoncombat) has released a new AR style carbine — and this one is in 9mm. Here's the best part — they come in 3 different specific uppers, each designed to be compatible with a 9mm pistol magazine. This will allow you to reload it with the same mags you're using in your Glock, Beretta or S&W (including hollowpoint and high pressure loads). This will answer the needs of some LE agencies with patrol rifle policy restrictions and will likely appeal to many people who prefer a long gun for home defense but have issues with using rifle caliber ammunition.

There's also the added advantage of reduced cost training, though given the initial investment required these savings might take a little while to realize.

Says Bill Wilson of the new AR9,

“We have extensively tested the AR9 and it has exceeded my expectations for reliability and accuracy. When the AR9 is mated with a quality red dot sight and weapon light it is an exceptional training and home defense firearm for shooters of all skill levels.”

The lowers are last round bolt hold open and all the AR9s operate on a closed-bolt system. Though they're designed to digest pistol caliber ammo you can attach any of the standard AR furniture you might prefer — triggers, aftermarket charging handles, lights and lasers, optics, etc. The weapon features a flared magwell and an integral trigger guard. There are a number of options, including an SBR version, a rifle version and a pistol version.

You will choose whether you want to weapon to take Glock 17, S&W M&P or Beretta 92 series magazines when you order it.

Wilson Combat describes it thusly:

The AR9 bolt hold open ensures reliable lockback on empty with your pistol’s factory magazines. The AR9 proprietary bolt carrier group with heavy duty claw extractor and plunger ejector is tuned for exceptional reliability.

The AR9 is also an optimized suppressor host with minimal gas blowback and enhanced accuracy over other designs. Wilson Combat carbon steel match-grade button-rifled 1-10” twist 9mm barrels ensure that the AR9 meets our stringent quality and accuracy requirements.

The Wilson Combat AR9 can be ordered with your choice of GlockⓇ 17, S&WⓇ M&P or BerettaⓇ 92 magazine compatibility and configured as a pistol, carbine or short barreled rifle (all NFA rules apply). The AR9 is offered with your choice of fluted or non-fluted barrels in multiple lengths and various Wilson Combat designed muzzle devices.

Not simply a converted AR-15, the Wilson Combat AR9 has been specifically designed for superior reliability and maximum accuracy, while retaining the familiar handling and controls of the AR platform. The AR9 is available with your choice of pistol magazine compatibility, barrel length, custom Armor Tuff colors and other accessory options to suit your specific needs.

Note that while Wilson Combat weapons are undeniably expensive, they do have a financing option. You can read more about that here.

Alas, there are no California compliant version available as of this writing — sorry Californians. You're going to have to do without or make some political changes out there.

Wilson Combat AR9 Pistol Caliber Carbine Basic Specs

• BILLet-AR 7075 Aluminum Flat-Top Upper and Lower Receiver
• Threaded Muzzle (5/8 x 24) with Q-COMP Flash Hider
• Wilson Combat® T.R.I.M. Rail
• Bravo Company Manufacturing Pistol Grip
• Wilson/Rogers Super-Stoc®
• Wilson Combat TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit) Two Stage, 4# (TR-TTU-M2)
• Mil-Spec Hard Anodize Finish on Upper / Lower Receivers
• Armor-Tuff® Finish
• Use of Commonly Available Service Mags
• Positive Lock Back on Empty Magazine
• Match Grade Accuracy
• Standard AR Furniture/Sight Compatibility
• Proprietary Bolt and Barrel for Excellent Feed Reliability with Common Bullet Profiles
• Quiet Suppressor Host

You can find other new Wilson Combat items here.

More on Pistol Caliber Carbines

• Wilson Combat's AR9: Last-Round-Bolt-Lock achived with a Glock Mag AR9.
• LWRC's SMG-45: One art throwback, one part hipster.
• A Compact, take-down capable Ruger PCC Charger.
• We're still waiting on the Wraithworks WARSCORP 9.
• The 9mm AK from a name we know: Kalashnikov USA AK-9