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Best 9mm AR Lowers for Your AR-9 Build

PSA PX-9 Magazine Release
Ready to build your own pistol caliber carbine? We've got the details on the best 9mm ar lowers you should add to your AR-9 PCC build.
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    Pistol caliber carbines are more popular than ever.

    At the same time, more and more gun owners are custom-building their own ARs, upgrading what they own, or converting from one cartridge to another.

    Aero Precision EPC Night Vision Shooting
    Aero Precision EPC Night Vision Shooting

    The result? A growing market for 9mm lower receivers.

    Choosing a 9mm lower can be tricky. Even if you know your stuff, the sheer number of options can seem daunting.

    Fortunately, you’ve got us and we love to help. Let’s get started!

    THE QUICK LIST

    Table of Contents

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    How We Tested the Best 9mm AR Lower Receivers

    We’ve shot thousands of rounds and spent hundreds of hours with various 9mm AR lowers between our hands-on reviews, shooting events, and our own personal collections.

    Aero Precision EPC Shooting
    Testing the Aero Precision EPC.

    The models listed below are some of our favorites that we’ve had hands-on time with. When possible, we link to the respective review for each model. All hands-on  reviews at Pew Pew Tactical adhere to a strict testing protocol. That includes 500 rounds through every review model.

    All 9mm AR lowers are prioritized by ease of assembly, reliability, and value. If you’re going to spend money on a lower we recommend, it better mate up with an upper easily and go bang every time!

    How to Choose the Best 9mm AR Lower Receiver

    The AR platform works kind of like Legos — you can build whatever you want!

    Well, almost anything. While there’s a huge amount of commonality across manufacturers, there are some components that aren’t universal. An AR-15 doesn’t share all its parts with an AR-10, for example.

    In the world of 9mm ARs, there are some instances where one manufacturer’s lower receiver will only work with an upper from the same brand. Before you start ordering parts, make sure you have a complete parts list and verify that everything you picked will play nicely together.

    80 Percent Arms Easy Jig Gen 3 Drilling
    If you’re not comfortable drilling into metal, an unfinished lower isn’t for you.

    While you’re at it, think about how much work you’re willing to take on yourself. Do you want to slap fully assembled upper and lower receivers together and call it a day? Would you rather pick each individual component? Does drilling out a blank sound like a fun project?

    It’s always a good idea to have a vision of your finished project before you start throwing money around.

    Best 9mm AR Lower Receivers

    1. Angstadt Arms 0940 AR-15 Lower Receiver – Best Overall

    Pros

    • High quality
    • Compatible with 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 Sig
    • Last-round bolt hold-open

    Cons

    • Somewhat expensive

    The Angstadt Arms 0940 AR-15 Lower Receiver is a great option for people who want a stripped lower.

    As the name implies, it works with Glock magazines. We love its flared magwell because it makes it makes reloading a little bit quicker.

    This lower is compatible with 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 Sig, so you could also use this receiver for other PCC builds as long as you stick to Glock-pattern 9mm double-stack mags.

    Angstadt UDP-9 at Sunset
    The Angstadt UDP-9 at sunset.

    More bang for the buck? Sign me up!

    Like the rest of these lowers, it uses 7075-T6 aluminum and a matte black hard coat anodized finish. Weighing 10 ounces, this one is pretty light relative to other lowers.

    Rounding out the features are a last-round bolt hold-open, an oversized trigger guard, and a threaded bolt catch screw.

    It works with any mil-spec upper, a 9mm bolt carrier assembly, and a standard AR-15 hammer.

    Check out our complete UDP-9 review for all the details!

    2. PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock-Style Lowers – Best Budget

    Best Budget
    $279.99
    at Palmetto State Armory

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Fully assembled lower receiver
    • Uses Glock magazines
    • Great bang for the buck

    Cons

    • No last-round bolt hold-open

    If you already own a stack of 9mm Glock magazines, PSA has a complete lower receiver just for you. It’s our favorite entry-level 9mm AR lower receiver.

    This lower is designed to pair with most 9mm uppers at PSA.

    PSA PX-9 Sharp Lower Receiver
    PSA PX-9 Sharp Lower Receiver

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature last round bolt hold open capability so a dry mag won’t automatically lock the bolt open.

    You’ll probably find your AR is empty when you hear a click, then have to drop the mag, insert a new mag, and rack the bolt.

    That can be annoying, but it keeps costs down, so you can buy this lower on a budget.

    Want more info? Read our hands-on review of the PSA PX-9!

    What’s your take on the PX-9?

    Readers’ Ratings

    5.00/5 (1284)

    Your Rating?

    3. Aero Precision EPC-9 Lower Receiver – Best Customization

    Best Customization
    $454
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • High-end components
    • Available as a stripped or assembled lower receiver
    • Compatible with 9mm and .40 S&W

    Cons

    • Expensive

    Aero Precision is famous for its high-quality AR parts, and the EPC-9 platform is no exception.

    It’s a multi-caliber lower that can run 9mm and .40 S&W from standard Glock magazines via the flared magazine well.

    To make installation easier, this lower uses a standard AR-15 pin lug pattern and has a threaded bolt catch pin and threaded takedown pin detent recess. 

    Aero EPC-9 8.3" Build
    Aero EPC-9 8.3″ Build

    It’s machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and has an enlarged trigger guard. 

    Weighing 12.8 ounces, the Aero Precision EPC-9 lower receiver is pretty lightweight. 

    The lower receiver comes in anodized black and FDE Cerakote finishes, so you can pick the color that best fits the overall vibes of your AR-9 build.

    Aero Precision EPC Full Build
    Aero Precision EPC Full Build

    In addition to the stripped receiver, you also have the option to buy a variety of complete lower configurations with different stocks and pistol grips.

    Make sure to check out John’s full review on the Aero Precision EPC-9 Build here or watch the video review below.

    4. Foxtrot Mike Products FM-9 Billet Lower Receiver – Best Fully Assembled

    Best Fully Assembled
    $160
    at Primary Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Fully assembled lower receiver
    • Compatible with most off-the-shelf parts
    • Last-round bolt hold-open

    Cons

    • A2-style pistol grip

    Next up is the Foxtrot Mike Products FM-9 Billet Lower Receiver.

    The receiver itself is compatible with mil-spec AR-15 components and Glock-style magazines.

    When those magazines run dry, this lower will lock the bolt to the rear.

    Foxtrot Mike FM-9 Billet Lower Receiver, Complete
    Foxtrot Mike FM-9 Billet Lower Receiver, Complete

    The complete lower comes with a lower parts kit that includes a 6.5-ounce heavy buffer, mil-spec six-position carbine buffer tube, GI Trigger Group, and .308 WIN carbine recoil spring.

    5. Rainier Arms 9mm Billet Receiver Set – Best Upper and Lower

    Best Upper and Lower
    $474.99
    at Rainier Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Upper and lower sold together
    • Tension screw for a perfect fit
    • Compatible with 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 Sig

    Cons

    • Proprietary pattern

    Want to make life easy? The Rainier Arms 9mm Billet Receiver Set includes both upper and lower receivers to give you a head start on your build.

    Be advised that these use a proprietary Rainier Arms design, so you can’t mix and match them with other uppers and lowers.

    Rainier Arms 9mm Billet Receiver Set
    Rainier Arms 9mm Billet Receiver Set

    The set comes with a tensioning screw to fine-tune a snug fit between the upper and lower.

    Like the Angstadt Arms lower, this one accepts 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG factory Glock magazines, as well as aftermarket Glock 9mm double stack mags.

    Glock G43X and G48 and Mags
    Got some Glock mags? You’re good to go!

    It also uses a flared magwell and threaded bolt catch screw. Oh, and you also get last round bolt hold open for empty magazines.

    The upper has A4-style feed ramps, an ambidextrous bolt release, and a spacious ejection port.

    Other notable features include a threaded retaining screw for the takedown pin, a zinc-plated extractor, and compatibility with a short-throw safety selector.

    6. 80% Arms AR-9 80% Lower Receiver – Best Unfinished Lower

    Best Unfinished Lower
    $139
    at 80% Arms

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • No FFL needed
    • Available in several finishes
    • Flared magazine well

    Cons

    • Labor intensive

    If you’re looking for an 80% lower, 80% Arms has your back with the AR-9 80% Lower Receiver.

    Since it’s legally a work in progress, vendors can ship it to your home — no FFL needed.

    That, in turn, means that you have to have the equipment to do so. Fortunately, that’s just a router and a power drill. 

    Some 80% AR-15 Receivers
    Some 80% AR-15 Receivers in raw aluminum.

    Pick up a jig to help you with hole placement. We put together a list of jigs that we recommend.

    Anyway, back to the receiver itself. It’s CNC machined from a solid piece of aircraft-grade billet aluminum for durability and strength. You can get it with a black, FDE, bead-blasted, or raw finish. 

    It’s Glock magazine-compatible and has a flared magwell for quicker, smoother loading. An oversized trigger guard provides plenty of room for gloves. 

    Glock Mags
    Glock mags are the way.

    The rear takedown lug pocket is already completed, and the lower is designed for mil-spec compatibility. The bolt catch hole and hole for upper receiver tension adjustment are both threaded.

    80% Arms Lowers
    80% Arms Lowers

    Fire/safe markings are already engraved and the lower is designed to work with an upper receiver that features last round bolt hold open.

    And it comes with a lifetime warranty.

    Catch all of Johnny’s thoughts on the 80% Arms setup in the full video review below!

    9mm Lower vs. 5.56/.223 Lower: What’s the Difference?

    Let’s talk about how a 9mm lower is different than a standard 5.56/.223 lower.

    For one, 9mm ARs use a blowback system rather than a direct impingement or piston gas system like you’ll find on a standard AR-15.

    PSA AR-15 Lowers
    These AR-15 lowers work differently than their 9mm counterparts.

    Because of this, 9mm lowers come with a pre-installed ejector since they require a smaller fire control group. It’s that fin-looking thing behind the magazine well.

    PSA PX-9 Lower
    PSA PX-9 Lower

    The other major difference is that 9mm lowers feature a different magazine well and mag catch/release. They’re set up to work with either Colt or Glock magazines.

    Both work well, but you can’t mix and match magazines so if you already own a bunch of one kind, stick with that.

    Nowadays, almost everything is Glock-based.

    PSA PX-9 Glock Magazine Magwell
    Note the Glock magwell on the PSA PX-9.

    There are a couple of other things to keep in mind when choosing a 9mm lower.

    Lowers can be either come stripped or fully assembled.

    A stripped lower includes the receiver itself and minimal or no other parts and hardware. You’ll need to buy the little bits and pieces individually or as a lower parts kit (often labelled as “LPK”).

    Foxtrot Mike FM-9 Billet Lower
    A Foxtrot Mike stripped lower.

    But don’t worry, the ejector and mag release are almost always installed at the factory.

    Stripped receivers give you the room to hand-pick every single part of your lower assembly for the ultimate custom feel. Check out our guide to assembling an AR lower for some tips.

    A fully assembled or complete lower will come ready to shoot as soon as it’s attached to a compatible upper assembly with everything installed.

    Foxtrot Mike FM-9 Billet Lower Receiver, Complete

    Fully assembled lowers require far less work and typically cost less than buying parts individually. On the other hand, don’t expect them to include high-end components.

    Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical


    This builds on the original article by former PPT author and freelance editor, Megan Kriss. Megan is an avid shooter and researcher with a background in linguistics. She uses her creative and analytical skillset to write articles for the outdoor space. 

    Editing this article is Pew Pew Tactical Freelance Editor Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran and earned his Expert Rifle and Pistol badges while in service. In addition to editing articles for Pew Pew Tactical, he also writes for several gun industry publications, including Task & Purpose, Free Range American, and Outdoor Life. He, too, has reviewed enough guns and gear to know what to recommend to readers when it comes to choosing 9mm lowers.

    Rounding out the editorial team for this article is Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Jacki runs our experienced team of expert writers and editors. She has worked as a media professional for over 20 years and has specialized in gun media for almost 10 years. As Editor-in-Chief, she uses her expertise to set testing protocols and editorial standards across the site.

    Final Thoughts

    While our list by no means covers all 9mm lowers on the market, these are some of our favorites with a wide range of price points and degrees of completion.

    With a little help from one of the 9mm lowers on this list, you’re just steps away from completing the AR pistol or PCC of your dreams.

    PSA PX-9 Upper and Lower
    When it all comes together, it looks good.

    As for choosing parts themselves, to find an upper to go with one of the lowers here, be sure to check out the Best 9mm Uppers.

    Now tell us more about your 9mm setup in the comments below. Ready to start building? Check out our guides for assembling lower and upper receivers, as well as our complete AR-15 parts list to help you make sure you’ve got everything you need!

    Latest Updates

    October 2024: Added more details to product selections and provided supporting content.

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    9 Leave a Reply

    • Marc Dickerson

      No mention of the magwell adapters that you can install into a standard AR-15 lower so it will accept the different pistol calibers. This way there is no need to purchase a proprietary lower, thus saving money.

      November 4, 2024 12:34 pm
    • Bob G

      No mention that Aero Precision EPC9 upper has the ejector, not the lower. One must buy the set because of this "feature".

      May 15, 2024 10:27 pm
      • Bob G

        I made a mistake in my comment. It's not the Ejector in the AP upper, it's the Last Round Bolt Hold Open (LRBHO) that is in the upper instead of like most mfgrs that have it in the lower. Idea is the same, tho. Buy the AP EPC9 as a receiver set.

        May 16, 2024 1:04 pm
    • Zpo

      I agree wit c George about his comments about spikes tactical ( accept for the price) I built an 8.5 inch barrel version. With all spikes part accept the trigger. The barking spider muzzle works as promised. It is Glock based. Never had any problems







      “Ll

      January 19, 2022 8:12 am
    • Ed Harris

      Nordic Components PCC lower with interchangeable magwell; one for Glock style magazines and one for M&P. I have the M&P since that is my carry.
      Upper is Foxtrot Mike 10" with side charger and Vortex Spitfire prism with etched reticle and Olight Baldr Mini light.

      January 18, 2022 4:00 pm
    • Zend

      Are there any differences in short stroking capabilities between Glock and Colt? And Which Lower has the best LRBHO function? I wonder why this whole article does not even scratch this topic even though it is only 3 month old. absolutely not helpful in my decision to find a Lower that is compatible with the new LRBHO BCG group from JP Rifles.

      May 10, 2021 7:52 am
      • jesse

        Normally the bolt face engages with the bolt catch. In order for a BCG to lock back with a short strock, it must have a cut underneath to engage with bolt catch. Colt magazines are positioned farther back than Glock. I have a Taccom short stroke BCG but the cut to engage the bolt catch is a few millimeters too far back. This means it will lock back on empty with a Colt magazine, but when you reinsert a new magazine, the bolt isn't far enough back to actually feed the next round without pulling the BCG back those few extra millimeters.

        September 13, 2021 8:51 am
    • C. George

      Im floored that Spikes Tactical did not even get a mention. As this is your list, I'm very curious why that is. I believe they have both colt & glock styles along with last round, correct? Not to mention they are cheaper than any on the list. I also feel as a brand, they are more recognizable than the six listed. What am I missing here?

      February 17, 2021 7:25 pm
    • John A Bird

      I have been building 9mm pcc's for several years and use barrels and buffers from Macon Armory, Macon Georgia. The barrels are guaranteed to feed and the buffers are dead blow so you can utilize a spring for a 5.56/223 eliminating the force behind a 308 spring.

      January 21, 2021 4:55 pm
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