AR-9 Build Planner: Parts, Fit and Prices
9mm blowback AR on a dedicated lower. Pick Glock or Colt magazines first; the rest is mostly AR-15. 83 parts from 34 brands, each checked for fit against the rest of your build, with prices compared across retailers.
Open the AR-9 BuilderStart from a Complete Build
Three AR-9 builds where every part already fits, from $911.82. Open one in the builder and swap anything you like.
What's in the Budget AR-9
- Stripped Lower Receiver: Palmetto State Armory PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower w/ Mag Catch & Ejector $129.99
- Lower Parts Kit: Palmetto State Armory Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip $39.99
- Trigger Group: Palmetto State Armory EPT Enhanced Polished Trigger $39.99
- Buffer System: KAK Industry 9mm Carbine Buffer, Extended (8 oz) $34.99
- Stock or Brace: Palmetto State Armory Classic M4 Stock $19.99
- Pistol Grip: Magpul MOE Grip $19.95
- Stripped Upper Receiver: Palmetto State Armory Stripped Upper w/ FA & Dust Cover $59.99
- Barrel: Aero Precision 16" 9mm CMV Barrel $149.99
- Handguard: Palmetto State Armory 13.5" Lightweight M-LOK Rail $69.99
- Bolt Carrier Group: Palmetto State Armory AR-9 9mm Bolt Carrier Group, Nitride $99.99
- Charging Handle: Aero Precision Mil-Spec Charging Handle $24.99
- Muzzle Device: KAK Industry Slimline Flash Can 1/2x28 $24.99
- Magazine: Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 $16.99
- Optic: Sig Sauer ROMEO5X 1x20 Red Dot $179.99
What's in the Best Value AR-9
- Stripped Lower Receiver: Aero Precision EPC-9 Stripped Lower $139.99
- Lower Parts Kit: Aero Precision EPC Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip $59.99
- Trigger Group: Angstadt Arms Enhanced AR9 PCC Trigger $99.99
- Buffer System: Aero Precision EPC Buffer Kit $89.99
- Stock or Brace: SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace $99.99
- Pistol Grip: Bravo Company Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 $19.95
- Stripped Upper Receiver: Aero Precision EPC-9 Enhanced Upper Receiver w/ LRBHO $139.99
- Barrel: Faxon Firearms 8.5" 9mm Duty Series Light Taper $139.99
- Handguard: Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE 9.2" M-LOK $134.99
- Bolt Carrier Group: Aero Precision 9mm BCG, Direct Blowback, Nitride $159.99
- Charging Handle: Bravo Company Gunfighter Charging Handle Mod 4 $49.95
- Muzzle Device: Palmetto State Armory AK-V 9mm Flash Can Linear Comp 1/2x28 $29.99
- Magazine: Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 $16.99
- Optic: Holosun HS510C Open Reflex $299.99
What's in the Premium AR-9
- Stripped Lower Receiver: JP Enterprises GMR-15 Billet Stripped Lower $329.99
- Lower Parts Kit: Bravo Company Enhanced Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip $64.95
- Trigger Group: CMC Triggers 9mm PCC Single-Stage Trigger, Flat $164.99
- Buffer System: Spike's Tactical ST-9X 9mm Heavy Buffer $44.99
- Stock or Brace: B5 Systems Bravo Stock $54.99
- Pistol Grip: Magpul MOE-K2+ Grip $29.95
- Stripped Upper Receiver: Aero Precision M4E1 Threaded Stripped Upper $99.99
- Barrel: Faxon Firearms 16" 9mm Duty Series Light Taper $179.99
- Handguard: Bravo Company MCMR-13 M-LOK Rail $199.95
- Bolt Carrier Group: JP Enterprises GMR-15 9mm Bolt Assembly $299.99
- Charging Handle: Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle $89.95
- Muzzle Device: Odin Works Atlas 9 Compensator 1/2x28 $74.99
- Magazine: Glock G17 9mm Magazine, 17 Round $29.99
- Optic: Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic $469.00
AR-9 Parts and Prices
Every AR-9 part we list, cheapest first, with the lowest price we found (prices last checked Oct 5, 2026). The builder checks how each one fits with the rest of your parts.
Stripped Lower Receiver
6 options, $129.99 to $329.99. Serialized. A dedicated 9mm lower; it decides Glock or Colt magazines.
| Palmetto State Armory PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower w/ Mag Catch & Ejector Budget PickGlock magazines · Forged · Last-round hold-open (PSA bolt) | $129.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Aero Precision EPC-9 Stripped Lower Best ValueGlock magazines · Forged 7075-T6 · Last-round hold-open (EPC bolt) · Takes .40 S&W too | $139.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Spike's Tactical 9mm Stripped Lower (Colt Pattern)Colt SMG magazines · Forged · Spider logo | $149.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| New Frontier Armory C-9 Gen 2 Billet Stripped LowerGlock magazines · Billet · Last-round hold-open (ramped bolt) | $169.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| FM Products FM-9 Billet Stripped LowerGlock magazines · Billet · Last-round hold-open (FM-9 bolt) | $189.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| JP Enterprises GMR-15 Billet Stripped Lower Premium PickGlock magazines · Billet · Last-round hold-open (GMR-15 bolt) | $329.99 at Brownells (sample price) |
Lower Parts Kit
3 options, $39.99 to $64.95. Standard AR-15 kits work; the 9mm mag catch and ejector come with most lowers.
| Palmetto State Armory Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip Budget PickMil-spec AR-15 | $39.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Aero Precision EPC Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip Best Value9mm mag catch and bolt catch · For EPC-9 lowers | $59.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Bravo Company Enhanced Lower Parts Kit, Minus FCG/Grip Premium PickMil-spec AR-15 · Ambi safety | $64.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
Trigger Group
4 options, $39.99 to $164.99. Mil-spec small-pin. Single-stage triggers suit blowback best.
| Palmetto State Armory EPT Enhanced Polished Trigger Budget PickSingle stage · ~6 lb · Polished | $39.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| ALG Defense ACT TriggerSingle stage · ~5.5 lb · NP3 coated | $69.00 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Angstadt Arms Enhanced AR9 PCC Trigger Best ValueSingle stage · Made for 9mm blowback | $99.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| CMC Triggers 9mm PCC Single-Stage Trigger, Flat Premium PickSingle stage · 3.5 lb · Drop-in · Made for 9mm blowback | $164.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Buffer System
4 options, $34.99 to $89.99. Blowback needs a heavy 9mm buffer (about 8 oz) on a carbine tube.
| KAK Industry 9mm Carbine Buffer, Extended (8 oz) Budget Pick8 oz 9mm buffer · Use with a carbine tube and spring | $34.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Spike's Tactical ST-9X 9mm Heavy Buffer Premium Pick9mm heavy buffer · Use with a carbine tube and spring | $44.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Palmetto State Armory Carbine Buffer Kit (5.56)Carbine tube · H buffer, about 3.8 oz | $49.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
| Aero Precision EPC Buffer Kit Best ValueCarbine tube · 7.7 oz 9mm buffer · Spring | $89.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
Stock or Brace
6 options, $19.99 to $119.99. Any carbine stock. Under a 16" barrel a stock makes it an SBR.
| Palmetto State Armory Classic M4 Stock Budget PickCollapsible · Mil-spec diameter | $19.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Magpul MOE SL Carbine Stock Best ValueCollapsible · Mil-spec diameter · QD socket | $49.95 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| B5 Systems Bravo Stock Premium PickCollapsible · Mil-spec diameter · QD sockets | $54.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Magpul CTR Carbine StockCollapsible · Friction lock · Mil-spec diameter · QD socket | $69.95 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing BraceBrace · Adjustable · Carbine tube | $99.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| SB Tactical SBA4 Pistol Stabilizing BraceBrace · Adjustable · Carbine tube | $119.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Pistol Grip
3 options, $19.95 to $29.95. All standard AR-15 grips fit.
| Magpul MOE Grip Budget PickPolymer · Storage core | $19.95 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Bravo Company Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 Best ValueSteeper angle | $19.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Magpul MOE-K2+ Grip Premium PickRubber overmold · Near-vertical | $29.95 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Stripped Upper Receiver
3 options, $59.99 to $139.99. A standard AR-15 upper works; the forward assist isn't used.
| Palmetto State Armory Stripped Upper w/ FA & Dust Cover Budget PickStandard AR-15 · Forged 7075-T6 | $59.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Aero Precision M4E1 Threaded Stripped Upper Premium PickStandard AR-15 · Forged 7075-T6 · Threaded receiver face | $99.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Aero Precision EPC-9 Enhanced Upper Receiver w/ LRBHO Best ValueMade for the EPC-9 · No forward assist · Threaded receiver face | $139.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
Barrel
6 options, $109.99 to $179.99. 9mm blowback, standard AR-15 barrel nut, 1/2x28 muzzle threads.
| Ballistic Advantage 4.5" 9mm EPC Barrel, Modern Series4.5" · 9mm · Blowback · 1/2x28 | $109.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Aero Precision 5.5" 9mm CMV Barrel5.5" · 9mm · Blowback · 1:10 twist · 1/2x28 | $119.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Faxon Firearms 8.5" 9mm Duty Series Light Taper Best Value8.5" · 9mm · Blowback · 4150 QPQ · 1/2x28 | $139.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Faxon Firearms 10.5" 9mm Duty Series Light Taper10.5" · 9mm · Blowback · 4150 QPQ · 1/2x28 | $149.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Aero Precision 16" 9mm CMV Barrel Budget Pick16" · 9mm · Blowback · 1:10 twist · 1/2x28 | $149.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Faxon Firearms 16" 9mm Duty Series Light Taper Premium Pick16" · 9mm · Blowback · 4150 QPQ · 1/2x28 | $179.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Handguard
6 options, $69.99 to $199.95. Any AR-15 free-float rail. Short rails suit short barrels.
| Palmetto State Armory 13.5" Lightweight M-LOK Rail Budget Pick13.5" · Free float · M-LOK | $69.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Midwest Industries Combat Rail 7" M-LOK7" · Free float · M-LOK · Proprietary nut | $129.95 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE 9.2" M-LOK Best Value9.2" · Free float · M-LOK · Proprietary nut | $134.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE 15" M-LOK15" · Free float · M-LOK · Proprietary nut | $164.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Bravo Company MCMR-7 M-LOK Rail7" · Free float · M-LOK · Proprietary nut | $179.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Bravo Company MCMR-13 M-LOK Rail Premium Pick13" · Free float · M-LOK · Proprietary nut | $199.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
Bolt Carrier Group
6 options, $99.99 to $299.99. 9mm blowback bolt. Match it to the lower for last-round hold-open.
| Palmetto State Armory AR-9 9mm Bolt Carrier Group, Nitride Budget Pick9mm blowback · Nitride · Works the PX-9 hold-open | $99.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Toolcraft 9mm Bolt Carrier Group Gen 2, Black Nitride9mm blowback · Nitride | $119.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| KAK Industry Enhanced 9mm Bolt Carrier Group9mm blowback · Ramped bolt face for hold-open | $134.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Aero Precision 9mm BCG, Direct Blowback, Nitride Best Value9mm blowback · Nitride · Works the EPC-9 hold-open | $159.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
| Faxon Firearms Gen 2 9mm PCC Blowback Full-Mass BCG, Nitride9mm blowback · Full mass · Glock and Colt magazines | $199.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| JP Enterprises GMR-15 9mm Bolt Assembly Premium Pick9mm blowback · Tuned for the GMR-15 · Works the GMR-15 hold-open | $299.99 at Brownells (sample price) |
Charging Handle
3 options, $24.99 to $89.95. Any mil-spec handle fits.
| Aero Precision Mil-Spec Charging Handle Budget PickMil-spec | $24.99 at Aero Precision (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Bravo Company Gunfighter Charging Handle Mod 4 Best ValueAmbi-friendly latch | $49.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle Premium PickAmbidextrous | $89.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
Muzzle Device
4 options, $9.99 to $74.99. Must be 1/2x28 and bored for 9mm; 5.56 devices are too narrow.
| Generic A2 Birdcage 5.56 (1/2x28)1/2x28 · Flash hider · 5.56 bore | $9.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
|---|---|
| KAK Industry Slimline Flash Can 1/2x28 Budget Pick1/2x28 · Flash can · Bored for 9mm | $24.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Palmetto State Armory AK-V 9mm Flash Can Linear Comp 1/2x28 Best Value1/2x28 · Linear comp · Bored for 9mm | $29.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
| Odin Works Atlas 9 Compensator 1/2x28 Premium Pick1/2x28 · Compensator · 9mm | $74.99 at OpticsPlanet (sample price) |
Magazine
5 options, $16.99 to $39.99. Glock or Colt SMG pattern, to match the lower.
| Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 Best Value21 rd · Glock pattern | $16.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Palmetto State Armory 9mm SMG Magazine, 32 Round32 rd · Colt SMG pattern | $19.99 at Palmetto State Armory (sample price) |
| Glock G17 9mm Magazine, 17 Round Premium Pick17 rd · Glock pattern · Factory | $29.99 at GlockStore (sample price) |
| Metalform 9mm SMG Magazine, 32 Round, Stainless32 rd · Colt SMG pattern | $29.99 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Glock G18 9mm Magazine, 33 Round33 rd · Glock pattern · Factory | $39.99 at GlockStore (sample price) |
Optic
4 options, $179.99 to $699.00. Prices include a mount where noted.
| Sig Sauer ROMEO5X 1x20 Red Dot Budget PickRed dot · 2 MOA · Mount included · Absolute (1.41") or lower 1/3 (1.63") riser | $179.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Holosun HS510C Open Reflex Best ValueRed dot · Solar · Mount included · Absolute co-witness | $299.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic Premium PickRed dot · 2 MOA · QRP2 mount + spacer · Lower 1/3 | $469.00 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
| EOTech EXPS3 Holographic SightHolographic · 68 MOA ring + 1 MOA dot · QD mount built in · Lower 1/3 co-witness | $699.00 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Weapon Light
3 options, $119.99 to $399.00. Mounts to M-LOK directly or to a Picatinny rail section. Pick the side and drag it along the rail.
| Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X1,000 lm · Picatinny clamp · M-LOK mount included | $119.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Cloud Defensive REIN MicroM-LOK inline mount · High candela | $369.99 at Brownells (sample price) |
| SureFire M600DF Scout Light1,500 lm · Picatinny (M75 thumbscrew) | $399.00 at Brownells (sample price) |
Laser
2 options, $299.99 to $317.99. Most lasers clamp to Picatinny; add a rail section on an M-LOK handguard. Pick the side and drag it along the rail.
| Holosun LS117G Green LaserGreen laser · QD Picatinny mount · Class IIIa | $299.99 at OpticsPlanet (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Crimson Trace CMR-301 Rail Master ProLight + green laser · Picatinny and M-LOK mounts · Class 3R | $317.99 at Brownells (sample price) |
Foregrip
5 options, $19.95 to $39.95. Vertical grip, angled grip or hand stop on the bottom of the handguard. Drag it along the rail on the drawing.
| Magpul M-LOK Hand Stop KitHand stop · M-LOK | $19.95 at Magpul (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Magpul MVG M-LOK Vertical GripVertical · M-LOK | $21.95 at Magpul (sample price) |
| Bravo Company Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3, M-LOKShort vertical · M-LOK | $29.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Bravo Company Gunfighter Kinesthetic Angled Grip, M-LOKAngled · M-LOK | $29.95 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Magpul AFG-2 Angled Fore GripAngled · Picatinny | $39.95 at Magpul (sample price) |
Magnifier
2 options, $199.99 to $279.99. Sits behind a 1x red dot at the same height. Not for scopes or LPVOs.
| Holosun HM3X 3x Magnifier3x · Flip-to-side QD mount · Absolute or lower 1/3 (spacer) | $199.99 at Primary Arms (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier3x · Flip mount · Absolute or lower 1/3 (shim) | $279.99 at Primary Arms (sample price) |
Rail Section
2 options, $11.95 to $15.95. Adds a Picatinny rail to an M-LOK handguard.
Sling Mount
1 option, $20.95. Adds a QD sling socket to an M-LOK handguard.
| Magpul M-LOK QD Sling MountQD socket · One M-LOK slot | $20.95 at Magpul (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
|---|
Sling
1 option, $79.95. QD slings need a QD socket at the front and the stock.
| Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling Gen21 or 2 point · Two QD swivels included | $79.95 at Magpul (checked Oct 5, 2026) |
|---|
Case
4 options, $87.97 to $209.95. Pick a case at least 2" longer than the rifle.
| Savior Equipment American Classic Double Rifle Case, 36"Soft · 35" interior · Two rifles | $87.97 at Brownells (sample price) |
|---|---|
| Savior Equipment American Classic Double Rifle Case, 42"Soft · 41" interior · Two rifles | $92.97 at Brownells (sample price) |
| Pelican Vault V700 Takedown CaseHard · 36.5" interior | $169.95 at OpticsPlanet (sample price) |
| Pelican Vault V730 Tactical Rifle CaseHard · 44" interior | $209.95 at OpticsPlanet (sample price) |