Build Blowback Better: Aero Precision EPC 9mm AR Pistol Review

The idea of a 9mm AR is nothing new. Within the early Eighties, Colt started creating 9mm prototypes primarily based on this platform, the earliest of which was an open-bolt submachine gun that fed from a modified Uzi journal. In subsequent prototypes, the design switched to a closed-bolt direct blowback system — this could carry via to Colt’s first manufacturing model, the ten.5-inch-barreled R0635 SMG. Since then, direct blowback has turn into the business normal for 9mm ARs, with a number of notable exceptions (for instance, the radial-delayed CMMG Banshee featured in Concealment Issue 16 and the roller-delayed JP-5 we reviewed in RECOIL Situation 57). If we’re being beneficiant, we’ll simply name direct blowback easy. In any other case, we’d name it downright crude. Both approach, moderately than counting on a mechanical delay mechanism to decelerate the bolt, it depends on the mass of the bolt and buffer system. This interprets to a recoil impulse that may really feel a bit jarring regardless of the pistol caliber — it’s noticeably extra harsh than a 5.56mm AR. Fortunately, there are methods to mitigate this. We constructed a 9mm AR pistol utilizing elements from the Aero Precision EPC (Enhanced Pistol Caliber) line, after which modified it utilizing aftermarket elements. The tip result’s a smooth-shooting, compact weapon that can be utilized for quite a lot of duties, from competitors to protection.

Above: With the brace compressed and the JK Armament suppressor eliminated, this EPC-9 can match right into a small backpack with ease.

Editor’s Word: This text initially appeared in Situation 29 of our sister publication Concealment magazine. | Pictures by Nate Gerhart and Patrick McCarthy

Aero Precision EPC-9 Overview

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The EPC line is Aero Precision’s tackle an optimized pistol-caliber AR and it consists of mix-and-match uppers, lowers, and builder kits, moderately than full carbines or pistols. At time of publication, it’s solely out there in 9mm/.40S&W, however a 10mm/.45ACP variant is within the works. Sure, each variations settle for Glock mags.

Very like Aero’s in style M4E1 rifle-caliber receivers, the EPC receivers are machined from 7075-T6 solid aluminum, with an enlarged set off guard and flared magwell. A final-round bolt hold-open mechanism — a function many 9mm ARs lack — is built-in. The bolt catch and takedown pin channel are each threaded for ease of meeting, and there’s a tensioning set screw to make sure a decent match between the higher and decrease. An prolonged magazine launch can be pre-installed.

Above: Aero Precision sells EPC-9 lowers with numerous shares and braces, and uppers starting from 5.5 to 16 inches with a number of handguard kinds. We ordered an EPC-9 pistol decrease and full higher, then added this black nitride BCG and charging deal with to complete it off.

We began our construct with an EPC-9 full pistol decrease with SBA3 brace. This features a Mil-spec set off and selector, Magpul MOE grip, EPC 7.7-ounce buffer, and Aero M5 .308 carbine spring. Aero notes that particular hardened set off pins are put in to resist the “excessive calls for of blowback AR platforms.” We paired it with an EPC-9 8.3-inch full higher outfitted with Aero’s Atlas R-ONE 7.3-inch M-LOK handguard. To finish the setup, we picked up a nitride-finished 9mm bolt service group and a Breach ambidextrous charging deal with, each from Aero. Whole MSRP for these things was $1,095, they usually had been assembled right into a purposeful AR pistol seconds after unboxing.

Preliminary Impressions

To check the EPC-9 pistol in normal kind we loaded up some 30-round Glock mags from GunMag Warehouse, mounted a Primary Arms MD-20 SLx red dot on an Arisaka Defense riser, and headed to the vary. Aero’s modifications to the 9mm blowback AR components — specifically the heavier 7.7-ounce buffer and stronger .308 buffer spring — create a weapon that’s undoubtedly softer-shooting than an old-school 9mm carbine with 5.5-ounce buffer. The 8.3-inch barrel makes this pistol gentle and simple to maneuver, and it’s sufficiently small to suit right into a backpack. Reloads had been fluid because of the bolt hold-open function, easy-to-reach magazine launch, and flared magwell.

Nevertheless, as is usually the case with these initiatives, we started questioning if there have been extra enhancements available with aftermarket elements. Earlier than lengthy, we had been buying round, and down the rabbit gap we went.

Modifications

Above: When the Arbor Arms sling isn’t in use, the surplus slack may be stowed neatly towards the brace utilizing this magnetic Haley Strategic Sentry Strap.

The primary point of interest was discount of felt recoil, because the Aero EPC buffer system helps however doesn’t fully overcome the punchy direct-blowback recoil. For this, we turned to a buffer system we’ve utilized in lots of our rifle-caliber ARs through the years: the VLTOR A5. The A5 makes use of a buffer and tube that’s ¾-inch longer than a typical carbine system, in addition to a rifle-length spring. It permits the buffer — and due to this fact the heavy 9mm BCG — to decelerate extra step by step. The A5 SP-PCC kit we picked up is designed particularly for pistol-caliber purposes. Along with the additional journey, its A5SH2 stainless buffer is barely heavier than the EPC buffer at 8 ounces. Shooters who need to fine-tune the recoil impulse extra can attempt an A5SH3 (8.8 ounces) or A5SH4 (9.6 ounces).

Whereas we had been at it, we swapped the nitride BCG to a RedMohawk 3.0 Copperhead 9mm BCG from Iron Metropolis Rifleworks. It’s coated in a slick copper PVD end with a particularly low coefficient of friction for simpler cleansing, and it makes use of a typical AR-15 extractor. If copper isn’t your model, variants of this BCG are additionally supplied in black, tungsten grey, and gold finishes.

Above: It’s not arduous to see why Iron Metropolis Rifleworks calls this BCG the RedMohawk. On this Copperhead version, the service is completed in a high-gloss, copper-colored PVD coating.

We changed the Mil-spec set off with a RISE Armament Blitz drop-in unit, which encompasses a 3-pound pull, crisp break, and quick reset. It makes use of springs moderately than set screws for stress towards the included anti-walk pins and is appropriate for PCC purposes (Aero Precision even sells it instantly as an EPC improve). We additionally put in a Strike Industries 60-degree selector swap and more-upright 15-degree pistol grip on the decrease.

Above: The RISE Armament Blitz set off blade has a faint curvature and chamfered edges we discovered to be very snug. It’s additionally lightning-fast with a brief reset.

As for the higher, the handguard is clad in textured M-LOK rail covers from Strike Industries and a Magpul hand cease. We caught with the optic setup and charging deal with talked about beforehand however added a compact Streamlight TLR-VIR II unit that toggles from a white gentle to an infrared laser and illuminator for capturing beneath night time imaginative and prescient. It additionally encompasses a prototype TLR-1 Paddle Shifter swap from Emissary Development. Once we put in a sling loop into the built-in entrance QD socket, we observed it interfered with a full grip across the handguard, so we opted to connect our Arbor Arms Dual-Adjust sling to the highest rail through a Strike Industries Ambush sling mount. The opposite finish of the sling is connected to a PWS Ratchet Lock end plate, which additionally eliminates the necessity to stake a fort nut after putting in the A5 buffer tube.

The ultimate component of this construct is a JK Armament suppressor constructed with 5 baffles and a “strainer” compensator endcap. It threads onto a War Eagle 9mm comp/flash hider, connected to the 1/2×28 threads on the Aero Precision barrel.

On the Vary

With all these elements put in, we returned to the vary to verify the outcomes. The A5 buffer system offered a noticeable enchancment to felt recoil, altering the impulse from an abrupt thwack to a softer push. Granted, this direct blowback recoil continues to be nowhere close to the buttery smoothness of a gas-operated gun like a SIG MPX, and no quantity of aftermarket elements goes to alter that. Nevertheless, it’s shut sufficient to shoot shortly and comfortably. Plus, it maintains the acquainted handbook of arms and accent compatibility of an AR-pattern firearm. The Blitz drop-in set off can be fairly good, with not one of the slack and vagueness that’s current in lots of 9mm SMGs and PDWs. It is a massive benefit of a 9mm AR — set off choices are plentiful, straightforward to put in, and well-suited to semi-auto precision.

The reduced-angle pistol grip and handguard add-ons present improved management, and naturally, the suppressor makes capturing way more satisfying all-around. With the suppressor eliminated, the Conflict Eagle comp doesn’t make a lot distinction in felt recoil — 9mm muzzle units not often do — however it dissipates muzzle flash and acts as a handy mount for the suppressor. Mixed with the tall optic mount and IR gentle/laser, this EPC-9 construct is great for energetic or passive aiming beneath night time imaginative and prescient as effectively.

Above: We beforehand used the EPC as a take a look at bench for our review of the Phantom Hill Design CTF-1 infrared laser/illuminator.

Aero Precision EPC Construct Sheet

Aero Precision EPC-9 Pistol Full Decrease with SBA3 Brace $430
Aero Precision EPC-9 8.3-inch Full Higher with Atlas R-ONE 7.30-inch Handguard $415
Aero Precision BREACH Ambi Charging Deal with $80
Iron Metropolis Rifleworks RedMohawk 3.0 Copperhead BCG $280
JK Armament Conflict Eagle 9mm Comp and 155 Suppressor $962
RISE Armament Blitz Set off $199
VLTOR Weapon Techniques SP-PCC A5 Buffer Package and RE-A5 Receiver Extension $127
Major Weapons Techniques Ratchet Lock Fort Nut and Endplate $40
Strike Industries AR Enhanced Pistol Grip, Flip Swap, Ambush Sling Mount, QD Sling Loops, and M-LOK Covers $153
Magpul M-LOK Hand Cease $25
Major Arms SLx MD-20 Gen II Purple Dot Sight $150
Arisaka Protection 1.93-inch Aimpoint Micro Mount $109
Streamlight TLR-VIR II $600
Arbor Arms Twin-Alter Carbine Sling $60
Haley Strategic / NeoMag Sentry Strap $40
ETS Gen 2 32rd Glock Magazine $22
As Proven $3,692

SOURCES

Written by Patrick McCarthy