Best AR9 Lower: A Complete Review and Buyer’s Guide

Whether you want to upgrade your 9mm AR or put together a brand new AR in 9mm, you need the best AR9 lowers for this job.

What is an AR9 Lower, and Why Do You Need it?

An Ar9 Lower is the lower receiver of a 9mm AR that contains the mag slot, holds the trigger and the hammer, and is seated on top of the grip.

What to Look out for When Buying an AR9 Lower

With the market filled with AR9 lowers, you need to look for those with outstanding characteristics to come up with the best 9mm AR. Here is a list of factors to consider;

Make

The best and most durable material for an AR9 lower would be either aluminum or steel. It makes it able to withstand significant impact. At the same time, it should serve you for a long time. Quality and build are, therefore, an important consideration for an AR9 lower.

Stripped or Fully Assembled

If you are making your AR9 from scratch, I’d say you opt for the stripped. It’s easier to work with a stripped AR9 lower if you are building a new 9mm AR. 

However, if you are making an upgrade and you already got some parts assembled, then choose the fully assembled lower. It also takes less time to assemble all parts together.

It all boils down to your preference; if you can hack some skills into the assembly and installation, then you can go for either. But if you are doing this for the first time, a quick fix would be to go with the fully assembled lower.

Magazine Compatibility

A good number of AR9 lowers are compatible with Glock style 9mm magazines, but then again, not all. At the same time, not all 9mm magazines are Glock styled. Be sure to go for a lower depending on your magazine type.

Which is the Best AR9 Lower? Our Top Picks;

Best Stripped AR9 Lower

PSA PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower 

The Palmetto State Armory PX-9 Stripped Lower is our top pick for the best stripped lower. Its design is compatible with 9mm Glock style magazines, and therefore suitable for a good number of AR9s.

This lower is not only suited for AR9 but is also a great fit for the AR-15 since some of its lower parts have been assembled with an ejector and a catch for a propitiatory magazine. Amazing, right?

Features of the PSA PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower 

Durable Anodized Finish

One reason why you will love using this lower for your AR9 is the durable make that it possesses. It is forged from 7075 T6 and later goes through anodization to ensure a hard coat. You can trust this lower to withstand any impact without damage.

Incredible Design

This PSA stripped lower works perfectly with Glock style 9m magazines and Palmetto State Armory uppers. There are numerous Glock style 9mm magazines, and therefore this is a worthwhile purchase. 

Comes with a Mag Catch and Ejector

The Catch and ejector make it possible for this AR9 lower to work with standard AR15 parts such as the bolt catch, safety selector, buffer tube, stock, control groups, pivot pins, and take down spring and grips.

Pros of the PSA PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower 

• Made of sturdy material and anodized to enhance durability
• It is compatible with all Glock style 9mm magazines and PSA uppers.
• Can work with some standard AR15 parts

Cons of the PSA PX-9 Forged Stripped Lower 

• It can only be used with hybrid 9m uppers from Palmetto State Armory.

Best Fully Assembled AR9 Lowers

PSA PX-9 GLOCK®-STYLE CLASSIC LOWER, Black – 5165449942

If you are planning to use the Glock-styled magazines, then this happens to be the perfect fully assembled ar9 lower. As earlier mentioned, not all lowers accept Glock style, and you have to be careful with your choice.

It works perfectly with the Glock 17 and Glock 34 magazines, but you also have to watch out for the aftermarket Glock magazines in existence.

Just like all Palmetto State Armory lowers, the PX-9 Glock Style Classic Lower is made durable to withstand great impacts.

Features of the Glock Style Classic Lower

Durable Make

This lower is made of 7075 T6 aluminum and anodized to give a hard coat. This, in turn, assures you of its durability and long-term service.

Recoil Reduction System

If, like me, you find recoil disturbing and annoying, then the PX-9 Glock Style is a perfect lower for you. Thanks to the recoil reduction system featured on this lower, you’ll have an amazing time shooting with your AR9.

Lightweight Make

Unlike most, this lower features a lightweight design, making the AR9 rifle/pistol assembly easy and comfortable.

Crisp Trigger Pull

For a comfortable shooting session, the PX-9 Glock style lower embraces a crisp trigger pull. With this, your trigger doesn’t creep every time you pull it.

Pros of the Glock Style Classic Lower

• The lower is already assembled, and therefore easy to install
• Has an effective recoil reduction system
• Lightweight
• Has a crisp trigger pull
• Compatible with all PSA upper receivers.

Cons of the Glock Style Classic Lower

• This lower may not be compatible with aftermarket Glock magazines.

PSA PX-9 Forged Complete MOE Pistol Glock Style Lower– 5165449949

Are you looking to build a 9mm AR pistol with a Glock style magazine? This is one you can’t afford to miss out on. The PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE Pistol lower will be the perfect accessory to an AR9 9mm.

Note that you can only use this lower with Glock style magazines.

Features of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE Pistol Lower

PSA Style Durable Make and Incredible Design

The finish of this lower is made using 7075 T6 aluminum, and like all other PSA lowers, its hard coat is anodized to enhance durability.

Also, it features a PSA Style design in that it is compatible with all hybrid PSA upper receivers. Interestingly, its assembly is done using the PSA MOE lower build kit for pistols and uses the PSA Pistol Buffer Tube. For its fire group, this PSA Glock style lower uses the Single Stage Trigger from AR15.

 You can never go wrong with PSA, and this particular lower embraces the PSA state of the art making.

Magpul Grip

This PX-9 lower comes with a Magpul grip. The ergonomic design of this grip features an anti-slip texture making it comfortable to hold and shoot with an AR9. The Magpul grip also ensures storage capability. 

Pros of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE Pistol Lower

• Durable construction
• Ergonomic trigger and grip designs
• Perfectly works with Glock style magazines

Cons of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE Pistol Lower

• The lower may not be compatible with non-PSA uppers. It is recommendable to pair it with hybrid PSA upper receivers.

PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE EPT Lower

The EPT in this lower’s name stands for Enhanced Polished Trigger, which is by far the most outstanding feature of the PSA lower. It stands as the latest collection of all PSA lowers.

The PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE EPT Lower is built in the same make and design as the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete MOE Pistol Glock Style Lower, only that the latter is specifically made for AR9 pistols.

Features of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE EPT Lower

Like all other PSA lowers, the EPT lower has an anodized hard coat forged with 7075 T-6 Aluminum. It is also made to work with Glock style magazines.

Similar to the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete MOE Pistol Glock Style Lower, this lower features a PSA single stage fire group trigger, a Magpul grip, and a PSA buffer tube. Its assembly has also been done using the PSA lower kit.

The only additional features of the EPT lower include the EPT trigger design and an MOE Magpul stock. Unlike the former, you can adjust this lower’s buffer tube into six positions. 

Given that it comes with a stock, it is safe to assume that this lower is specifically made for AR9 rifles and not pistols.

Pros of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE EPT Lower

• Made of sturdy material and anodized for enhanced durability.
• Compatible with all Glock style magazines.
• The buffer tube is adjustable into six different positions.

Cons of the PSA PX-9 Forged Complete Glock -style MOE EPT Lower

• It’s only made to work with PSA uppers.

Building an AR9

What is the Legality around Building an AR9?

You can either choose to buy or build an AR9. However, when building yourself an AR9 in the US, there are some regulations that you should be aware of concerning barrel length and OAL;

Regulations for Building an AR9 Pistol

• You are free to use any barrel length and any OAL.
• Do not include a shoulder stock.

Regulations for Building an AR9 Rifle

• The barrel length for an AR9 Rifle must be at least 16 inches.
• OAL length should be at least 29 inches. This is usually measured from the barrel’s muzzle to the stock. 
• You may choose one at most of the following to add to the AR9 Rifle. Do not add more than one of the following features.:
  • Folding stock: Note that a collapsible stock is different from the folding stock.
  • An actual (not lug) grenade launcher 
  • The flash hider: any device that reduces the flash produced by the muzzle or keeps it away from the shooter’s sight. A sound suppressor may also fit in this category.

What Items Do You Need to Build an AR9?

1. An AR9 Lower parts kit

The AR9 Lower parts kit comprises the following:

• A set of springs and pins
• Trigger with its guard and hammer
• A set of takedown pins, detents, and their springs
• An ambidextrous Grip

2. AR9 Upper Receiver
3. An AR9 9mm Stock Kit
4. AR9 lower receiver
5. 9mm Glock-styled magazine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a stripped lower considered a firearm?

A stripped lower is regarded as a firearm in the US despite not being attached to an upper receiver. So, even without a trigger or a magazine, you still need to undergo a background check for eligibility to own and be in possession of a firearm. At the same time, you must purchase it through a registered and certified FFL dealer.

Can a stripped lower be shipped to my house?

If you are wondering whether a stripped lower be shipped to your house, then the answer is no! Unless you are a registered FFL dealer, firearms cannot be shipped to you. 

And in any case, firearms can only be shipped to recognized warehouses and shops registered by the FFL dealers and not to residential homes.

Are stripped lowers serialized?

Since they are considered firearms, stripped lowers must be serialized by the manufacturers in line with the Federal Firearms License regulations.

Do you need FFL for the upper receiver?

Unlike lower receivers, their upper counterparts are not regarded as firearms. You, therefore, do not require any background checks or certification. They also can be shipped or mailed to you. 

So what’s the difference? You see, the lower receiver holds the hammer and trigger, is placed on top of the pistol grip, and has a magazine slot. With or without the mag and trigger, a lower receiver is still regarded as a firearm.

Conclusion

There are two distinct types of lowers; the stripped lowers, and the complete lowers. The complete lowers are fully assembled and are easier to put together when upgrading an AR rifle. On the other hand, stripped lowers are easier when building a new AR gun but require special gunsmithing skills.

Palmetto State Armory is by far the best manufacturer of AR9 lowers. The most outstanding feature and style of the PSA AR9 lowers is an anodized hard coat, which is made of 7075 T6 Aluminum. 

It is important to consider the magazine type when buying AR9 Lowers since not all can accommodate the various magazine types.