AR-15 9mm Review

Published on February 26, 2026
Duration: 8:02

This review of a 9mm AR-15 by Mark Serbu, a recognized gun designer, delves into its functionality, historical context, and potential issues. Serbu highlights the use of Glock magazines with a magwell adapter, discusses trigger pack design, and analyzes bolt velocity and its impact on trigger slap, especially in converted full-auto variants. He also details the effectiveness of heavy buffers and stronger springs in managing rate of fire and recoil, comparing it to Uzi and MP5 submachine guns.

Quick Summary

Mark Serbu, a gun designer, reviews a 9mm AR-15, highlighting its use of Glock magazines with a magwell adapter and discussing the common issue of trigger slap caused by high bolt velocity. He demonstrates how heavy buffers and stronger springs can mitigate this, reducing the rate of fire to a more controllable level similar to an Uzi.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 9mm AR-15
  2. 00:43Glock Mags and Magwell Adapter
  3. 00:55Trigger Pack Discussion
  4. 01:11Assembly and High-Speed Video Setup
  5. 01:26Initial Bolt Velocity Measurement
  6. 01:54Early AR-15 9mm History
  7. 02:28Experiences with Converted AR-15 9mm
  8. 02:57M16 Lower Test for Comparison
  9. 03:24Heavy Buffer and Rate of Fire Discussion
  10. 03:50Results with Heavy Buffer and Spring
  11. 04:03Final Impressions of the Rifle
  12. 04:36Design Preferences and Final Thoughts
  13. 05:32Concluding Thoughts on Rifle Features
  14. 06:09High-Speed Video Details
  15. 06:31Shooting Analysis
  16. 07:01Buffer and Spring Comparison
  17. 07:29High-Speed Video Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 9mm AR-15 reviewed by Mark Serbu?

The reviewed 9mm AR-15 uses Glock magazines with a magwell adapter, features a single-unit trigger pack, and has a history of trigger slap issues due to high bolt velocity, which can be mitigated with heavy buffers and springs.

How does Mark Serbu address trigger slap in 9mm AR-15s?

Mark Serbu notes that high bolt velocity in 9mm AR-15s can cause significant trigger slap. He suggests that using a heavy buffer and a stronger spring, similar to those found in older Colt models, can help manage the rate of fire and reduce this jarring effect.

What historical context is provided for the 9mm AR-15?

The first 9mm AR-15s appeared in 1986 and were expensive. Early conversions to full-auto often suffered from severe trigger slap due to high bolt velocity, a problem addressed by later designs and modifications like heavy buffers.

What were the results of using a heavy buffer and spring in the 9mm AR-15?

Implementing a heavy buffer and a stronger spring significantly reduced the rate of fire from potentially over 1000 RPM to a more manageable 500-600 RPM, comparable to an Uzi, making the firearm more controllable.

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