Smith & Wesson Response 9mm AR-9 Review: Yes, It Takes Glock Mags 🇺🇸

Published on January 3, 2024
Duration: 27:11

This review covers the Smith & Wesson Response 9mm AR-9, highlighting its compatibility with Glock magazines and its direct blowback operation. The review details accuracy at 50 yards, features like the polymer handguard and M-LOK slots, and the unique bolt design with a tungsten weight for recoil mitigation. It also recounts a significant out-of-battery discharge incident with the first sample, attributed to a broken detent, and confirms the second sample's reliability after extensive testing.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Response is a 9mm AR-style carbine featuring a direct blowback system and an interchangeable magwell for Glock or S&W M&P magazines. It offers acceptable 50-yard accuracy (2-3 MOA) and a lightweight polymer handguard. A unique two-piece bolt with a tungsten weight helps mitigate recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:29Introduction to the Smith & Wesson Response
  2. 00:52The Story of Two Guns: First Sample Issues
  3. 02:30Range Day: Accuracy Testing at 50 Yards
  4. 03:19Accuracy Results: Minute Ammunition & SNB Hollow Points
  5. 04:16Testing Federal 147 Grain Hollow Points & Mag Dump
  6. 04:44Detailed Walkaround: Barrel, Handguard, and M-LOK
  7. 06:16Receiver Features: No Shell Deflector or Forward Assist
  8. 06:27Magazine Release and Interchangeable Magwell System
  9. 07:06Significance of Glock Magazine Compatibility
  10. 07:56Polymer Upper Receiver and AR-15 Controls
  11. 08:30Trigger Pull and Reset Analysis
  12. 08:58Charging Handle and Grip
  13. 09:27Included Magazines and Capacity
  14. 09:51Buffer Assembly and Magpul SL Stock
  15. 10:27Lower Receiver Details: Reinforcement and Ejector
  16. 11:12Unique Receiver Piece: Over-Insertion Stop & Bolt Hold-Open
  17. 12:28Bolt Assembly: Two-Piece Design and Tungsten Weight
  18. 13:07Bolt Head and Extractor Details
  19. 13:25Firing Pin Assembly and Spring
  20. 14:13Upper Receiver Feed Ramp and Feeding Angle
  21. 14:36The Incident: First Gun Failure to Feed
  22. 17:08Out-of-Battery Discharge Incident
  23. 18:25Aftermath of the OOB Discharge: Damage Assessment
  24. 19:51Contacting Smith & Wesson and Engineer's Findings
  25. 20:12Broken Detent Hypothesis and Its Impact
  26. 21:36Second Sample Reliability and Performance
  27. 22:06Overall Assessment and Safety Reminders
  28. 23:30Price Point and Value Proposition
  29. 24:13PCCs for New Shooters and Home Defense
  30. 25:45Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Response 9mm AR-9?

The Smith & Wesson Response is a 9mm direct blowback AR-style carbine designed for versatility. A key feature is its interchangeable magwell system, allowing it to accept both Smith & Wesson M&P magazines and standard Glock magazines.

How accurate is the Smith & Wesson Response 9mm AR-9?

In testing at 50 yards, the Smith & Wesson Response achieved groups of approximately 1 to 1.75 inches center-to-center, which translates to roughly 2 to 3 MOA. This level of accuracy is considered acceptable for a pistol-caliber carbine.

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson Response AR-9?

Key features include a polymer handguard with M-LOK slots, a threaded 1/2x28 barrel, a two-piece bolt with a tungsten weight for recoil reduction, and an interchangeable magwell for Glock or M&P magazines. It lacks a forward assist and shell deflector.

What caused the out-of-battery discharge with the first Smith & Wesson Response sample?

The out-of-battery discharge was attributed to a broken detent in the lower receiver. This failure caused excess drag on the bolt, preventing it from fully cycling into battery, which is critical for safe operation in blowback firearms.

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