One of the most common subjects that comes up when you're talking about the AR9 is the 9mm AR barrel. That's because 9mm ammo is most commonly used as handgun ammunition, so many wonder if they'll see performance improvements by using a longer 9mm barrel. Plus, pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) are just fun to shoot.
The best AR9 barrel depends on multiple factors like firearm configuration, intended use, and personal preferences. For instance, an AR9 configured as a rifle requires a barrel at least 16 inches in length. However, if you intend on using your AR9 for home- or self-defense, you would probably want a pistol configuration so you can use a barrel shorter than 16 inches.
Besides length, which we'll delve more into below, how the AR9 barrel is constructed will contribute to determining its intended use as well as its price. Most AR barrels are made out of steel and then finished to increase durability and performance. Barrels constructed from premium metals like aluminum or titanium weigh less but also cost more.
If you want an AR9 for defense, you're probably better off with a barrel that's lightweight and maneuverable. If you're a recreational or competitive shooter, the best AR9 barrel is one with a higher quality construction. Or, if you plan on shooting with a suppressor, you'd definitely want a threaded barrel.
Third-party reviewers tried to answer that question by looking at velocity. They tested nine loads, which varied by brand and grain weight, and found that five of them had peak muzzle velocity when shot out of a nine-inch barrel. So, if you go by velocity, a nine-inch barrel delivers the best overall results. However, velocity is only one factor to consider when determining optimal barrel length.
The barrel and load have a fairly complex relationship, which tends to be more important for the gun maker to understand than the gun owner. In turn, most gun designs will outperform the shooter. With that said, average shooters usually only care about personal preferences like maneuverability and weight because those factors affect how they handle the firearm. In the end, matching a load to a barrel is far simpler than matching a barrel to a load.
As we mentioned above, some say 9mm ammo works best when shot out of a nine-inch barrel, but that's not always an option when you're shopping for an AR9. Plus, the "best" of something largely depends on your own preferences. But we'll help you narrow your choices, so you can find the best option for you.
While 9mm barrels come in a variety of lengths, the barrel you select largely depends on if you want to configure your AR9 as a pistol or a rifle. The difference between the two is that a rifle has a stock and under federal law, rifle barrels must be at least 16 inches long (and you should also review local and state laws regarding barrel length).
Besides navigating legal issues, the best barrel length for an AR9 depends on how you want to use it. Again, for optimal performance, you should practice and match the load to your barrel.
At OpticsPlanet, we have a variety of AR9 barrels, so you can build out the best AR9 configuration for you. We carry a range of barrel lengths, twist rates, and materials by top brands to ensure you find the perfect AR9 barrel for your PCC . Plus, we offer Free Shipping on most orders $49 or more. Build the best PCC or AR pistol with a new 9mm AR barrel today!
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