Tool / AR9 / 9mm Configurator
AR9 PCC parts laid out on a workbench
Free Online ToolAR9 / PCC
Tool / AR9 / 9mm Configurator

AR9 Builder: Configure Your Custom 9mm AR Online

Free online AR9 builder for designing custom 9mm ARs with mag-pattern-aware compatibility, blowback vs RDB filtering, live budget tracking, and capability scoring. Pick the lower (which sets your Glock, Colt, CMMG ARC, or Scorpion mag pattern), build the upper from individual parts or a complete upper, then layer optics, lights, and a 9mm suppressor.

Launch AR9 BuilderBrowse PCC Templates
Feature Set
06 / 06
Most AR9 build kits assume one magazine pattern and one operating system. This builder treats both as variables, lets you mix or match, and tells you immediately when a part will not work on your lower.

Mag-Pattern Aware

Pick a lower in any of the four major AR9 magazine families: Glock (PSA, Aero EPC, New Frontier, Foxtrot Mike), Colt 9mm (CMMG Mk9, Quarter Circle 10), CMMG ARC (Mk57, Resolute), or CZ Scorpion. The builder filters lowers, mags, and complete uppers to whatever pattern you commit to so you cannot mix incompatible parts.

Blowback vs RDB Filtering

AR9 uppers run either direct blowback (most lowers) or radial-delayed blowback (CMMG Mk9 RDB). The builder reads each upper, BCG, and barrel for the right operating system and hides parts that will not cycle on your lower.

Capability Radar

Your build is scored across eight axes: CQB, long range, low light, night vision, suppression, mobility, reliability, and modularity. AR9 lives in the CQB and suppression columns. Watch the chart move as you swap a 4.5 inch pistol upper for a 16 inch carbine barrel.

Budget Tracking

Running totals with current vendor pricing across the lower, upper, barrel, BCG, charging handle, trigger, stock, optic, light, suppressor, and 33-round Glock mags. Set a budget ceiling and see exactly which parts are eating it.

Save, Share, Export

Builds save to your browser on one tap. Sign in with Google to sync across devices. Every build generates a shareable URL plus CSV, PDF, and QR export so you can take the parts list to your FFL or share it on the AR9 subreddit.

No Account Required

The full AR9 builder runs in your browser for free. Sign-in is optional and only needed for cross-device sync or saving multiple named builds long-term.

How It Works
03 STEPS
01

Pick a magazine pattern, then a lower

Start with the magazine family. Glock has the deepest aftermarket and the cheapest mags ($15-25 for OEM 33-round). Colt 9mm runs the smoothest in CMMG Mk9 lowers. CMMG ARC takes 5.7x28 with a barrel swap. Scorpion mags fit Stribog, B&T, and dedicated lowers. The builder loads a lower in your chosen pattern (PSA AR-V, Aero EPC-9, CMMG Mk9, New Frontier C-9) and unlocks the matching uppers and mags.

02

Build the upper or pick a complete one

Choose individual parts (stripped upper, 9mm barrel, handguard, 9mm BCG, charging handle) or use the complete upper shortcut to set everything from upper to handguard in one selection. Common configs: 4.5 inch pistol upper for SBR/brace, 8.3 inch for compact carbine, 16 inch for cheek-weld carbine. The builder enforces blowback vs RDB BCG fitment automatically.

03

Layer accessories and review

Walk through optics, weapon lights, suppressors, muzzle devices, slings, and 9mm-rated mounts. The capability radar updates live; the budget panel shows what each category costs. Save to the browser, generate a shareable URL, or export CSV, PDF, and a QR code.

Start Your AR9 BuildBrowse the Catalog
Starter PCC Builds
FACTORY TEMPLATES
Two factory PCCs to fork from if you do not want to start from a blank custom AR9. Open one, swap the lower out for a custom AR9 if you want a true parts build, and export the configuration.

Pre-Configured 9mm Carbine Builds

Suppressed home defense and budget training builds. Both deep-link into the builder with every component pre-selected.

pcc$3,000 - $4,500

PCC Home Defense

9mm carbine velocity with rifle ergonomics

B&T GHM9Intermediate
  • B&T GHM9 Swiss-built 9mm carbine
  • Dead Air Wolfman modular suppressor
Open in Builder
pcc$900 - $1,400

Budget PCC

Cheap 9mm reps with rifle controls

Aero Precision EPC-9Beginner
  • Aero EPC-9 Glock-mag compatible
  • Sig Romeo5 budget-tier red dot
Open in Builder
Choose Your Path
CUSTOM VS FACTORY
The AR9 builder supports both approaches. Pick the one that matches your experience, budget, and patience for parts compatibility research.

Build a custom AR9

Choose when you want a specific magazine pattern, a non-standard barrel length, an RDB upper, or a Form 1 SBR build. Good for shooters who already understand the blowback vs RDB tradeoff and want to optimize for one role (suppressor host, competition PCC, home defense). Use the Custom AR-9 path to pick the lower (which sets the mag pattern), upper, barrel, handguard, BCG, charging handle, trigger, grip, stock, and safety selector individually.

Start with a factory PCC

Choose when you want a known-good spec, a single warranty, and faster time to range. The catalog includes 25+ factory PCCs spanning Aero EPC-9, CMMG Banshee, CZ Scorpion, B&T GHM9, SIG MPX, S&W M&P FPC, Ruger PC Carbine, and more. Compatibility still runs on every accessory, so you cannot bolt a rifle buffer tube stock to a Scorpion folder. Browse the PCC catalog to compare specs before picking.

Keep Reading
RELATED INTEL

New to the platform? Start with build your first AR, which covers the ten core parts a custom build asks you to choose. The lower, upper, barrel, BCG, charging handle, trigger, grip, stock, and safety selector concepts cross over to AR9 directly; the differences are mag pattern, BCG operating system, and 9mm-specific accessory selection.

Going AR-15 instead? Use the AR-15 builder for 5.56 builds, or run the platform comparison tool to put a 16 inch AR9 next to a 14.5 inch AR-15 and see the capability tradeoff live. For optic selection across both platforms, the optic selection matrix matches red dots, LPVOs, and prisms to barrel length and mission. If you are suppressor-curious, see the suppressor compatibility guide for the 9mm cans and thread patterns worth knowing before you buy.

AR9 Builder FAQ

▶Is there a free AR9 builder website?
Rifle Configurator is a free online AR9 builder that runs in your browser with no account required. It covers custom AR9 builds across Glock, Colt 9mm, CMMG ARC, and CZ Scorpion magazine patterns. The builder runs real-time compatibility checks for blowback vs radial-delayed blowback uppers, tracks budget with live vendor pricing, and scores each configuration across eight capability axes including CQB, suppression, low light, and mobility. Sign-in is optional and only used to sync builds across devices.
▶What magazine patterns does the AR9 builder support?
Four patterns. Glock 9mm (the dominant pattern, supported by PSA AR-V, Aero EPC-9, New Frontier C-9, Foxtrot Mike FM-9, and CMMG Mk9 lowers, with 17-round through 33-round factory and 50-round drum options). Colt 9mm (the original AR9 pattern, used by Colt SMG-style lowers, Quarter Circle 10, and CMMG Mk9 in Colt-cut configurations). CMMG ARC (the Mk57 platform that runs 5.7x28 from FN Five-seveN mags). CZ Scorpion (used by dedicated Scorpion-pattern AR9 lowers and as a cross-pollination option in some custom builds). Picking a pattern in the builder filters lowers, mags, and complete uppers automatically.
▶Can I build a custom AR9 from individual parts in this configurator?
Yes. Select Custom AR-9 (Build From Scratch) on the platform step and the AR9 builder switches into a core-parts flow before accessories. You pick the lower receiver (which sets your magazine pattern), upper receiver, 9mm barrel, handguard, 9mm BCG, charging handle, trigger, grip, stock, and safety selector individually. A complete-upper shortcut sets upper, barrel, handguard, BCG, and charging handle in a single selection if you are sourcing a factory complete upper. After core parts lock in, accessory categories layer on top with compatibility checks preventing mismatched parts.
▶Do I need an FFL to build an AR9?
Yes for the lower receiver, no for everything else. The AR9 lower is the serialized firearm under federal law and must transfer through an FFL when you buy a stripped or complete lower from a vendor. Every other part (upper, barrel, BCG, charging handle, trigger, stock, optic, light) ships directly to your door with no FFL required. If you build from an 80% lower (often called an ar9 80 lower), you complete the receiver yourself and no FFL transfer is required for the lower itself, though state laws vary significantly on home-built firearms. Always verify state and local regulations.
▶How much does it cost to build an AR9?
Budget AR9 builds run $700-1,100 (PSA AR-V lower at $200, complete 8 inch upper at $300, basic optic at $150, mags at $50). Mid-range builds run $1,400-2,000 (Aero EPC-9 lower, premium 9mm barrel like Faxon, Geissele or LaRue trigger, Holosun 510C, Streamlight HL-X, six 33-round mags). Premium builds reach $2,500-4,500 with a CMMG Mk9 RDB lower, premium suppressor like Dead Air Wolfman or SilencerCo Omega 9K, EOTech XPS3, and a complete Surefire DSF light setup. The builder shows running totals as you select parts so you can hit a specific budget instead of guessing.
▶Is an AR9 better than a regular AR-15?
Different jobs. AR9 wins for indoor home defense (lower overpenetration than 5.56 in drywall), suppressor-host duty (9mm suppresses better at lower cost than 5.56), and high-volume range training (9mm ammo runs $0.20-0.30 per round vs $0.50-0.75 for 5.56). AR-15 wins for any defensive distance beyond 50 yards, terminal performance against barriers, and overall versatility. Most serious shooters own both. The AR9 builder shares 90% of accessory compatibility with AR-15s (same handguard rails, same optics, same controls in most cases) so accessories cross over. Use our rifle builder to plan an AR-15 alongside, or compare the two platforms directly.
▶Can I run a suppressor on an AR9?
Yes, and it is one of the best applications for a centerfire suppressor. 9mm runs subsonic out of most factory loads (147 grain at 950-1,000 fps), so you do not need expensive subsonic ammo to get hearing-safe (or close to it) shooting. The AR9 builder unlocks suppressor selections after you pick a barrel with a threaded muzzle. Standard 9mm thread is 1/2x28 (same as 5.56), so most rimfire and centerfire suppressors with a 9mm-rated booster or fixed mount work. Popular AR9 suppressors include the SilencerCo Omega 9K (light and short), Dead Air Wolfman (modular, .45 ACP rated for cross-platform use), and Rugged Obsidian 9.
▶What is the best barrel length for an AR9?
Depends on the role. 4.5 to 5.5 inches is optimal for SBR or pistol-brace builds and home defense (stays maneuverable, reaches near-rifle 9mm velocity, suppresses well with no port pop). 8.3 to 10.5 inches is the sweet spot for most carbine-style AR9 builds (runs cleaner, hits 9mm velocity ceiling, fits a standard 7-inch handguard). 16 inches is required for non-NFA rifle configurations and gets you the absolute most velocity from heavy 9mm loads, though gains over 10 inches are minimal. The AR9 builder filters barrels and handguards together so you cannot pair a 16 inch barrel with a 7 inch handguard or vice versa.
Ready / Launch Sequence

Ready to build your AR9?

Free, browser-based, no account required. Fork a starter PCC build or start with a blank custom AR9 in your preferred magazine pattern.

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