Doug thank you I built my 9 eventually want to add a folding stock. Can't watch video WiFi issues here on Lake Greenwood SC still need to sight in red dot better .
I got the same lower a few years ago and it worked right out of the box. I have heard from other shooters the same thing; FM9 lowers just work. Now here is something interesting; Foxtrot Mike insists the best setup for their PCC's is a 308 carbine spring and a 6.5 oz weight. You have made a compelling case in you online article as to why the 308 spring is not the usually best choice. I think Foxtrot Mike, and others, might be advocating the 308 springs as a way to accommodate the largest shooting population (weakest link so to speak), analogous to the AR15 makes who over gas their systems for the variety of ammo and other factors. What I am struggling to say is; the one-size-fits all solution is not always in the best interest of the majority.
When I first got my FM9 lower, I was having issues with feeding. Adjusted the ejector by putting in my vise and giving it some love taps, and it's run perfectly ever since.
Love mine and was running it in 16” for a while without issue. Just got it SBR approved and installed an 8” Wilson Combat stainless steel barrel on a Spikes Tactical upper. I took it to the range this morning and shot 200 rounds without issue. I’ve got a buffer kit from Blitzkrieg with a Kynshot HD buffer and 308 spring. Probably not as smooth as your recipes but noticeably smoother than the setup that came with the lower.
Thanks for all your info, Mike. I've started gathering parts for an epc9, Aero upper/lower, faxon bolt, 4.5 inch barrel( they were on sale), and the longer buffer tube, flat wire spring, hydraulic buffer, and weights. I'll be using a Rugged Obsidian 9 also. Looking forward to it, and I'll be referencing your knowledge if i have to tweak things.
Mine didn’t have 2 screws stacked on top. I wonder if they accidentally screwed in a 2nd with yours. I just don’t see the point of the 2nd 1. Interesting find though. Keep up the great work. Love all the vids!!!
@Blowback9 I have an fm9 aluminum upper and lower just like the one you showed. I noticed the lower and I believe upper had holes/slots for an ambi bolt catch/release. I emailed them about it and they sent me a little rod that screwed in to give me ambi free of charge
@@mase7998 My assembled FM9 lower had the ambi slot in the side, but the rod wasn't included. Not too worried about it since I don't plan to notch out the upper, but I'm curious how well it works on the right side. (I imagine it might work better for manually locking open the bolt than for releasing it.)
Not sure if you are headed this way or not? Would be nice to follow along a complete build. Seems like premium stuff is very hard to get (such as, Aero Precision). Also be nice to hear your recommendations, pluses and minus's or "do not use" on parts.
Have you done a comparison of 9mm lowers that are available at various price levels? What differences to expect or what you're getting for the extra money? Looks like anything from $99 to $375
That dual set screw configuration is also present inside the bolt catch for adjusting the LRBHO. I assumed it was to keep the inner setscrew from walking out.
Just watched this video.....super informative as usual. I had the same clearance issue with my FM9 lower and my Davidson Defense upper (I filed the outer rear portion of the upper that the rear takedown pin goes into, and problem solved). Couple questions regarding the buffer assembly-- I am changing parts out to prevent any potential issues before they happen. I have purchased the Wilson Combat flat wire spring and was getting ready to purchase the KAK blue tip buffer, but after watching this video, I want to ask, should I get the Kynshot hydraulic buffer instead? I am running the buffer tube that Foxtrot Mike builds with. Should I get the extended buffer tube as well? This is my first PCC, and I would prefer to have all the right part combobination instslled before taking it to the range and having something go wrong, thus ruining a range day. Thank you for the channel.
Kynshot buffer and other parts necessary for the Gentle Recoil System (there's a vid and article on my site). It's a little more involved and more expensive, but produces much less felt recoil. A KAK Blue should be just fine for a basic buffer system. Your call!
When you took the castle nut off is there thread locker or rockset on the threads? I got my lower from the ffl the buffer tube is misaligned and the buffer stop is clocked at a 45 degrees angle.
My lower came completely stripped - no buffer tube, castle nut, trigger, takedown pins, etc. Usually a castle nut doesn't have threadlocker on it, but I don't know how yours was assembled.
For anyone who doesn't care about building their own AR9, just buy an EXTAR EP9. It's already light recoil and robust and feeds all sorts of rounds reliably. Also, it's less than 500 USD too.
My FM lower works well with my PSA upper. Question though. My ejector is slightly low, although it ejects fine. Does the single set screw design allow for some height adjustment? I'm worried it might rock or not hold the adjustment well. By default it is completely cradled by the slot.
It does not. The set screw presses into a hole in the ejector, locking it in place. If it's ejecting OK, I'd leave it as-is. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
How much does Macon charge to re-machine the enhanced feed ramp? I just looked at my upper yesterday, and it has a small chamfered feed ramp, which I guess will automatically have feeding issues on my AR9 build.
Your barrel may feed and function just fine with round nose range ammo. The real problems tend to show up with hollow points. An enhanced feed cone helps ensure good feeding. I think Rudy charges around $85 but that may have changed. Send him an email for more details.
I have just looked again at the barrel feed ramp face and the feed ramp is at least half way on the breach face. So it does appear that there is more feed ramp than I initially thought. So fingers crossed that my complete Foxtrot Mike ar9mm upper should work 🤞. It is on its way to fedex and then the FFL. My first build and your information I have gathered has given me good vibes after just looking at my upper BCG👍
I received my Foxtrot Mike premium ar9 lower today. Thank God for your videos! The first thing I tried was a brand new Amend2 mags. When inserted, the extractor touches the top of the mag? Connected upper to lower, as you said, metal to metal contact when trying to close, that's not a problem. Put 5 9mm snap caps in mag to carefully cycle BCG. the first one went in but would not extract. Noted position of extractor and position in BCG groove, nose of extractor pointed angled down and that's why it was digging into the top side of magazine, so extractor needs adjusting for clearance purposes and correct alignment in extractor groove on BCG. Thank you for your video regarding this issue. Also, LRBO leaves one round in the magazine. Do you have a video on how to adjust that !
@@keithb.commonangler There is another way to adjust the ejector - just posted, check here: blowback9.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/adjusting-the-fm-9-ejector/ I don't have a vid for LRBHO adjustment, sorry! I'd try a factory glock mag and see if it still happens - it may be the mags.
Love my fm-9 lower. Almost 1k rounds in and 0 issues. Got it at a steal of a price at $200 as well.
Glad it's working well!
As always, appreciate you Doug.
Doug thank you I built my 9 eventually want to add a folding stock. Can't watch video WiFi issues here on Lake Greenwood SC still need to sight in red dot better .
I got the same lower a few years ago and it worked right out of the box. I have heard from other shooters the same thing; FM9 lowers just work. Now here is something interesting; Foxtrot Mike insists the best setup for their PCC's is a 308 carbine spring and a 6.5 oz weight. You have made a compelling case in you online article as to why the 308 spring is not the usually best choice. I think Foxtrot Mike, and others, might be advocating the 308 springs as a way to accommodate the largest shooting population (weakest link so to speak), analogous to the AR15 makes who over gas their systems for the variety of ammo and other factors. What I am struggling to say is; the one-size-fits all solution is not always in the best interest of the majority.
Good insight, thanks!
When I first got my FM9 lower, I was having issues with feeding. Adjusted the ejector by putting in my vise and giving it some love taps, and it's run perfectly ever since.
Nice!
Hey bud what budget lower do u recommend me as a beginner builder for the fm9
Love mine and was running it in 16” for a while without issue. Just got it SBR approved and installed an 8” Wilson Combat stainless steel barrel on a Spikes Tactical upper. I took it to the range this morning and shot 200 rounds without issue. I’ve got a buffer kit from Blitzkrieg with a Kynshot HD buffer and 308 spring. Probably not as smooth as your recipes but noticeably smoother than the setup that came with the lower.
9 or AR-15 upper?
Thanks for all your info, Mike.
I've started gathering parts for an epc9, Aero upper/lower, faxon bolt, 4.5 inch barrel( they were on sale), and the longer buffer tube, flat wire spring, hydraulic buffer, and weights.
I'll be using a Rugged Obsidian 9 also. Looking forward to it, and I'll be referencing your knowledge if i have to tweak things.
Sounds good! (BTW, it's Doug, not Mike - Mike is Mr. Guns N Gear!)
Sorry about that, Doug
No worries at all! @@2dchopperx
Mine didn’t have 2 screws stacked on top. I wonder if they accidentally screwed in a 2nd with yours. I just don’t see the point of the 2nd 1. Interesting find though. Keep up the great work. Love all the vids!!!
Good to know! Thanks!
Alway make sure the ejector allen set screw is tight ,, recommend that you use red lock tight and retighten ..
Yep!
Some of these lowers, maybe the newer ones have ambi bolt catch/release.
FM makes a polymer lower with an ambi bolt catch. The upper may need to be notched for it to move fully up into place.
@Blowback9 I have an fm9 aluminum upper and lower just like the one you showed. I noticed the lower and I believe upper had holes/slots for an ambi bolt catch/release. I emailed them about it and they sent me a little rod that screwed in to give me ambi free of charge
@@mase7998 My assembled FM9 lower had the ambi slot in the side, but the rod wasn't included. Not too worried about it since I don't plan to notch out the upper, but I'm curious how well it works on the right side. (I imagine it might work better for manually locking open the bolt than for releasing it.)
Nice!@@mase7998
Great video Doug!
Thanks!
What are your thoughts the matador arms MAT-9 bufferless blowback 9mm Upper?
I should have one coming soon for review!
@@Blowback9 you are a blessing to this community! Thank you!
Have you ever had problems with buffer detent pins?
Not sure if you are headed this way or not? Would be nice to follow along a complete build. Seems like premium stuff is very hard to get (such as, Aero Precision). Also be nice to hear your recommendations, pluses and minus's or "do not use" on parts.
Thx for the suggestion! This is a good place to get started: blowback9.wordpress.com/2021/04/06/a-9mm-ar-build-parts-list/
Have you done a comparison of 9mm lowers that are available at various price levels? What differences to expect or what you're getting for the extra money? Looks like anything from $99 to $375
That dual set screw configuration is also present inside the bolt catch for adjusting the LRBHO. I assumed it was to keep the inner setscrew from walking out.
Good to know, thanks!
Just watched this video.....super informative as usual.
I had the same clearance issue with my FM9 lower and my Davidson Defense upper (I filed the outer rear portion of the upper that the rear takedown pin goes into, and problem solved).
Couple questions regarding the buffer assembly-- I am changing parts out to prevent any potential issues before they happen. I have purchased the Wilson Combat flat wire spring and was getting ready to purchase the KAK blue tip buffer, but after watching this video, I want to ask, should I get the Kynshot hydraulic buffer instead? I am running the buffer tube that Foxtrot Mike builds with. Should I get the extended buffer tube as well?
This is my first PCC, and I would prefer to have all the right part combobination instslled before taking it to the range and having something go wrong, thus ruining a range day.
Thank you for the channel.
Kynshot buffer and other parts necessary for the Gentle Recoil System (there's a vid and article on my site). It's a little more involved and more expensive, but produces much less felt recoil. A KAK Blue should be just fine for a basic buffer system. Your call!
NEW FOXTROT OUT
any experience with the wolfpack armory wp9 lower?
Not yet.
please do one on the MPX, Ak9. Noveske 9
Can't afford it, but I'll add it to the list for the future!
When you took the castle nut off is there thread locker or rockset on the threads? I got my lower from the ffl the buffer tube is misaligned and the buffer stop is clocked at a 45 degrees angle.
My lower came completely stripped - no buffer tube, castle nut, trigger, takedown pins, etc. Usually a castle nut doesn't have threadlocker on it, but I don't know how yours was assembled.
For anyone who doesn't care about building their own AR9, just buy an EXTAR EP9. It's already light recoil and robust and feeds all sorts of rounds reliably. Also, it's less than 500 USD too.
Lots of people love them!
The truth 🙏🏼
Good stuff thank you!
My FM lower works well with my PSA upper. Question though. My ejector is slightly low, although it ejects fine. Does the single set screw design allow for some height adjustment? I'm worried it might rock or not hold the adjustment well. By default it is completely cradled by the slot.
It does not. The set screw presses into a hole in the ejector, locking it in place. If it's ejecting OK, I'd leave it as-is. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
@@Blowback9 thank you. Sounds right! Instead I'm messing with a new Taccom barrel!
How much does Macon charge to re-machine the enhanced feed ramp? I just looked at my upper yesterday, and it has a small chamfered feed ramp, which I guess will automatically have feeding issues on my AR9 build.
Your barrel may feed and function just fine with round nose range ammo. The real problems tend to show up with hollow points. An enhanced feed cone helps ensure good feeding. I think Rudy charges around $85 but that may have changed. Send him an email for more details.
I have just looked again at the barrel feed ramp face and the feed ramp is at least half way on the breach face. So it does appear that there is more feed ramp than I initially thought. So fingers crossed that my complete Foxtrot Mike ar9mm upper should work 🤞. It is on its way to fedex and then the FFL. My first build and your information I have gathered has given me good vibes after just looking at my upper BCG👍
@@keithb.commonangler Good luck, hope it goes well!
I received my Foxtrot Mike premium ar9 lower today. Thank God for your videos!
The first thing I tried was a brand new Amend2 mags. When inserted, the extractor touches the top of the mag?
Connected upper to lower, as you said, metal to metal contact when trying to close, that's not a problem. Put 5 9mm snap caps in mag to carefully cycle BCG. the first one went in but would not extract. Noted position of extractor and position in BCG groove, nose of extractor pointed angled down and that's why it was digging into the top side of magazine, so extractor needs adjusting for clearance purposes and correct alignment in extractor groove on BCG. Thank you for your video regarding this issue. Also, LRBO leaves one round in the magazine. Do you have a video on how to adjust that !
@@keithb.commonangler There is another way to adjust the ejector - just posted, check here: blowback9.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/adjusting-the-fm-9-ejector/ I don't have a vid for LRBHO adjustment, sorry! I'd try a factory glock mag and see if it still happens - it may be the mags.
Have you done any poly 80 lowers
I have not, sorry!
Can anyone help just got this beauty, was doing some cleaning and the recoil spring he talks about isnt staying in place like his is. Any answers ?
It isn't staying in the buffer tube? Is the buffer detent and buffer detent spring missing?
@@Blowback9 yes it was sir thank you
@@JacksonPhillips-jx3gp I love the easy fixes! Glad I could help!
@@Blowback9 you're a Saint!
👍