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7/9/2015 4:55:58 PM EDT
First, I noticed that the charging handle key (ordinarily a gas key) had only 1 staked bolt.  There was a second (vacant) hole, offset from the centerline far enough that a second screw could not have been installed.  It certainly couldn't have been staked.  This hole also went all the way through the bolt carrier.

I e-mailed them about this and I'm waiting for a response.

The kit I purchased was the non-ramped bolt carrier version.  (I noticed this after I had ordered)  I have another AR-9 that does have a ramped bolt carrier.  The hammer on my other AR-9 is the hammer I have associated with the AR-9.  It is not, however, the conventional hammer that is used in an AR-15, etc.  The AR-9, having a shorter stroke and being recoil operated, re-cocks in the first 1/2" of travel.  Is the conventional hammer going to operate correctly in the AR-9 or should I ask PSA to send the correct hammer to me? Is the conventional hammer acceptable for use with the non-ramped bolt? (Is this thing ever going to work with the pieces they sent me?)
7/9/2015 5:39:10 PM EDT
[#1]
When Colt did the RDT&E on the 9mm SMG, they actually did a lot of RDT&E.

I'm guessing PSA hasn't.
7/9/2015 5:45:27 PM EDT
[#2]
Since gas will not be directed through the gas key, it is not a big issues. the nub just serves as a place holder to charge. I did receive a unramped bolt, which I sent to ADCO for ramping at a combined cost of about $65 (with shipping and handling). They should have had included a true 9mm hammer in the kit, but overall I'm pleased with my upper. So far it has had a couple malfs in the first 50 rds, with th remaining case of 1000 124 gr. 9mm being flawless. Overall, its a great and accurate carbine
7/9/2015 6:03:12 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
Since gas will not be directed through the gas key, it is not a big issues. the nub just serves as a place holder to charge. I did receive a unramped bolt, which I sent to ADCO for ramping at a combined cost of about $65 (with shipping and handling). They should have had included a true 9mm hammer in the kit, but overall I'm pleased with my upper. So far it has had a couple malfs in the first 50 rds, with th remaining case of 1000 124 gr. 9mm being flawless. Overall, its a great and accurate carbine
View Quote

Since I have an example to use as a template and a machine shop, I was planning on ramping and polishing the carrier from the start.  The regular (anything but an AR-9) hammer was a wild card.  I am just going to take a photo of the one they sent along with the right one and ask them to replace. (fingers are crossed there)
7/10/2015 5:55:48 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Since gas will not be directed through the gas key, it is not a big issues. the nub just serves as a place holder to charge. I did receive a unramped bolt, which I sent to ADCO for ramping at a combined cost of about $65 (with shipping and handling). They should have had included a true 9mm hammer in the kit, but overall I'm pleased with my upper. So far it has had a couple malfs in the first 50 rds, with th remaining case of 1000 124 gr. 9mm being flawless. Overall, its a great and accurate carbine
View Quote

Wow! The difference between a ramped kit and an unramped kit from PSA is $230! Since my machinist is not a gunsmith, I might just send the bolt to ADCO.  As far as the hammer, it would have been nice to get the correct hammer, but I can always buy another one for $20 (I had to replace the hammer & disconnector on the one I have because.... Let's just say I'm glad I was the only one on the range that day).
7/11/2015 4:43:48 AM EDT
[#5]
I can give you the dims the carrier was cut at plus a pic, if you choose to go that route.
Otherwise, ADCO did a great job with fast turnaround A++
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