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Posted: 9/12/2015 8:05:59 PM EDT
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I’m considering a Colt pattern 9mm carbine or SBR build. I will be using a small magazine well dedicated lower.
I’m interested in knowing if there are other choices than those I have found below. I'm also interested in knowing why you chose a particular dedicated colt pattern lower. Please discount forged vs. billet or cost. I like the looks of the Colt pattern over the Glock pattern so please try to stay on topic. I did see a photo of a Quarter Circle 10 lower w/ an HK MP5 magazine (prototype?) that looked very cool. Lastly, I’m planning on using a GIBBZ ARMS G4 Side Charging upper receiver. Any issues with these? Colt Pattern Dedicated Lowers •Black Creek Precision EF9 •Black Creek Precision GPI Mfg. LE9 (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) •CMMG (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) •Colt (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) •Gun Point Custom M9 •Quarter Circle 10 •Double Diamond Law Enforcement Supply (DDLES) – No Longer in Production, See QC10 •Rock River Arms (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) Non-Dedicated or Full Size Magazine Well Colt Pattern Lowers •Palmetto State Armory •Spike’s Tactical •Stag Arms Glock Style Only Lowers •Angstadt Arms •Joe Bob Outfitters Spartan •JP Rifles (Enterprises) •Lone Wolf Distributors •New Frontier Armory •Runner Runner Guns |
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I chose the QC10 lower because at the time I was researching, I didn't see any other dedicated Colt 9mm lowers (all other lowers were utilizing mag blocks, so won't dedicated to 9mm only). I like the look of the dedicated 9mm, as the magwell is meant for 9mm mags only, not looking too big because it's a standard AR-15 magwell. I have nothing against the Glock lowers but since I don't own Glocks, I don't have Glock magazines and just felt the Colt lower was a better choice for me.
As for side charging uppers, I'm using the X Products SCU, which is based on the Gibbz (from what I understand). I have had no problems thus far but have only put about 200 rounds through my build. I love the look but will admit that it's taking some getting used to the side charge vs the standard rear charge. I'm happy with my choice though Hope this helps. |
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My experience is with a pre ban Colt m9 it's an original I believe 1980 mfg. dedicated lower. It's an early TA serial #'d gun. I love it, it has given me no failures of any kind with 95gr-147gr loads.
I use pre ban original colt mags/current metalform mags the Uzi mags I modified, and old cp products but I don't care for them, the only mags that don't drop free, crappy coating, and go in tight due to their feed angle. It has been in stock form 16" barrel with original colt buffer and spring, also 2 position stock. It is super lightweight. I recently swapped the grip for a ergo and the buffer/spring for a Blitzkrieg Aktive buffer w/a Spring Co. 308 carbine spring, this combo is night & day , the recoil and muzzle rise are so much less and the gun shoots smoother as well overall. it's current look is identical to my 1979 pre ban Colt SP1. I hope this helps ya with your build. |
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I’m considering a Colt pattern 9mm carbine or SBR build. I will be using a dedicated lower. I’m interested in knowing if there are other choices than those I have found below. I also interested in knowing why you chose a particular dedicated colt pattern lower. Please discount forged vs. billet or cost. I like the looks of the Colt pattern over the Glock pattern so please try to stay on topic. I did see a photo of a Quarter Circle 10 lower w/ an HK MP5 magazine (prototype?) that looked very cool. Lastly, I’m planning on using a GIBBZ ARMS G4 Side Charging upper receiver. Any issues with these? Colt Pattern Dedicated Lowers •Black Creek Precision EF9 •Black Creek Precision GPI Mfg. LE9 •Gun Point Custom M9 •Quarter Circle 10 •Double Diamond Law Enforcement Supply (DDLES) – No Longer in Production, See QC10 Non-Dedicated Colt Pattern Lowers •CMMG •Colt •Palmetto State Armory •Rock River Arms •Spike’s Tactical •Stag Arms Glock Style Only Lowers •Angstadt Arms •Joe Bob Outfitters Spartan •JP Rifles (Enterprises) •Lone Wolf Distributors •New Frontier Armory •Runner Runner Guns Out of the companies that you named, I think all are of good quality. Having dealt with QC10 customer service I am a bit biased towards them so they would get my vote. All that you named will do the job, it just comes down to personal preference. Of the Glock lowers that you named I don't think any of them matter because you have ruled out Glock lowers for colt pattern. As for the gibbz SCU I have one and love it. They too have great customer service and the upper works great with no flaws. Good luck with your build, of the many manufacturers that you listed there is no bad choice. Happy shooting! |
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I have a Colt 6450 and have ran it for several years without a single issue. The function and reliability has been outstanding. I wanted to build a dedicated pistol lower but SBRd and suppressed and was going to buy a DDLES lower. They went belly up while I was researching the build and I just said forget it until last week. I saw that QC 10 has taken over and said WTH and ordered a Glock lower which I just picked up today. The quality and feel of this new lower is light years ahead of my Colt! The service and shipping have been top notch and I am so glad I passed on the DDLES and waited. What an amazing piece the QC10 lower is!
My plan is a Colt upper receiver and I ordered QC10s bolt for the build. I'm searching for a Noveske 8" barrel for it and will add a BCM 7" key mod rail. I am absolutely stoked about this new lower! |
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Ok, just my opinion, but here goes...
If your going with the Gibbz Upper, go with either the QC10 or Gunpoint Lower. Both are billet style lowers and will match the Gibbz upper better. I have a BCP EF9 and love it, but it looks more like a GI style forged lower and matches with more traditional forged uppers. As to QC10 vs Gunpoint, probably six of one, half dozen of another. QC10 is the originator(ddles to be specific) and it seems they work beautifully. Gunpoint is made by BCP and is just a billet version of there EF9, so they should be GTG as well. I think it will come down to any cosmetic differences between those two that you prefer. Personally I would not go with a standard lower and block. The only reason I would consider it is if you plan on doing an SBR and want the ability to swap to 5.56/300BO etc. Then it would give you more versatility. Otherwise it seems that most of the blocks are more of a PITA to get to run as well as a dedicated. Lastly, I can't see doing a dedicated lower with a full size magwell unless maybe you were doing a DOE or Retro build. They are just ugly looking, IMO. This is why I went with the EF9 Lower. They look good and were about $100 cheaper than QC10. But I wanted a slick side A4 style upper with no FA or shell deflector. I wasn't really happy with the way most of the billet uppers looked, although I did sort of like the more angular lines(definitley think the billet looks better with Glock style, but overall don't like the angled back look). But over all I was also kind of shooting for cost saving(good luck with that). I wanted the Colt stick mags and found the ASCs run 100% in the deicated lower, so I have cheap mags(did have to wear finish on them in spots). Overall, I love my toy and it has run like a top, 100% with ever cheap ball round and most hollowpoints I have tried. I hope that helps a little. |
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I like the Colt pattern for two simple reasons. It just runs 100% and I like loading the mags with a magl lula.
Just finished build number 1 with a Spikes lower and Hahn dedicated block. It has run from the first round chambered to about the 400th without a single hicup. It feeds Hollow points, flat points, coated bullets and produces tiny little groups. I read a lot about the various makes of mag blocks. While there are a lot of less expensive units on the market, I read good things about the Hahn unit. I could have saved a few dollars if I had gone with a dedicated lower out of the box. My Black Creek Precision EF9 just came in last week. Got while they were on sale. I plan to build it in the next week and compare how it runs vs the unit with the mag block. At this point I could not be happier. Good luck with your build. |
| I have the Black Creek Precision EF9 lower. Went together easily. Tried ProMag, Metalform. ASC and modified UZI magazines. All fed perfectly with ball and all manner of hollow points. Even the stubby 115 gr Sierras. Also used a number of handloads with no problems. |
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Pretty sure the CMMG lower is dedicated, at least mine was. I sold it but it was a nice lower. Yep, and they were out before QC10 was a gleam in the owner's eye. I'm pretty sure my buddy's Rock River uses a dedicated lower also. While I have nothing against QC10, and have heard nothing but good about them, they're "the new guys" compared to CMMG, RRA, etc... Magwell blocks seem problematic - the best case is they work and add $50-150 to the price of the lower alone, the worst case is you never get them to run or they're finicky. I picked a dedicated lower because it's supposed to be plug-n-play. Mine (CMMG MK9) was. YMMV of course. |
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As for side charging uppers, I'm using the X Products SCU, which is based on the Gibbz (from what I understand). I have had no problems thus far but have only put about 200 rounds through my build. I love the look but will admit that it's taking some getting used to the side charge vs the standard rear charge. I'm happy with my choice though Hope this helps. I found the X Products SCU first, then the Gibbz Arms. Thanks for the SCU feedback. |
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I use pre ban original colt mags/current metalform mags the Uzi mags I modified, and old cp products but I don't care for them, the only mags that don't drop free, crappy coating, and go in tight due to their feed angle. It has been in stock form 16" barrel with original colt buffer and spring, also 2 position stock. It is super lightweight. I recently swapped the grip for a ergo and the buffer/spring for a Blitzkrieg Aktive buffer w/a Spring Co. 308 carbine spring, this combo is night & day , the recoil and muzzle rise are so much less and the gun shoots smoother as well overall. I hope this helps ya with your build. Thanks for the magazine and buffer system feedback. |
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...Having dealt with QC10 customer service I am a bit biased towards them so they would get my vote. All that you named will do the job, it just comes down to personal preference. Of the Glock lowers that you named I don't think any of them matter because you have ruled out Glock lowers for colt pattern. As for the gibbz SCU I have one and love it. They too have great customer service and the upper works great with no flaws. Good luck with your build, of the many manufacturers that you listed there is no bad choice. Happy shooting! Thanks for the second QC10 endorsement as well as the Gibbz Arms SCU thumbs up. |
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Ok, just my opinion, but here goes... If your going with the Gibbz Upper, go with either the QC10 or Gunpoint Lower. Both are billet style lowers and will match the Gibbz upper better. I have a BCP EF9 and love it, but it looks more like a GI style forged lower and matches with more traditional forged uppers.... Lastly, I can't see doing a dedicated lower with a full size magwell unless maybe you were doing a DOE or Retro build. They are just ugly looking, IMO. This is why I went with the EF9 Lower. They look good and were about $100 cheaper than QC10. But I wanted a slick side A4 style upper with no FA or shell deflector. I wasn't really happy with the way most of the billet uppers looked, although I did sort of like the more angular lines(definitley think the billet looks better with Glock style, but overall don't like the angled back look). But over all I was also kind of shooting for cost saving(good luck with that). I wanted the Colt stick mags and found the ASCs run 100% in the deicated lower, so I have cheap mags(did have to wear finish on them in spots). Overall, I love my toy and it has run like a top, 100% with ever cheap ball round and most hollowpoints I have tried. I hope that helps a little. I hadn't thought about matching a upper and lower billet. With so much to consider I missed that one. Thanks for sharing. |
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I like the Colt pattern for two simple reasons. It just runs 100% and I like loading the mags with a magl lula. Just finished build number 1 with a Spikes lower and Hahn dedicated block. It has run from the first round chambered to about the 400th without a single hicup. It feeds Hollow points, flat points, coated bullets and produces tiny little groups. I read a lot about the various makes of mag blocks. While there are a lot of less expensive units on the market, I read good things about the Hahn unit. I could have saved a few dollars if I had gone with a dedicated lower out of the box. My Black Creek Precision EF9 just came in last week. Got while they were on sale. I plan to build it in the next week and compare how it runs vs the unit with the mag block. At this point I could not be happier. Good luck with your build. Thanks for sharing you chose the BCP EF9 for a dedicated build. |
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I have the Black Creek Precision EF9 lower. Went together easily. Tried ProMag, Metalform. ASC and modified UZI magazines. All fed perfectly with ball and all manner of hollow points. Even the stubby 115 gr Sierras. Also used a number of handloads with no problems. The second endorsement for the BCP EF9. Thanks for the magazine feedback too. |
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Yep, and they were out before QC10 was a gleam in the owner's eye. I'm pretty sure my buddy's Rock River uses a dedicated lower also. While I have nothing against QC10, and have heard nothing but good about them, they're "the new guys" compared to CMMG, RRA, etc... Magwell blocks seem problematic - the best case is they work and add $50-150 to the price of the lower alone, the worst case is you never get them to run or they're finicky. I picked a dedicated lower because it's supposed to be plug-n-play. Mine (CMMG MK9) was. YMMV of course. Quoted:
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Pretty sure the CMMG lower is dedicated, at least mine was. I sold it but it was a nice lower. Yep, and they were out before QC10 was a gleam in the owner's eye. I'm pretty sure my buddy's Rock River uses a dedicated lower also. While I have nothing against QC10, and have heard nothing but good about them, they're "the new guys" compared to CMMG, RRA, etc... Magwell blocks seem problematic - the best case is they work and add $50-150 to the price of the lower alone, the worst case is you never get them to run or they're finicky. I picked a dedicated lower because it's supposed to be plug-n-play. Mine (CMMG MK9) was. YMMV of course. Another thumbs up for the CMMG lower. I like their stuff, but I like the looks of the small magazine well dedicated 9mm lower more. Thanks. |
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+1 for QC10. If I would have waited a little bit, I would have jumped on the MP5 mag version that have rolling out; for no other reason that appearance. Regardless, I am thoroughly satisfied with my build!! I'm leaning toward the Quarter Circle 10 more and more. I also like the looks of the HK MP5 magazine version. I still like the Colt pattern though. Decisions decisions. They are also teasing a side charging upper, but it looks like another Gibbz Arms variant. I would like to see more detail to compare it to the Gibbz Arms and X Products SCUs. |
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I have the Black Creek Precision EF9 lower. Went together easily. Tried ProMag, Metalform. ASC and modified UZI magazines. All fed perfectly with ball and all manner of hollow points. Even the stubby 115 gr Sierras. Also used a number of handloads with no problems. +1 for the black creek precision, had absolutely no problem putting it together and has had no problems feeding anything i have put into it with c-products mags |
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I have a DDLES (now QC10) Colt pattern lower that I SBR'd a long time ago. Mine is serial number 16, so it was very early production... but it still runs like crazy. I'm in the market for another that uses Glock mags, so I'm a similar boat as you. I'm leaning towards QC10 at the moment. |
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+1 for the black creek precision, had absolutely no problem putting it together and has had no problems feeding anything i have put into it with c-products mags Quoted:
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I have the Black Creek Precision EF9 lower. Went together easily. Tried ProMag, Metalform. ASC and modified UZI magazines. All fed perfectly with ball and all manner of hollow points. Even the stubby 115 gr Sierras. Also used a number of handloads with no problems. +1 for the black creek precision, had absolutely no problem putting it together and has had no problems feeding anything i have put into it with c-products mags The third endorsement for the BCP EF9. Thanks. |
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I have a DDLES (now QC10) Colt pattern lower that I SBR'd a long time ago. Mine is serial number 16, so it was very early production... but it still runs like crazy. I'm in the market for another that uses Glock mags, so I'm a similar boat as you. I'm leaning towards QC10 at the moment. More Quarter Circle 10 love. You were on the design's ground floor and it's still going strong. Can't beat that for an endorsement. Thanks. |
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I have a BCP EF9 in progress. I like the forged look more to match my other forged AR15s. Currently, it is at a standstill until my significant other says otherwise. :( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/808state/Mobile%20Uploads/20150916_163511.jpg The fourth endorsement for the BCP EF9. Looks good. I like the matching uppper and lower. At least they support your habit even if it is not at your preferred pace. : ) Thanks. |
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I have the Black Creek Precision EF9 lower. Went together easily. Tried ProMag, Metalform. ASC and modified UZI magazines. All fed perfectly with ball and all manner of hollow points. Even the stubby 115 gr Sierras. Also used a number of handloads with no problems. +1 for the black creek precision, had absolutely no problem putting it together and has had no problems feeding anything i have put into it with c-products mags Another +1, its reliable with the $15 asc mags too. http://i.imgur.com/nfzz4cz.jpg Like vballer7904 and Ashick, Capt_Destro knows how to enhance a post; a picture! Creates some urgency to get building. : ) Thanks. |
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Pictures? You want pictures?! http://www.vomschmidthaus.com/img/m21_rmr.jpg My DDLES 9mm SBR w/5.5" Noveske barrel and YHM Wraith QD can on the right. Very NICE! How long is your rail on your DDLES? How much does your can stick out beyond your rail. This is one of the aesthetics I'm trying to dial in for my build. |
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Quoted: Very NICE! How long is your rail on your DDLES? How much does your can stick out beyond your rail. This is one of the aesthetics I'm trying to dial in for my build. Quoted: Quoted: Pictures? You want pictures?! http://www.vomschmidthaus.com/img/m21_rmr.jpg My DDLES 9mm SBR w/5.5" Noveske barrel and YHM Wraith QD can on the right. Very NICE! How long is your rail on your DDLES? How much does your can stick out beyond your rail. This is one of the aesthetics I'm trying to dial in for my build. The barrel is 5.5", the can is about 7" (not including the muzzle device), IIRC. The rail pictured is a 9" Troy Bravo rail. I think that the can sticks out about 3.5-4", but I'd have to measure to be sure. I've been changing those two SBRs around a LOT. The 300BLK SBR pictured looks nothing like that anymore, and the 9mm won't look like that for much longer. |
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The RRA may have a full size magwell, but it is broached for a Colt pattern mag only. I built my SBR years ago with one and it works like a champ. I made the edit to the original post. I saw the full size magazine well appearance and assumed it was blocked. Thanks for the feedback and the endorsement for the RRA lower. |
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I went with a DDLES Colt lower. Scored a Colt 635 upper on the EE for an awesome price. No fitting was required at all. Just had to find a 5.5" flash hider to make 16" till my Form 1 comes back. Every time I go to the range people want to fire it. Another vote for QC10 basically. Thanks. |
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I have two DDLES lowers that I got not too long after they came out. Was looking to build a 9mm SBR at the time but really didn't like the looks of the full size magwell lowers. Saw the DDLES and bought it immediately. First one has an SRT Arms integral Vltor upper. http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z110/Howlin_Mad_pics/ARs/e7b46ea0-9dbc-45c1-bf0a-a8b26571cb98.jpg Then I built a dedicated 2-gun competition rifle. This one also has an identical upper with 11.5" barrel. http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z110/Howlin_Mad_pics/ARs/9mmcomp.jpg So, another vote for QC10. Nice guns! The SRT Arms website: "Integrally suppressed customer supplied 9MM or .45 ACP AR style Upper barrel and free float handguard (120-123 dB), 16" overall length std, 13" SBR length optional, (Add $60 if we are supplying the free float, Model 1 sales handguard) for $780." Is this an integrally suppressed barrel only for $780? Can it be disassembled for cleaning? What length is yours? Handguard manufacturer and length? Can diameter? Thanks. |
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Nice guns! The SRT Arms website: "Integrally suppressed customer supplied 9MM or .45 ACP AR style Upper barrel and free float handguard (120-123 dB), 16" overall length std, 13" SBR length optional, (Add $60 if we are supplying the free float, Model 1 sales handguard) for $780." Is this an integrally suppressed barrel only for $780? Can it be disassembled for cleaning? What length is yours? Handguard manufacturer and length? Can diameter? Thanks. Quoted:
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I have two DDLES lowers that I got not too long after they came out. Was looking to build a 9mm SBR at the time but really didn't like the looks of the full size magwell lowers. Saw the DDLES and bought it immediately. First one has an SRT Arms integral Vltor upper. http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z110/Howlin_Mad_pics/ARs/e7b46ea0-9dbc-45c1-bf0a-a8b26571cb98.jpg Then I built a dedicated 2-gun competition rifle. This one also has an identical upper with 11.5" barrel. http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z110/Howlin_Mad_pics/ARs/9mmcomp.jpg So, another vote for QC10. Nice guns! The SRT Arms website: "Integrally suppressed customer supplied 9MM or .45 ACP AR style Upper barrel and free float handguard (120-123 dB), 16" overall length std, 13" SBR length optional, (Add $60 if we are supplying the free float, Model 1 sales handguard) for $780." Is this an integrally suppressed barrel only for $780? Can it be disassembled for cleaning? What length is yours? Handguard manufacturer and length? Can diameter? Thanks. Thanks. The SRT upper is 13" overall, with about a 6.5" ported barrel. The endcap will come off and the tube will unscrew from the barrel. The handguard is a Midwest Industries 10". I supplied Doug (SRT) with the upper, handguard and a 10" Colt SMG barrel. He cut the barrel down, threaded and ported it, then installed the barrel, handguard and the suppressor for the quoted price. It is a two stamp gun, one for the SBR lower and one for the suppressed upper. I figured I would only be shooting this gun suppressed anyway, so why not get an integral. With the ported barrel, even normally supersonic ammo comes out subsonic. I have shot it in the 2-gun matches and it is so quiet that the timer will not pick it up. 9mm suppressed |
| Ordered my Quarter Circle 10 Colt pattern lower last night. Shipped out today! Let the build process (as $$$ allows) begin! Thanks to all. I'll be back for information as I select the remaining parts. (They are already in my spreadsheet, but they could change.) |
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The Colt 6951 is their current 9mm carbine; getting only a lower for a build might be difficult. I just wanted to add this to your list of dedicated 9mm lowers. I have a factory Colt 6951 with 16" barrel, it has always worked perfectly for me. I have my Colt 614 converted to 9mm for full-auto / short-barrel fun, so I'm not as motivated to SBR the 6951. |
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The Colt 6951 is their current 9mm carbine; getting only a lower for a build might be difficult. I just wanted to add this to your list of dedicated 9mm lowers. I have a factory Colt 6951 with 16" barrel, it has always worked perfectly for me. I have my Colt 614 converted to 9mm for full-auto / short-barrel fun, so I'm not as motivated to SBR the 6951. Colt is on my list; maybe I'm missing your point. How did you qualify for converting to full auto? I thought the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 banned the sale of machine guns manufactured after the date of enactment to civilians, restricting sales of these weapons to the military and law enforcement. |
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Colt is on my list; maybe I'm missing your point. How did you qualify for converting to full auto? I thought the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 banned the sale of machine guns manufactured after the date of enactment to civilians, restricting sales of these weapons to the military and law enforcement. Quoted:
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The Colt 6951 is their current 9mm carbine; getting only a lower for a build might be difficult. I just wanted to add this to your list of dedicated 9mm lowers. I have a factory Colt 6951 with 16" barrel, it has always worked perfectly for me. I have my Colt 614 converted to 9mm for full-auto / short-barrel fun, so I'm not as motivated to SBR the 6951. Colt is on my list; maybe I'm missing your point. How did you qualify for converting to full auto? I thought the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 banned the sale of machine guns manufactured after the date of enactment to civilians, restricting sales of these weapons to the military and law enforcement. Most likely the poster is an 07/02 SOT and licensed to build post samples..... |
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The "Colt Pattern Dedicated Lowers" list was this:
•Black Creek Precision EF9 •Black Creek Precision GPI Mfg. LE9 (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) •CMMG (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) •Gun Point Custom M9 •Quarter Circle 10 •Double Diamond Law Enforcement Supply (DDLES) – No Longer in Production, See QC10 •Rock River Arms (w/ Full Size Mag Well Appearance) The Colt 6951 (and earlier 6450) is a dedicated rifle / lower and should be on that list. -- Colt was under the "Non-Dedicated or Full Size Magazine Well Colt Pattern Lowers": •Colt •Palmetto State Armory •Spike’s Tactical •Stag Arms -- Sorry I wasn't clear. I'm not an SOT. My Colt 614 (full-auto) was manufactured in May 1968 (not a typo). |
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