EP80-G Black

I've had the OD green version for over 2 years, but only finished the build last year do to upper parts availability. It's been running great for the last year, approximately 1k rounds of 9mm through it so far. Couple words of caution: Use mil spec style triggers/hammers. The cassette style drop in triggers will work, but tend to be slightly wider. You have to machine out the lower a little bit more and that makes the side walls thinner/weaker. The AR9 uses a longer and heavier buffer and heavier buffer spring. DO NOT use a standard AR15 buffer and spring. They are too light and will cause excessive recoil, wear and stress as they slam into the rear of the buffer tube. That may have been the issue with the previous reviews. I'm in GA where it rarely gets below freezing, so I can't comment on the cold weather buffer tube cracking. I own/have built several other EP Armory AR15 lowers (in 5.56 and 7.62x39mm) with many thousands of rounds them and they are still running strong. These lowers are the best bang for the buck and make owning multiple ARs financially possible.

I machined the lower, being poly the side walls sucked in a little during machining. Ran few hundred rounds through it with no issues during the summer. Took it to the range last weekend, was 25 degrees F out, and rear buffer section broke off after 3 rounds. I have another poly 556 lower from EP, that ran all day without breaking. This 9MM version must hit harder against the buffer tube. I also didn't like the epoxy extractor procedure, so I drilled and secured the extractor with SS hardware. Worked better after that until the buffer tube issue. Guess I'm going back to aluminum for my AR9

Just got my build finished took over a year due to funds and availability. 5 rounds out of my 9mm is all it took for the lower to snap off at the buffer tube. And make the gun worthless. Lower is very bad save your money. Eparmory has always been very good to me however quick shipping and good customer service. Review is for the lower only.

Don't waste time figuring out how to align and epoxy the ejector. Find a metal AR9 lower with the ejector holes pre-marked for screws. Or get an AR15 lower and use a mag adapter.