First Impressions of Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel
The Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel immediately piqued my interest with its innovative pump-action design for an AR-9 platform. This isn’t just another AR upper; it’s a fresh take on a familiar system, promising a unique and potentially faster shooting experience. The Bilson Arms name carries a reputation for quality components, and I was eager to see if this upper assembly lived up to the hype.
My primary motivation was to find an AR-9 upper that offered something different from the direct blowback systems that dominate the market. I wanted a more engaging and potentially faster cycling action. The forward charging aspect also appealed to me as an ergonomic improvement over traditional charging handles, especially when running optics.
Unboxing the Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel, I was immediately impressed by the fit and finish. The 6061-T6 aluminum receiver felt solid and well-machined, and the 416R stainless steel barrel looked immaculate. The overall weight of 4.8 lbs felt balanced and manageable.
Compared to a standard AR-9 upper with a side-charging handle from Foxtrot Mike Products and a CMMG Radial Delayed Blowback system, the Bilson Arms offering stood out due to its unique pump-action. I chose the Bilson Arms for its innovation. The other systems, while proven, felt too similar to standard AR platforms.
My first impression was one of excited curiosity. I was genuinely eager to get this upper onto a lower receiver and see how it performed. The design was intriguing, and the build quality inspired confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on both accuracy and speed drills. The weather was mild, with clear skies, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the upper’s performance. I ran several types of 9mm ammunition through it, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr FMJ, and 147gr JHP.
The pump-action required a bit of getting used to, but quickly became intuitive. The forward charging motion felt natural, and I found myself cycling rounds faster than with a traditional charging handle. One surprise was the noticeable reduction in felt recoil compared to a direct blowback AR-9, thanks to the pump-action absorbing some of the energy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds, the Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel has proven to be remarkably reliable. I haven’t experienced any malfunctions or failures to feed. The finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after repeated use and handling.
Cleaning the upper is relatively straightforward. The 416R stainless steel barrel wipes clean easily, and the pump mechanism requires only occasional lubrication. Compared to my experience with other AR-9 uppers, the Bilson Arms assembly is noticeably easier to clean due to the lack of direct blowback fouling in the receiver. It definitely outperforms my previous side-charging upper.
Breaking Down the Features of Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of readily available ammunition.
- Overall Length: 24.5 inches. This provides a compact yet controllable platform.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches. This maximizes bullet velocity and accuracy.
- Barrel Profile: Pencil. The pencil profile keeps the weight down without sacrificing accuracy.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-10. This stabilizes a wide range of 9mm bullet weights.
- Threads per Inch: 1/2×28. This allows for the attachment of common muzzle devices.
- Handguard Type: Free-Float. The free-float design enhances accuracy by eliminating barrel contact.
- Muzzle Device: A2 Birdcage. This helps to reduce muzzle flash and felt recoil.
- Gun Model: AR-15. This ensures compatibility with standard AR-15 lower receivers.
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This provides a lightweight yet durable receiver.
- Handguard Length: 15 inches. This offers ample space for accessories and hand placement.
- Gun Rail: Picatinny. This allows for the mounting of optics and other accessories.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. This means it’s compatible with existing AR-15 components.
- Barrel Material: 416R Stainless Steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and accuracy.
- Bolt Carrier Group Included: MIL-SPEC. The MIL-SPEC bolt carrier group ensures reliability and compatibility.
- Charging Handle Included: MIL-SPEC. A standard charging handle is included for those familiar with the AR platform.
- Weight: 4.8 lb. This is a balanced weight for comfortable handling and maneuverability.
- Magazine Included: No. This allows the user to select their preferred magazine type.
- Mount Type: M-LOK. The M-LOK system allows for versatile accessory attachment.
The specifications translate to a well-balanced, accurate, and reliable AR-9 upper receiver. The quality materials and thoughtful design contribute to a positive user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel performs admirably. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings at 25 and 50 yards. The pump-action cycling is smooth and reliable, offering a unique and engaging shooting experience.
A key strength is the reduced recoil compared to direct blowback AR-9s. One area for potential improvement is the stiffness of the pump action initially, which loosens up with use. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for an innovative AR-9 upper.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The 6061-T6 aluminum receiver feels robust, and the weight is well-balanced. The ergonomics of the pump-action are surprisingly intuitive, offering a comfortable and natural shooting experience.
There is a slight learning curve to master the pump-action, but it quickly becomes second nature. The 15-inch M-LOK handguard offers ample space for accessories and hand placement.
Durability & Maintenance
The use of 416R stainless steel for the barrel and high-quality aluminum for the receiver suggests excellent long-term durability. The assembly is designed for easy maintenance. The pump mechanism can be easily accessed and lubricated.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Picatinny rail on top of the receiver allows for the mounting of a wide range of optics. The M-LOK handguard provides numerous attachment points for accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips. The upper is compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers and most 9mm AR magazines.
Pros and Cons of Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel
Pros
- Unique Pump-Action Design: Offers a novel and engaging shooting experience.
- Reduced Recoil: Provides more comfortable and controllable shooting.
- High-Quality Materials: Ensures durability and longevity.
- Excellent Accuracy: Delivers consistent and precise shooting.
- Easy Maintenance: Simplifies cleaning and lubrication.
Cons
- Initial Stiffness of Pump Action: May require a break-in period.
- Price: The innovative design comes at a premium cost.
Who Should Buy Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel?
This upper assembly is perfect for enthusiasts seeking a unique and engaging AR-9 shooting experience. It also appeals to those who appreciate innovative designs and high-quality materials. Competitive shooters looking for a faster cycling action may also find this appealing.
Those on a tight budget or who prefer traditional AR-9 configurations might want to skip this product. A quality optic is a must-have accessory to take full advantage of the upper’s accuracy potential.
Conclusion on Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel
The Bilson Arms 9mm Pump Style Forward Charging Upper Assembly with 416R-Stainless Steel Barrel is a well-engineered and innovative product. It offers a unique shooting experience with reduced recoil and excellent accuracy. While the price is higher than standard AR-9 uppers, the innovative design and quality components justify the cost for those seeking something truly different.
I personally recommend this upper to anyone looking for a novel and engaging AR-9 platform. It’s a conversation starter at the range and a blast to shoot. If you’re ready to experience a new take on the AR-9, the Bilson Arms pump-action upper is definitely worth considering.