First Impressions of Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly promises compact power and modularity for AR-9 enthusiasts. As someone who’s tinkered with AR platforms for over a decade, I was eager to see if this upper assembly could deliver on its potential, especially considering its OpticsPlanet exclusivity. My experience ranges from assembling complete AR-15 rifles to customizing pistol builds for various applications, so my expectations were pretty high for this dedicated 9mm upper.
I’d been wanting to build a compact, reliable AR-9 pistol for home defense and range fun. I needed something maneuverable in tight spaces but still accurate enough for engaging targets at moderate distances. The Moriarti offering, with its short barrel and M-LOK handguard, seemed to fit the bill perfectly, promising a blend of tactical utility and ease of customization.
The initial unboxing was promising. The upper receiver assembly felt solid, with a good weight to it, suggesting quality materials. The finish, a Black Anodized coating, looked clean and even, giving it a professional appearance. Compared to some budget AR-9 uppers I’ve handled, this felt a step above in terms of overall fit and finish. I was choosing between this and a similar offering from Palmetto State Armory and one from Aero Precision. I chose Moriarti due to the overall package and the OpticsPlanet exclusivity.
My first impression was positive, though I reserved final judgment until I could get it out to the range. This Moriarti upper sparked excitement. The promise of a compact, reliable 9mm AR pistol, ready to accept my existing lower receiver, was definitely intriguing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
I first took the Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly to my local outdoor range for initial testing. The weather was fairly typical for early spring – overcast with a slight drizzle, providing a decent test for the finish and functionality. I paired the upper with a lower receiver I’d previously built, using Glock-compatible magazines.
The initial rounds went off without a hitch. The action felt smooth, and the recoil was manageable, even with the short barrel. I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy, managing to keep tight groupings at 25 yards with minimal effort. I did experience a couple of failures to feed in the first 50 rounds, which I attributed to the magazines needing to break in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly has proven to be quite reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, using a variety of 9mm ammunition, from standard 115-grain FMJ to heavier 147-grain loads. The initial feeding issues disappeared after the first range session.
The finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being exposed to some less-than-ideal conditions. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, with easy access to the bolt carrier group and barrel. Compared to some of my previous AR builds, this one requires minimal maintenance to keep running smoothly. Overall, I’m impressed with its durability and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly
Specifications
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly boasts some notable specs. It is chambered in 9mm Luger with a 4.5-inch barrel length. The Barrel Material is 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium, which is known for its durability and heat resistance.
The barrel features a 1-10 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing a wide range of 9mm bullet weights. The threads per inch are 1/2×36, making it compatible with many common 9mm muzzle devices. The Handguard Type is a Free-Float design. This is important for accuracy as it doesn’t interfere with the barrel’s harmonics.
The Handguard Length is 4 inches and features an M-LOK Gun Rail for easy accessory attachment. A standard A2 style flash hider serves as the Muzzle Device. It’s finished with a Black Anodized coating for corrosion resistance and aesthetics. The charging handle is MIL-SPEC.
Performance & Functionality
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly performs admirably for its intended purpose. The accuracy is surprisingly good for a short-barreled pistol, easily hitting steel targets at 50 yards. The blowback operation is smooth and reliable, with consistent ejection.
Its strengths lie in its compact size and ease of handling. The short barrel makes it highly maneuverable, ideal for home defense or close-quarters shooting. The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting lights, lasers, or foregrips. The weakness is that the provided A2 flash hider, while functional, isn’t the most effective at flash suppression, which might be a concern in low-light scenarios. Overall, the upper meets expectations for a compact and reliable AR-9 pistol.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly is functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Black Anodized finish gives it a sleek, professional look. The 4-inch Diamond Cut MLOK Rail is comfortable to grip and provides a solid mounting platform.
The build quality is solid, with no noticeable flaws in the machining or finish. It’s lightweight enough to be easily handled. There’s virtually no learning curve as it’s a standard AR platform.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the use of 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium for the barrel and a durable Black Anodized finish, the Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly is built to last. The barrel is corrosion-resistant, which is a plus for humid environments. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it running smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly is highly customizable due to its AR platform compatibility. The M-LOK handguard allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as weapon lights, vertical grips, and lasers. The 1/2×36 barrel threads are compatible with many popular 9mm suppressors and muzzle devices.
Because it is a standard AR platform, you can change out to almost any accessory. The upper is designed to work with Glock-compatible magazines, which are widely available and relatively inexpensive. This adds to the overall versatility and customization potential.
Pros and Cons of Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly
Pros
- Compact and maneuverable, ideal for home defense or close-quarters shooting.
- Reliable performance with a wide range of 9mm ammunition.
- M-LOK handguard allows for easy attachment of accessories.
- Durable construction with a 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel and Black Anodized finish.
- Compatible with widely available Glock-compatible magazines.
Cons
- The included A2 flash hider could be more effective at flash suppression.
- May require a break-in period to ensure smooth feeding with all magazines.
Who Should Buy Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly?
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly is perfect for home defense enthusiasts and recreational shooters looking for a compact, reliable, and customizable AR-9 pistol. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate the AR platform’s modularity and widespread accessory availability. It would also be great for tactical training.
Those who should skip this product are individuals looking for extreme long-range accuracy or those requiring a fully suppressed platform without any modifications.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a quality weapon light, a red dot optic for improved target acquisition, and potentially an upgraded muzzle device for enhanced flash suppression.
Conclusion on Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly
The Moriarti OpticsPlanet Exclusive AR-9 9mm 4.5in Slick Slider Pistol Upper Assembly offers a compelling package for those seeking a compact and reliable AR-9 pistol. The price is justified given its quality components, reliable performance, and customization options. I’m happy to recommend this product.
The Moriarti upper is a solid choice that balances performance, durability, and affordability. If you’re in the market for a 9mm AR pistol upper, this one is definitely worth considering. Get yours today and experience the compact power and versatility of the AR-9 platform!