TFB Review: Extar EP9 with SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Brace

I’ve wanted another AR pistol for some time, but after my wife and I found out we were expecting, I knew that a new gun would be out of the question for a little while, even if it was budget-friendly. So when Extar reached out and asked if I was interested in testing the EP9, of course, I said “Yes” because I’ve never fired a polymer-framed AR.

However, I had my concerns. Would this plastic gun hold up to the typical abuse I put my firearms through? Would it recoil too much because it’s so lightweight? Is it a viable option for a home defense firearm?

Calling the Extar EP9 a plastic gun isn’t exactly fair. Though it’s lightweight, it’s not the cheap plastic used in today’s crappy cap guns (man, I miss my metal cap guns). Extar has been in the polymer business for over 40 years, and polymer firearms are nothing new. I own several polymer-framed 9mm pistols. What is new to me is a polymer-framed AR; all of my previously owned ARs are forged metal.

While I was initially concerned about how it would hold up, those concerns have subsided. All the parts fit snugly, I don’t hear any rattling, nor does it twist or contort under normal use.

The bolt and 6.5” barrel have a BlackNitride+ finish, which in my experience is typical for budget-friendly ARs. What’s not typical is that it uses Glock magazines and has a patented Last-Round-Hold-Open (which I freaking love and wonder why this wasn’t available sooner for PCCs).

I mounted my Meprolight MEPRO M22 PRO Self-Illuminated Reflex Sight onto the Picatinny-style top rail, and it has remained secured through all of my testing. I also opted for the SB Tactical SBA3 pistol brace because it’s adjustable, and I was planning to purchase one for another of my PCCs.

My least favorite part of this gun is the side charging handle. I prefer a traditional AR charging handle because it makes upgrading and customizing the firearm much easier, and I’m just used to it. However, other parts like the grip, trigger, safety, and bolt release are interchangeable AR parts, so you can upgrade and customize a few things on this PCC.

Up to this time, I have zero complaints about the quality of this firearm, especially considering it’s only $550 (at the time of this writing). It feels great in my hands, but how did it perform during my range trips?

Specs List:

• Price: $450 (Extar Stabilizer) $550 (SB Tactical SBA3)
• Caliber: 9x19mm Luger
• Barrel Length: 6.5”
• Barrel Thread: ½-28”
• Included Magazine: 1x18rd or 1x10rd
• Overall Length: 23.8”
• Overall Length w/Stabilizer: 24.5”
• Overall Height: 7.9”
• Overall Width: 2”
• Unloaded Weight w/ Stabilizer: 4 lbs 3.2 oz.
• BlackNitride+
• Trigger Action: Single-Stage
• Charging Handle: Non-Reciprocating

Range Experience With the EP9

Though it’s a 9mm, I still expected it to recoil much more than it does. I have another PCC that’s heavier (but chambered in 45 ACP) that recoils more than I thought it should, so I expected the EP9 to be comparable to it. However, the recoil-dampening system truly works. I hardly notice the recoil and can quickly get back on target after firing. It has a different feel to it, which is hard to put into words, but it makes it easy to tell when your mags are empty (which I appreciate and would find useful in a home defense situation) because you don’t feel the second thud of the bolt closing.

I’ve run about 750 rounds of various brands and bullets through it and haven’t had a single issue (currently knocking on my wooden desk), whether I was rapid-firing or slowly squeezing off a round.

Since it’s a pistol, I didn’t step back past 25 yards, but it’s a tack driver at that distance, which is typically the farthest distance any self-defense situation happens. I’m sure with the slightly longer barrel, I’ll be much more accurate out to 50+ yards (than with my 9mm concealed carry pistols).

I’ve also had a couple of my buddies fire the EP9 to get their opinion. They’re both larger than I am (I’m 5’6”, 160 pounds, they’re 6’+ and 250+ pounds). One, a former police officer turned firearms instructor, was very surprised at how solid it felt despite being polymer. He said he expected the frame to twist or at least have more give to it than it does.

My other buddy, a U.S. Marine, headed to the range with me a few days ago, and despite having the handicap of being left-handed (calm down, that’s a joke, half my family is left-handed), he enjoyed firing the EP9. He also noticed the reduced recoil and how it changes once the last round is fired.

As far as durability, I have hardly noticed any wear and tear on the firearm. It still looks brand new, except for the case deflector, which shows signs of use, but nothing concerning. Extar claims that polymer-framed firearms “outlast those with steel components by 6x, are ultra water-resistant and don’t rust, are impervious to acids, salts, and solvents, and are supremely wear resistant, resisting denting or bending.” So far, I would have to agree, but only time will tell just how durable the EP9 truly is.

Field Stripping and Cleaning the Extar EP9

While I can nit-pick a few things I don’t like about the EP9, overall, it’s a solid PCC, especially considering it’s under $600. It’s not the most ergonomic or comfortable firearm I’ve ever fired, but when compared to others in this price range, it’s near the top. My favorite feature, by a country mile, is the Last-Round-Hold-Open because it makes reloading faster and is easy to tell when the mag is empty.

The Extar EP9 is a PCC I recommend everyone try before disregarding polymer-framed ARs, or if you’re interested in your first (or another) AR pistol.