Ok , I'm wanting to start my next build project and I want to do a PCC in 9mm or 45. What are the advantages of traditional charging v. Side charging? Do side charging uppers use the same buffer set up ? I read somewhere that some side charging uppers require anti-rotational tabs for the hand guard. What's that about? TIA

My only issue with side charging uppers is I cannot charge it without switching hands. I built one and wasn't really a fan.

What about buffer weights for 9 v. 45?

I'm assuming you are building an AR15 variant. What you seek is a Slash buffer. He makes a buffer that will prevent your PCC from breaking bolt catches. 9 mm and 45 models available.

http://heavybuffers.com/ar15carbine.html

bedofbrass33 said:

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I'm assuming you are building an AR15 variant. What you seek is a Slash buffer. He makes a buffer that will prevent your PCC from breaking bolt catches. 9 mm and 45 models available.

http://heavybuffers.com/ar15carbine.html

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Beat me too it

Are all PCCs blow back action?

nealan said:

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Are all PCCs blow back action?

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Was just about to weigh in on this. If you're wanting to do a side charger, I think you'll need to look to see if there's a dedicated bcg for a pistol, and I don't even know if they make one. They don't have a regular bolt like a rifle cartridge. Unless you do something that has a side charger that works on the left hand like sun devil's. Those use regular bcgs.

Btw, I'll be calling you Tues (or tomorrow if I sneak away from the wife and get up to the store)

And in regards to pccs being blowback... In an AR15 platform, yes they are, as far as I know. Now, not all PCCs are blowback... MPX uses a piston, for example.

MOST PCCs are blowback. There's only one gas operated 9mm that I know of and that is the Sig MPX mentioned above. There are only two gas operated 45s that I know of and they are Macon Armory and RMW.

My AR45 8" SBR with Macon Armory upper is pretty awesome and has the recoil of a .22. I have shot it side by side with a 7" 9mm blowback pcc and there was a very noticeable difference in the recoil between the two. Gas operated will always feel smoother and softer shooting .


ETA: videos of my DI .45 pcc. Notice how there is basically no muzzle rise. (And that's before my suppressor is added )

There's several other good buffer choices. PSA has one, as does Spikes, which I use in my AR-9. Pistol buffers will be longer and heavier than regular carbine buffers. I run mine with a standard carbine spring. I tried a heavier spring and it caused all sorts of issues.

Jp rifles makes a silent capture spring for that setup. They are great

PCC AR's don't have a gas tube to lock the barrel nut, so they all need locking tabs, or thread locker on the barrel nut.

As for side charger vs conventional charging, consider advantages (none, makes right handed only, expensive, proprietary parts) of side charger vs traditional (standard parts, familiar operation, ambidextrous...).

Next what caliber? What pattern; Colt or Glock? Most Glock pattern don't have last round bolt hold open, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bolt catch. If you go Colt pattern many lowers come with extended bolt catch, so breakage is also not a concern.

As for the buffer, just start with a carbine buffer and AR15 recoil spring. Going too heavy can lead to many problems, some bothersome, some dangerous: short stroking leading to FTE's and double feeds, short stroking and not engaging the disconnector going full auto, out of battery firing, and breakage of bolt catch.

ok Eyeguy, sounds good

With the heavy buffer and spring I had multiple FTF/FTE's and an out of battery fire. Heavy buffer and regular spring has run 100% for me. YMMV.