Top 10 Best 9mm Carbines in 2023

Owning a rifle with a pistol caliber might seem like a strange prospect for some. And there are plenty of other options like a reliable .22 caliber or a more powerful 5.56 rifle. So, why would anyone be interested in a 9mm carbine?

The 9mm caliber offers more power than a .22, along with much less recoil than a 5.56, delivering an impressive balance. Complete with short to mid-range capabilities, a 9mm carbine provides speed, efficiency, and precision.

So, I decided to take an in-depth look at the best 9mm carbines currently on the market, so you can take advantage of these fantastic firearms.

Let’s get started with the…

1 PSA Gen 4 EPT – Best Lightweight 9mm Carbine

The folks over at Palmetto State Armory are masters at putting together some highly desirable firearms. This includes 9mm carbine rifles like this Gen 4 EPT using the latest in materials for an incredibly lightweight package.

PSA’s Gen 4 EPT is also an affordable and reliable firearm that has the look and feel of an AR-15. That’s without the heavy price tag and recoil that comes with it; instead, the EPT is convenient and manageable for any type of shooter.

M-Lok MOE Stock…

The incredibly lightweight and reliable Magpul MOE stock is included on PSA’s Gen 4 EPT model 9mm carbine. There are six adjustment positions available so you can ensure the rifle is set up correctly for your style.

For rapid controlled and accurate fire, a single-stage EPT (Enhanced Polished Trigger) is fitted to the rifle. A clean break along with a fast reset makes every shot feel fantastic when shooting this neat 9mm carbine.

Extended magazine…

Always know your ammunition status thanks to the clear 31-round ETS magazine. For even further convenience, it’s possible to load Glock-style magazines. This means you can maintain the single ammunition type and loading system across your firearms.

Only premium materials have been used in the construction of the PSA Gen 4 EPT. This includes forged 7075-T6 aluminum for the receiver with a hard-anodized finish. The barrel is also constructed from 4150V chrome-moly steel.

PSA PX9 – Best Custom 9mm Carbine

With AR-platform rifles being so popular, it’s little wonder there are so many variations also available. The PSA PX9 is a beautifully handcrafted 9mm carbine that provides custom features direct from the factory.

Stunningly hand-painted along with a Teflon-coated finish, this firearm is visually appealing while still being deadly accurate. Assembled to precision in the PSA custom shop, you can be assured of receiving a solid and reliable firearm.

Chrome-moly steel barrel…

At the business end of the PX9 is a 16-inch (406-millimeter) chrome-moly steel barrel nitride tested for durability. It is then finished off with a slim-line partial Picatinny M-Lok free-float rail for greater grip and adding helpful accessories.

Firing this beauty is fast, accurate, and satisfying, thanks to the inclusion of a PSA Custom Flat Bow Trigger. This gives shooters a lightweight pull of only 3.5-pounds (1588-grams) for a fast and reliable action useful for defense and competition.

Striking similarities…

The PX9 doesn’t only look like an AR-platform rifle; it shares many components too. Like the Gen 4 hybrid BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) constructed from nitride-treated 8620 steel. It features an enhanced firing pin and an external 5.56-style extractor.

Once again, shooters can take advantage of the included clear 31-round ETS magazine. This rifle is also compatible with Glock-style magazines, making it the perfect match for shooters who already own Glock handguns.

3 PSA Gen 4 Classic – Best Affordable 9mm Carbine

Next in my Best 9mm Carbines review, if you are on a budget and looking for the best bang-for-your-buck performance, then look no further than the PSA Gen 4 Classic. Built by the team at Palmetto State Armory using a combination of in-house and third-party components, the cost is kept down without sacrificing quality.

While the finish won’t be as amazing as more expensive options, the functionality and performance can’t be beaten. You might notice some matching marks, scratches, or variations in finish color, but with the savings made, who cares?! If you want the best budget 9mm carbine, this will be hard to beat!

Classic looks and function…

Enjoy the classic looks of an AR-platform rifle with the convenience of running a 9mm caliber. Constructed in the USA using an American-made Billet 7075-T6 A3 AR upper, it has been hard-coated anodized in black for the ultimate in durability.

Combined with a forged 7075 T6 aluminum hard-anodized lower, it is assembled with a PSA classic lower build kit. They are purpose-built to accept 9mm Glock-style magazines, while the rifle comes with a clear ETS 31-round magazine.

Mil-Spec trigger…

To ensure that every shot is fast, accurate, and feels fantastic, a single-stage Mil-Spec trigger has been installed. Even at this affordable price, shooters can still enjoy using high-quality and precise components.

Due to the modular design of Palmetto State Armory’s Gen 4 Classic, you can easily upgrade various components at a later date. This is an awesome best entry-level 9mm carbine that is sure to impress even the most experienced users.

4 PSA AR-9 Shockwave – Best Compact 9mm Carbine

While the AR-9 Shockwave technically isn’t a carbine due to the shorter barrel, it still uses the same platform and can be easily modified. Plus, shooters can experience the convenience of a compact firearm with a surprisingly high level of accuracy.

A 4-inch (102-millimeter) chrome-moly vanadium steel barrel has been installed on the Shockwave. It has been treated with nitrate for enhanced durability then finished with a PSA M-Lok lightweight rail, and PSA fluted flash can muzzle device.

Highly compatible…

PSA has fitted a Gen 4 hybrid 9mm BCG to the AR-9 Shockwave, including a nitrate treated 8620 steel bolt. Also included in the BCG are an enhanced firing pin and an external 5.56 extractor. The BCG is compatible with most aftermarket fire control groups.

The included fire control group with the Shockwave is a PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger. While performance is above average, it can quickly and easily be upgraded if you want something a little more precise.

Far from stock…

Keeping the firearm comfortably against your shoulder is the KAK Industries Shockwave Blade stock. With the shortened barrel, it’s important that you can hold the gun stable at all times, and this stock ensures that’s always the case.

Helping maintain grip and control is the Magpul MOE pistol grip, ensuring that you always have full control over your firearm. With the long Picatinny rail along the top, it’s easy to add accessories such as red dot optics, flashlights, laser sights, and more.