An 8.3-inch EPC-9 complete top end used for an SBR build.
March 04, 2021
By James Tarr
After teasing us with various prototypes over most of the last year, Aero Precision has finally announced production of their EPC (Enhanced Pistol Caliber) line.
While they are planning other calibers, their initial launch (Phase 1) is solely 9mm, although that is sure to be the most popular. Aero will be selling receiver sets, complete upper receiver assemblies, barrels, bolts, lower parts kits, and rails in new lengths to accommodate several new barrel lengths.
The EPC-9 shares some of the features and looks of Aero’s very well regarded M4E1 receiver and is built around Glock-pattern 9mm magazines. The magazine well has a nice flare, and both the magazine release and ejector are installed at the factory. The pivoting magazine release is stylish and the button is in the right place for an AR. You’ll see an integral oversize trigger guard, bullet pictograph markings for the selector, and the selector slot is milled for short-throw or standard (90°) safeties. Both the bolt catch and rear takedown pins are threaded.
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The bolt does lock back on an empty magazine, with bolt hold open parts installed at the factory in the upper receiver. There is no ejection port cover or forward assist, and even the case deflector is reduced in size for a streamlined look. Both the upper and lower receiver are 7075 T6 aluminum forgings. The EPC-9 receivers will work with the upcoming .40 S&W barrels/bolts. The announced but not ready 10mm and .45 ACP versions will of course use different receivers.
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Aero will be offering 5.5-, 8.3-, 11-, and 16-inch 9mm barrels and complete upper receiver assemblies with those length barrels installed. All of their 9mm barrels use 1/2x28 threads.
The shortest of them all—a 5.5-inch barreled upper, with a 4-inch ATLAS R-One handguard. They will also be offering new lengths of their well-regarded ATLAS S-One (slimline) and R-One (continuous top rail) aluminum M-LOK compatible handguards to work with these new barrel lengths. They have a four-inch handguard for the 5.5-inch barrel, a seven-inch handguard for the 8.3-inch barrel, a 10.5-inch handguard for the 11-inch barrel, and a 15-inch handguard for the 16-inch barrel.
An 8.3-inch complete upper assembly. It sports a seven-inch ATLAS S-One handguard. A 16-inch carbine complete upper assembly, with a 15-inch ATLAS S-One handguard. An 11-inch complete upper assembly, with a 10.5-inch ATLAS R-One handguard. The EPC-9 is a standard straight blowback design 9mm AR, and Aero will be selling a black nitrided bolt separately. They recommend a heavy “pistol” buffer (7.7 oz) for use with their upper assemblies.
Aero is also selling pistol-caliber specific lower receiver parts kits. Blowback guns are harder on their fire control groups, and the pins on Aero’s EPC LPKs are hardened to handle the increased impact force. They are in fact selling everything you need to make your own 9mm pistol caliber carbine, pistol, or SBR, and expect other calibers to follow soon.
Complete EPC receiver sets are available. They have some of the features of Aero’s M4E1 receivers, including a threaded bolt catch pin, integral oversize trigger guard, and flared magazine well. The bolt hold open is in the upper receiver. Prices for the EPC parts are similar to existing rifle caliber parts. The EPC receiver set has an MSRP of $269.99. Complete upper receiver assemblies range in price from $394.99 for the 5.5-inch barreled version to $489.99 for the 16-inch carbine option. For more information please visit AeroPrecisionUSA.com .
