Extar EP9
Extar USA · Personal Defense Weapon · In Production · 2018
Overview
The Extar EP9 is an affordable, lightweight 9mm large-format pistol (personal defense weapon) built around an AR-15-pattern control layout and a direct blowback operating system. Introduced around 2018 as Extar USA's flagship 9mm offering, the EP9 weighs roughly 4.1 pounds unloaded and measures under 24 inches overall, with a 6.5-inch black-nitrided steel barrel threaded 1/2x28. It feeds from widely available Glock-pattern 9mm magazines (18-round magazine included, accepting up to 33-round Glock sticks) and uses an injection-molded engineering-grade polymer receiver set that eliminates the need for a buffer tube. A reciprocating left-side charging handle, full-length Picatinny top rail, M-LOK handguard, and Extar's recoil-damping system round out a package that the company markets as outperforming PDWs costing twice as much. Pricing starts around $449-$469, making it one of the best values in the pistol-caliber market.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1855 g (65.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 603 mm (23.74") |
| Barrel Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Nitride |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Ar15 Pattern, Glock Magazine Compatible, M Lok Handguard, Picatinny Rail, Threaded Barrel, Side Charging Reciprocating Handle, Recoil Damper, Pistol Brace, Last Round Bolt Hold Open, Compact Design
Variants
- Extar EP9 Essentials Bundle — Package
- Extar EP9 Optics Ready — Optics Ready
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP starts at $469 (up to ~$549 for optics-ready/brace configurations). Made in Phoenix, Arizona. Ships as a braced large-format pistol; can be configured as an SBR. The Essentials Bundle adds a brace, optic, and accessories.
Background
Extar was founded in 1995 by an injection-mold engineer who pioneered molded polymer rifle-caliber receiver sets. The EP9 carried that direct-to-consumer, polymer-heavy philosophy into the pistol-caliber carbine market, undercutting competitors like the CMMG Banshee and B&T GHM9 on price while earning a reputation as the 'affordable dark horse' of 9mm PCCs in enthusiast reviews.