Maxim Defense is releasing a new compact AR9 9mm pistol caliber carbine based on the AR-15 platform. These types of large-format pistols have surged in popularity over the last couple of years and the Maxim Defense MD-9 will now join other well-known examples such as the Heckler and Koch MP5 and its clones, the SIG-Sauer MPX, the CMMG Banshee, the CZ Scorpion Evo, etc.

The Maxim Defense MD-9 is an 9mm large-format pistol with a 5.8-inch free-floating barrel that is optimized for 124 grain 9mm ammunition.  Maxim Defense custom designed the MD-9’s handguard to interface with the upper receiver so that the hand guard provides a monolithic upper receiver-like feel and layout. The handguard is both M-Slot and M-Rax compatible. The MD-9 is designed to feed from popular Glock pattern magazines that are generally easy to find in several different sizes and capacities. For best results, Maxim Defense suggests that shooters do not use magazines that are smaller than the 15 round magazines used in a Glock G19. Magazines are dropped from the MD-9 via the standard ambidextrous mag catch and the action is charged with a Radian charging handle, while a Radian selector is used to engage or disengage the safety.

Maxim MD9 Features and Specifications

• Modified Maxim Defense HATEBRAKE muzzle device
• Military-grade materials
• ALG Combat Trigger
• Maxim CQB stock (SBR version)
• Barrel Thread Pitch: ½-28 tpi
• Material Composition: 7075 Aluminum & tool steel
• Finish: Nitride / Type III Anodizing
• Barrel Length: 5.8 inches
• Overall Length: 20 inches with the stock collapsed
• Weight: 97 ounces
• Barrel Material: 4150 CrMoV steel

The Maxim Defense MD-9 pistol caliber carbine retails for $1,995 and is available as a short-barreled rifle (with appropriate paperwork) or as a large-format pistol with or without a Maxim pistol brace. For more information about the MD-9 AR9 family and other products from Maxim Defense, please visit their website at maximdefense.com.

Article by SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED STAFF