9mm SBR - Conversion versus new stamp

[mattiooo]

I didn't see a topic for Other Caliber Lowers, so I apologize if this doesn't belong here.

Are the mag well drop-in conversion kits for converting a standard AR to a 9mm reliable?

I have a standard lower that already is an SBR lower and the price is obviously more attractive to temporarily convert it - but is it really that simple? I know the best answer is to just get a dedicated 9mm lower and another tax stamp, but I'd like to avoid all of that AND a new upper if possible.

[Great-Kazoo]

Some magwell adapters may need to be tweaked for better performance. The Hahn was the go to some time back. For me it was nothing but a headache, be it factory Colt or aftermarket mags. On other forums you'll read of more issues with the magwell conversions than dedicated units.

Mags play a major part of smooth operation. To date the best performing 9mm AR's i've owned were the early Olympic arms (sten mag with mag well block) and dedicated Glock lowers.

I was going to SBR a DDLES (Now QC10) but decided to run a KAK set up, keeping it as a pistol. It's much easier to travel with and uses same mags as the carry guns.

[Colorado Osprey]

... To date the best performing 9mm AR's i've owned were the early Olympic arms (sten mag with mag well block)...

or the altered sten mags from Oly.

This! The Oly design was far superior to the Colt style. So much so that it did not require a dedicated lower to make it run reliably.
This is not just my opinion. Colt on multiple occasions tried to buy rights to make Oly design before and after designing their own.

[Lurch]

I have an old school Colt conversion that installs from the bottom of the mag well that works very well with certain mags. I maybe selling it as it's in a SBR that I usually only shoot my 16" upper on so it maybe be going a a dedicated lower of it's own soon.