The Live Free Armory Challenger in 9mm (brand part no. LF9CH85012) is a pistol-caliber carbine operating on a straight blowback system, using the kinetic energy of each shot to cycle the action without a gas block or gas tube. Live Free Armory machines the receivers from custom 6061-T6 billet aluminum, finished in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote, and builds the carbine around a 16-inch, 4150 chrome moly vanadium steel barrel with a 1:10-inch twist and a black nitride finish. The Challenger-9 is compatible with standard-frame Glock G17/G19-pattern magazines and ships with one 17-round magazine, feeding through a 15-inch M-LOK free-float handguard with an A2 flash hider threaded 1/2×36. It features a steel bolt carrier with last-round bolt hold-open, an AR-15 single-stage Mil-Spec fire control group, a 6-position Battle Link Minimalist stock, and a Thril Rugged Tactical grip, weighing about 6.7 pounds. Among AR-platform rifles in the AR rifles category, the Challenger favors 9mm shooters who want Glock-magazine compatibility in a gas-tube-free blowback carbine.

Key Specifications

• Chambered in 9mm with a 1:10-inch rate of twist.
• Operates on a straight blowback system, no gas block or tube required.
• Compatible with standard-frame Glock G17/G19-pattern magazines.
• Features a 16-inch, 4150 chrome moly vanadium steel barrel with a black nitride finish.
• Built with 6061-T6 billet aluminum receivers, finished in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote.
• Wrapped in a 15-inch M-LOK free-float handguard.
• Finished with an A2 flash hider, threaded 1/2×36.
• Features last-round bolt hold-open with a steel bolt carrier.
• Fitted with a 6-position Battle Link Minimalist stock and a Thril Rugged Tactical grip.
• Ships with a 17-round magazine, weighing about 6.7 pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What magazines does this carbine use? Standard-frame Glock G17/G19-pattern magazines.

What operating system does this carbine use? A straight blowback system that doesn’t require a gas block or gas tube.

How much does this carbine weigh? Approximately 6.7 pounds.

Buy the Live Free Armory Challenger 9mm PCC

Glock-magazine compatibility in a gas-tube-free blowback carbine is exactly what the Challenger delivers. As soon as it’s ready to ship, order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping to your FFL.