VM Hy-Tech 9mm UZI Mag Conversion Block from Ameetec Arms

[cookie]

I wanted to convert a CAR-15 to 9mm, but didn't feel like sending all my UZI mags out to have the extra cut added. Yes, I'm a cheapskate.

Anyway, I stumbled upon the VM Hy-Tech 9mm UZI Mag Conversion Block by Ameetec Arms (http://www.ameetecarms.com/). This adapter is longer than the other AR/UZI mag adapter blocks on the market, and has its own latch which engages the existing slot on an UZI mag. At $145, it isn't much more expensive than other mag adapter blocks, and of course saves the time and expense of adding another slot to each mag. The adapter is held in place by the existing AR mag catch, so it's easy to install/remove.

http://files.uzitalk.com/images/user_posts/ameetec-2.jpg

There are a couple of caveats. While older military mags fit well, the newer 25 and 32 round mags are too tight. I spent about an hour with a file and emory cloth to get it to accept all of my mags. It also lacks the ability to hold the bolt open when the mag is empty, but this is a minor issue to me.

http://files.uzitalk.com/images/user_posts/ameetec-0.jpg

Today was my first opportunity to try it out. Keep in mind that this was a semi-auto test, but it functioned perfectly. I loaded ten 25 round mags before heading out, and emptied every one without a single stoppage of any type. I tried it with mags that fit snugly, and mags that were loose. Every one fed fine.

http://files.uzitalk.com/images/user_posts/ameetec-1.jpg

I can recommend this product without reservation.

[grassyknoll]

Thanks for the heads up on that product, Cookie. I was looking for an AR in 9mm, but have chosen to wait and do a conversion instead. The only reservation I had left was having to buy Colt mags that are still a bit pricey. This mag conversion set-up looks like just the ticket. :)

[cookie]

I picked up a pre-ban Rock River Arms 9mm upper from Eagle Firearms (http://www.eaglefirearms.net). They were great to deal with and sold me the complete 16" upper, hammer, and buffer for $449.

[drw]

Thanks Cookie, I am ordering the mag adapter tomorrow morning. :cool

[cookie]

Originally posted by drw
Thanks Cookie, I am ordering the mag adapter tomorrow morning. :cool

Tell 'em where you heard about it. Maybe they'll offer the members a deal or become interested in some UZI projects.

[Gun Shot]

I picked up a pre-ban Rock River Arms 9mm upper from Eagle Firearms.

Eagle Firearms is based right up the street from me. I'm going to be picking up a RRA lower and parts kit + possibly an upper to do another AR build once they get some lowers in stock.

[carcass]

Eagle Firearms (well, everyone) is back-ordered on Rock River Arms lowers. I had hoped to pick one or three up this week, but someone beat me to it! It makes me feel good that there's so many people out there building non-ban AR-15s. I just wish I had had the foresight to order two weeks ago.

[tax_monster]

So this doesn't sound like a quick changeover, like a caliber change in the Uzi. You have to change both the hammer and the buffer for it to work? What about full auto M16s - anything different there?

[tony k]

Originally posted by tax_monster
So this doesn't sound like a quick changeover, like a caliber change in the Uzi. You have to change both the hammer and the buffer for it to work? What about full auto M16s - anything different there?

On semi ARs, you need to switch to a 9mm hammer, but once it is installed it works fine for any caliber (9mm, 5.56, 7.62x39, etc.). Alternatively, you can use an M16 hammer with the autosear "tit" ground off the rear, for all calibers.

On full-auto M16s, no hammer change is needed -- there is only one FA hammer design for all calibers.

If you are using a full-size (A1 or A2) stock and receiver extension (buffer tube), the rifle-length 5.56 buffer works just fine for 9mm as well. If you are using a shorty collapsible stock and buffer tube, however, you will probably need to switch to a heavier buffer, particularly in full-auto. The Colt-designed-but-cloned-by-everybody two-piece mechanical buffer, which weighs 5.47 ounces versus the 3.77 oz. of the "H" buffer, runs fine in both 9mm and 5.56. In the latter caliber, the two-piece runs about 25-35 rpm slower than the "H" buffer.

Bottom line is that you must switch the hammer (for semi only) and buffer once, and then you're set for both calibers, unless you want to play around with ROF.;)

Edited to add gratuitous M16/9mm photo:
http://www.hunt101.com/img/014538.gif

[tax_monster]

Thanks Tony!

[amphibian]

I bought one of these for a friend that has a Bushmaster. The block fit perfectly in both of my Colts but it was very tight in the Bushmaster. I had to mill a little bit off of one side and now it is still tight but at least goes in w/o too much effort.
It is a great product.
As Cookie says, some mags didn't fit right. The ones that did work absolutely great. I had no functioning issues.
BTW, VM Hytech does have some older blocks out there that have fitting issues. They are an outstanding company to deal w/ and if you have any problems you can call them for assistance.

[cookie]

Originally posted by carcass
Eagle Firearms (well, everyone) is back-ordered on Rock River Arms lowers. I had hoped to pick one or three up this week, but someone beat me to it! It makes me feel good that there's so many people out there building non-ban AR-15s. I just wish I had had the foresight to order two weeks ago.

I've picked up a couple of the Stag Arms (http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm) lowers from Eagle (http://www.eaglefirearms.net/), and they are a great deal! Rumor has it that they're made by the same company that makes RRA receivers. I can't say for sure, but if you put 'em side-by-side, you can't tell the difference. At $85 for a forged receiver, how can you go wrong?

Plus, that deer on the side looks cool. ;)

http://files.uzitalk.com/images/user_posts/stag_stripped_lower.jpg (http://www.eaglefirearms.net/stag_arms.htm)

Please tell Eagle & Ameetec that you heard about them here. Maybe we can work some deals for the members in the future.

[carcass]

Cookie,

I was actually going to post on that same topic, but didn't for some reason. Anyway, Eagle is back ordered on Stag Arms receivers too. Oh well.

[cookie]

Originally posted by carcass
Cookie,

I was actually going to post on that same topic, but didn't for some reason. Anyway, Eagle is back ordered on Stag Arms receivers too. Oh well.

The AWB sunset must be helping business. ;)

[Dan0341]

I have the VM-Hytech block too and it functions great, but it was tight fitting in my Group Industries M16 mag well. I removed some metal from the side of the mag block and it fits perfectly.

I found that 25 round IMI and 40 round Argentine mags slide in and out easily. But, all six of my 32 round Chinese mags were extremely tight. I ended up squeezing each one of them carefully in a table vice to reduce their width by a milimeter or two. Now all six fit as well as the IMI 25 rounders. This modification does not alter the function or appearance of the mags in any way.

Dan

[davidp14]

Hi guys!

Im in the middle of putting together a 9mm AR using a Hy-tech block too. Im waiting out the backorder like many others it seems.

Anyway, Im concerned about the mag function in these blocks but its nice to see that most of you have been able to get them to work. I used the Uzi reference library to find out that i paid too much for a couple of USA 32rd mags:( , wish I'd came here first.

BTW: Im getting all of my 9mm ar stuff from hallmarksmallarms.com Great guy to deal with and about the best prices too, especially with a $5 flat s/h fee.

[John Matrix]

After following Cookies lead, I went with the Hy-Tech block. I got it yesterday. When I installed it, the is a little space between the block and the bottom of the mag well. I thought they would fit together flush. Is this normal?
Only one of my 32's fit. The blued IMI ones don't fit only the parked one. I might try the squeeze technique.
I will take it out this weekend.
Has anyone tried this set-up for full-auto?
Thanks
CHip

Also, my ejector hook is loose. Anyone else?

[Dan0341]

Yes, it's normal to have a small gap - not all mag wells are the exact same size/dimension and it shows using this block. As for the ejector, mine is secure. You may want to call VM Hytech. Or, maybe someone else can comment. It works great on full auto. Click here for some pics, info, and a video of my M16 with the mag block: http://home.netcom.com/~uzisubgun/id4.html

Dan

[davidp14]

Well I got my Hy-tech block yesterday and assembled my 9mm marked Mega lower. None of my 32rd mags will go in further than an inch or so. But, all of the IMI 25rd mags fit fine. I put up an ad to sell the 32rd's and I think I'll try and replace them with IMI 32rd ones that most folks say work w/o problems.

The color match between the block and lower is perfect. So I happy with that .

[MuzzleFlash]

Sure you don't want to give the 32's a little squeeze in the vise first. That has worked for some.

[davidp14]

Well, I figured for $100 I can get 8 or 9 25rd IMI's which = ~200rds. 3, 32rd mags = 96rds.

But, if they dont sell right away, I'll give the vice thing a shot.:D