When it comes to home defense firearms, opinions are as diverse as the firearms themselves. Every gun enthusiast, from casual shooters to seasoned reviewers, seems to have their take on the best tool for the job. Shotguns, AR-pattern rifles, handguns with mounted lightsโthe debates rage on. But after all the talk, I think Iโve found the winner: the Extar EP9 pistol. Allow me to explain why this unassuming little gem just might outshine the rest.
Before diving into the EP9, letโs take a step back and consider what makes a good home defense gun. Not every firearm is well-suited to the job, and understanding the criteria can help clarify why the EP9 excels. First and foremost, a home defense gun must be easy to manipulate. Swinging a full-sized shotgun in the tight confines between your bed and the wall? Not exactly practical. Thatโs one reason handguns are so popular for home defenseโtheyโre compact, maneuverable, and harder for an intruder to grab in close quarters. A shorter barrel can make all the difference when space is limited.
Another critical factor is caliber. Sure, a .44 Magnum looks great on screen, but in real life? Itโs overkill. The recoil, flash, and noise are excessive, and unless youโre loading it with .44 Specials, itโs not ideal for things that go bump in the night. The same goes for many other high-powered calibers. Even a trusty 12-gauge shotgun might not be the best choiceโmodern walls are thin, and over-penetration is a real concern. A missed shot, or even one that hits its target, can send a round into the next room. Shotguns, despite their reputation for being โfoolproof,โ are no exception. At close range, the shot column stays tightly packed and acts like a single large projectile. Unless you aim carefully, you can still miss.
Lastly, modularity plays a significant role. A good home defense firearm should allow for accessories like lights, lasers, or optics. My old Mossberg 12-gauge is a fantastic gun, but its lack of rails or mounting options limits its utility in a modern home defense scenario. Having a Picatinny rail for an optic or an MLOK handguard for a mounted light can make a huge difference when seconds count.
Enter the Extar EP9, Gen 2. This compact pistol checks all the boxes. Technically classified as a pistol, the EP9 features a 6.5-inch barrel and a rudimentary shoulder brace. A โflash canโ replaces the traditional flash hider, extending the effective muzzle past the handguard. While it may look longer, itโs still only 24 inches overall. This compact size makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the short barrel minimizes the risk of an intruder grabbing it. The shoulder brace adds stability, making it easier to control in a high-stress situation.
The EP9 comes with an 18-round magazine (10-round for states with restrictions) and, best of all, itโs compatible with Glock mags. If you already own Glock magazines, youโre in luck. Iโve got a couple of 33-rounders myself, and theyโre perfect for this setup. With options ranging from 15-round mags to the longer 33-round versions, the EP9 provides plenty of flexibility. No matter which magazine you choose, you wonโt feel undergunned.
But what if you already have a home defense gun youโre happy with? Is there still a reason to consider the EP9? Absolutely. For me, one major reason is predator control. Living in a rural area, Iโve lost more chickens than I care to count to possums, raccoons, and other critters. While the hawks and eagles are federally protected and off-limits, the rest are fair game. The EP9 is my go-to firearm for protecting the coop. Equipped with a red dot sight and a light, itโs perfectly suited for nighttime encounters with unwanted visitors. Sure, I donโt need a 33-round magazine for a single possum, but as the saying goes, Iโd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Even if youโre a city dweller with no need for predator control, the EP9 still has plenty of appeal. Itโs an excellent truck gun or home defense option, and its unique design makes it a standout at the range. Shooters love trying out off-the-beaten-path firearms, and the EP9 is sure to draw a crowd. With its shoulder brace and compact design, it has a โsubmachine gunโ look thatโs hard to ignore. Itโs not hard to imagine fellow shooters flocking to get a turn with it.
The EP9โs design isnโt just about aesthetics, though. Itโs a practical and versatile firearm. While itโs not meant for concealed carry, its short barrel and long magazine make it well-suited for quick deployment in emergencies. The fixed shoulder brace adds stability, and the overall design is ergonomic and user-friendly. Despite its low price point (around $450), the EP9 is well-built and reliable. Extar manufactures all components in-house, allowing them to maintain quality control and keep costs down.
Shooting the EP9 is a blastโliterally and figuratively. Itโs one of the most enjoyable firearms Iโve taken to the range. The compact size, coupled with the shoulder brace, makes it feel like a submachine gun, even though itโs semi-automatic. Whether youโre plinking at the range or testing it in a home defense scenario, the EP9 is both fun and effective. During my testing, it performed flawlessly with a variety of ammunition, including budget-friendly loads.
Disassembling the EP9 is straightforward, though it deviates slightly from a standard AR. To separate the upper and lower receivers, push out the rear pin and slide the upper off. The bolt can then be removed for cleaning. The manual emphasizes that the gun is designed to run clean and dry, so if you insist on lubrication, a light silicone spray or PTFE-based dry lubricant is recommended. It also advises against using aluminum-cased or reloaded ammunition and cautions against seating a fully loaded magazine with the bolt closed to prevent damage.
The EP9โs modularity is another strong point. It features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics and an MLOK handguard for lights or lasers. If youโre looking to customize your setup, the EP9 offers plenty of options. For those who want even more versatility, an essentials bundle is available, including a carry bag, additional magazines, and a sling.
In conclusion, the Extar EP9 is a standout firearm that excels in the home defense role. Its compact size, compatibility with Glock magazines, and modular design make it a practical and versatile choice. Whether youโre looking for a reliable home defense gun, a truck gun, or just a fun range toy, the EP9 delivers. And at under $500, itโs hard to beat. If youโre in the market for a new firearm, the EP9 is well worth a closer look. Who knows? You might find yourself as impressed as I am.
