Sometimes, being online can make you feel a bit overwhelmed or confused, but it can also expose you to some really interesting guns that, well, would probably be best kept safely locked away and enjoyed at the range.
Freedom Ordnance recently announced that they’re taking pre-orders for their FM-9D pistol and rifle. At first glance, it resembles an AR-15 set up for 9x19mm NATO rounds, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. You can find YouTube reviews suggesting that the FM-9D is actually a lot more versatile—though it might not be the best choice for concealed carry. A video by “Top Shot” Season 3 champion Dustin Ellerman shows him using the firearm to cut down some trees, kind of like a chainsaw. (Related: A social media video highlights why muzzle control is important.)
In his video, Ellerman employs the belt-fed upper receiver of the FM-9D pistol with a 4-inch barrel and manages to take down a tree using 100 rounds from a bag, then switches to a regular magazine to finish the job. David Winge, CEO of Freedom Ordnance, mentioned to the Daily Caller News Foundation that they have several patents pending or granted for the FM-9D.
“It features a unique lower receiver that allows for a quick transition from belt-fed to magazine-fed in under three seconds,” Winge explained.
Later in the video, Ellerman uses an 8-inch barrel with a 147-grain subsonic bullet and a suppressor to quickly bring down another tree, leaving him with quite a bit of ammo still on hand.
“It’s incredibly fun and surprisingly easy. I thought that would take more effort,” Ellerman remarked after knocking down the second tree. He even shared a clip of his experience on Instagram, ×, and Facebook.
This firearm certainly has some appeal, though it might not be ideal for everyday concealed carry. Still, while there are important reasons for the Second Amendment, there’s also a lot of enjoyment to be had in exercising that right.
Winge emphasized, “We believe in the Second Amendment as a fundamental right. Without it, everything else would be mere privileges.”
Some people love competitive shooting, be it with rifles, shotguns, or pistols, while others simply enjoy shooting a bunch of rounds or trying out gadgets like a belt-fed gun.
Typically, belt-fed firearms serve as the backbone for infantry units. The classic example might be the M249 squad automatic rifle which is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. So what’s the reasoning behind a 9x19mm option?
Winge explained that the goal a decade ago was to develop a reliable, short-to-medium range belt-fed system that used affordable ammunition. “For serious firearm enthusiasts, ammo costs can add up quickly, particularly for high-volume systems like belt-fed,” he added. (Related: A blue state court struck down a ban, and Tim Walz, a Democrat, sneaks into the bill.)
“For advanced users, owning a belt-fed gun is often seen as a dream, but they can be expensive or hard to rely on,” Winge continued. “Many buyers find that after purchasing a belt, training can be expensive due to ammo costs, rendering their investment more of a display piece than a practical tool.”
Ammo for pistols, like a 9x19mm NATO full metal jacket, costs around 28 cents, while 5.56mm or .223 Remington could be about 55 cents for a full metal jacket.
On top of the belt feeding capability, the FM-9D can also accept standard Glock magazines per the company’s specifications. This gives users a more affordable option without the fuss of sourcing specific ammo or tools.
