SHOT Hotness: BRO Ion 9 From Black Rain Ordnance
Quick Answer
The Black Rain Ordnance ION 9 is an AR-platform pistol chambered in 9mm that feeds from Glock-style magazines. It is built on a billet 7075 aluminum receiver set with a side-charging, non-reciprocating charging handle, runs an 8.75-inch barrel with a 10-inch M-LOK handguard, and holds 30+1. It weighs just under 6 pounds and ships with an SB Tactical brace.
Black Rain ION 9: quick facts
What magazines does the Black Rain ION 9 use?
Glock-style 9mm magazines, and it comes with a 30-round magazine.
What is the ION 9 barrel length and weight?
An 8.75-inch barrel and about 5 pounds 15 ounces, with a 10-inch M-LOK handguard.
Is the ION 9 an AR-style pistol?
Yes — it is a blowback-operated AR-platform 9mm pistol on a billet aluminum receiver with a side-charging, non-reciprocating charging handle.
Does the ION 9 come with a brace?
Yes — an SB Tactical stabilizing brace, plus an ambidextrous safety and a flash-can muzzle device.
Hey, BRO, so I’ve been thinking I need a pistol-caliber carbine…
It’s the opening day of 2019’s Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, and I was checking out Media Day at the Range when I heard something calling my name: “Bro…bro…” I spun on my heel to see the above beauty: the BRO Ion 9 from Black Rain Ordnance. We’ll start with the obvious: The 9 in the name is for its caliber, and the BRO is technically an acronym for Black Rain Ordnance. (I also maintain that it’s short for Brosephus, which is actually my given name.)
This particular BROfessor of carbinology is available in two basic formats: a rear-charging version designed for law enforcement, and the above side-charging version designed for Broba Fetts like myself. That one is going to run me around $1,400 unless I can convince the folks at Black Rain that it’s actually already mine because of the name. The rear-charging version is more budget-friendly at $995 MSRP. Both are available for purchase now, Han Brolo! Click here for more.
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Per the mag release lever on the RH side, it appears that it indeed is for Glock style magazines or a cheaper release application would be utilized. There are other brands of pcc that have Glock compatible platforms that have a similar setup.
I prefer the Kel-Tec 2000 since it accepts my Glock 19 mags and this puppy requires one to carry both pistol and carbine 9mm. Your article and the product web site don’t mention whether it uses Glock mags or OEM.