You may recall when the Mag Life boys got together at SHOT Show 2020 and we went over some of our favorite new guns and gear. One of my favorites was the Aero PCC, which is now going by the name EPC. It turns out 2020 would be an absolute pain in the a$$ of a year with unprecedented demand for firearms of all types, often putting companies behind their new products schedule. Are things calming down? No, not really, but now Aero Precision is releasing the EPC and I couldn’t be more stoked.
EPC — Enhanced Pistol Caliber
In a world where PCCs are absolutely everywhere Aero Precision has found a way to stand out. Like most Aero Precision guns the EPC will be rolled out as build kits first, followed by complete rifles down the road. We’ll see their uppers and lowers, barrels, lower parts kits, handguards, and everything else you need to build your rifle. At this moment the chosen calibers are 9mm and 40 S&W, and we’ll see 10mm/45ACP down the road.
A 10mm PCC seems especially handy, especially at Aero’s affordable price point, and the fact that it uses the commonly available Glock magazines makes it even sweeter.
The future is wide open for PCCs and Aero Precision seems willing to experiment. I wouldn’t be super surprised to see a 357 SIG model down the road. Although, this has not even been hinted at by Aero — merely my musings.
Yes, The EPC Takes Glock Mags
Aero Precision separates the EPC from the rest of the AR9 lower pack in numerous ways. Aero installed a last round bolt hold open compatible with Glock magazines in the upper receiver of every rifle. This is preinstalled so there aren’t any worries about specialized tools. Speaking of preinstalled, Aero Precision also installs the proprietary magazine release and ejector.
Dedicated PCC AR lowers must have a unique magazine release design due to the shape and size of pistol magazines. Aero Precision found a way to install a magazine release that allows easy activation with the trigger finger. It’s incredibly responsive and very easy to accentuate.
Why be boring when you can be ergonomic?
The EPC lower mixes lots of great features from the M4E1 series. We see a threaded bolt catch pin, threaded takedown pin detent/spring channel, an integrated trigger guard, and a flared magazine well. Reloads will be rapid with the combination of the LRBHO, the flared magazine well, and the massive magazine ejection button.
The EPC will hit the shelves of Aero Precision’s website on March 3. If you want one I’d have a credit card in hand cause they are likely to go fast.
Down the road we’ll likely see some of the more unique build-kits Aero Precision commonly releases, so keep a lookout. Also, be patient, the issues companies had in 2020 have spread to 2021 so pickings may be slim on occasion.
