GunCon 2025: Matador Arms Debuts Roller-Delayed MAT-9, Setting New Standards

Matador Arms introduced a major upgrade to its 9mm pistol caliber carbine lineup at GunCon 2025 with the launch of the MAT-9 featuring a roller-delayed blowback system.

GunCon 2025 — July 6, 2025
Matador Arms drew significant attention at this year’s GunCon with the official unveiling of its updated MAT-9, now equipped with a roller-delayed operating system. This release marks a major shift from the previous blowback version, offering a new level of performance and refinement in the pistol caliber carbine (PCC) category.

The MAT-9’s introduction comes as part of a broader industry trend toward more controllable and modular firearms. With the addition of the roller-delayed system previously reserved for premium platforms like the H&K MP5 Matador Arms is bringing advanced recoil management to the general market at a competitive price point.

A Major Engineering Shift

Replacing the MAT-9’s previous blowback design, the roller-delayed mechanism delivers smoother recoil impulse and improved reliability, particularly with a variety of 9mm ammunition types. This change is designed to enhance performance in both suppressed and unsuppressed setups, addressing a key demand from PCC users.

David from Matador Arms, speaking during the live product demo, emphasized that the new operating system was engineered in response to customer feedback. “We knew users wanted less recoil and more reliability without giving up modularity. This roller-delayed system gives them both,” he said during the GunCon floor presentation.

Built for Modularity and Ease of Use

The MAT-9 was designed with platform flexibility in mind. The upper receiver supports multiple magazine platforms depending on the lower receiver used, including:

• Glock-pattern magazines

• Colt SMG mags

• Sig Sauer 9mm magazines

• H&K MP5 magazines

• CZ Scorpion magazines

For users operating on an AR-15 lower receiver, Matador offers the Mag-X™ conversion kit, enabling cross-compatibility without a full platform change. This flexibility is one of the MAT-9’s key selling points, positioning it as a highly adaptable upper for builders and buyers alike.

In addition to magazine compatibility, the MAT-9 features fully ambidextrous controls, a non-reciprocating and reversible charging handle, and an integrated Last Round Bolt Hold Open (LRBHO). The upper is bufferless, allowing users to pair it with folding stocks or compact braces popular features for home defense, vehicle storage, and range portability.

Materials, Construction, and Barrel Options

The MAT-9 is built from anodized billet aluminum for both the upper and lower receiver components. The bolt and internal parts are made from 4140 nitrided steel, while the barrel is 4150 nitrided steel with a 1:10 twist and 1/2x28 thread. Two versions are currently available:

• MAT-9: 5.5-inch barrel

• MAT-9K: 5-inch barrel

Each is compatible with a wide variety of muzzle devices and suppressors. Both versions also incorporate Matador’s patent-pending EZTS™ “Easy Take-down System,” which allows tool-free disassembly a feature targeted at end-users who prioritize fast cleaning and serviceability.

Pricing and Availability

As of July 7, 2025, the MAT-9 Roller-Delayed Pistol is listed on the Matador Arms website at an MSRP of $1,050. This includes the full upper assembly with ambidextrous controls, the EZTS™ system, and compatibility with the buyer’s selected magazine platform.

For users looking to build custom setups or pair the MAT-9 with their existing lower, the upper receiver assemblies are also available separately. Listings on gun.deals show pricing around $575 for both the MAT-9 and MAT-9K versions, depending on the vendor.

A 4th of July promotion was briefly available over the weekend, offering a discount via code “USAALLDAY,” though availability of that deal appears to have ended by press time.

Community Response and User Reactions

Within hours of the announcement, firearm forums and Reddit threads lit up with discussion. In r/MatadorArms, several users voiced mixed emotions some expressing enthusiasm for the new system, while others, particularly recent buyers of the blowback version, were frustrated by the sudden rollout.

One user, konzy27, shared that they had “gotten lucky” receiving the roller-delayed version by chance. Others like Eesqueda and LynxusRufus noted the small $50 price gap between the old and new versions, expressing disappointment that the upgrade wasn’t announced sooner. Meanwhile, longtime MAT-9K user Altruistic_Act9635 indicated they were now considering a second purchase.

A representative account, presumed to be MatadorDave from the company, stepped in to reassure users that both versions were solid platforms, and the switch to roller-delayed was part of long-term product development rather than a surprise shift.

Expert Comparisons

Firearm analysts noted that Matador’s move aligns with broader interest in smoother, more modular PCC platforms. Comparisons are already being drawn to the BRN-9 from Brownells and other modular 9mm uppers. However, the MAT-9’s bufferless, roller-delayed configuration and wide magazine compatibility give it a clear edge in flexibility.

For users already invested in 9mm lowers or looking to expand their pistol-caliber builds, the MAT-9 offers a direct way to modernize without abandoning existing gear. The price point, while not entry-level, lands well below fully-built MP5 clones or proprietary systems with similar recoil characteristics.

Side-by-Side Technical Summary

Closing Statement

With its launch at GunCon 2025, the roller-delayed MAT-9 positions Matador Arms as a serious contender in the modern PCC space. By combining proven recoil-reducing mechanics with AR-style modularity, the company has created a firearm that meets the needs of builders, competitors, and defensive shooters alike.

Whether you're upgrading from an older PCC or building from scratch, the MAT-9 offers a compelling balance of performance, customization, and price. Buyers should monitor the Matador Arms website for current availability and potential future bundles, especially as demand grows following the GunCon spotlight.

For now, one thing is clear: Matador Arms has raised the bar, and other manufacturers in the 9mm PCC space will be paying attention.