The magazine block is basically a spacer in the front and back of the magazine well. It allows a tight fit for the 9mm magazines.

For the next few months, I carried the Rock River carbine in the truck as I drove around the ranch. I used it to dispatch crows, jackrabbits, and even a wounded deer. I also pounded countless rocks with it, and I let several kids and ladies get some trigger time with the little gun. They all fell in love with the carbine, but so did a pair of police firearms instructors who shot it. In fact, both opined that the little 9x19mm carbine was just the ticket for muzzle blast-shy shooters.

Nine Is More Than Adequate
Although rising ammunition costs drove me to switch to the 9x19mm in the 1911 and AR platforms, I don't believe the smaller cartridge is as big of a handicap as I thought when I started down this road. In fact, I am confident that with modern high-performance ammunition, the 9x19mm is more than adequate. Of course, accurate, reliable guns like Rock River's 9mm CAR and Kimber's Aegis II inspire greater confidence in the cartridge, too.

Though I won't be giving up my .45s or .223s anytime soon, the 9mm Kimber 1911 and the Rock River AR have earned a permanent place in my collection. They are up to the most serious of tasks, and they are also seriously fun!