Last updated July 2026 · By Nick Hall, covers pistol-caliber carbines and large-format pistols for USA Gun Shop
Quick take: On July 1, 2026, Extar introduced its MDB line, short for Modern Delayed Blowback, built around a roller-delayed action rarely seen at Extar’s budget price point. The line launches with two large-format pistols: the EP9 MDB in 9×19 and the EP45 MDB in .45 ACP. Both feed from Glock magazines and use familiar AR-15 controls, which makes this a notable move toward smoother-shooting, affordable pistol-caliber guns.
- What it is: Extar’s new MDB (Modern Delayed Blowback) line of large-format, pistol-caliber pistols using a roller-delayed blowback action.
- Key detail: Two models at launch, the EP9 MDB in 9×19 and the EP45 MDB in .45 ACP, both feeding from standard Glock magazines.
- Specs: EP9 MDB weighs about 3.75 lb; EP45 MDB weighs about 4.35 lb. Both have AR-15-style controls, M-LOK handguards, and threaded barrels.
- Who it’s for: Shooters who want the softer recoil impulse of a roller-delayed action without the usual premium price tag.
What roller-delayed blowback actually changes
The MDB name spells out exactly what makes these guns different: Modern Delayed Blowback. Most pistol-caliber carbines and large-format pistols use plain blowback, the simplest self-loading action there is. In a blowback gun the bolt is not locked to the barrel at all; it is held shut only by its own weight and spring pressure. That works reliably and keeps costs down, but it tends to be snappy and usually requires a heavy bolt to keep things in check.
Roller-delayed blowback adds a pair of rollers that briefly hold the bolt closed as pressure spikes, delaying the moment it starts moving back. That short delay lets the action use a lighter bolt and can smooth out the recoil impulse. It is the same operating principle behind the legendary H&K MP5, which is why it has such a strong reputation among shooters who care about how a gun feels when the pace picks up.
The two launch models: EP9 MDB and EP45 MDB
Extar is starting the MDB line with a model in each of the two most popular pistol calibers. The EP9 MDB is chambered in 9×19 and weighs about 3.75 pounds, keeping it light and easy to handle. The EP45 MDB steps up to .45 ACP and weighs about 4.35 pounds, the extra heft coming with the larger, slower cartridge. Both are large-format pistols rather than rifles, meaning they use a pistol configuration built on the same general layout.
Feeding both guns from standard Glock magazines is a smart, practical choice. Glock mags are everywhere, they are affordable, and plenty of shooters already own a pile of them. If you are weighing a 9mm build, our roundup of the 12 Best 9mm AR Pistols & PCCs is a useful place to see how a roller-delayed option like the EP9 MDB stacks up against the more common blowback field.
Familiar controls and modern furniture
Both MDB models are built to feel immediately familiar to anyone who has run an AR-15. Extar has given them AR-15-style controls, so the safety, magazine release, and general manual of arms line up with what most American shooters already know. That shortens the learning curve and lets you carry over habits and, in many cases, accessories from the AR world.
The furniture is up to date as well. Each gun wears an M-LOK handguard, the widely adopted slotted attachment standard for mounting lights, grips, and other gear directly to the forend. Both also come with threaded barrels, which lets owners add a muzzle device or a suppressor where legal. Shooters who like the concept but prefer a shoulder stock can compare it against traditional options in our guide to the 10 Best 9mm Carbine Rifles.
Why a budget brand doing this matters
The real story here is who is building a roller-delayed gun, not just what it is. Extar has made its name on affordable firearms like the EP9 pistol and the EXP-556, giving value-minded buyers a lot of gun for the money. Roller-delayed designs, by contrast, have long carried a premium reputation and a price to match. Bringing that action to a budget-focused brand is what makes the MDB line stand out.
Extar has not announced an MSRP for either the EP9 MDB or the EP45 MDB yet, so the final value equation is still an open question. Pricing will decide whether these guns undercut the established roller-delayed competition or simply join it. For buyers thinking more broadly about 9mm, our list of the 12 Best 9mm Concealed Carry Guns covers the smaller end of the same caliber. We will update this post as more details and pricing are confirmed.
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Related Reading
- 12 Best 9mm AR Pistols & PCCs (2026)
- 10 Best 9mm Carbine Rifles (2026)
- 12 Best 9mm Concealed Carry Guns (2026)
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