TexasCHLforum.com

Nothing is wrong with a 1:9 twist unless you want to shoot 80 grain bullets for the 600 yard slow-fire stage of the National Match course. It is just for 69 grain and lighter.

Some people tell me (and I believe them) that their 1:9 twist barrels stabilize some (not all) 75 and 77 grain bullets, but the "conventional wisdom" is that for heavier than 69 grain, you are better off with at least 1:8 twist. I use 1:8 for across-the-course and it stabilizes 52-80 grain SMK just fine.

For a defensive arm 1:9 is just fine.

Just my 2¢

Regards,
Andrew

Oh - many of the "kits" come with the entire upper assembled and test fired; just assemble your lower and you're good to go.