I think pistol caliber carbines can be an affordable option to rifle type weapon platforms. A pistol caliber carbine that accepts magazines of popular handgun manufactures along the lines of the sub-2000 would be a great addition to the Smith and Wesson market. More along the lines of the Beretta PX4 Storm but lighter, more ergonomic without the thumb-hole stock maybe. It could be produced in all the major auto pistol calibers. Two 45's that accepts single and double stack 1911 style 45 magazines. A few 9mm that accept Smith and Wesson 5900 series magazines, M&P magazines, Glock 17 or 19 magazines, Sig 226 magazines, Beretta 92fs and px4 magazines. There are already many of these magazines on the market so there would be no need to put a lot into the cost of production of these. If this firearm could come in under $600 and have Smith and Wesson's quality control, reliability, and quality behind it, I believe that there could be an already large and growing market for this type of firearm.
