Pistol Caliber Carbines

[Kanewpadle]

The debate over the effectiveness of pistol caliber carbines has gone on for years. Many well known firearms experts think they are a great idea. Others state that if you’re going to use a long gun, use one in rifle caliber and stop messing around.

I understand both sides of the argument. I don’t think either answer is right for everyone.

I own a Ruger PCC in 9MM. It has the Glock magazine adapter installed. I have a large quantity of Glock magazines so for me it makes sense. I even have a 100 round drum for it.

It’s reliable, accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot. And 9MM is less expensive to shoot. And at close range, I wouldn’t want to get shot with it.

I also own a Rock River Arms AR. The two stage match trigger is great. But I don’t shoot it near as much. Essentially if I’m shooting indoors.

What’s your take?

 

[Rule3]

We must be related as I have both guns also
The Ruger is fun the AR is just a AR
I don’t rely on either for SD just range toys
Have not shot either for a while
More of a handgun guy

 

[BAM-BAM]

Beretta CX4 here paired with a Beretta 92 Centurion. SHTF under 75yd self-defense combo.
Red dot, sling, weapons light under the barrel that I can work with my left thumb. Beretta and Mec-gar both make 20/30 rd 9mm mags
OAL 29" weight IIRC 5.25lbs for the gun alone
2 spare 20rd mags on the butt gives me 70rds "grab and go" capibility.

Firm believer in the "double/triple tap".
Can get fast fist size groups at 50 yds!

 

[biku324]

My carbines are revolver rather than pistol caliber - Ruger/Marlin 357 & Henry 41. I load for both and thoroughly enjoy shooting either. The 41 is my grandson's favorite.

 

[Telecaster]

I’ve BTDT with “matching” pistol and PCCs. It wasn’t the magical synergy I seemed to think it would be. Maybe it was me I don’t have woods to walk or wild places to tote guns through, maybe that’s why.

I’m of the “Use .22LR for cheap fun, and if you need a rifle, use a rifle caliber” camp.

 

[mtgianni]

Another Ruger PPC owner. I have a 4x RIton scope on mine and load power coated 125 gr cast bullets. It gets a 3"-4" group at 100 yards. I would be confidant with it as a self defense weapon, especially with the 60 rd drum I have.
Drawback is probably its weight. I would not mind if it was my only long gun and I lived in a close quartered town.

 

[Rule3]

But to answer your question. Many many people have been dispatched by 9mm in handguns so a carbine with high capacity would seem to work even better.

 

[Mule Packer]

Personally, I really like having a handgun and a rifle in the same caliber. On pack trips with the pack string, my sidearm is normally my Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt. It's companion, my truck gun, is a Rossi Model 1892 in .45 Colt.





I also have a Marlin 1894 in .38 special/.357 magnum that I pair with my Smith and Wesson Model 27-2. Do I plan on any long-range hunting with those rifles? Nope. But they're handy to carry and I don't have to be packing two different calibers of ammo.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Mule Packer's post reminded me I've also got a Winchester Trapper and Ruger 77/357 ... both in .357 magnum.

The Ruger is my "utility" rifle for Penn's Woods, with a 1-3 shotgun scope and paracord sling.
Light, handy and not tacticool looking
It pairs nicely with a 3" 60'10 or 3" 66.

 

[DuckBeav]

People can do whatever they want and feel whatever they want. Makes no difference to me! I don't follow or prescribe to opinions without doing my own research. I then do what I feel is right for me. I have a Kel-Tec S2K Gen 3 with a Vortex Sparc AR Gen 2 on it. Takes Glock mags and has been very reliable without any malfunctions. I like it and would recommend it if someone asked. Folds up nicely and fits in my SKRAM Go bag.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Personally I believe a pistol caliber carbine is a fine compromise for many uses...particularly home defense. It's easier to shoot accurately than most handguns...holds far more rounds...up to 32 depending on model...more manageable recoil-wise...less chance of over-penetration than a rifle caliber.

The downsides...easier to be snatched from you if you allow an intruder to get that close...more expensive in many cases...harder to keep both hidden and available in a home scenario.

Everyone's situation and needs are different. We all have to take stock of what's necessary and what potential scenarios to best prepare for.

 

[Retired W4]

The 32-20/32 WCF always had somewhat of an identity crisis wondering if it was a rifle cartridge or a revolver cartridge. Of course it's both.

S&W 32-20 and Savage 23C.

 

[Greyman50]

Got lucky and found a Ruger LC carbine in 10 mm to go with my Dan Wesson Razorback. The trigger is the worst I and all the guys at the range and a gunsmith ever pulled.

 

[Retired W4]

Posted this earlier. Can't wait to shoot it. It will be the first time it's been shot. Colt AR6450.

 

[SixgunFife]

I liked a PSA 9mm AR carbine that I owned for a time. Hit a couple of hiccups with it in the first 500 or so rounds; after that, smooth sailing to at least 3,000 or so rounds before I sold it toward funding something else.

I wouldn’t rule-out buying another 9mm long-gun.

 

[mckenney99]

While I don't currently have them stowed for primary home defense, I would have absolutely no problem grabbing one of my 9mm CZ Scorpion SBR's with a 30 rd mag of Federal 124gr +P HSTs. One is a 7 3/4 inch barrel and the other is a Micro model with a 4 1/2 inch barrel and only 22 in overall length. Both are set up the same with Holosun shake awake green dots and Streamlight TLR-1 lights and a sling. I ran the 7 3/4 inch model thru a 1200+ round PCC/Subgun class and came away completely sold on its capability. Consistently ringing steel at 100+ yards was childs play. Handling was very quick in the live fire shoot house runs and the Scorpion is even more ergonomic than my beloved HK MP5. Other than those malfunctions purposely induced for clearance drills I don't recall ever having a malfunction with either rifle in thousands of rounds.

 

[LVSteve]

A Hi Point 995 lives here. Yes, the single stack mag is a drawback. At the range I noticed that 124 gr +P went downrange with quite a crack, suggesting I'm getting the maximum energy the 9mm round has to give. Would prefer a SBR with a 8-10" barrel.

 

[Farmer17]

I thought a pistol caliber carbine would be fun and 9mm ammo is cheap but then I got a 300 Blackout AR pistol with brace and suppressor. I shoot mostly subsonic ammo which is about like a 45 acp or 10mm in power and it's a lot of fun and very accurate plus I can shoot high velocity ammo in it if desired but it's not as quiet.

 

[Yendor357]

My Colt AR-15 in 9M sends a 147 JHP at nearly 1200 fps.

The Colt comes with one 30 rd mag. I also bought a 20.

I think it needs a suppressor.

 

[tlawler]

I’ve got a CMMG Banshee and a S&W FPC, both in 10mm. I keep the Banshee with a Rugged Obsidian suppressor on it hanging by its strap next to my bed loaded with 220 grain subsonic for home defense. I only wish it took the M&P mags instead of glock.