Everything You Need To Know About Pistol Caliber Carbines
Want to learn more about pistol-caliber carbines (PCC)? In this article, you can review the definition of a pistol-caliber carbine and find out how these weapons compare to rifles and handguns. You can also evaluate popular PCC models right here.
Why a 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine?
Are you wondering why you’d want to choose a pistol-caliber carbine over pistols or rifles? In many ways, PCCs blend the strengths of both of these weapons, producing a product that meets the needs of many gun enthusiasts. While these guns don’t have the kick of a shotgun, they perform very well in their niche.
PCC uses handgun ammunition in several calibers, including 9mm. This kind of cartridge gives you less recoil, making it easy for gun owners to find the ammo they want. You can also swap ammo between the PCC and your handgun. These weapons:
- Are affordable
- Have cheap mags and ammo
- Offer low recoil
These factors combine to make PCC a solid choice for home defense. You can also join a PCC competition or even use these weapons for hunting in a pinch.
These arms may use a chrome-moly steel barrel or include T6 aluminum. You can add after-market grips and select the bullet caliber you want to use for the weapon in many situations.
PCCs vs. Rifles
PCCs often get compared to rifles. While rifles may have more stopping power, PCCs feel easier to wield and represent a better choice for home defense as they have less overpenetration than a rifle round.
PCCs vs. Handguns
PCCs use the same ammunition as handguns, but the longer barrel gives PCCs more accuracy when used correctly. Some people prefer a handgun to a long gun, like a PCC, but if you want increased reliability for your shots, you may consider a PCC.
Popular 9mm PCCs
The rapidly growing PCC market means that you have several options if you want to find a weapon for home defense or if you’re working as a competition shooter.
CZ Scorpion
Popular among competition shoots, the CZ Scorpion also has a following in the law enforcement and home defense communities. The CZ Scorpion EVO shoots well and has many customization options. Shooters can take advantage of the gun’s pistol magazine and folding stock.
The CZ Scorpion EVO has an M-LOK section at the forend. You can also select an M-LOK handguard as an option. You can use this handguard to attach:
- Lasers
- Target designators
- Lights
- Grips
Select the configuration you like best to make the CZ Scorpion EVO your own.
CMMG Banshee
The CMMG Banshee has two variants: the SBR and the braced-pistol. Both variants can use a handgun magazine. The Banshee earns a name as one of the premier PCC options due to its radial delayed blowback system.
The blowback system further reduces the already low PCC recoil. The system also increases the reliability of the weapon and keeps it lightweight. Many people compare Banshee’s ergonomics with what you’d find in AR-15s.
The manufacturer created the Banshee with functionality that allows it to use Sig Sauer, FN, and Glock magazines. These factors make it possible for you to use ammunition from your other weapons smoothly.
Sig MPX
The SIG MPX has a reputation for delivering the lowest recoil platform among its class. Built with controls and grips in the style you’d expect from an AR-15, this weapon shoots well and easily handles newcomers. Owners have access to an AR-15 style:
- Safety
- Trigger bolt
- Magazine release
- Charging handle
The MPX comes with ambidextrous controls, M-LOK rails, and a side-folding stock. You can enjoy the gun’s single-stage trigger and 16” match-grade barrel. The gun’s five-position stock makes it easy for you to transport or store the MPX or adjust it for use in a competition.
Ruger PC Carbine
Ruger began designing PCC early but had a rough start creating a model that worked. The Ruger PC Carbine shows that they’ve learned from any early hiccups, delivering a gun with modern style and ergonomics.
The gun uses a dead-blow system to handle blowback, lowering recoil. All Ruger PC Carbines are breakdown rifles, making it easy to take the barrel and receiver apart. You may store the upper in a separate location when you travel.
The Ruger PC Carbine also allows you to swap magazine wells, giving you the option to use either Ruger or Glock mags. You can add an after-market buffer to reduce recoil and even select an M-LOK handguard.
Heckler & Koch USC
The HK USC represents a civilian version of Heckler & Koch’s UMP (Universal Submachine Gun). The USC’s accuracy rivals the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. You can add a suppressor to the weapon to make firing the gun very quiet.
Visually, the USC has a black polymer appearance. You may attach a red dots scope to the gun to improve accuracy if you wish. The gun does have a reputation for slight issues with weight imbalance, which may make recoil stronger than expected for a PCC.
You may also consider other PCC models, like the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 and the PSA AK-V.
The CAA AGADA
Are you interested in a revolutionary PCC designed to fit a shooter’s body ergonomically? You may want to consider the CAA AGADA. The AGADA PCC comes in 3 options a 16” carbine, 10” SBR or 10” with pinned and welded faux suppressor to meet the 16″ carbine length.
CAA designed the AGADA to preserve velocity while reducing recoil with a gas blowback operation. The gun uses an integrated pistol grip with a foldable stock and a downward pull trigger, a twist on the traditional backward pull expected in pistols. You can check out the new Agada in the video below.
Click here to learn more about the new Agada or give our team at CAA a call at (754) 205-9385.
