12 Best Pistol-Caliber Carbines (PCC)

The best pistol-caliber carbines for home defense and competition are available. Find out why they are so effective in the home, and our top picks.

They’re not exactly rifles, but neither are they pistol-caliber carbines.

Many people think that pistol-caliber carbines can be used for self defense and competition. I also believe that they are ideal for fun.

We’re going to look particularly at pistol-caliber carbines for self-defense…particularly at home where these things really shine.

Also, some basic information and layout on what a carbine in pistol caliber is…and how you may want to use one. Our favorites, from PCCs on their own to AR-platform models.

PCCs vs. Rifles

The AR-15 or AK-47 is a great choice if you are looking for a gun to use primarily outdoors in order to protect perimeters and neutralize potential threats.

However, indoor home defense scenarios are a little different.

The gun should be smaller, and allow for easy maneuverability around tight spaces such as doorways and hallways. The majority of pistol caliber carbines will be shorter than long guns, except for some nice shotguns or rifles.

Even with a suppressor.

You don’t want a large rifle or shotgun to be dragged around in a small space. Comparing a pistol-caliber rifle to an AK-47 is also a good way to get benefited by the lower recoil.

PCCs vs Handguns

The main advantage of the pistol-caliber rifle over your sidearm is its stability.

Some of you are crack shooters who can take the wings right off a flie with your pistol.

This video shows how to use pistol-caliber carbines for home defense.

How to Choose a Good Pistol Caliber

While there are many excellent home defense shotguns available, a shotgun may not be the best choice for every situation.

Most pistol-caliber rifles shoot 9mm cartridges or.40 S&W, while.357 SIG and.380 cartridges are less common.

You can even get a 10mm bore one.

You’ll have no trouble finding ammo for your pistol-caliber rifle and, in many cases, it will be cheaper to shoot.

After we have covered the basic information about carbines in pistol-caliber, let’s take a look at a few popular carbines.

Then we’ll move on to AR-9s (see how it makes sense?).

The Best Pistol Caliber Carbines

1. Sig Sauer MPX K

There are a lot more PCCs available now, and MPX by Sig has always been a top choice. They are now in their 3rd unofficial generation, with all the bugs worked out.

All the controls are familiar but they’re now fully ambidextrous.

With a gas piston short-stroke system, everything is a bit cleaner than the direct impingement of the AR.

There is no buffer tube, so you can use a brace/folding stock system.

It’s been super reliable for us and shoots very pleasantly…especially with a suppressor.

We have some cool footage at night.

2. CZ Scorpion EVO Series

CZ Scorpion EVO includes both pistol-braced and carbines.

The CZ Scorpion 3 carbine is an updated version of CZ’s classic Scorpion pistol. It is more sleek and reliable, as well as civilian-legal.

The pistol version gives you the same maneuverability.

It’s a good thing I haven’t written a full review of the CZ Scorpion.

3. Kalashnikov USA KP-9

Want to get as close as possible to the Russian Vityaz, used by Special Forces?

Look at the Kalashnikov USA KP-9 .

This is the most enjoyable PCC that we have tested to date!

The controls are standard AK, but we opted to upgrade the safety selector lever so that you can lock back your bolt.

You don’t receive any Last Round Bolt Hold Open (LRBHO).

You’ll soon forget this when you are tearing through the range. You can’t tell if it’s a blowback system or not.

It loves to be suppressed.

What about mags?

The Vityaz brand is used (sorry Glock fans). The K-USA mags are priced at around $30. They were not as good. We also received some third-party PUFGUN magazines.

4. PSA AK-V

You’re looking for a version of the Vityaz that is a tribute to it. Check out PSA’s AKV.

It’s not a duplicate but an homage to the VP-9. There are some nice features like the last round bolt held open and the buffer system at the back.

It is worth it to attend the LRBHO!

It also uses Scorpion mags, which are affordable and plentiful.

PSA has now mastered the manufacturing process. There were initially some hiccups, but they have now gotten it down pat. will stay in stock a few more days than minutes. I would still sign up for alerts on special model combinations.

We had another great time shooting this and we can’t be more excited to suppress it.

5. Kel-Tec SUB-2000

The SUB-2000 from Kel-Tec is a semiautomatic carbine which can be used with 9mm or 40 S&W cartridges depending on the caliber you prefer.

The SUB-2000 is a carbine that has a lot of great features. Before you purchase the gun, choose the handgun magazine you would like it to accept so you can use your carbine interchangeably.

Compatible magazines include Smith & Wesson handguns, Sig Sauer handguns, Beretta and Glock.

Don’t let its simple design fool you. The SUB-2000 has a lot more to offer than its basic design.

The SUB-2000 is a winner when it comes to comfort. The SUB-2000 weighs 4.25 pounds, is 30.5 inches long and can be folded and stored in a small space.

Some of the best features are:

• Front sight with fiber optics for easy alignment of targets.
• The bolt is conveniently located under the buttstock.
• There are tons of aftermarket components available.

The SUB-2000 offers a lot of power, comfort and accuracy for a reasonable price.

You’re also covered by a Kel-Tec lifetime warranty if something goes wrong.

6. CMMG Banshee

The CMMG Banshee uses a proprietary “radial-delayed blowback” system in place of gas blowback. It’s a great recoil-reducing system, especially when firing rapid fire.

We tested the 10mm caliber, which is bigger than 9mm or other “regular’ calibers.

It was a real scalded-dog, it ate that extra 10mm of recoil and finished off with a pretty finish.

There are different levels of CMMG weapons from the 100, 200, and 300. The 300 was the one we had, so it was all set up. Prices go up just as quickly as model numbers.

7. PSA 9mm PX-9

The PCC is our Editor’s choice for a 9mm AR-15 PCC entry-level that is reliable, and can take Glock mags.

Please excuse the CA-neutered version. Since then, it’s been released!

Although it does not have the last round bolt held open, you will still be familiar with the AR platform.

Watch out for a competition at night!

With a slightly modified upper!

8. B&T APC9 pro

You’re looking for something Gucci…and that was recently selected by the US Army to be used for their sub-machine guns?

Look out for the B&T Pro that is coming from Switzerland.

The APC lowers are available in different sizes to fit different magazines. You can choose to use B&T mags or even Sig-P320 mags.

The controls are very similar to those of an AR. It also has a nice charging handle that is non-reciprocal. But ambidextrous!

If you are moving from AR, you will need to train on this platform in order to become proficient.

It is a very soft-shooting adapter and it suppresses really well. It’s important to note that this is a tri-lug Adapter. We needed a special adapter that would work with the 1/2×28 threads of our banish 45.

9. Aero Precision EPC

Aero’s EPC (Enhanced pistol Caliber) has definitely been enhanced!

The AR-9 has some minor improvements in quality of life that set it apart from PSA.

• Last round bolt holds open (yay).
• Threaded bolt catch paddle so that you do not damage the finish when you build the lower yourself
• Flared magazine wells for easy mag changes
• Hardened Fire Control Group to Keep Up with PCC Recoil

These features make the AR-9 our best value for money AR-9.

It was a blast to run it out in the desert, day and night. And it ate all the rounds that we could throw.

We were also impressed with its upgrade potential, as it is an AR platform.

Check out our Aero Precision EPC review for the complete review and upgrade list.

Want one? Aero markets it as a type that you can build yourself…but there are completed uppers and bottoms available below.

10. Ruger PC Carbine

Ruger is a long-time fan of carbines in pistol caliber, but these have never been successful for Ruger. Ruger made the Ruger Deerfield Carbine, and the Ruger Deerfield Carbine.

Ruger has deservedly enjoyed success with the PC Carbine .

Ruger PC Carbine is a tried-and-true design that packs a lot of modern features. The layout is not very different from the PC Carbine and 10/22 designs.

Ruger has released many models and each one is a winner.

Ruger integrated the takedown function into the PC Carbine in a way that made it compact and easy for transport. The charging handle can be switched to either left- or righthanded operation.

The magwell is also interchangeable.

Ruger ships this gun with the Ruger magazine well in place, but includes an additional magwell which allows Glock magazines to be used.

Ruger PC users can now easily and affordably purchase Glock magazines of varying capacities.

This integral system features a blowback mechanism that is unique to the PC Carbine Series and a tungsten-weighted weight. This blowback system eliminates the recoil that is associated with blowback systems. It works well.

Unfortunately, tungsten adds to the weight of the gun. The lighter the gun, the better.

The PC Charger is the pistol version of the PC Carbine, which can be used with various pistol braces.

11. Auto-Ordnance Thompson M1

Take a look back at the World War II era.

Thompson submachine guns were legendary in World War II.

It’s difficult to find a Thompson SMG that can be transferred, and it is expensive. However, finding a PCC variant, is not so hard.

Auto-Ordnance makes a pistol-caliber Thompson carbine in many configurations. My favorite is the renowned M1 model.

There are some obvious changes, but the Auto-Ordnance version features a semi-auto-only, closed-bolt design, with a barrel of 16 inches to avoid the NFA. SBR variants are also available.

The Auto-Ordnance Thompson M1 has a very old-fashioned look and is designed more for entertainment than anything else. It’s a lot of fun.

The steel and wood weapon weighs 11 pounds, but it can fire the finest.45 ACP ammunition. The Auto-Ordnance was not designed to be practical. In a world in which PCCs are lighter than 5 pounds, it’s more about style.

It’s a lot of fun. It’s the closest thing we can get without spending tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

These guns are well-made, even if they’re not very practical. They are extremely accurate and reliable. At 11 pounds, they’re almost recoil free.

Thompson M1 offers a scanty look and feel of World War II, but some people prefer the 1927-A1 with gangster grip.

You will get a gun that is fun and that will attract attention at the range. It also gives you a feeling of history.

12. JP Enterprises GMR-15

As the USPSA PCC competition becomes more popular, certain guns will start to appear more frequently.

One of these models is the JP Enterprises GMR-15. GMR stands for Gamer and 15 because it is an AR-15.

22% of PCC participants use the GMR-15. The GMR-15 is a factory-made rifle with many features to refine it and make it a PCC competition rifle of the highest quality.

JP Enterprises makes a lot of high-end AR gear, and it seems they threw everything into this PCC. The Supermatch barrel is the most accurate 9mm barrel available.

It is easy to place 9mm holes on tiny paper or cardboard targets when paired with JP Enterprises’ awesome trigger.

I like the dual-charge design, which features an AR-15 standard charging handle as well as a left-side side charging handle.

The buffer system is a JP Enterprises silent-captured spring, tuned specifically for 9mm rounds. The gun is kept in great condition by a compensator that shakes up the muzzle rise and recoil. The gun will be loud but easy to control and steer between targets.

JP Enterprises ensures that the ergonomics of the gun is also taken care of with a magazine release, super-lightweight handguard and a choice between various rifle stocks.

The GMR-15 is a ready-to-use option. All you have to do is attach an optic and you’re off.

Yes, Glock magazines are required.

The conclusion of the article is:

The pistol-caliber rifle has many advantages.

• These guns are lighter and more portable than rifles.
• The handguns fire at a faster velocity.
• The guns are not as loud as many rifles or handguns.
• The recoil is lower than that of most rifles, except for.22 caliber.
• You can mount virtually all the same accessories on your carbine as you can your rifles. This includes optics, flashlights and vertical foregrips.

Your personal preferences will determine which cartridge you select, especially if you are choosing between a 9mm and a.45ACP. Or even 10mm.

If you are concerned about money, keep in mind that 9mm ammo will be cheaper than any other caliber.

No matter what caliber you choose, your carbine will provide you with more accuracy and stability than a handgun.

What is your opinion on PCCs…what have you chosen? We have an article on the best AR-9. We also have Best 9mm Ammo, and Best 9mm/.45ACP Suppressors for you to complete your gun.