Strange things happen in the world of guns, and one of the strangest is how pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) became popular. PCCs have been around for a long time, but they were normally a small, specialist category of guns that people appreciated. The Pistol Caliber Carbine category has exploded in popularity from 2010 to present. We've put together the comprehensive guide on PCCs for those with more than a passing interest in the pistol caliber carbine. After reading this tutorial, you'll be better equipped to select your first or tenth pistol caliber rifle chamber.
What Is A PCC, Exactly?
The term PCC refers to a pistol caliber carbine. Simply put, it's a rifle that fires pistol-caliber ammunition. From a 32 ACP to a 500 S&W magnum, that round can be used. The word PCC can also refer to SMG-based handguns in modern usage. Although they meet the legal definition of a pistol, they are far larger than most ordinary pistols. The MPX Copperhead is the smallest of these subguns, although it's still somewhat large when compared to a Glock 17. For the sake of clarity, we refer to both the traditional pistol caliber carbine that satisfies the legal definition of a rifle and the SMG-based pistols that are substantially larger than most handguns when we speak PCC today.
Why Do You Need A PCC?
Perhaps you aren't looking for a PCC particularly. Maybe you're thinking about all of your firearm possibilities. Perhaps you're simply unaware of the advantages of a pistol caliber carbine. Whatever the case may be, we will outline the benefits as well as the drawbacks to provide you with a more complete view.
Cheaper ammunition and (sometimes) simpler logistics. Pistol ammunition is almost always less expensive than rifle ammunition. Sure, magnum calibers cost more, but the price difference is significant for those searching for a normal 9mm PCC. In many cases, 9mm is less than half the price of 5.56.
Some PCCs employ normal pistol magazines in addition to ammo. This can help you with logistics in a variety of ways.
Superlight and Supershort. Carbines in pistol caliber can be substantially lighter and even shorter than most ordinary rifles. Even PCCs with 16-inch barrels are typically lighter than rifle caliber firearms. Lighter and shorter weapons are ideal for smaller shooters or those who lack a lot of strength. PCCs are popular with shooters who suffer from arthritis or limb ailments in general.
It's Fun to Shoot. PCCs are exceptionally pleasant to shoot and handle since they are so much larger than a regular pistol. Concussion and recoil are both minimal. Rifles with short barrels in rifle calibers become extremely noisy, with a large concussion and muzzle blast that is not present in PCCs or subguns with short barrels.
If you're a rookie shooter, the modest recoil, noise, and concussion make them a lot less intimidating, and they're a lot more appealing to individuals searching for a gun that's easy to handle and fun to shoot.
It's simple to suppress. For a variety of reasons, pistol caliber carbines make ideal suppressor hosts. First, handgun calibers are fairly easy to convert to subsonic, therefore ammo is generally available without being prohibitively expensive or difficult to locate. Second, handgun suppressors are frequently less expensive than rifle suppressors. Finally, if you go with a subgun or an SBR, a PCC can have a short barrel and a short suppressor. This results in a rifle that is still shorter than a conventional rifle.
Allowed At Pistol Ranges. You might live in a place where the only ranges available are indoor ranges. Because of the limited ranges, the restricted space, and how much more powerful a rifle cartridge is than a pistol round, most indoor ranges only allow pistol calibers. Even with these ranges, you'll be able to utilize a PCC and get your training in.
BEST PISTOL CALIBER CARBINES
Ruger PC Carbine
CZ Scorpion
CMMG Banshee Pistol
SIG Sauer MPX Carbine
Henry Big Boy X
Hi-Point Carbine
KelTec SUB2000
