Pistol Caliber Carbines,

Best of Both Worlds

or

Combination of the Cons?

The Setup

Let’s start this discussion off right. we at PA write these articles from the viewpoint of someone who wants to make informed decisions about being prepared and being able to preserve life . If you are reading this and you are casually considering buying a PCC for fun... DO SO! We will never tell someone to not buy a firearm, however we will advise which ones to prioritize.

Pros

Let’s go over some of the features people love about PCC's first. Low recoil, magazine compatibility with most handguns, compact (maneuverable), cheap ammo, good for training. All of these are well-known because of their popularity, so I don’t feel the need to elaborate on these features.

Cons

Now we put on our glasses and actually see why they aren't the most affective tools. Limited effective range, low stopping power, worse ergonomics, cost, reduced versatility.

Who actually wins?

Low recoil —————— PCC

Cheap ammo ———— Pistol and PCC

Good range ————— Rifle

Stopping power ——— Rifle

Ergonomics ————— Pistol and Rifle

Cost ———————— Pistol and Rifle

Versatility —————— Rifle

PCC only won 2 of these categories

In our experience, it’s been our findings that if you want more ability with a firearm that’s RIFLE SIZED, you should probably get it in a rifle cartridge.

Best case scenario for this middle ground would be a 4-6" .300blk AR, you could even put a folding stock on it to maintain the ability to stow in a backpack or whatever you desire.

But when it comes to using a pistol chassis or a PCC, they are just small enough with no real benefit because you are STILL USING A PISTOL ROUND.

The Culprit

To put the icing on the cake. Often times when we have talked to those who are tossing up this idea of having a PCC either in their vehicle or backpack... they are the same ones who carry an EXTREMELY tiny CCW.

Had they made a holster change to something that will allow them to carry a more affective Pistol they wouldn't feel the desire to have more firepower in other frivolous ways.

Let us know what you think. Are PCC's overrated or do they have a purpose defensively that we aren't aware of?