Pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs) are quite a divisive firearms category. Though they have become insanely popular over the past decade, many shooters still refuse to accept that they have any serious purpose. In contrast, others may claim that they are the perfect firearm. Though rifles may be better for most combat scenarios, 9mm carbines still fit many niches quite well.
That’s why these firearms are becoming extremely popular in the civilian market, and almost every major firearm manufacturer is making some PCC model. So, let's talk about what carbines are, their uses, effectiveness, and rising popularity.
History of Pistol Caliber Carbines and 9mm Carbines
Though the civilian market is seeing a rise in the popularity of pistol-caliber carbines, they have been around for a very long while. Most notably, the Artillery Luger and C96 pistol carbines were issued to artillery crews during the first world war. These carbine versions had higher capacities and featured a stock, which allowed artillery crewmen to have a lot of firepower in a compact package.
However, pistol-caliber carbines didn't stick around for too long in the military environment. With the development of submachine guns, like the German MP-18 and Thompson, pistol-caliber carbines didn't have many functions in the military. These submachine guns did fire pistol calibers, but they were fully automatic and allowed soldiers to send a lot of lead downrange instead of relying on a slow bolt action rifle. SMGs were used extensively throughout the Second World War and in the following years throughout the world. Though their use by military and law enforcement is beginning to decrease, they are still widely used.
Pistol-caliber carbines started gaining a lot of popularity in the American civilian market. Civilians could not own submachine guns. However, many manufacturers made semi-automatic carbine versions of their popular SMGs that were popular with the public. However, one of the main reasons for the popularity of pistol-caliber carbines like 9mm carbines in the first place was their compact size. In the civilian market, these carbines needed to be in a rifle configuration to be legal. That is, they needed at least a 16-inch barrel. Turning them into an SBR through proper paperwork is possible in most states, but it can be somewhat of a hassle. And what are carbines’ place in the civilian market if it’s just a large rifle that shoots 9mm rounds?
So, pistol-caliber carbines remained relatively obscure for a while. However, after pistol braces became available to civilians, their popularity skyrocketed. This allowed shooters to own short-barreled versions of these PCCs without using stocks and turning them into an SBR with the proper paperwork. Many manufacturers started making pistol-caliber carbines, and most companies made semi-auto pistol versions of their SMGs and long barrel pistol caliber carbines.
Why Should You Buy a 9mm Carbine?
Modern pistol-caliber carbines offer several incredible benefits that make them a fantastic addition to any shooter's arsenal. Moreover, there are loads of options available for PCC versions of iconic SMGs and newer designs. Here are some of the main reasons you should get a pistol-caliber carbine:
Pistol-Caliber Carbines Use Cheaper Ammunition
One of the biggest advantages of 9mm carbines is that they use relatively cheaper ammunition. Even though prices of ammo have risen recently, in comparison, a box of 9mm ammunition is significantly cheaper than a box of .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. A range day with a PCC will be much easier on the pocket, which means you get more range time and practice improving your shooting skills for lower costs.
Pistol-Caliber Carbines Are Great for Beginners
What are carbines but a middle ground between small firearms and larger rifles? This middle-of-the-road design makes it great for teaching beginners to shoot. Due to the smaller calibers, they don't have a very strong recoil impulse and are easier to control. Meanwhile, they allow beginners to get used to the ergonomics and feel of popular rifle platforms.
Pistol-Caliber Carbines Are Great for Competition Shooting
Recently, 9mm carbines have become quite popular among competition shooters. In a 2 or 3-gun competition, it allows shooters to share the same magazines, or at least ammunition, with their pistols, making for simpler setups and faster reload times.
You Can Use Pistol-Caliber Carbines at Indoor Shooting Ranges
Since pistol-caliber carbines don't have the concussive muzzle flash associated with full-powered rifles, they are better suited to indoor shooting. They are allowed in almost all indoor shooting ranges. This also makes them better for home defense scenarios.
Pistol-Caliber Carbines Are Usually More Compact
Though this isn't the case with all 9mm carbines, a pistol configuration with a brace are what carbines are most commonly sold as. This compact design keeps them maneuverable, allowing you to have more firepower and a more accurate delivery platform in tight spaces than a standard pistol.
Pistol-Caliber Carbines Are Easier to Suppress
While it’s a common suppressor myth that your shot will be completely silent with a suppressor, it is true that subsonic pistol calibers are easier to suppress. Plus, PCCs work more reliably than full-powered rifles when suppressed. And with the overall shorter length of most pistol-caliber carbines, suppressors don't add too much to the firearm’s length.
Are 9mm Carbines Suitable for Home Defense?
Now, let me start by saying that there is no “perfect” weapon when it comes to self-defense. Shotguns pack a mean punch and allow you to use a wide range of lethal and non-lethal ammo; however, they can be too long and difficult to maneuver around tight doorways and hallways in a house. Rifles have a large magazine capacity and stopping power, but they bring a risk of over-penetration. Pistols are very maneuverable and have decent capacity, but most people can't accurately shoot them at a distance.
Every kind of firearm has its pros and cons, and pistol-caliber carbines are no different. However, 9mm carbines are what many consider to be the most effective home defense options. Let me explain why.
Pistol-caliber carbines usually have a high magazine capacity. You can expect to have 30 rounds of 9mm in a single magazine, which is much higher than any pistol. Moreover, the longer barrel, brace, and carbine design allows you to stretch the capabilities of a humble pistol round and shoot more accurately and quickly.
That’s not all. The smaller pistol calibers don't have the same concussive energy as rifle rounds, nor is the muzzle flash as bright. Firing a 9mm carbine won’t be blinding or deafening, allowing you to maintain your aim better. Additionally, PCCs have a lot more rail space than pistols. You can add unique accessories like lights, lasers, foregrips, and other accessories, which can significantly improve your shooting effectiveness.
So, in conclusion, what are carbines better for than home defense? Keeping one at home is a no-brainer.
What Is the Most Popular PCC Caliber?
Pistol-caliber carbines are becoming quite popular these days, and the most popular caliber they use is undoubtedly 9mm. The 9mm is the most popular handgun cartridge in the world, and it is super reliable, affordable, and easy to find. It is also a solid self-defense caliber with decent stopping power and range. This is why most manufacturers prefer making 9mm carbines.
All the most popular pistol-caliber carbines, like 9mm ARs or AR9s, the CZ Scorpion EVO3, the CMMG 9mm Banshee, and the MP-5 clones are chambered in 9mm. Many pistol-caliber carbines are chambered in other calibers, from .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and even 5.7x28mm; however, they are nowhere near as popular as 9mm carbines.
Final Thoughts
So, to put it all together, pistol-caliber carbines have taken the civilian market by storm, and there is a solid reason behind their popularity. Pistol-caliber carbines offer a lot of great advantages for all kinds of shooters. They are excellent home defense weapons, can be used for competition shooting, are affordable to practice with and make for excellent PDWs, which you can store in your car or hiking backpack. Overall, whether you like them or not, 9mm carbines are here, and they aren’t going away anytime soon.
With Wing Tactical, you can build your own AR-15 that matches your use case perfectly. Since 2013, we’ve been offering gun parts and accessories that we would trust ourselves. And as a veteran-founded company, our standards of trust are high. If you have any questions about what carbines are, our AR-15 parts, or anything else, contact us. We’ll get you the help you need!