Opinions on Pistol Caliber carbines

[spqrzilla]

So I'm getting the pistol caliber carbine itch (not least because family events have conspired to keep me from attending the Tactical Rifle match much this year). I'm thinking of dropping some coin on a pistol caliber carbine but can't figure out which ones are good and work and which don't.

I'm leaning somewhat to Glock magazine pattern because I've got a stock of those damn things. So which of the AR style setups work? Saw a CMMG AR9 Guard at a shop recently and it looked good but the price tag of $1500+ versus the Ruger PCC made me want to make sure that it was going to be successful.

Opinions?

[Gunner]

I love my CZ scorpion


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[rondog]

I'm rather fond of lever-operated PCC's.....

[cstone]

It is hard to beat a tube fed lever gun in the caliber that matches your revolver. With that said, my suggestion would be a Quarter Circle 10 lower that takes Glock magazines. Upper of your choice with a bolt for the appropriate caliber and barrel also from QC10. You will need to fiddle with the buffer and BCG travel but once it is running consistently, you will enjoy it.

The least expensive option is a Kel Tec Sub2000. Takes a little getting used to the cheek weld and eye position for the sights but they run, take almost no space when folded, and they are pretty simple blow back guns.

[spqrzilla]

I'm rather fond of lever-operated PCC's.....

Well .... it IS the 21st Century

[wyome]

Love my CZ Scorpion, but my AR9 carbine is the funnest firearm I got. Building up a AR9 pistol for the wife right now

[rondog]

Well .... it IS the 21st Century

Some of us old coots prefer old tech.....

[SA Friday]

What will be the primary use of the PCC? Competition - how often, home defense, truck gun, plinking...

I've shot most PCCs, and probably have more corporate knowledge about setting up the ARs in 9mm for competition than anyone else in the front range. There are shortfalls to every set up out there, and some are much better than others. PCCs are evolving at a pretty rapid pace now a days with their introduction into USPSA and IDPA.

[Fromk]

I built a AR pattern Glock mag 16" PCC a couple years ago. Even though I had a handful of parts like a stock and a few lower items and didn't go for the top end match-grade stuff besides the trigger (more on that later) I still spent about $1000 when it was all done. I used a Glock ready lower and Primary Arms parts for the bolt carrier, buffer, and some other stuff. After the first pass I was getting hammer follow double firing. A Hiperfire trigger fixed that (and I really like them). It also needs Glock mags. I had 3 ETS mags break. Coincidence? Maybe. Sounds like if SA Friday has any advice you should listen.

All that being out there I LOVE that gun. It's way more satisfying to shoot than .22's and I can shoot steel in a berm safely and without wrecking it. It's also a big hit with newer shooters and a great way to expose someone to AR's.

Would I do it again? I'm not sure. Somewhat soon I want a pistol/sbr 9mm and I'll probably get a CZ.

If you're going to compete you need to do a full carbine size or an sbr. I think it's a faux pas if you shoulder pistol braced gun at a match. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong here.

[DenverGP]

Following this thread, was planning to start a 9mm pistol length AR soon. Some good info so far, hadn't thought about requirements for PCC competitions.