Introduction[]
Pistol caliber carbines are a good choice if you want a nice gun to plink with, hunt small game with, and trek with outdoors. Currently, there are multiple choices for pistol caliber carbines, with some being extremely cheap, and some being ludicrously expensive.
Calico Series[]
The Calico M-100 rifle
Calibers:
- 9x19mm
- .22 LR
- Other calibers in pre-production
Features:
- 50-to-100-round magazines
- Fully ambidextrous
- Ejects downwards
- Non-reciprocating charging handle
- Collapsible stocks in most models
- Pistol versions available
Price:
- $600-1000 (USD) depending on where you find it.
Incredibly bizarre carbines that defy all logic. The magazines are shaped like a cylinder, and are the basis for multiple foreign SMGs such as the Bizon, PP-90, and the Chang Feng - all of which are made by Russians or Communist heathens. Magazines are VERY Expensive, and the 100 round magazines are not very reliable. I've done some accuracy tests, and they seem quite good. Beware of the bolt hold open device, as it can break easily.
Ruger Police Carbine (New)[]
Ruger PC Carbine (take-down variant)
Calibers:
- 9x19mm
Features:
- Threaded barrel for fun-cans and other attachments
- Removable mag-well allows use of both Glock and Ruger magazines
- Built around a take-down system that would allow for possible future caliber-conversion kits
- Collapsible nature makes it a decent truck gun or B.O.B. backup weapon
Price:
- $600-700 (USD)
In December 2017, Ruger announced the production of the Ruger PC Carbine, a modernized version of its 1996 Police Carbine. While it has not been widely tested by the general public (as of 2017), consensus on it so far is that its pretty good. This probably will be the go-to PCC for a while.
Marlin Camp Carbine[]
Marlin Camp Carbine
Calibers:
- 9x19mm
- .45 ACP
Features:
- 9x19mm models use S&W 59 series magazines
- .45 ACP models use 1911 Magazines
- Large potential for aftermarket modification
Price:
- #600-1000 (USD)
Although the Camp Carbine has been out of production since 1999, parts are still plentiful, and since it can use 1911 and 59 Series magazines, magazines are easy to find. While it is a nice rifle, it has fallen out of popularity in recent years. Also, it can get expensive.
Hi-Point Carbine[]
The 995TS (which may or may not stand for "Tacticool Shit").
Calibers:
- 9x19mm
- 10mm
- .380 ACP
- .45 ACP
- .40 S&W
Features:
- Optional rails, optics, & front penis (995TS)
- Decent weight for its size
- Aftermarket 15-round mags and factory 20-rounders that resemble a donkey dildo
Price:
- $200-300 (USD)
Created as a big middle finger to the 1994 AWB, the Hi-Point Carbine is one of the cheapest - if not the cheapest - carbines available on the market today. While the original carbine, the 995 Classic, ceased production in 2010, it is still easy to find at gun shows and online sellers. The modern version, the 995TS, has more options as far as customization goes. The one major downside to this carbine is that, to many people, it's ugly as sin.
MP5 Clones & Variants[]
The Zenith Z-5
Calibers:
- 9x19mm
- .40 S&W
- 10mm
Features:
- Can be converted to full-auto if you have a registered pre-86 H&K sear
- The 5K variant can be converted to an AOW with the addition of a forward grip
- Battle-proven and reliable MP5 design
- Allows you to LARP as someone from Rainbow Six
Price:
- $1400-3000 (USD)
MP5 clones are often very expensive. Magazines typically cost about $60 (USD) each, and can only be found reliably online. However, all is not lost for MP5 addicts. Several companies have begun importing different licensed MP5 clones, the most popular among these being the Z-5 series from Zenith Firearms (Turkey) and the POF-5PK from Pakistan Ordinance Factory (Pakistan). Even H&K is now producing the SP5K, a semi-auto variant of the MP5K. Thus, the prices of these firearms have begun to decrease somewhat. So, if you really want to recreate the cockpit-storming scene from Air Force One in your living room, then this is the gun for you.