But how do we define what a PCC actually is?

Modern PCCs are often semi-automatic rifles chambered in 9mm with barrels of 16 16.5 in length.

Short-barreled rifle (SBR) versions of PCCs are also popular.

Shown here is a Springfield Armory SAINT Pistol Caliber Carbine. It is chambered in 9mm. The 9×19mm Parabellum is a rimless, tapered firearms cartridge. Originally designed by Austrian firearm designer Georg Luger in 1901, it is widely considered the most popular handgun and submachine gun cartridge due to its low cost, adequate stopping power and extensive availability.

A pistol-caliber carbine is simply a rifle that is chambered in cartridges typically associated with handguns. By far, 9mm is the most popular.

[Looking for a short barrel rifle?

Read Paul Carlsons article on thebest SBRfor additional information.]

Origin of the Pistol Caliber Carbine

In reality, the PCC is not a new concept.

In this photograph, we see the author using his Springfield Armory SAINT ar-15 in 9mm Luger to deal with a threat on his property. These kinds of firearms are excellent — especially when fitted with a suppressor and red dot sight. They also offer a number of benefits over a shotgun or long gun made for a rifle cartridge.

A carbine chambered for a handgun cartridge can be an excellent defensive tool. Minimal recoil, good accuracy and the range is sufficient for all but the largest of properties.

Simultaneously, the .44/40 1873 Peacemaker revolver was launched.

These two arms are commonly considered the guns that won the West.

Here, the .44-40 in the 1873 rifle and 1873 revolver excelled in popularizing the PCC concept.

Shown in this photo is a Springfield Armory PCC ar-15 with a box-type detachable magazine and a box of 9mm ammunition. These magazines are inexpensive and plentiful. Originally developed for the Colt SMG, they’ve been in hard use for about 50 years. This makes them superior to the offerings from other companies like the Ruger PC Carbine, Kel-Tec SUB2000, Marlin Camp Carbine and the various rifles that try to make Glock mags feed reliably. You want a firearm that will feed handgun ammunition, not choke.

The Springfield Armory SAINT PCC, shown here, feeds from traditional stick magazines. This is a proven design with decades of reliable use that makes them superior to standard pistol mags.

But its main contribution was introducing the PCC to the 20th century and making that concept popular.

The .45 ACP version fed from 1911-pattern magazines.

Although popular, production of that rifle ended in 1999.

In this digital image, we see a 16-inch 9mm carbine at an outdoor range. While shooting outside is great, many people live in suburban areas where only indoor ranges are available. A rifle chambered for a pistol round like 9mm, 40 S&W, 44 Magnum, 45 ACP — even from a longer barrel — are ok with most indoor ranges. This means a carbine would allow you to practice more and maintain proficiency better than you could with a lever action rifle or a short barrel rifle.

For many people, a 16″ pistol caliber carbine is easier to handle than a typical rifle or shotgun. Also, most 9mm carbines can be shot at an indoor range allowing you to stay proficient.

Todays PCC

Todays pistol-caliber carbines are incredibly popular and for several good reasons:

1.

They are great for shooters who want an AR-15-jot down weapon with less maintenance effort.

[Be sure to read Sam Weitzners article about9mm AR blowbacksystems.]

In this photo, a 9mm ar-15 is shown along with a carrying case and ammunition for a trip to the shooting range for target practice. Some people buy a pistol version of an AR and add a pistol brace to it. While that is a perfectly legitimate option, a standard rifle length carbine takes your ammunition and gives it extra velocity and energy which may prove helpful in a defensive shooting. Plus, a rifle stock increases your points of contact on the gun for improved accuracy.

This SAINT carbine is a gun that’s being chosen by many people for home protection. The 9mm version adds another option for those who might prefer a PCC variant.

FMJ 9mm ammo costs less than FMJ 5.56mm ammo.

Looking online today (January 3, 2024), I priced 124-gr.

FMJ 9mm practice ammo and 55-gr.

In this photo, the author is slicing the pie with his carbine. While this one is in 9mm Luger, you can also get guns made for the .40 S&W and other ammo. An ar-15 is a semi-automatic firearm offered in a range of calibers. In some ways, it is the Colt Single Action Army of the modern world. It is more powerful than a handgun with less recoil. The gun barrel, while longer than most handguns, provides additional accuracy, precision and velocity when shooting. Plus, having a stock helps ensure your bullet foes where you intend in a self-defense encounter.

Room clearing with a 9mm carbine is the same as with any rifle. The difference is 9mm is a lot cheaper to train with. So if cost is a consideration, the PCC might be a better bet.

FMJ .223 practice ammo.

Calculating the per-round price, I found that the Federal 124-gr.

FMJ ammo was priced at 0.29 cents per round, while PMC 55-gr.

In this photograph, the author demonstrates how to use the pistol caliber carbine in a self-defense situation. His rifle is fitted with a 32-round magazine, a red dot sight, a muzzle brake, rifle stock and adjustable sights. The barrel is 16 inches in length bringing the total length to 35" with the stock fully extended. This provides a good fit for most people and an ideal sight radius when using the stock sights.

A pistol caliber carbine is a great options for many people. It does have benefits and drawbacks when compared to other options, so be sure to fully explore your needs and options.

FMJ .223 caliber ammo was .41 cents per round.

The 9mm currently represents more bang for less bucks.

SAINT Victor 9mm Perfect Handgun Companion?

SAINT® Victor Carbine

I immediately noted that it feeds from a Colt-pattern 32-round 9mm magazine.

Prices online that I found ranged from $15.99 to $32 each which certainly wont break the bank.

I think it is absolutely perfect for a PCC weapon of this pop in.

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It is compact, yet with enough magnification to handle targets within the range of a carbine-fired 9mm projectile.

Its accurate and very easy to shoot, even for smaller-statured shooters.

Muzzle blast is quite a bit tamer than that from a 5.56mm rifle.

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It would make a great training arm or an excellent utility rifle in its own right.

It is useful for self-defense, or for popping the wayward coyote.

Go to forum thread

SAINTVictor Carbine

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