The Best Pistol Caliber Carbines: We Put the Top 18 PCCs to the Test
The world of pistol caliber carbines is expansive. PCCs run the gamut in terms of price and configurations. Testing the entirety of that universe would be a Herculean task.
Understanding that, I gathered a field of about 20 firearms that are representative of the dynamic nature of PCCs. Some are cheap, some cost thousands. Some makes are well known, others relatively obscure. We have folders, braced pistols, rifle-length competition guns, and all the major operating systems in the field: direct blowback, roller-delayed blowback, Browning short recoil, and even a chamber ring delayed blowback. To keep the project manageable, we only tested 9mm offerings.
The Who, Where, and How of the PCC Test
Our crew consisted of me, senior staff writer Tyler Freel, and my good friend and pro shooter, Chris Gittings. We spent a week at Staccato Vegas running these guns hard, taking advantage of the dozens of ranges and bays at the facility for this evaluation.
This included going through CQB-style scenarios, hosing down plate racks, double Texas stars and other dynamic reactive targets, creeping through rocky canyons with bogeys hidden on either side, and testing the PCCs at ranges beyond 150 yards.
Throughout this we ran each gun with various suppressors and muzzle devices, different brands of ammo, bullet styles and bullet weights, and checked them for magazine compatibility. When possible, we augmented the PCCs with braces from SB Tactical and tested them with different weapon lights and optics.
When the gun smoke cleared, we had an excellent read on the top performers, best values, most versatile and most innovative offerings, and those that we didn’t think made the grade. What follows is a synopsis of the winners, along with snapshots of each PCC in the test.
PCC Test Winners
- LWRC IC-9 (Editor’s Choice)
- H&K SP5 (Editor’s Choice)
- Ruger PC Carbine (Great Buy)
- Soviet Arms AKV “Stizon” (Great Buy)
Other PCCs We Tested
- Battle Arms Developments XIPHOS 9 Rifle
- Century Arms AP5-P
- CZ Scorpion 3 Plus
- Henry Homesteader
- JP GMR-15
- Kalashnikov USA KP9
- Kriss Vector SDP Gen 3
- MAC 5
- MAC IX
- Nemo Mongoose
- Noveske N9
- PSA AK-V 9MM Moe ALG
- PSA AR-V 16
- S&W FPC
PCC Test Top Performers
LWRC IC-9 (Editor’s Choice)
Pros
- Great value
- Flat, fast shooter
Cons
- None
Specs
- Action Chamber Ring Delayed Blowback
- Barrel Length 8.5 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Brace with adjustable LOP
- Overall Length 25.75 inches
- Weight 5.1 pounds
- Magazine Type Glock
- Price $1,650
Key Features
- Innovative operating system
- Ambidextrous controls
This LWRC IC-9 was the runaway choice as the top PCC of the test, based on its performance, features, quality of build, and its value relative to others in its price category.
Its innovative Chamber Ring Delayed Blowback action combines the cost-effective simplicity of a direct blowback action with the smooth operation of a delayed roller blowback system. Shallow grooves cut in the chamber — the “rings” — momentarily hold the brass in place allowing the pressure to drop a bit before the bolt begins recoiling. That’s the same benefit that delayed roller blowback actions like the MP5 have built their reputations on — but with no extra parts.
You can see a pair of slight bulges on the spent brass where the case expands into those grooves. Our concern was whether that would affect reliability in any way, but it didn’t. The IC-9 ran great with every load we put through it.
The cases are even reloadable.
Beyond that, we love the way this PCC handled. It shot fast, flat, and was very easy to control.
It has AR-style takedown pins and controls. The charging handle, 90-degree two-position safety, A2 grip, and brace all have AR-15 geometry. The magazine release is comfortably positioned right above the trigger guard, and the bolt lock is also easy to reach. All the controls are ambidextrous as well.
We ran our sample suppressed for the most part and never had any feeding issues, nor did we experience excessive gas blowback.
Touches like the integration of QD cups in the handguard, captured takedown pins in the lower receiver, oversized trigger guard, and full length Picatinny rail with index numbers along its length really elevate this above the crowd, especially in light of its price.
H&K SP5 (Editor’s Choice)
Pros
- Iconic design
- Excellent performance and reliability
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Action Delayed Roller Blowback
- Barrel Length 8.86 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 17.7 inches
- Weight 5.9 pounds
- Magazine Type HK MP5
- Price $3,679
Key Features
- Bungee sling
- Two 30-round magazines
This civilian semi-auto version of the iconic MP5 is still the coolest PCC you can buy. Its delayed-roller blowback action is the operating system by which all other PCCs are judged. While there are plenty of knockoffs — including a couple in this test — none can match this German-made beauty’s quality and workmanship.
The downside to joining the exclusive SP5 club is the cost of admission. There’s no such thing as a deal on one — you simply have to buy once, cry once, and then soothe yourself with some trigger therapy.
Like the MP5, the SP5 has a stamped sheet metal receiver, four-position aperture rear sight welded to the frame, smooth polymer grip module and handguard (both of which are very comfortable), and charging handle that you get to slap down like a school-yard bully every time you insert a fresh magazine.
The barrel features a built-in three-lug suppressor mount, but is also threaded ½-28 for a suppressor — we ran ours with several cans including the remarkably quiet PTR Vent 1 — and you can remove the cap at the rear of the pistol to add on a brace. Clamp an optics mount to the receiver for a red dot — one sign of the MP5’s 60-year-old design is the lack of an integral Pic rail — and you’re ready to experience PCC royalty.
No other PCC rivals the SP5’s shooting manners, reliability, quality and historic legacy. This is why the HK SP5 continues to sell out year after year, and why just about every PCC shooter out there aspires to own one.
Ruger PC Carbine (Great Buy)
Pros
- Reliable operation
- Compatable with multiple magazine patterns
Cons
- Can struggle with accuracy
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16.1 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Adjustable LOP
- Overall Length 35.5 inches
- Weight 7.3 pounds
- Magazine Type Various
- Price $1,029
Key Features
- Quick takedown mechanism
- Reversible controls
Right now I count nearly 20 variants of the Ruger PC Carbine currently for sale, which is a testament to this platform’s success. Ruger has built its reputation on solid performance at an attainable price, and the PC Carbine embodies those qualities.
The model in this test had a 16.1-inch rifle-length barrel in a free-floated full-length aluminum handguard and a folding, multi-position collapsible stock. Like all Ruger PC Carbines, it has a takedown mechanism that lets you easily separate the barrel and handguard from the action and stock.
For someone looking to get into a PCC for competition at a good price this is a solid option. It has a reliable direct blowback action, offers reasonable accuracy and is affordable.
It can be configured to run different pattern magazines, which is helpful, and is easy to upgrade with components like a better trigger.
These reasons and others make it one of the best values in the PCC market.
Soviet Arms AKV Stizon (Great Buy)
Pros
- Runs and handles well
- Excellent magazine capacity
Cons
- Mags take a long time to load
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 10.5 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Triangular side-folding brace
- Overall Length 27.5 inches
- Weight 5 pounds, 14 ounces
- Price $1,300
Key Features
- Midwest Industries MLOK Handguard
- 55-round helical fed magazine
This fun unit is patterned after the PP-19 Bizon, a Soviet-era submachine gun designed for police and military units tasked with counter-terrorism missions. The goal was to develop a gun that was short, handy and able to deliver a lot of firepower with reasonable accuracy.
The most distinctive feature on the PP-19 is the tubular magazine that sits below the handguard, which holds more than 50 rounds of ammunition. That is what initially drew me to the Soviet Arms “Stizon,” a semi-automatic reproduction sold by PSA. It looked cool, but would it work?
Turns out this thing runs like an ultramarathoner. Once you manage to fill the helical fed magazine (which takes a while, to be fair) the Stizon lets you get after it. Our sample functioned flawlessly with different types of ammunition and was one of the stars of the test.
The handguard on our model prioritizes functionality over history accuracy, with its M-Lok cuts and good ergonomics. If you’re looking for a more faithful reproduction of the PP-19 you can also purchase one with the correct slab-sided handguard too.
Others in the PCC Test
Battle Arms Developments XIPHOS 9 Rifle
Pros
- Excellent handling
- Good workmanship
Cons
- Expensive
- Gassy
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16 inch, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type AR multi position
- Overall Length 36 inches
- Weight 5.95 pounds
- Magazine Type Glock
- Price $1,784
Key Features
- 15-inch free float handguard
- Billet upper and lower
This direct blowback PCC features AR-type controls in an attractively executed package. It is one of the cooler looking guns in the test, though like other direct-blowback actions it kicks a lot of gas back toward the shooter’s face.
The highly-skeletonized handguard keeps its weight down and augments its handling characteristics but still offers a lot of utility with its full-length Picatinny rail up top and M-Lok cuts on the sides.
It takes Glock pattern magazines, has a good trigger, and an ergonomic magazine release paddle.
Century Arms AP5-P
Pros
- Cycles well
- Good value
Cons
- Rough fit and finish
Specs
- Action Delayed Roller Blowback
- Barrel Length 5.8 inch, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 13.7 inches
- Weight 4.6 pounds
- Magazine Type HK MP5
- Price $1,360
Key Features
- MP5 Delayed Roller Blowback clone
- Comes with top mounted Pic rail
This Turkish MP5-K clone has a legit delayed roller blowback design that is fast and smooth cycling.
Does it function at the same level as the HK SP5? No. It operates a bit rougher and doesn’t have the same fit and finish. But it is also a fraction of the price.
We augmented our model with an aftermarket handguard, trigger, and other upgrades — which is one of the primary draws of clones like this. For someone looking to get in the MP5 ecosystem with a gun that can be tinkered with and improved over time this is an ideal choice.
CZ Scorpion 3 Plus Magpul Edition
Pros
- Functions reliably
- Ergonomic stock
Cons
- Unintuitive controls
- Mushy trigger
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16 inch, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Folding, adjustable LOP
- Overall Length 34 inches
- Weight 6.9 pounds
- Magazine Type CZ Scorpion
- Price $1,749
Key Features
- Folding Magpul stock
- Ambi bolt and mag release
The CZ Scorpion elicited strong reactions, both pro and con, from our test squad. It is an iconic military arm, with an impressive pedigree and a unique look, that runs on its own pattern magazine.
It has an interesting and cool aesthetic but is a mixed bag ergonomically. The charging handle on the fore-end feels undersized, it has a long and mushy trigger pull, and the bolt release is oddly placed at the base of the mag well. These aren’t deal-breakers, but the platform does take getting used to.
This model has a rifle-length barrel with a long Picatinny rail on the hanguard, which is useful, and the folding stock with its adjustable length of pull is smartly configured.
Henry Homesteader
Pros
- Old-school aesthetics
- Reliable operation
Cons
- Not easy to accessorize
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16.37 inches, threaded ½-28
- Stock Type Walnut
- Overall Length 35 3/4 inches
- Weight 6 pounds, 10 ounces
- Magazine Type Various
- Price $960
Key Features
- Takes Sig, Smith & Wesson, Glock and Henry magazines
- Effective open sights
This PCC is an oddball in the test, with its wood stock and traditional sporting design. For someone who wants a PCC without the vet-bro vibe, it is a good option.
It has modules that let it take different magazine patterns, comes with good iron sights, and balances nicely in hand. Its direct blowback action is steady and reliable and it is reasonably accurate.
It’s an ideal truck gun and general all-around plinker. You can run it suppressed and it comes with a Picatinny rail for mounting a scope or reflex sight.
This review dives into more detail.
JP GMR-15
Pros
- Light and handy
- Flat shooting
Cons
- Expensive
- Pinned compensator is limiting
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 15 inches, pinned compensator
- Stock Type AR multi position
- Overall Length Varies by model
- Weight Varies by model
- Magazine Type Glock
- Price $1,700
Key Features
JP firearms are known for their light weight, excellent performance, and lofty price tags.
Of the two PCCs in the JP lineup, the GMR-15 is the more attainable, with prices starting at $1,800. It is a direct blowback gun with AR-15 ergonomics and minimalistic hardware to keep the weight down. (The flagship JP-5 is a roller-delayed 9mm that starts at $3,200, and is considered by many the finest competition PCC made.)
Our GMR-15 came with a 15-inch barrel with a pinned compensator to avoid having it fall into the SBR category. While the comp is highly effective — this gun shoots very fast, has next to zero recoil and is a good choice for competition — the fact that it is pinned in place limits this model’s utility.
But if you’re looking for a match-ready PCC that has a crisp single-stage trigger, good accuracy and lovely handling, the JP GMR-15 might be for you.
Kalashnikov USA KP9
Pros
- Great platform to upgrade
- Reliable
Cons
- Only available on used market
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 9.25 inches, various threadings
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 18.5 inches
- Weight 5.7 pounds
- Magazine Type KUSA
- Price $1,200
Key Features
This is a true-to-type semi-auto version of a Vityaz submachine gun with a direct blowback action and AK-style controls. For sub-gun fans it is an appealing and fun platform to play with. We upgraded the handguard on ours to increase its versatility and have had a blast shooting it.
The gun’s a bit gassy but otherwise runs well.
The only drawback is that Kalashnikov USA isn’t in business right now so the only way to pick up a KP9 is on the used gun market.
Kriss Vector SDP Gen 3
Pros
- Flat shooting
- Excellent recoil impulse
Cons
- Awkward controls
Specs
- Action Delayed Blowback
- Barrel Length 5.5 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 15.35 inches
- Weight 5.6 pounds
- Magazine Type Glock
- Price $1,500
Key Features
- Innovative Operating System
The Kriss Vector is among the most distinctive modern-day firearms courtesy of its unique silhouette and operating system. Its futuristic lines make it one of the most popular choices for gamers in first-person shooters. As it turns out, it is also a blast to run in real life.
Contained within the Vector’s chunky profile is an action that takes the rearward recoil force and channels it up and down in a way that counteracts a firearm’s natural muzzle rise. The Kriss’s low bore axis — the barrel is in line with the shooter’s second knuckle on the grip — also improves the PCC’s handling.
We added a brace to our sample that improved the Vector’s manners even further and there’s no denying how fast and flat this PCC shoots.
But some of the controls are a bit odd. It only has a magazine release on one side and manipulating the bolt can be awkward.
MAC 5
Pros
- Inexpensive MP5 clone
Cons
- Only worked with supplied magazines
- Couldn’t get it to run with a brace
Specs
- Action Delayed Roller Blowback
- Barrel Length 8.9 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 17.9 inches
- Weight 5.5 pounds
- Magazine Type HK MP5
- Price $1,329
Key Features
- Includes 2 magazines
- Drum aperture rear sight
This is another Turkish HK MP5 clone that gets a delayed roller blowback into your hands for about half the price of the German original.
It has MP5 type controls and takes HK style magazines, though ours only ran the magazines it shipped with and wouldn’t operate with the actual MP5 magazines we had at the test.
In a similar vein, we weren’t able to get the Mac 5 to run with a MP5 brace from SB Tactical. It caused the action to bind so that it wouldn’t shoot. Some fiddling with files and pliers probably could have gotten it to work, but this demonstrates that the rougher fit and finish of these clones can sometimes exact a price in performance as well.
MAC IX
Pros
- Great value
- Reliable operation
Cons
- Gassy
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 6.5 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type None
- Overall Length 15.97 inches
- Weight 5.1 pounds
- Magazine Type HK MP5
- Price $770
Key Features
- Pic rail brace mount
- Comes with AR detachable BUIS sights
This fun little blaster is a hybrid between MP5 and AR-style PCCs.
The charging handle, grip geometry, and two-position 90-degree safety are AR-inspired, while the magazines — and to a lesser degree the pistol’s silhouette — are MP5 derivatives.
The four-slot Pic rail on the back of the receiver makes mounting a brace a simple affair, and the Pic rail along the top of the Mac IX and the M-Lok slots on the handguard are easy to accessorize.
The direct blowback action is pretty gassy, but our sample was very reliable and we consider it a good value.
Nemo Mongoose
Pros
- Compact and handy
- Mild recoil
- Ergonomic, ambidextrous controls
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires cans with a booster to run suppressed
Specs
- Action Browning Short Recoil
- Barrel Length 5.8 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Folding SB Brace
- Overall Length 14.5 inches folded
- Weight 4 pounds, 3 ounces
- Magazine Type CZ Scorpion
- Price $2,699
Key Features
- Pic rail brace mount
The Mongoose is unique in this field for two reasons. First, it is the most compact PCC in the test. So for those looking for a portable and concealable PDW it is a smart contender. Second, it runs on a Browning short-recoil action — the tilt-barrel system that’s nearly ubiquitous among semi-auto handguns. It’s the only PCC in this field so configured.
Advantages of a short recoil action are simplicity, reliability, and notably less gas directed back toward the shooter. On the downside, running the Mongoose suppressed requires a can with a booster piston.
The quality of this build is high, and it has very good ergonomics, but it is among the more expensive PCCs you can buy. For a deeper dive, check out my full-length review.
Noveske N9
Pros
- Good handling
- Fine workmanship
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type AR multi position
- Overall Length 31.4 inches
- Weight 7 pounds
- Magazine Type Colt
- Price $3,350
Key Features
- Ambidextrous controls
- TriggertechTrigger
This high-end AR-style direct-blowback PCC rifle is at the top of the food chain in terms of price. A base model will set you back $3,150.
The quality of this rifle is evident. The components are all well finished, the controls all operate smoothly, it has a fine trigger, and it is fun to run.
It takes Colt stick mags, which just look super cool, and we dig the octagonal profile of the handguard, which has a Pic rail running along its entire length and M-Lok slots on the other flats.
That said, we don’t think the N9’s positive qualities justify the price. Diehard Noveske fans will certainly disagree, but we think you can get this level of performance without cutting as hefty a check.
PSA AK-V 9MM Moe ALG
Pros
- Easy to accessorize
- Very good handling
Cons
- Ammo sensitive
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 10.5 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Triangular side-folding brace
- Overall Length 29.75 inches
- Weight 6 pounds, 10 ounces
- Magazine Type PSA AKV / CZ Scorpion
- Price $1,199
Key Features
- Bolt lock on last round
- Rated for +P+ 9mm ammo
This AK-V is another PCC inspired by the Vityaz-SN Russian submachine gun, though it incorporates some modern upgrades.
It’s a direct blowback PCC that comes with a triangular folding brace. The safety, charging handle, and takedown are all AK-type controls, while the handguard has a Pic rail and M-Lok slots for adding accessories.
Our sample ran very well, but was a bit ammo sensitive, preferring 115-grain loads.
It takes AK-V magazines that lock the bolt back on the final shot, which we liked. It’s built on a 1mm stamped steel receiver and has a forged trunnion and bolt/bolt carrier.
The version we shot came with a cylindrical flash hider that adds to the gun’s cool looks.
PSA AR-V 16
Pros
- Nice trigger
- Well balanced
- Good value
Cons
- No major drawbacks
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type AR multi position
- Overall Length 31.25 inches
- Weight 6 pounds, 11 ounces
- Magazine Type PSA AKV / CZ Scorpion
- Price $810
Key Features
- Bolt lock on last round
- Full-length Pic rail
This 16-inch PCC is a solid value. PSA configured it with lightweight components, like their own 13.5 inch M-Lok handguard, that make the AR-V handy despite its rifle-length size.
It wears Magpul AR furniture and has a direct-blowback action with an AR-type charging handle.
The long handguard provides good control over the rifle, which helps when running it fast.
The paddle magazine release in front of the trigger guard is ergonomic and allows for quick changes with the AK V Soviet Arms mags this gun takes.
Features like the bolt lock on the last round and the oversized trigger guard that can accommodate gloved hands are nice touches that elevate this above entry-level PCCs.
S&W FPC
Pros
- Affordable
- Reliable operation
Cons
- Significant felt recoil
Specs
- Action Direct Blowback
- Barrel Length 16.25 inches, threaded 1/2-28
- Stock Type Folding, adjustable LOP
- Overall Length 30.4 inches
- Weight 5 pounds
- Magazine Type S&W M&P
- Price $600
Key Features
- Stores extra magazines in stock
- Simple folding mechanism
This is one of the least expensive and funkiest looking PCCs in the test. Its defining feature is the hinge in front of the breech that lets you fold it in half for easy transportation and storage.
The guts of the FPC consist of a direct blowback M&P 9-style action with a buffer tube that contains the charging mechanism and the stock.
It runs on M&P magazines, and the stock has on-board storage for two extra mags so you have plenty of ammo on tap.
The recoil impulse is one of the strongest in the field. You feel it on your face both due to the stock design and the loud spring noise that resonates through the buffer tube with each shot.
The effort required to charge the FPC is another rough-around-the-edges characteristic that we dinged the gun for in terms of performance.
The FPC’s passing resemblance to the British Sten, a cheap-to-make World War 2 era submachine gun, and the Sterling submachine gun (the Sten’s more refined replacement), give it a level of appeal that counters its bare-bones performance.
Final Thoughts on the Best PCCs
While representative, this assemblage of PCCs is far from exhaustive. There are plenty others we could have had in the mix, but due to time, logistics, and general availability, that wasn’t possible.
That said, there’s something here for any PCC fan, whether new to the category or a serious aficionado. The four winners we highlighted are especially worthy of consideration.
Read Next: We Tested More Than 100 Suppressors and Brake Combos for Sound and Recoil
The Ruger PC Charger is an excellent value and is offered in so many configurations that you’ll be sure to find one you like.
For high-end performance at a good price, the LWRC IC-9 was without equal, while the HK SP5 is the hands-down aspirational choice.
Lastly, the Soviet Arms AKV Stizon offers the most bang for the buck in terms of its distinctive design, solid performance, and all around fun-factor.
PCC Test Winners
- LWRC IC-9 (Editor’s Choice)
- H&K SP5 (Editor’s Choice)
- Ruger PC Carbine (Great Buy)
- Soviet Arms AKV “Stizon” (Great Buy)
Other PCCs We Tested
- Battle Arms Developments XIPHOS 9 Rifle
- Century Arms AP5-P
- CZ Scorpion 3 Plus
- Henry Homesteader
- JP GMR-15
- Kalashnikov USA KP9
- Kriss Vector SDP Gen 3
- MAC 5
- MAC IX
- Nemo Mongoose
- Noveske N9
- PSA AK-V 9MM Moe ALG
- PSA AR-V 16
- S&W FPC
The post The Best Pistol Caliber Carbines: We Put the Top 18 PCCs to the Test appeared first on Outdoor Life.