Onesiphorus
Member
I'm in the market for a 9mm carbine. My budget is $450 or less. Please give me your experienced recommendations.
9mm carbine recommendation
- Thread starter Onesiphorus
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Clean, used (or new) Ruger PC9. Good trigger, 20-round Mecgars, scope or red dot, you're in business. Recommend Win 147hp Personal Defense or Win 147 Ranger T (Black Talon) hollowpoints.
Forget the cheesy Keltec. Owned one. Can't recommend the Hi-point either, if your life depends on it.
Forget the cheesy Keltec. Owned one. Can't recommend the Hi-point either, if your life depends on it.
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I like my cheesy Kel-Tec Sub2000. It isn't very pretty but I think folding in half makes up for that! I haven't had any problems with mine, probably about 400 or so rounds through it. I have more fun shooting that gun than anything else right now, especially with the Glock 33rd magazines. Even better if you have a Glock to go with it.
M1key - What problems did you have with the High Point 9mm carbine that High Point didn't fix/was unable to fix? How many rounds thru it? Just wondering why you wouldn't trust your life to one. The only limitations to my HP 9mm and .40 carbines is the 10 round mags. If you can't stop a BG with 10 rounds, well, that ain't the guns fault.
matai
Member
For under $400 I'd get a Hi-Point, I had one and they're loads of fun. The new stock looks pretty cool too.
No experience with the Hi-Point, other than holding one.
If the OP wants a 9mm carbine (I assume self-defense) for $450 or less that limits his options. There are higher-end ones coming on the market, but with that price limit...
Ruger designed the PC-9 and PC40 as LE duty carbines. Much more robust and reliable than either of the afore mentioned ones, IMO, and takes Mecgar or Ruger steel hi-cap mags. I have never seen Hi-Point double-stack high capacity mags, so I would rule them out for serious SD.
If a fun, inexpensive plinker is what you want, go Keltec or Hi-Point. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are armed with a quality, defensive weapon. How much is your life worth?
If the OP wants a 9mm carbine (I assume self-defense) for $450 or less that limits his options. There are higher-end ones coming on the market, but with that price limit...
Ruger designed the PC-9 and PC40 as LE duty carbines. Much more robust and reliable than either of the afore mentioned ones, IMO, and takes Mecgar or Ruger steel hi-cap mags. I have never seen Hi-Point double-stack high capacity mags, so I would rule them out for serious SD.
If a fun, inexpensive plinker is what you want, go Keltec or Hi-Point. Just don't kid yourself into thinking you are armed with a quality, defensive weapon. How much is your life worth?
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bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
WHY?
Oh,I see!
Rondog and I like them. yep, ugly, inexpensive, reliable, weapons, that go bang every time you pull the trigger.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
I have a Marlin Camp 9mm, like it. uses the 5906 mags also. accurate with the red dot sight.
one of my nephews has the Kel-Tec that takes the 5906 mags and he really likes it. it is rated for (actually the owners manual recommends) +P ammo. the sights aren't much but still shoots good and there is a company makes all sorts of accesorrys for it. it's his BOB rifle to go along with his S&W 9mm.
awhile back at the range a fella had a HiPoint, just bought and he ran several boxes of ammo through it no problems that I saw. somewheres there is a 15 round mag made to fit it's a single stack.
one of my nephews has the Kel-Tec that takes the 5906 mags and he really likes it. it is rated for (actually the owners manual recommends) +P ammo. the sights aren't much but still shoots good and there is a company makes all sorts of accesorrys for it. it's his BOB rifle to go along with his S&W 9mm.
awhile back at the range a fella had a HiPoint, just bought and he ran several boxes of ammo through it no problems that I saw. somewheres there is a 15 round mag made to fit it's a single stack.
The Sarge
Member
I have numerous "Black Rifles" and have owned both a Hi Point Carbine and a Kel Tec. I'll never understand folks "hate" on these budget guns.....
The Hi Point was an excellent little shooter. I put a red dot/laser on it and everybody loved to "borrow" that gun. I had one bad magazine and Hi Point sent me 2 free ones....I bet 5000 rounds was shot out of that thing this past summer down by the river....the kids/son in laws/grandkids loved it......
I gave it to my oldest daughters husband and he uses it as his truck gun.....I would buy another in a minute.
The Kel Tec required some minor tweaking to get it to run right....magazine adjustments mainly....but she also is a reliable gun after 4-500 rounds.
Between the two I would buy a HiPoint again....with confidence.
The Hi Point was an excellent little shooter. I put a red dot/laser on it and everybody loved to "borrow" that gun. I had one bad magazine and Hi Point sent me 2 free ones....I bet 5000 rounds was shot out of that thing this past summer down by the river....the kids/son in laws/grandkids loved it......
I gave it to my oldest daughters husband and he uses it as his truck gun.....I would buy another in a minute.
The Kel Tec required some minor tweaking to get it to run right....magazine adjustments mainly....but she also is a reliable gun after 4-500 rounds.
Between the two I would buy a HiPoint again....with confidence.
jobu07
Contributing Member
I have a Ruger PC9 myself which has always been a superb 9mm carbine. Very accurate and all 10, 15, and 30 mags I have for perform flawlessly. Although you need Ruger rings, I believe, if you want to put a reddot or other optic on it. However, it is a very rugged rifle that you could use as a chockblock for your truck if you like and then dump every mag you had loaded at your target with no issues. This rifle is no longer produced, though, so bear that in mind.
I have no experience with the Marlin Camp 9 or Kel-Tec but i've heard the stocks can crack on the Marlin. I've also heard they are great rifles and very accurate. The Kel-Tec has the added ability to fold in half if storage is a concern. I believe the Marlin has high cap mags available and I know the Kel-Tec will take readily available Glock hi-cap magazines. Putting optics on either of these is fairly straight forward as I understand. You just put the rail on. I believe the Marlin is no longer in production either, although the Kel-Tecs are flowing off the assembly lines.
The Hi-Point is a very economical choice. In fact they now produce a "Tactical" version with some built in rails. Not a bad rifle. I've handled the original and new version and fired both. Very accurate and rugged as well. Although, only 10 round magazines are available that function reliably. If mag capacity is an issue for you, bear this in mind. You can also mount a red dot on this with little to no issues if you so chose.
I don't think you could go wrong with any of the aforementioned weapons. All are great for the money. If you had some big bucks you were willing to part with you could pick up one of the new GSG imported HK94 "clones" or purchase an existing HK94 that is on the market. They cost a lot and don't do anythign any better than the other options but look cool and perform very well. If you go this route, steer clear of anything that says Hesse, Vulcan, or Bobcat.
With the exception of an HK94 style weapon, you should be able to get a Kel-Tec or Hi-Point way below your budget with money left over for ammo, accessories, and training. If you do your homework and shop frugally you may be able to find a Ruger or Marlin at your budget. Again, I believe niether one is produced anymore so prices have started to reflect that.
I have no experience with the Marlin Camp 9 or Kel-Tec but i've heard the stocks can crack on the Marlin. I've also heard they are great rifles and very accurate. The Kel-Tec has the added ability to fold in half if storage is a concern. I believe the Marlin has high cap mags available and I know the Kel-Tec will take readily available Glock hi-cap magazines. Putting optics on either of these is fairly straight forward as I understand. You just put the rail on. I believe the Marlin is no longer in production either, although the Kel-Tecs are flowing off the assembly lines.
The Hi-Point is a very economical choice. In fact they now produce a "Tactical" version with some built in rails. Not a bad rifle. I've handled the original and new version and fired both. Very accurate and rugged as well. Although, only 10 round magazines are available that function reliably. If mag capacity is an issue for you, bear this in mind. You can also mount a red dot on this with little to no issues if you so chose.
I don't think you could go wrong with any of the aforementioned weapons. All are great for the money. If you had some big bucks you were willing to part with you could pick up one of the new GSG imported HK94 "clones" or purchase an existing HK94 that is on the market. They cost a lot and don't do anythign any better than the other options but look cool and perform very well. If you go this route, steer clear of anything that says Hesse, Vulcan, or Bobcat.
With the exception of an HK94 style weapon, you should be able to get a Kel-Tec or Hi-Point way below your budget with money left over for ammo, accessories, and training. If you do your homework and shop frugally you may be able to find a Ruger or Marlin at your budget. Again, I believe niether one is produced anymore so prices have started to reflect that.
rangerruck
Member
beretta cx-4; best on the market. All ambidextrous controls...
X-Rap
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If Hi-point would have made their guns to take popular double stack mags their praises would be sung to no end. As it is they are really reduced to what some call a fun plinker.
If I could find Ruger Carbines at a decent price I would probably have one but they are quite inflated.
For me the appeal in the Kel Tec is the magazine compatibility with the Glocks, that was a brilliant call from somebody. They are quite reliable and the folded lenght of 16" in a place that doesn't allow handguns makes it the next best thing.
If I could find Ruger Carbines at a decent price I would probably have one but they are quite inflated.
For me the appeal in the Kel Tec is the magazine compatibility with the Glocks, that was a brilliant call from somebody. They are quite reliable and the folded lenght of 16" in a place that doesn't allow handguns makes it the next best thing.
I picked up a Ruger PC4 last year for 380$ I like it! Oh, but now I have a PC4so I'd better get a P94! They take the same mags after all. It has turned out to be a very good combo and I like shooting them both. One thing you should know is that the PC4 does NOT like aluminum cased Blazers. Got separation after separation shooting aluminum. Got reports from other shooters that their carbines didn't like aluminum either. Since I reload, I don't shoot aluminum ammo anyway, so it was a one time issue for me.
I haven't shot a Marlin, but if I was a S&W guy, that's what I'd get.
I haven't shot a Marlin, but if I was a S&W guy, that's what I'd get.
briansmithwins
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I owned a PC9. The trigger was Heavy with a capital HEAV.
I had friends shoot it: While pulling back on the trigger he asked me if the safety was on, I said 'No, that's the trigger.'
The carbine has the limitations that the trigger mechanism is built into the stock so the stock can't be easily changed. The PC9 also requires screws to be removed for field stripping, which is a feature that has never endeared itself to me.
I sold mine for a profit and bought a semi-auto Uzi, which I liked do much I got it SBRed.
There is a company (name escapes me) that's making MAC10/11 clones. Those were going for around $300 as I recall. Some guys I shoot with have them (both the 9mmP and .45 ACP versions) and they seemed to function okay. They use either STEN gun mags (9mmP) or M3 Grease gun mags (.45 ACP) which are cheap. BSW
I had friends shoot it: While pulling back on the trigger he asked me if the safety was on, I said 'No, that's the trigger.'
The carbine has the limitations that the trigger mechanism is built into the stock so the stock can't be easily changed. The PC9 also requires screws to be removed for field stripping, which is a feature that has never endeared itself to me.
I sold mine for a profit and bought a semi-auto Uzi, which I liked do much I got it SBRed.
There is a company (name escapes me) that's making MAC10/11 clones. Those were going for around $300 as I recall. Some guys I shoot with have them (both the 9mmP and .45 ACP versions) and they seemed to function okay. They use either STEN gun mags (9mmP) or M3 Grease gun mags (.45 ACP) which are cheap. BSW
As an instructor, I take any recommendations I make on the internet a little more seriously than many who just want to justify and defend their latest gun purchase.
The OP had $450 to spend. Why not help him get the MOST for his money?
I have a few friends that own the Hi-Point, and they like them. Don't care for the thin sheet metal single-stack mags, and the overall cheap quality. If you don't care about quality, and are willing to trust your life to a $100 rifle with a handful of rounds in a flimsy magazine...go for it.
Keltecs? Well, I would rather have one than any Hi-Point. But, I could never get a good cheek weld and still align the sights without laying my head to side in a very awkward position.
The PC9 and PC40 were designed for LE duty use. Can't say that about either of the others. My Ruger happens to have a very good trigger, with a crisp letoff. Not heavy at all. It is a little different than other carbines I own. So what. Learn to use it well.
The carbine is accurate, reliable, good sights, points well, uses quality, steel, high-capacity mags (Mecgar), and easily mounts an optic with Ruger's excellent proprietary ring system. My PC9/4x scope will put 5 rounds into 1" at 50 yards, minute-of-eyeball, with Winchester 147 HPs.
BTW, I have owned the Cobray M11/9s before and cannot recommend them either. The "c"-clips that hold the trigger crosspins have a bad habit of popping off and causing malfunctions under any kind of heavy use.
Good Luck.
The OP had $450 to spend. Why not help him get the MOST for his money?
I have a few friends that own the Hi-Point, and they like them. Don't care for the thin sheet metal single-stack mags, and the overall cheap quality. If you don't care about quality, and are willing to trust your life to a $100 rifle with a handful of rounds in a flimsy magazine...go for it.
Keltecs? Well, I would rather have one than any Hi-Point. But, I could never get a good cheek weld and still align the sights without laying my head to side in a very awkward position.
The PC9 and PC40 were designed for LE duty use. Can't say that about either of the others. My Ruger happens to have a very good trigger, with a crisp letoff. Not heavy at all. It is a little different than other carbines I own. So what. Learn to use it well.
The carbine is accurate, reliable, good sights, points well, uses quality, steel, high-capacity mags (Mecgar), and easily mounts an optic with Ruger's excellent proprietary ring system. My PC9/4x scope will put 5 rounds into 1" at 50 yards, minute-of-eyeball, with Winchester 147 HPs.
BTW, I have owned the Cobray M11/9s before and cannot recommend them either. The "c"-clips that hold the trigger crosspins have a bad habit of popping off and causing malfunctions under any kind of heavy use.
Good Luck.
briansmithwins
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classicarms.us has the Cobray 'rifle' and 'pistol' for around $300.
BSW
BSW
TonyDedo
Member
My girlfriend has a Beretta Storm and LOVES it. It's very reliable, the ergonomics are excellent, and everyone who shoots it is impressed with the accuracy. Market price is a little more than $450, but we were able to find our for $425 (even included a couple mags, a barrel shroud and some other bolt-on accessories).
If the OP already has an AR, you can consider a 9mm upper. Again, you might pay a few dollars over $450, but it's a great platform and high cap Uzi mags are easy to find.
If the OP already has an AR, you can consider a 9mm upper. Again, you might pay a few dollars over $450, but it's a great platform and high cap Uzi mags are easy to find.
jobu07
Contributing Member
Some years ago when I bought mine it cost me $350 purchased from another member at THR. I like it so much that when I bought my first .40 S&W pistol I decided I needed a carbine to go with it - last month I picked up a PC40 for $500 OTD. A little above the price range but a great value and very rugged. The deals are out there if you are patient.
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richard597
Member
I own and shoot both the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 and the Hi-Point. Neither has failed to fire after about 500 rounds through each. Neither is accurate at long distance, but neither am I.
Both are fun to shoot and I am not ashamed to carry either one to the range.
Your mileage may vary.
Both are fun to shoot and I am not ashamed to carry either one to the range.
Your mileage may vary.
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