Best pistol caliber carbine to replace the Nightstand Gun

[gym]

What is the best pistol caliber carbine to buy for a tactical/plinking/HD weapon?
Something in one of the 3 most common pistol calibers, 9, 40, 45. Or is there something better like in 38/357? Ideally it should be under $500.00 and capable of taking a hi-capacity magazine. I know Keltek, Hi-point and several off brands have emerged over the past year, what's your best pick?
I am thinking that perhaps the "nightstand gun" needs an upgrade without having an AR or AK sitting at the edge of the bed.Lights, lasers, dress it up the way you like, but try for under $500.00.

 

[jim243]

Both Kel-Tec an Hi-Point are the two most mentioned pistol caliber carbines (black rifle types) but there are the lever action rifles as well that come in pistol calibers 38 SPL, 357 Mag, 44 Spl, 44 Mag, 45 colt to mention a few.

You made me laugh when you said to replace your night stand gun, any rilfe will be at least 16 inches long and not fit on the night stand. (LOL) But could be right by the bed.

The only one that I know of that will allow you to use a hi-capacity magazine would be the Hi-Point in 9mm, I believe it uses Glock mags, so a 33 or 40 round glock mag would work. Sorry, but I don't take pistol caliber carbines seriously, very short range 100 yards at the most. The cartrages are just not made for long range since they are mostly fired out of a pistol or revolver.

I would bite the bullet (pun intended) and get a 223 carbine (Kel-Tec SU-16c) for the night stand gun.

http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/rifles/su-16c-2/

Jim

 

[Manny]

My choice would be either 9mm or .357 depending on your choice of action. I'd probably stoke it with light to midweight bullet weights looking for higher velocities and greater expansion. I think your making a good choice for a HD weapon.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I don't think many folks give PCCs their due in proper. While the carbines loaded in .223 are a fine choice (with arguably less penetration than a pistol round), the PCC is maneuverable and light on the shoulder.

My opinion, based on experience with a turd: skip Kel Tec.
Hi Points are amazing; accurate, reliable, cheap. But heavy.

My assessment of the platform is to look into the Just Right Carbine lineup.

 

[TurtlePhish]

I'm not a fan of them, but pistol-caliber ARs are quite highly regarded. I don't know if you'd count that as an "AR sitting at the edge of your bed" as per the OP.

Kel-Tec Sub-2000s aren't bad. One model takes Glock mags, including the 33-rounder.

 

[spence]

Ruger pc9 (9mm), ruger pc4 (40s&w) both take hi-cap ruger pistol mags .They are very robust and reliable carbines. No longer made but still available at around $500. I have the 40cal and i'm very pleased with it. It matchs my 40 sig 226.

 

[Ramone]

you might fit this is a nightstand drawer:


It unfolds to this:



66 rounds of 9mm in one hand. Minimal Muzzle flash and retort. Minimal Recoil. Better accuracy than a pistol. Manageable enough for a child. Reliable. Cheap to buy, cheap to feed.

KelTec SUB2000 in 9mm GLOCK19.

 

[exdetsgt]

Rossi lever action R92 in .357, 20" barrel. Not usually thought of when "bedside" comes to mind, but hey, I used to keep a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 there.

 

[Furncliff]

Hi Point .45acp. mainly because they have a reputation for reliability and the company's no BS guarantee. In 2000 rounds mine has been 99.% reliable. I've shot just about every shape bullet through it, factory and hand loads. It has lots of places to hang lights and lasers from and it's inexpensive. If you just gotta have hi cap mags there is a a simple cheap (under $30) mod that allows you to use 1911 mags. I have one and a hi cap .45acp mag but have not installed it yet. I have no need for hi-cap, but I was curious. I don't particularly like the gun (I'm mostly blued steel and walnut). But it's fun to shoot and it's exceptionally reliable. If ammo cost are a factor (I reload .45acp) the 9mm might be a more cost effective way to go.

If you think a lever action is more to your taste, there's this:

 

[Zebraranger]

I have the Beretta CX4 .40 for my HD carbine. At under 30" long its pretty compact. It uses the same mags as my Beretta 90-two .40 and make for one fun range gun. It has a Vortex StrikeFire Red/Green dot, Houts Enterprises metal side rails and cup, Beretta barrel shroud, dual cocking handles, laser, AVG fore grip and an eye blinding Olight M20X 500 lumens Tac light. They're a little over the $500. budget though.

 

[gotigers]

I have a Moss 500 20" with 6+1 tube for this. I want a AR SBR'd in 9mm or 300blk.

In your budget, i would look at Sub2000, hi point and maybe a CX4. Hi points are good guns, but do not have hi cap magazines. You might be able to find a CX4 in the above post in the $500 area. The CX4 would be avery nice HD gun. No budget left with CX4. A sub2000 has hi cap mags, good reputation, etc.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I have a Moss 500 20" with 6+1 tube for this. I want a AR SBR'd in 9mm or 300blk.

In your budget, i would look at Sub2000, hi point and maybe a CX4. Hi points are good guns, but do not have hi cap magazines. You might be able to find a CX4 in the above post in the $500 area. The CX4 would be avery nice HD gun. No budget left with CX4. A sub2000 has hi cap mags, good reputation, etc.

True, the Hi Point doesn't have hi caps, but if 10+1 in 9mm doesn't get your point across, what will?

Not trusting the KelTec, but that's me. Jammed, often.

CX4s are super nice, accurate, expensive.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

M1 Carbine

 

[bikerdoc]

Ramone in post 7 for the win.

 

[savage1r]

I prefer the kel tec, but the Hi point .45 has possibilities.

 

[pseudonymity]

I have to say, I think that Hi Point has really done something kind of remarkable, it has produced a functional, reliable, inexpensive firearm in a number of easy to obtain calibers and covered it all with excellent customer service.

Now, to a "gun person", the Hi Point is really nothing special at all - blowback action, alloy and soft plastic parts and the sights are generously described as sufficient.

That being said, if you are a person of limited means looking for a reliable HD firearm, the Hi Point could literally be a life saver. Used carbines go for about $250 around here, or about 4 tanks of gas or a week or two of groceries. Since it is a rifle and not a pistol, it is available in some places where pistols would be restricted as well.

As a gun, the Hi Points are functional, but do not stand out in any way. As a HD remedy, I would take a Hi Point over a pointed stick or passionate pleading for mercy any day.

 

[M1key]

Another plug for the Ruger PC9.

Loaded with Federal 115 +P+

M

 

[rodinal220]

I'm kinda partial to my IMI UZI Model B 9mm.Flawless performance.

 

[nipprdog]

My assessment of the platform is to look into the Just Right Carbine lineup.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Sorry, but I don't take pistol caliber carbines seriously, very short range 100 yards at the most. The cartrages are just not made for long range since they are mostly fired out of a pistol or revolver.

Must have very long hallways in your home if you're worried about distance for a Home Defense carbine.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I agree with Cyclop about the M1 carbine. Not sure you could get one for $500, but they are just wonderful. I also own the Glock compatible Kel-tec Sub2000 and would feel pretty safe with 33 rounds of a good 9mm in it. Heck, I'd feel pretty good with 33 rounds of a bad 9mm with it.

That being said, a 45 caliber carbine is mighty enticing.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Nice rig. That'd do for me.

 

[kimbershot]

awaiting on delivery of my new uzi 45acp vector. gonna make it an sbr,

 

[splithoof]

Too bad that Ruger no longer produces the 9mm & .40 carbines. Any thoughts as to why they are no longer produced?

 

[19-3Ben]

IIRC, the "PC" name stands for "police carbine." They were introduced in the 90s just as law enforcement was abandoning pistol caliber carbines in favor of short rifle cartridge carbines, namely the M4. Ruger just missed the boat by a few years, so sales were unimpressive.

I wonder what would happen if the reintroduced a lighter and more up-to-date model in the future designed to cater to the civvy market.