Lightest pistol caliber carbine?

[Elkins45]

Of all the guns I’ve handled I believe the lightest pistol caliber carbine is the KelTec Sub2000, coming in at around four pounds. I think the Marlin Camp Carbine with a Ram Line folding stock is similar, maybe slightly heavier.

On the other end my AR carbine weighs pretty close to 8 pounds by the time I added enough buffer weight to make it safe to fire.

Anybody make a lighter 9mm or 40 carbine?

 

[someguy2800]

I would be very surprised if anything is significantly lighter than the keltec. That thing is about as minimalist as it gets.

 

[tahunua001]

that's probably the only thing that I like about the sub2000. I can tell you what isn't as light, highpoints, taurus, and just right carbines. the taurus is probably the heaviest on the market including the much maligned tub of lard Thompson/Kahr 1927 clones. I seem to recall the Beretta CX4 being quite compact and lightweight, but I don't know exact specifics, last time I shot one was almost a decade ago.

 

[ttarp]

If you can find them, and swallow the $1300 or so price tag, the Hk USC is actually fairly light at around 6lbs despite its looks, but not anywhere near Sub2K light.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

My vote is also for the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 unless you go with a single shot.

 

[22250Rem]

Ruger lists the PC9 I recently purchased as weighing 6.8 pounds if you were wondering about that one. First time I ever held one was when it got handed to me over the counter at the LGS. My first impression was that it's heavier than it looks.

 

[dbmjr1]

The PCC concept is not new. In 1892 JMB designed the most popular one ever made. I have a Model '92 in .32-20, aka .32WCF. I've also got a Colt Police Positive chambered in that caliber. My '92 probably weighs in around seven pounds.

Winchester also introduced the M-1 carbine. Perhaps my favorite PCC. With 20 round magazines available, and 30 round M-2 magazines interchangeable, The M-1 is a force to be reckoned with. At about five pounds, it's very light. My Ruger Blackhawk in .30 Carbine is the perfect compliment to my Carbine.

In more modern firearms, and in the calibers you referenced, you can look at the Glock Carbine Kit that changes your Glock pistol into a carbine. https://glockparts.com/Products.aspx?CAT=3715

The Sub 2K is priced right. They sell well. If you go that route, be sure to get the one that takes Glock mags.

 

[chicharrones]

I seem to recall the Beretta CX4 being quite compact and lightweight, but I don't know exact specifics, last time I shot one was almost a decade ago.

5.7 pounds bare with no magazine, and just under 30" long.

With a full 15 round magazine, simple nylon sling, and a Bushnell TRS-25 on a 1/2" riser, the weight climbs to 6.7 pounds.

 

[KYamateur]

CX4 storm is light and compact. If you are okay with the looks, it’s also a very reliable carbine.

 

[railroader]

I have a keltec 2000 and a PSA 9mm AR. The Keltec weighs alot less and has less recoil than the AR, go figure. Both are very reliable and accuracy is similar. Keltec stock sights kind of suck so I have a old 7moa tasco red dot on it. I can't fold the Keltec all the way up now but it still folds enough to fit in a lap top case. I like it a lot. Mine uses glock 17 mags and I purchased it locally for $350 new last year.

 

[Speedo66]

My 20" Rossi R92 .357 only weighs about 5 lbs. Or are we only talking semi-autos?

 

[Carl N. Brown]

^ I think the opening post was specific to 9mm and .40 S&W.

So far I am agreed on the not lightest PCC. The recent Auto Ordnance M27 series by first Numrich then and now Kahr are intended as civilian legal replicas of the Thompson submachine gun. I do not count them as Pistol Caliber Carbines. Twelve pounds. HUMM. What to call them? Really Heavy Low Powered Rifles? For collector items, not for go-to weapons.

 

[Sistema1927]

I know that it certainly isn't my Ruger PCC, especially as I have it configured. However, I will say that using it is the most fun that you can have with your clothes on.

 

[entropy]

Kel-Tec SUB2000. The Ruger looks like it should weigh what a 10/22 does, but it is much heavier. The Camp Carbine is heavier than the Kel-Tec, but well balanced. The Hi-Point is heavy, and looks heavier than it really is. AR's vary, of course, with barrel length and other variables.

 

[Elkins45]

My 20" Rossi R92 .357 only weighs about 5 lbs. Or are we only talking semi-autos?

Well, I did specify 9mm or 40, but I’m always grateful for good information. Are those guns still available?

One of the advantages of pistol caliber carbines IMO is their ability to use common detachable magazines. You don’t get that with lever guns.

 

[John_R]

How about the Mech-Tech kits?

 

[someguy2800]

My 9mm AR pistol is surprisingly heavy. 10.5” barrel with a kak brace. I think it’s about 7lbs. Doesn’t feel like it but scales don’t lie.

 

[Elkins45]

How about the Mech-Tech kits?

5.3 pounds without the frame.

 

[lemaymiami]

Although there have been handguns chambered for 30 carbine... I'd never consider that round a "pistol cartridge".... Ask anyone that's actually shot 30 carbine in a pistol and listen to what they have to say....

 

[CraigC]

The KelTec is probably the lightest and unusually so. Had one, sold it, kinda wish I'd kept it but might get a new one. The Ruger, Marlin, CZ and Beretta are significantly heavier but fine for what they are. I had a late model Winchester 1892 Trapper .45 that was listed at 4.8lbs.

Although there have been handguns chambered for 30 carbine... I'd never consider that round a "pistol cartridge".... Ask anyone that's actually shot 30 carbine in a pistol and listen to what they have to say....

It has more in common with magnum revolver cartridges than true rifle cartridges. H110/Win296 were developed in the .30Carbine.

 

[jmorris]

On the other end my AR carbine weighs pretty close to 8 pounds by the time I added enough buffer weight to make it safe to fire.

Interesting, what did you have to add and why?

 

[gotboostvr]

My 20" Rossi R92 .357 only weighs about 5 lbs. Or are we only talking semi-autos?

My 16" 44 is under 5lbs. It's unbelievably handy in thick brush.

 

[Speedo66]

Well, I did specify 9mm or 40, but I’m always grateful for good information. Are those guns still available?

One of the advantages of pistol caliber carbines IMO is their ability to use common detachable magazines. You don’t get that with lever guns.

The Rossi's were unavailable for some time, but I just read on another site that new ones are coming out of a new factory, so I expect them to be generally available again soon.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Well, I tried to market a design to established manufacturers that beat the Sub 2000 by 3/4 pound without the use of hideous polymers, but non of those I dealt with were willing to negotiate a reasonable deal, basically wanted my IP for free. I may produce it myself when I finally have the CNC equipment (it took 160 hours to prototype on manual machines), but until then, your lightest option is gonna be the Kel-Tec.

 

[Elkins45]

Interesting, what did you have to add and why?

The gun shipped with a carbine length tube and a solid carbine buffer marked 9mm. I was having badly swollen cases with loads that functioned just fine in my other guns.

I swapped the carbine stock for an A2 rifle stock and completely filled a rifle buffer with lead. That cured the premature opening problem but it’s hardly a handy little carbine now.