open discussion on rifle caliber pistols

[MyRoad]

I'm curious what people think about rifle caliber pistols, primarily ones like the Kel-Tec PLR-16, Sig 556 pistol, and AR-15 pistols. (I also have a Ruger Charger .22LR, but it seems to be less... interesting).

I'd like to know if you think these guns are useful, are just fun toys, have practical applications, serve any tactical purpose(s)? Do you own one? Would you own one? How would you use it?

As a side note, there seem to be a decent number of people who feel a "gun ban" is somewhere between very possible and very likely, who also feel that these guns would be at or near the top of the list for "first to go." That's just an observation, I'd be curious about your opinions on that too -- and if you did think it would be banned would that make you more likely to purchase one "while you still can"?

 

[Catalina]

Just a very cool piece to have IMHO.

Perfect for car carry during a urban uprising survivalist scenario a la Escape From New York with Snake Pliskin.

I would own one if I had money burning a hole in my pocket.

I think it would be at the very top of the hoplophobes ban forever list.

 

[MyRoad]

Ah ha! There is life here!

After this thread slid into the no-response oblivion, I posted a similar question on a more "edgy" forum. There it kicked around for a while with a handful of people joining in. One person mentioned that he's had some successful coyote hunts with his PLR-16 (speaking to the "useful" question).

I definitely like my PLR-16. It - along with the mandatory digital ear muffs - seems like both a good HD gun, and a good 'urban' defense gun. Whether in the car or a backpack, it is a lot of firepower in a small package. So there are lots of "worst case scenarios" where its attributes could be handy.

The threat of a ban is making me look around for the funds to get the SIG 556 pistol, but I'm not sure if that will happen. Its a lot of money for something with only a marginal practicality, and from the ban perspective, they could simply become illegal to own, leaving me in a hole.

The SIG is twice as heavy and feels substantially larger than the PLR. It also feels "industrial strength" by comparison, making the otherwise fairly rugged PLR feel more like a toy.

To that end, the PLR would be fine for HD, there's no real call for "extreme duty ruggedness" in defending my house from someone who's broken in (I'm sure my G19 is actually more than sufficient). The 556 would be for the Zombies, aliens, and other protracted movie scenarios we might imagine ourselves in.

In case a picture will inspire more responses, here's one to get you thinking:

 

[Pulse]

i was allways under the impression that those Guns only purpose is for a easy SBR(?) Rifle conversion?
i mean, it makes sense, they need no other work then puting a stock on?

you guys and your laws and how you try to ship around them allways crack me up.

 

[MyRoad]

i was allways under the impression that those Guns only purpose is for a easy SBR(?) Rifle conversion?
i mean, it makes sense, they need no other work then puting a stock on?

I think that if I had a SIG 556 I would consider making an SBR out of it (especially with a folder), but the PLR-16 works really well just the way it is, especially shooting it with the single point sling. I see no need to change it, I'm not sure it would be an improvement.

 

[Boba Fett]

I personally like the idea of rifle caliber pistols. Specifically, I want an AMT AutoMag III in 30 Carbine:

 

[Dunkelheit]

I personally like the idea of rifle caliber pistols. Specifically, I want an AMT AutoMag III in 30 Carbine

Same here. I wish i could get one.

 

[Boba Fett]

High Standard is producing the AMT line of pistols now. Give them a little time and they will make the AutoMag III in 30 Carbine available again. They're still backed up filling orders for the military, but they are planning on bringing it back. They are already manufacturing and selling some of the AMT pistols.

But I'm in no hurry; take care of our military first, then tend to the desires of the citizens they protect.

Click on the link to the left that says AMT-Auto Mag
http://www.highstandard.com/

 

[Duke of Doubt]

The AK family, with a folding stock, makes a fair pistol with practice. Two hands are better than one, of course, and shorter mags are better than longer mags for the weight. Still, it's doable with the 30 rounder. I like to sling my SAR-1 sidefolder over my shoulder horizontal on the hip, like an MP40. Alternatively, over the shoulder vertical, muzzle down with a twenty round mag, as it may legally be concealed that way beneath an overcoat in my state and at least three others. I imagine some of the rifle caliber pistols may be carried similarly.