Pistol Caliber Carbine Dilemma

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PFCLEE11B

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Ok have run into my usual indecision problem. Been wanting a lighter PCC than my current Vector Arms Uzi, been looking at MP5 clones in 9mm as I have a lot of 9mm and it would be easier than getting into a new caliber. Then there is the FNH PS90, like the 50rd magazines, bullpup design makes it really compact, it is ambi which is important as I am a left. USC to UMP, it is .45ACP but H&K just discontinued so it has gone up in price. Lastly is my nostalgic piece, the Auto Ordanance Thompson in .45 ACP does not seem very practical but the rifle did survive our greatest war.

I am looking as I am looking for another SHTF rifle that myself and my wife could carry. Something that is reliable enough to be used in SHTF and range toy.

Let me know what y'all would prefer, or if I am just off my rocker or you have any other ideas...
 
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9mm ARs are pretty sweet, might fit what you are looking for. Your uzi mags could also be converted to work in it. I built mine for around $650.

9mm_AR_1.jpg
 
I'd recommend a Suomi over the Thompson; better gun all around. I'd also suggest a Beretta CX4 over stuff like the USC (or whatever it's called). If you're willing to pay for H&K level stuff, consider waiting for the SIG MPX to come around. The PS90 is fantastic by all accounts, but make sure it's what you are actually looking for. 9mm ARs work as well as anything but just look...wrong :D

If your Vektor is a 45acp, you won't find many other platforms in that caliber to be much lighter (the CX4 probably is, but only because of the amount of plastic which leaves them slightly less durable than the Izzy tank) since all require about the same bolt mass. The USC uses a roller delay if I'm not mistaken, so it probably gets away with being a bit lighter if the frame isn't heavy.

TCB
 
Shot the beretta and the Suomi and not huge fans. The KRISS is NOT left friendly shot that as well.
 
9mm

Lone wolf makes a 9 mm upper and lower. But what is a huge plus for me is the lower is designed to operate with readily available glock mags. I'm going to get one when I have the chance. You may also consider finding a used ruger pc9 . Also a very nice pcc.
 
Well to start with the Thompson is not lighter than anything, short of a Ma Deuce. But they are historic, the ones I have tried seemed reliable.

The HK is a fine PCC, probably the most reliable in the market, and mine is extremely accurate, I also just got a couple of aftermarket 20 round mags that actually work.

I wanted a PS90 but they didn't feel as good in hand as they looked for me, so I got an AR57 upper which works very well.
 
Well to start with the Thompson is not lighter than anything, short of a Ma Deuce.
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I'd have a hard time with a semi-auto pistol caliber rifle that weighs something like 12#.

If nobody has mentioned it, have you looked at the shoulder stock/barrel extension thing that came out for Glocks?? I'm kinda interested in getting one for my G20. It would make a REAL handy rifle. Light. And a 10mm out of a longer barrel should be pretty powerful. Could go right back to being a pistol.
 
redneck2 said:
I'd have a hard time with a semi-auto pistol caliber rifle that weighs something like 12#.

If nobody has mentioned it, have you looked at the shoulder stock/barrel extension thing that came out for Glocks?? I'm kinda interested in getting one for my G20. It would make a REAL handy rifle. Light. And a 10mm out of a longer barrel should be pretty powerful. Could go right back to being a pistol.
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You're thinking of the MechTech carving uppers for Glocks and 1911s.

If you already own either of those, that's a good choice Redneck.

I'd sell my last pair of shoes for one for a G20...and a G20
 
Neither the Thompson nor the Suomi will be lighter than your Uzi. The Suomi is lefty friendly, however.
 
Just a note. If you ever think you may use it for Pistol Caliber Carbine competitions and the targets are steel plates, then you're very likely to find that the 5.7 round is not allowed.

I have a friend that has a AR57 upper and I love it and it was my first choice for a pistol carbine until I discovered I couldn't use it at PCC shoots.
 
Another vote for the ruger pc9 . they are built to last, and are very reliable. you can pick up one for 500 to 600 hundred.
 
Ok I am now thinking...

1. Tavor at the high end price wise, but I am a lefty so would have to send it in to get the switch but I could get the 9mm conversion when it comes out.

2. Mini Vector Uzi. Already have full size uzi and find it just a bit big so the mini makes sense plus I already have the 9mm and magazines, just need to get the burris top cover and side charging handle.

3. FN PS90. It is completely ambi, as I am a lefty that is very important to me. The magazines are 50rds inside. The caliber debate is settled in my head so no need to start that conversation.
 
The suggested operating environment implies that a pistol caliber carbine may not be the better choice, compared to just using a M4 type AR in an issue caliber. Just sticking to the ballistics of pistol vs rifle cartridge shows that in a hostile situation you are better off with rifle cartridges - more power, flatter trajectory. That alone is why the pistol caliber carbine is a sideshow in military arms usually issued in very small quantities for personal defense. And in that role, the Saudis are buying 10" barreled 6.8SPC's to protect their Royals, just to point out where the leading edge of that application exists today.
 
if you have a Glock or 1911 you could get a Mech Tech CCU which converts either to a carbine without having to buy another gun. They are accurate and fun to shoot.
 
Well, TenMM has the lyrics from Hatikvah (the Israeli national anthem) in his sig line, so you know he wants you to use the Uzi!:p

Here's a silly question. There's been a lot of discussion in this thread about semi-auto PCCs. You don't happen to have a revolver in .357mag or .44mag do you? If so, lever guns make some darned fine PCCs and the extra barrel length is going to do A LOT more for a .357mag than it will for a 9mm.
You're talking about getting 2000fps for a 158gr bullet in the lever guns.
You mentioned SHTF. We don't discuss those things here in THR. I will say though, that even in regular every day usage, it gives me the warm-fuzzies to know that the same round I can use in a pocket pistol can also be used to take down a deer at 75yards. Just needs the appropriate launching platform.
 
The MPX does interest me but $2000 is a little stiff for a pcc. Now reason y I would spend almost $3000 for USC/UMP is because it is .45 acp and that just ups cool factor
 
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