The Venerable M1 Carbine
I'll second mljdeckard by suggesting the svelte 'n petite M1 carbine to be included in your list of options.
The obvious advantages include ballistics closer to that of a rifle than a handgun while similar in size, weight and recoil to your typical handgun-cartridge-chambered carbines.
Though spitting smaller 110gr .30 caliber slugs, the significantly superior velocity over pistol-cartridge-chambered carbines allows the performance of a .30 carbine JSP to prove just as effective a man-stopper, if not vastly more so.
BTW, the negative reputation accusing the demure .30 Carbine of being a mediocre performer in the field is largely exaggerated.
Surely such contemptible disregard towards the M1 carbine's ballistics could only be justified if compared against the performance of other long guns. In reality, the carbine's ballistic attributes only dim when pitted against full-power rifle cartridges such as the M1 Garand's powerful .30-06. This ballistic gap closes within spitting distance when compared to intermediate rifle cartridges, such as the AR-15's frequently lauded 5.56x45.
Bottom line, a tiny light-weight carbine that pushes a 110gr FMJ, JSP or JHP to 2000 FPS, developing half a ton of energy at the muzzle, all with recoil similar to carbines chambered in .40S&W or .45acp-chambered carbine is all the convincing I need. Though the ample surplus of cheap 15 and 30 round magazines doesn't hurt any.
Also, if you haven't yet had the opportunity to fire the uber reliable M1 carbine, I'm certain you'll be pleasantly surprised by the carbine's inherent accuracy. The M1 carbine is just at home popping cans and woodchucks at 100+ yards as it is at tearing through assailants and enemy combatants at melee ranges
Having suggested this carbine, it might be a good idea to suggest one from Kahr Arms (or comparatively high quality modern offering) or a GI survivor while avoiding the lesser quality Universals.
This leads me to the only caveat regarding the "Warbaby": you likely won't get it on the cheap. Expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $700 for a nice one. Universals can usually be had for as little as $250. Though typically functional and accurate, they're best avoided, IMO.
To replace the Universal M1 I previously sold, I purchased a newly manufactured Kahr Arms M1 A1 carbine for $645 off AuctionArms.com.
Every time I handle my walnut Kahr M1 carbine (with WWII flat bolt and walnut handguard), I'm quite glad I spent the extra dough for the added quality!
Good luck with your quest.
