Carbines again

[Bob Thompson]

I have been considering getting a sub caliber carbine and looking for M-1s but also looking at other options. HKs semi-autos too expensive and hard to get. Has anybody seen or tried out Rugers PC-9 or PC-4 or Marlins Model 9 or 45. Guntest Magazine did a test in '97 and liked both but I would like first hand experience on either. What about any others I have overlooked? Also is most of the.30 carbine ammo on the market reloadable? This ammo seems to be drying up. Thanks much, Bob

 

[Arizona Eric]

I would get a good, solid GI carbine. Everyone bags on the .30 carbine round, but it is a true rifle round even if it is on the light side, and as such it has better penetration than any pistol round. Get some GI ammo for practice/plinking if you can find it, only 15-round mags, no 30's, and Silvertips rather than ball for serious business. I would feel pretty well armed with such a setup. I would take that over the Marlin (reliability, power) and the Ruger, which is too expensive.