Pistol Caliber Rifles

I also like the concept. I have an AR15 and SR9C. I also have a enfield converted to 45ACP(work in progress, kit I used sucks) an XDM45 compact. I used to have a marlin levergun in 44 mag but decided my fam damily liked it more than I did so rather than get a revolver to match I sold it to my BIL. I guess if you really want to nit pick I also have a 22/45 and 10/22 combo.

my brother also has a ruger 357/77 and SP101 combo that he raves over.
 
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Right now I own three pistol caliber carbines.

Kel-Tec SUB2000 in .40S&W / GLOCK 22 mag
Marling 1894 CSS in .357 Magnum
Henry .22 Lever Action Rifle

The Kel-Tec is paired with my GLOCK 22 and 24. The Marlin is paired with my S&W 686 Classic Hunter and Ruger New Model Vaqeuro. Lastly the Henry is paired with a Ruger Single Six.

All are good combos and would all be good for self defense if needed. I look at firearms as tools and they all do different jobs.
 
I have a Rossi Circuit Judge in .45 Colt/.410, but I do not have a .45 Colt handgun. My dream one day is a 45-70 BFR to go with my NEF 45-70. I'd kill for a S&W in .50 AE and a lever action rifle in .50AE but I don't have $3000 laying around for a rifle.
 
I've always wanted a 357 lever gun. A 357 magnum from an 18.5" barrel is nipping at the heels of the 7.62x39 from an AK. That's pretty darn impressive IMO.
 
I have a Henry to go with my Vaquero because it's a cowboy thing. However, I seen no real use for other pistol caliber carbines. If I am going to carry a rifle/carbine it will be in a caliber with better stopping power.
 
I've had several pistol caliber carbines over time, the ones I have now won't take the same loads that my pistols like without work (OAL and bullet nose profile issues), not sure if they will at that point. I rarely ever shoot them, and never carry them. It's the same as several other mentioned, if I grab a rifle, I want the range or power a rifle represents. Even a 30-30 has a flatter practical trajectory than any of the pistol rounds in a carbine (sight in 2 1/2" high @ 100 and see the difference @ 200). Whatever I can do with a pistol caliber carbine in my neighborhood, I can do at much farther range with a 348, 30-06, 35 Whelen or 338, and I also prefer the 45-70 to pistol caliber rounds in a carbine. Places with thick woods may not be so much of a difference as regards range, or places without the larger critters with sharp edges may not need the power difference. I can see the appeal to them, for several reasons, the common ammo could be nice, and pistol calibered carbines are generally lighter, but for my uses the rifle calibers are more practical.
 
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When it comes to PCC (pistol caliber carbines) I don't know anyone that purchased one for hunting (maybe a 44 Mag lever action). It comes down to fun and cheapness in the purchase of ammo.

To make a long story short, I sold off all my 40 S&W pistols and was sitting there with a ton of reloads, yes a ton. So what does one do? (Yes I know send it to you, LOL),

Well this one is a barrel of monkeys to shoot and a hell of a lot better than trying to use the same ammo in a pistol. (standard range with it 50 yards)

Jim

Hi-Point 4095 TS with red dot and light/laser.

 
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^^^^^ LOL, I like that.

The deformed brass says it all...
Click to expand...

You have to stop using under powered reloads in that rifle, the reason those cases are all blackened is because they are under charged, by the looks of it you were trying to use light charged lead bullets There is nothing wrong with the Kel-Tec, it is the ammo you are using.

These are "blow back" operating systems in these rifles just like the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun. Your round needs to expel the bullet down the barrel and then push back the bolt held in place by a strong spring to eject the case. By using oversize lead bullets (452) with a light charge of powder, you are causing your own problems. (that's how I see it.)

Jim
 
I don't know how effective a pistol caliber rifle is but the Turks killed thousands and thousands of Russians with '66 Winchesters. But the only reason they won was unlimited manpower, they could adsorb a 100 to 1 casualty rate.
 
I can see hunting with one, like a .357 or 44 mag. In fact I do on occassion hunt with my 45 Colt Rossi. I look at it like bow hunting, just a way to make hunting more challenging.
 
pistol calibre carbines are cool.

I think PCCs are very practical and cool. I currently have a 1911 and a HiPoint 45 carbine w/ red dot sight. I shoot 230gr JHPs in the 1911 and 230gr +P+ FMJs in the HiPoint. I figure the pistol is for up close work and the carbine is good out to 100yds but zeroed at 50. If the threat is more than 100yds from me I'm going to do my best to increase that distance as rapidly as possible.
Yes I'm keeping track of two ammos but able to use either load in either gun and in a SHTF scenario that could make the critical difference.
I would love to get a SA revolver and a lever gun in 45C for when Im feeling nostalgic as the performance of my load choices would nearly duplicate what I'm running in more modern equipment. I wont be locked into sub 100yds engagements though in case your worried I keep a couple AKs and a PTR91 (.308) around just in case I need to convert cover into concealment or take a long range shot but in all reality I'm more likely to rely on distance and maneuverability to keep my family safe rather than try to slug it out with unknown forces at ranges of 1/4 mile plus.
So within my envelope of strategy and proficiency a PCC is indeed practical and COOL!
 
I have 2 Ruger super blacks and super red hawk in .44 mag. Combined with my old 94 win in. 44 mag you're doing pretty good on firepower. Now if I can just get a pair of desert eagles and turn one into a carbine:cool:


Boomer
 
I have a Ballard rifled Marlin 1894 in 357 mag. It handles all 357 and most 38 special it will not feed wadcutters. I have no illusions about SHTF scenarios, but it is an excellent carbine.
It is legally acceptable in the lunatic legal environment in which I live. It is the only carbine my wife will shoot. This last advantage trumps all others. I doubt that I would sport hunt with it. With good ammo it's adequate for small to medium game where I live. The 357 gains about 300 fps when fired In a carbine. It's outstanding in the role of defense.
 
I have pairs in .22, .357, 44 mag and 45 Colt. They are not only fun to shoot but the rifles in those calibers have proven very effective on small to medium sized game like Texas whitetails. The 44 mag has taken Wyoming mule deer and several varmints of various species in both handgun and rifle.

I suppose the idea of one caliber for all your carry guns is a little outdated, but that does not take away from the fun aspect or the self defense capabilities. Matching calibers to rifles and handguns may not be my "go to" choice when SHTF but it wouldn't be a bad choice. Besides, during this ammo shortage, I have been able to add to my 45 Colt and 44 mag options when the .308, .223 and 9mm were nowhere to be found.
 
I use my pcc's for fun and comparing loads with common caliber handguns. I've a 9mm Hi Point and a few 9mm autos, and a Beretta CX-4 and a mess of 45 autos. Other than a couple of rabbit hunting outings, they don't get used as much as I envisioned. I thought they would be more practical, but most of my 45's hold more rounds than the eight in the CX4. Nice looking and accurate, but could sure benefit from a 20 round mag.
 
The cool factors is quite high in the rifle / revolver combination, but which weapon do you reload for?
 
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Just picked up a Rossi 92 to go with my Super Blackhawk. Unfortunately my Elmer Kieth and gas checked SWC bullets are too long to function in the Rossi. Hornady XTPs however, feed very nice. At least I can shoot them in the wheel gun.

Thinking about trading my 336 30-30 for a Rossi or Marlin in 357 to go with my GP100.
 
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