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6 Best Competition-Ready Pistol-Caliber Carbines

3. Faxon Bantom 16 Inch PCC in Desert
We take a look at some of the best competition ready pistol caliber carbines on the market. From Sig to Ruger, come see what we rounded up!
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    Are you ready to get into competitive pistol-caliber carbine shooting? Congrats! There’s probably no quicker way to learn new skills and develop as a shooter.

    You’re going to need the right gear, though, and it helps to have a PCC that’s ready to rock out of the box. But how do you know which competition-ready PCC to buy?

    Together, the Pew Pew Tactical crew has countless hours of range time with all kinds of PCCs, and several competitions under our belt. We rounded up some of our favorites, with detailed pros, cons, specs, and shooting impressions so you can make an informed decision.

    Let’s go see what they’re all about!

    THE QUICK LIST

    Table of Contents

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    Competition-Ready PCC Comparison Chart

    CaliberOperating SystemCapacityMagazinesWeightPrice
    JP Enterprises GMR-15 Match PCC9mmStraight blowbackMagazine-dependentGlock6.9 lbs$1,842
    CMMG Mk9 Resolute 3009mmRadial delayed blowbackMagazine-dependentColt, Glock6.5 lbs$1,550
    CZ-USA Scorpion Evo 3 S19mmStraight blowbackMagazine-dependentScorpion6.9 lbs$1,199
    Ruger PC-9 Carbine9mmDead Blow17+1Ruger, Glock7.3 lbs$599
    Sig Sauer MPX PCC 9mmGas piston35+1MPX6.6 lbs$1,999
    Daniel Defense PCC 9169mmStraight blowbackMagazine-dependentScorpion7.1 lbs$1,949

    How We Tested the Best Competition-Ready PCCs

    For this article, we gathered a bunch of competition PCCs we’ve personally shot, reviewed, owned, or seen in competition. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.

    20. Faxon Bantam PCC Desert Profile View 2
    Getting down with the Faxon Bantam PCC.

    For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.

    Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.

    Best Competition-Ready PCCs

    1. JP Enterprises GMR-15 Match PCC – Best Overall

    Best Overall
    $1,842
    at MidwayUSA

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Custom or off-the-shelf options
    • Silent buffer system
    • 14.5-inch barrel with a pinned and welded compensator

    Cons

    • Any muzzle device must be pinned and welded

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Straight blowback
    • Capacity: Magazine-dependent
    • Magazines: Glock
    • Weight: 6.9 lbs

    The JP Enterprises GMR-15 is the most popular out-of-the-box choice for USPSA PCC shooters, and for good reason. 

    JP Enterprises GMR-15
    JP Enterprises GMR-15

    JP Enterprises will build a custom GMR-15 for you, or you can order one off the shelf. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

    A PCC, by definition, meets the ATF’s 16-inch barrel requirement. By pinning and welding the three-port compensator to the barrel, JP Enterprises is able to sell this PCC with a 14.5-inch barrel. The result is a complete package that’s a few inches smaller than a standard PCC with a muzzle device, giving you a competitive edge in terms of agility.

    This PCC takes Glock 17 magazines and features a last-round bolt hold open, an extended magazine release, and a flared magazine well. It also has dual charging handles: a standard top-mounted AR-15 charging handle and a left-side charging handle.

    JP Enterprises GMR-15 builds
    Sexy, right?

    The GMR-15 uses a JP Enterprises Captured Silent Spring buffer assembly. This system is tunable and eliminates the annoying buffer spring noise associated with AR-15s.

    Other features include the 12.5-inch MK III modular handguard, a Radian Raptor-LT charging handle, and Hogue grip and stock. The GMR-15 has a curved trigger with a 3- to 3.5-pound pull weight.

    2. Daniel Defense PCC 916 – Best All-Purpose PCC

    Best All-Purpose PCC
    $1,949
    at MidwayUSA

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Very accurate
    • Reliable
    • Great ergonomics
    • Shoft-shooting

    Cons

    • Expensive

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Straight blowback
    • Capacity: Magazine-dependent
    • Magazines: Scorpion
    • Weight: 7.1 lbs

    We recently got to shoot the much-anticipated Daniel Defense PCC 916 and — spoiler alert — it lives up to the hype.

    Daniel Defense PCC posed right
    It’s ok, take your time.

    The PCC 916 shoots surprisingly softly, making rapid follow-up shots a breeze. You can credit the clever Kynshot hydraulic buffer for providing straight-blowback reliability without the usual hit to the shoulder.

    We were also impressed with the PCC 916’s accuracy. This thing will reliably hit 100-yard targets with just a red dot — not bad for the little, old 9mm cartridge!

    Daniel Defense PCC accuracy
    If you miss with the Daniel Defense PCC 916, it’s not the gun’s fault.

    Like the MPX, this is an expensive way to get into the PCC game. There’s nothing that needs upgrading, though; the PCC 916 is a delight to shoot just the way it is.

    Thirsty for more? Dig into our Daniel Defense PCC 916 review, where we spill all the tea!

    3. Sig Sauer MPX PCC – Best Components

    Best Components
    $1,999
    at MidwayUSA

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Super soft-shooting gas piston system
    • Lightweight
    • Fantastic Timney trigger

    Cons

    • Expensive

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Gas piston
    • Capacity: 35+1
    • Magazines: MPX
    • Weight: 6.6 lbs

    If you want a competition-ready PCC that’s super light with minimal recoil, you can’t beat the Sig Sauer MPX.

    SIG MPX Carbine (Outdoor Hub)
    Older versions of the Sig MPX came with a KeyMod handguard. (Outdoor Hub)

    The MPX PCC weighs just 6.6 pounds — only the Resolute 300 is lighter. That should translate to harsh recoil, but this is the only PCC here that doesn’t;t use some kind of blowback operating system.

    Instead, it uses a piston-operated gas system that provides just enough force to cycle reliably. It also keeps the chamber much cleaner than a blowback-operated PCC.

    john wick mpx
    Even John Wick likes the MPX PCC!

    This PCC enjoys healthy aftermarket support, whether it’s in the form of AR-15 parts or MPX-specific components.

    That’s nice, but you may not want to bother with upgrades. The current MPX comes with high-end pieces like a single-stage Timney trigger, an adjustable folding stock, and a lightweight M-LOK handguard.

    4. CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 – Best Value

    Best Value
    $1,199
    at Guns.com

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Great aftermarket support
    • Iron sights included
    • Ambidextrous controls

    Cons

    • Not compatible with AR-15 components

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Straight blowback
    • Capacity: Magazine-dependent
    • Magazines: Scorpion
    • Weight: 6.9 lbs

    The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 is another popular choice among PCC competition shooters, but it’s more affordable than the GMR-15 or Resolute 300.

    CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1
    CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1

    Like the other PCCs on our list, the Scorpion Evo 3 S1 is ready to compete straight out of the box. 

    It doesn’t use the AR platform, but it’s still highly upgradeable with solid aftermarket support, so you can customize and make improvements if you want. Magpul, in particular, is a good option for finding upgrades. 

    The Scorpion Evo 3 S1 works for a wide variety of shooters. All the controls are ambidextrous, the trigger reach is adjustable, and you can position the charging handle on either side.

    cz evo scorpion 3 s1
    The Scorpion Evo 3 S1 uses the same platform as this little guy.

    It has a 16.2-inch barrel and comes in with either a faux suppressor or a muzzle brake. For competition purposes, we recommend the brake. 

    Furniture includes an M-LOK handguard and a folding stock.

    The Picatinny rail along the top of the gun comes with adjustable iron sights. These sights are decent, but you may want to upgrade them, especially if your competition allows optics.  

    CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 pistol caliber carbine
    Testing the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1.

    We got our hands on one of these, so check out our CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 review for a deeper dive into the platform.

    What do you think of the CZ Scorpion EVO? Rate it below!

    Readers’ Ratings

    5.00/5 (1328)

    Your Rating?

    5. CMMG Mk9 Resolute 300 – Best Lightweight

    Best Lightweight
    $1,550
    at GrabAGun

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Lots of magazine options
    • Weighs just 6.5 pounds
    • Available in multiple calibers

    Cons

    • More complicated operating system

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Radial delayed blowback
    • Capacity: Magazine-dependent
    • Magazines: Colt, Glock, P320, CMMG
    • Weight: 6.5 lbs

    The CMMG Resolute 300 stands out because it’s lighter and softer-shooting than almost everything else out there.

    In contrast to most PCCs, which use a straight-blowback system, the CMMG’s radial delayed blowback system uses the bolt head’s rotation to increase the speed of the bolt carrier. This allows the Resolute to use a lighter bolt, which reduces felt recoil. 

    cmmg mk9-t pcc
    CMMG makes a host of excellent guns, and their pistol caliber carbine continues that tradition.

    It also allows the Resolute to handle a wider variety of cartridges, so this particular PCC is available chambered for 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and a variety of rifle cartridges.

    There are bunch of Cerakote options, so you’re not limited to the usual black or FDE. Charcoal green is particularly rad.

    CMMG Resolute
    This is a rifle-caliber Resolute, but you can see how awesome that charcoal green Cerakote looks.

    You have options when it comes to magazines, too. The 9mm versions come in configurations for CMMG, Colt, Glock, and Sig Sauer P320 magazines.

    The Resolute’s 16.6-inch barrel comes with a CMMG SV muzzle brake installed. Other notable features include a Geissele Automatics SSA two-stage trigger, an oversized ambidextrous charging handle, and a collapsible six-position CMMG RipStock.

    6. Ruger PC-9 Carbine – Best Budget

    Best Budget
    $599
    at Brownells

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Ruger and Glock magazine options
    • Several models available

    Cons

    • Not compatible with AR-15 parts

    Specs

    • Caliber: 9mm
    • Operating System: Dead blow
    • Capacity: 17+1
    • Magazines: Ruger, Glock
    • Weight: 7.3 lbs

    For a truly budget-friendly competition PCC, the Ruger PC Carbine is the way to go. Retailing at around $750, it’s the most inexpensive option here by far. 

    Ruger PC-9 Carbine (AmmoLand)
    Ruger PC-9 Carbine. (AmmoLand)

    This PCC is available in 9mm and .40 S&W, with the 9mm being the more popular choice for competition shooters. The 9mm PCC is available in multiple configurations. 

    Our favorite for competition is model number 19122, which has a 6-position adjustable stock and a free-floating M-LOK handguard.

    Ruger PC-9 Model 19122 (SurvivalBlog)
    Ruger PC-9 Model 19122. (SurvivalBlog)

    Regardless of model, the PC Carbine has a 16.1-inch fluted, threaded barrel with 1:10 rifling. The charging handle and magazine release are reversible for right- or left-handed use.

    Ruger’s dead blow operating system is effectively a straight-blowback system with extra weight to soften recoil. It’s inexpensive and effective.

    Shooting the Ruger PC-9 (Tactical Life)
    Shooting the Ruger PC-9 (Tactical Life)

    The PC Carbine is designed to use Ruger’s SR-Series magazines, though the PC-9 also accepts Security-9 mags. It also comes with an interchangeable magazine well that allows the PC Carbine to accept Glock mags.

    One downside is that the PC Carbine is on the heavier side — 7.3 pounds — although that helps keep recoil down.

    If you need a highly affordable competition PCC, it’s hard to beat the value of the Ruger PC Carbine.

    How to Pick the Best Competition-Ready PCC

    If you’re going to compete, you need gear that works for you. You can’t get ahead by peeking at someone else’s DOPE at a PRS match, and you can’t do it by buying a PCC just because it works for someone else, either. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.

    Budget

    Unless your competitive shooting pays the bills, shooting fast with a PCC is a hobby. How much can you afford to spend?

    scarface money
    How it feels to spend money on shooting competitions.

    The good news is that you can get a fast, smooth-running PCC that can light up stage after stage without breaking the bank.

    The Ruger PC Carbine is a great place to start. It’s super affordable without cutting corners, so you can have a blast improving your skills and have plenty of money left over for training ammo. CMMG and CZ will set you up with a really nice competition PCC for right around $1,500. If you have $2,000 to spend, you can get a top-shelf Sig Sauer or Daniel Defense PCC.

    Rules

    Recreational shooters don’t have to worry about this one. If you want to compete, though, you’ll need to read up on the governing body’s rules and make sure your PCC of choice is eligible for competition.

    John Moses Browning (left) inspecting a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company factory, c. 1918.
    POV: John Browning is pleased that you brought a BAR to the PCC competition.

    It would be a huge bummer to spend a bunch of money and get disqualified for violating some rule you didn’t know about.

    Accessories and Aftermarket Support

    Are you happy to shoot your PCC the way it came from the factory, or will you want to tinker with it down the road?

    Tested AR-15 Triggers
    AR-15 Triggers – the options are endless.

    These competition PCCs all have aftermarket support, but some enjoy more options than others. If you want the ultimate platform for customization, stick to the AR-15 family of firearms. Swapping out triggers, furniture, muzzle devices, and optics will be a piece of cake.

    Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical

    This article comes to you from Pew Pew tactical contributor Megan Kriss. Megan is an avid recreational shooter by day, and writer/editor by night. She has an extensive linguistics and writing background, and has written for everyone from Allstate to celebrity plastic surgeons. She also has experience in international affairs and political policy analysis.

    Here’s Scott doing some night training at AMTAC Shooting.

    Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.

    Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

    Final Thoughts

    Each of these pistol caliber carbines is a favorite among PCC competition shooters, and they’re all competition-ready straight out of the box.

    Daniel Defense PCC treed
    Training and competing with a PCC is fun!

    You can’t go wrong with any of them, so the right one for you just depends on your budget, preferences, and how much customization you want to be able to do down the road.

    What are you looking for from a competition-ready pistol caliber carbine? Let us know in the comments. For more PCC goodness, check out our round-up of the Best Pistol Caliber Carbines: 9mm & Beyond!

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    6 Leave a Reply

    • Wooly

      The latest model of the Sig MPX offered in the PCC competition ready platform that gives you the same reliability with the ultimate in performance. New on the PCC is the Timney MPX matc trigger designed for long-term performance in the MPX, slim M-LOK handguard, folding telescoping stock and 3 chamber recoil reducing compensator. Pretty much ready to run out of the box though, many of us improve the trigger and Muzzle device.

      October 25, 2022 2:01 pm
    • David Cumps

      Can you list some options for optics for the Ruger PC9 and Sig MPX?

      July 22, 2022 3:50 am
    • bill weatherholt

      Why is it you guys always show the more expensive models how about mentioning some of the more affordable ones TNW 10mm is a great deal for the money it is well under 1000.00$

      April 6, 2021 6:08 pm
      • David, PPT Editor

        THe Ruger PCC is ~$600.

        April 7, 2021 7:52 am
      • Don Lewis

        Why is it that folks complain that an article listing the best of something for a particular purpose doesn’t include obscure cheap alternatives that haven’t been extensively tested in the environment on which the article is based?

        May 8, 2022 2:46 am
        • KS

          No matter what you do or say, someone is not going to be happy about it and/or you’re wrong about it for whatever reason. Peace

          September 23, 2024 6:54 am
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