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Best Pistol-Caliber Carbines (PCC): 9mm & Beyond

Pistol-caliber carbines are some of the best home-defense & competition guns out there. See why they excel inside the home and some of our favorite picks.

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What are the best pistol-caliber carbines (PCC) for home defense, competition, or just plain fun?

Pistol-caliber carbines aren't true pistols or full-blown rifles. They occupy an in-between spot, which is exactly what makes them great for certain applications.

Sig Sauer MPX K Shooting
Shooting the Sig Sauer MPX K

At Pew Pew Tactical, we have tested, reviewed, bought, and shot a large chunk of the top PCCs on the market. So whether you are looking for a home defense gun, a fun 10mm plinker, or a blazing-fast competition gun, we've got you covered with some of our favorite picks.

TL;DR: The Springfield Kuna offers the best mix of performance and modern features for the money, while the Century Arms AP5 brings the unmatched soft-shooting characteristics of the MP5 at an affordable price. If you are looking for the creme de la creme, the B&T APC9 Pro and JP Enterprises GMR-15 still dominate as high-tier defensive and competition picks, respectively.

Best PCC Comparison Chart

PriceBest ForCaliberActionCapacityBarrel LengthOverall LengthWeight
Springfield Armory Kuna$959All-purpose9mmSemi-auto, roller-delayed blowback30+16”15.5” (folded) 24.5”5 lbs 5 oz.
Sig Sauer MPX K$2,199Accessorizing9mmSemi-auto, gas-piston35+14.5”22.5”5 lbs
S&W M&P FPC$549Backpack/Truck gun9mmSemi-auto, direct-blowback17, 2316.25”16.38" (folded), 30.4”5.02 lbs
PSA AK-V$849AK enjoyers9mmSemi-auto, direct-blowback3010.5”19" (folded), 27”6.7 lbs - ~8 lbs
Century Arms AP5$1,299Classic vibes9mmSemi-auto, roller-delayed308.9”17.9"5.5 lbs
CMMG Banshee Mk10$1,420More power10mmSemi-auto, radial delayed blowback158”23.8"5.5 lbs
B&T APC9 Pro$2,421High-end feel9mmSemi-auto, hydraulic-assisted blowback30, 336.8”15.2”5 lbs
Ruger PC Carbine$777Takedown Gun9mmSemi-auto, direct-blowback1716.12”6.8”6.8 lbs - 7.2 lbs
JP Enterprises JP-5$3,289Competition9mmSemi-auto, direct-blowback1735”14.5”6.7 lbs
Ruger LC Carbine$549Longer range5.7x28mmSemi-auto, direct-blowback2028.70" - 30.60"16.25"5.9 lbs

How We Tested the Best Pistol Caliber Carbines

We tapped the knowledge of the entire Pew Pew Tactical team for this article. Between our staff and writers, we have hands-on experience with every platform on this list.

We have full reviews for a majority of the PCCs on this list. Each gun with a full review undergoes a strict testing protocol requiring a minimum of 500 rounds of practice FMJ ammo and defensive hollow-point ammo at 10-50 yards using a red dot, unless otherwise noted.

Our goal was to select a variety of PCCs across different budgets and use cases, ranging from backpack guns to plinkers to military-grade options.

We based our picks on the following criteria: accuracy, capacity, reliability, build quality, features, ergonomics, and overall value.

We also wanted to select guns that are currently in production and relatively easy to obtain. There are quite a few neat PCCs in the wild, but it doesn't help you much if you can't actually get your hands on one.

How to Choose a Pistol Caliber Carbine

Finding the right PCC largely comes down to two main factors: use case and price.

Sig Sauer MPX K Shooting
Shooting the Sig Sauer MPX K

Intended Use

Price is pretty self-explanatory, which means the first thing you want to figure out is what you actually want to do with your PCC.

Home Defense & Duty

If you are looking for a home-defense or duty gun, reliability is paramount. Secondary considerations include the ability to easily mount accessories like optics and lights, and maneuverability. Most guns in this category will be shorter overall for easier operation in tight spaces and compact storage.

Competition

For PCC competition guns, speed, recoil mitigation, and capacity are the top considerations. Guns in this category usually have 16-inch barrels and are legally classified as rifles.

This means you can use a stock instead of a brace, while also increasing velocity and cutting down on recoil due to the extra weight of the longer barrel.

Daniel Defense PCC VTAC
Daniel Defense 916

Common, affordable magazines with higher capacities are also important. This means you will want something Glock mag- or CZ Scorpion mag-compatible.

Fun & Plinking

When it comes to fun, all rules go out the window. Different calibers like 10mm and 5.7x28mm are perfect here, along with unique and interesting designs that don't necessarily fit neatly into any other role.

Best Pistol-Caliber Carbines

1. Springfield Armory Kuna - Editor's Pick

Quick Verdict: The Springfield Kuna checks almost all the boxes you'd want for an all-purpose PCC. It has a soft recoil impulse thanks to the roller-delayed operating system, great AR-inspired ergonomics, plenty of room for accessories, and good reliability. This is arguably the best non-blowback PCC under $1,000.

Pros

  • Very reliable
  • Soft recoil due to the roller-delayed system
  • Easy to mount accessories
  • AR-inspired controls are a breeze to use

Cons

  • Not a ton of handguard space
  • Proprietary magazines

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, roller-delayed blowback
  • Capacity: 30+1
  • Length: 15.5” (folded) 24.5”
  • Barrel Length: 6”
  • Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz.
  • Country of origin: Croatia

Why We Love It

The Springfield Kuna may be the newest kid on the block, but boy, does it have us in a lather.

Springfield once again teamed up with HS Produkt of Croatia to bring us another cool design at a very reasonable price point.

Springfield Armory Kuna - Vortex Sparc Solar Banish 9 Silencer Central Strike Industries Stabilizer Brace
Springfield Armory Kuna

So what's the big deal? Well, the Kuna employs a roller-delayed operating system that is very similar to the HK MP5. This gives the Kuna a much softer and smoother recoil impulse over traditional direct-blowback PCCs.

However, unlike the MP5, the Kuna is much more modern. You get AR-style controls, with the exception of the charging handle that is located up front. A full-length Picatinny rail up top and M-LOK slots up front make attaching optics and accessories a breeze.

The Kuna is a bufferless design with a 1913 Picatinny adapter at the rear. This means braces and stocks (if you want to go the SBR route) can attach without hassle. Flip-down iron sights are a nice touch, as is the fact that OEM magazines are only about $25 each.

Springfield Armory Kuna shoot right

Not only was the Kuna we tested fun and easy to shoot fast, but it was 100% reliable. This is no surprise, as HS Produkt originally designed this gun to fulfill foreign law enforcement contracts.

Previously, the only real option for a modern roller-delayed gun that didn't cost an arm and a leg was the Grand Power Stribog SP9A3. However, with a street price of $850-$1,000, we think the Kuna is the better performer for less money.

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
10/108/108/106/1010/1088

Check out our full review of the Springfield Armory Kuna and our video on it below!

2. Sig Sauer MPX K - Best Ergonomics

Quick Verdict: The Sig MPX is an extremely potent home-defense and duty gun. The controls are exactly the same as a standard AR-15, so it's familiar and fast for most shooters. The gas-piston system makes for a nice recoil impulse, and a good trigger lets you run these guns fast. They aren't cheap, but they are a great all-around option with excellent performance across the board.

Best Ergonomics

Pros

  • Excellent AR-15-style ergonomics
  • Soft-recoiling gas-piston system
  • Fully ambidextrous
  • Huge aftermarket

Cons

  • Expensive compared to the Kuna
  • OEM magazines aren't cheap, and aftermarket mags don't always work the best

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, gas-piston
  • Capacity: 35+1
  • Length: 22.5”
  • Barrel Length: 4.5”
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

There are a lot of choices with PCCs now, but the Sig Sauer MPX has always been up there. This is especially true now that they are in their unofficial 3rd generation with all the kinks worked out.

The MPX is a true modern PCC with all the modern amenities and tactical capabilities you'd like to see in a high-end product.

Sig Sauer MPX K Charging Handle
Sig Sauer MPX K Charging

One of the best things about the MPX is that it has familiar AR-15-style controls that are fully ambidextrous. The charging handle is just like an AR, as well as the mag release and bolt release. If you have any time behind the AR-15, you'll feel right at home with the MPX.

The magwell is absolutely cavernous, making magazine changes extremely easy. Seriously, this may be one of the easiest guns to execute a reload on.

Instead of direct blowback, the MPX utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system that keeps everything relatively tidy while also giving the gun an extremely soft recoil impulse.

Sig Sauer MPX K Receiver
Sig Sauer MPX K

Other advantages of the gas piston system on this gun include the fact that it eliminates the need for a buffer tube system. This means you can easily add a folding stock or brace to these guns and fire them when folded.

Our experience with various MPXs has been pleasant, to say the least. They have been super reliable and soft-shooting for us. And yes, they pair pretty well with a suppressor!

Sig currently offers the MPX K with a 4.5-inch barrel, a 16-inch rifle version, and the tiny 3.5-inch Copperhead model. In their current lineup, we prefer the K because it is small enough to be handy but still has enough real estate to hold and mount accessories.

Sig Sauer MPX K Shooting
Sig Sauer MPX K Shooting

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
9/108/1010/1010/1010/1092

We have a lot to say about it, so check out our full review of the Sig Sauer MPX K and video below.

3. Smith & Wesson M&P FPC - Best Folding PCC

Quick Verdict: In our opinion, the S&W M&P FPC has knocked the KelTec Sub2000 off this list because its superior side-folding design lets you fold the gun with an optic on it without weird mounting solutions. These make for great backpacking guns, camping guns, and truck guns.

Best Folding PCC
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC
Prices accurate at time of writing

Pros

  • Extremely compact when folded
  • Can fold with an optic mounted
  • Reliable and accurate

Cons

  • Back-heavy when spare magazines are stored in the stock
  • Not compatible with Glock mags

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
  • Capacity: 17, 23
  • Length: 16.38" (folded), 30.4”
  • Barrel Length: 16.25”
  • Weight: 5.02 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

While the KelTec Sub2000 has been a cornerstone of the PCC world for over 20 years, a new king of folding carbines has emerged --- the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC.

S&W set out to create a folding carbine that allows for an easily mounted optic, even when folded, as well as the ability to equip it with modern accessories.

S&W M&P FPC
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC (Photo: Smith & Wesson)

They achieved this by using a side-folding design rather than a top-folding one. The end result is a gun that locks up extremely well and feels surprisingly solid given its folding ability.

Aside from that, the S&W M&P FPC is an extremely reliable and accurate firearm. You can easily achieve 2 to 3-inch groups at 50 yards with standard range ammo and a red dot. Despite being a blowback gun, the bolt travel is very short, giving it a much more pleasant recoil impulse over many other blowback guns.

The FPC uses the same magazines as the S&W M&P series of pistols, providing some cross-compatibility if you already own one or plan to get one. It also features convenient spare magazine storage locations in the buttstock.

S&W M&P FPC folded
A picture of the FPC folded in the factory case it comes with. (Photo: GunMag Warehouse)

And with a barrel just over 16 inches, it is classified as a rifle, and you don't have to worry about any weird pistol or brace laws.

If you are looking for a neat carbine that you can easily stow in a backpack or under a seat, the FPC is worth looking at.

Want something even cheaper to run? Be sure to check out our full review of the S&W M&P FPC 22LR!

4. PSA AK-V - AK-Style PCC

Quick Verdict: With the dissolution of Kalashnikov USA, the Palmetto State Armory AK-V has become the de facto best 9mm AK on the market for the money. These are reliable guns that use ultra-affordable and common Scorpion mags, and there are tons of cool variants, including some with the classic AK look and feel.

AK-Style PCC
PSA AK-V
Prices accurate at time of writing

Pros

  • Uses cheap and reliable Scorpion mags
  • Multiple configurations available
  • Last-round bolt hold-open

Cons

  • Direct blowback design has a bit punchier recoil
  • Dust cover optics mount isn't the most stable

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
  • Capacity: 30
  • Length: 19" (folded), 27”
  • Barrel Length: 10.5”
  • Weight: 6.7 lbs - ~8 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

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Why We Love It

Looking for a home-grown version of the Russian PP-19 Vityaz? Check out Palmetto State Armory's AK-V.

It's not an exact duplicate of the Vityaz but rather a really good homage. It also has some nice additions, such as a last-round bolt hold-open and a buffer system at the back.

AKV up hill
PSA AK-V with an extended magazine

The last-round bolt hold-open itself is worth the price of admission!

Another massive bonus of the AK-V is that it uses a different magazine catch that lets it accept the ultra-affordable and plentiful CZ Scorpion mags.

You can get Magpul Scorpion magazines for as little as $15, and they absolutely rock. Scorpion-pattern magazines are the cheapest PCC mags on the market, bar none.

PSA AKV, Mag Catch
PSA AK-V

The AK-V comes in a ton of configurations. You can get folding braces, buffer tube versions to add your favorite AR-style brace, and even the new "Stizon" version with a 55-round helical underbarrel drum magazine!

There were some initial manufacturing hiccups, but PSA has dialed it in now. And if your desired configuration is out of stock, it is worth signing up for alerts since PSA restocks frequently.

We have had an absolute blast shooting the AK-V. It just feels great in the hand and is absurdly fun to shoot.

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
10/108/108/107/108/1085

Check out our full review of the AK-V here and our video review below!

5. Century Arms AP5 - Best Classic PCC

Quick Verdict: Nothing is cooler or more fun to shoot than an MP5. They are the gold standard for PCCs because of their absurdly soft recoil, smooth operation, and reliability. Now they are affordable thanks to the imported Century Arms AP5 series. MKE manufactures these guns under license from HK, using HK tooling. The build quality is there, even though they cost 1/3 of what an actual HK costs.

Best Classic PCC

Pros

  • Softest recoil of any non-competition PCC
  • Time-proven design
  • Accurate
  • Awesome classic vibes

Cons

  • Trigger isn't great
  • Harder to mount accessories

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, roller-delayed
  • Capacity: 30
  • Length: 19" (folded), 27”
  • Barrel Length: 8.9”
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Country of origin: Turkey

Why We Love It

The MP5 needs no introduction. It is one of, if not the most proven, PCC designs and has been used by militaries and law enforcement worldwide since the 1960s.

Sure, the MP5 is slower to reload than modern PCCs, and they are hard to mount accessories on, but nothing is cooler than grabbing such an iconic gun and doing the "HK slap" reload. It never gets old.

Princess Peach HK Slap
You don't need Mario to save you from Bowser when you have an MP5. (Source: HARXMLETH)

But for years, civilian versions of the MP5 have been expensive. However, thanks to some foreign economic crises, we now have the Century Arms AP5s available at $950 (on sale) to $1,400. Getting an MP5 clone has never been this affordable.

Century Arms imports these guns from MKE in Turkey. MKE is a government-run factory that produces military-grade products for both military use and civilian export. Their AP5 is built under license from HK, and they produce these guns on HK tooling.

The AP5 is a nearly 1:1 replica of the original MP5 configuration. For all intents and purposes, it is a civilian MP5. The build quality on these is great, and they are just as reliable as their HK counterparts.

Century Arms AP5
Century Arms AP5 (Photo: The Mag Shack)

We really love the standard full-size 8.9-inch barrel AP5. It is perfectly sized to have fun at the range while still being extremely maneuverable and handy. These guns aren't the pinnacle of modern tacti-cool, but they may be one of the coolest and most fun guns to shoot of all time.

As long as you aren't trying to make it something it is not, you won't regret buying an AP5. No one does. With prices as low as they have ever been, now is the time to buy!

6. CMMG Banshee Mk10 - Best 10mm PCC

Quick Verdict: If you are looking for a quality PCC with a bit more punch, the CMMG Banshee Mk10 is the play. These AR-style PCCs use a unique radial-delayed blowback mechanism that cuts down on felt recoil and reciprocating mass. It also accepts most standard AR-15 furniture and triggers and uses reliable, easy-to-find Glock mags.

Best 10mm PCC

Pros

  • Powerful 10mm chambering
  • Radial delay blowback reduces recoil
  • Accepts Glock magazines
  • Familiar AR controls

Cons

  • No folding stock/brace capability

Specs:

  • Caliber: 10mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, radial delayed blowback
  • Capacity: 15
  • Overall Length: 23.8"
  • Barrel Length: 8”
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

The CMMG Banshee utilizes a proprietary radial delayed blowback gas system, rather than the traditional direct blowback system. After testing it, we can say it seriously lowers the recoil, especially during rapid fire.

While you can get the Banshee in 9mm and other "regular" calibers, we really dig the big boy 10mm Mk10 version.

Banshee Side
CMMG Banshee 10mm

It ran like a scalded dog for us and ate up that extra 10mm recoil. With the classic AR styling and controls, it also looked good doing it.

This gun offers all of that AR familiarity in a low-recoil package that accepts Glock magazines. What else could you ask for?

Banshee close long mag

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
10/108/108/1010/1010/1092

Check out our full reviews of the CMMG Banshee in 10mm or even the 5.7x28mm version.

What's your take on the CMMG Banshee? Rate it below!

Readers’ Ratings

4.99/5 (2435 Votes)

Your Rating

7. B&T APC9 Pro - High-End Pick

Quick Verdict: B&T is synonymous with ultra-high-end firearms, and the APC9 Pro is no exception. These arguably have the best build quality of any PCC on the market, with performance to match. They shoot soft, suppress extremely well, and are highly reliable. The only downside here is the steep price.

High-End Pick
B&T APC9 Pro
Prices accurate at time of writing

Pros

  • Outstanding build quality
  • Extremely reliable
  • Suppresses well
  • Modular lowers

Cons

  • Extremely expensive
  • Can be tough to drop the bolt on a full mag during the break-in period

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, hydraulic-assisted blowback
  • Capacity: 30, 33
  • Length: 15.2”
  • Barrel Length: 6.8”
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Country of origin: Switzerland

Why We Love It

Looking for something Gucci? How about something recently adopted by the US Army to fill their submachine gun needs?

Enter the B&T APC9 Pro, hailing from Switzerland.

B&T APC9 Pro
B&T APC9 Pro

One cool thing about the APC series is that the upper half is the serialized portion, meaning you can get different lowers that use different magazines. We opted for the G-model lower that is compatible with Glock magazines. You can also go with lowers for B&T-specific mags or even Sig P320 mags.

It has a nice non-reciprocating charging handle and controls very similar to an AR. Like the MPX, it is fully ambidextrous!

BT APC9 Pro
Shooting the B&T APC9

However, you'll need a little training on this platform to get proficient if you're moving over from the AR platform, since the control scheme isn't quite the same.

But once you get used to it, you get a gun that shoots super softly and suppresses well. Keep in mind that it uses a tri-lug mount for suppressors. We had to get a specific adapter to work with our 1/2x28 threads on our Banish 45.

Everything on this gun is built like, well...a Swiss watch. It is robust, precise, and dead-reliable. This is the Ferrari of pistol-caliber carbines, with both the performance and the price tag to match.

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
7/108/108/108/109/1079

Check out our full review and video of the B&T APC9 Pro.

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8. Ruger PC Carbine - Best Takedown PCC

Quick Verdict: B&T is synonymous with ultra-high-end firearms, and the APC9 Pro is no exception. These arguably have the best build quality of any PCC on the market, with performance to match. They shoot soft, suppress extremely well, and are highly reliable. The only downside here is the steep price.

Pros

  • Can accept both Ruger and Glock magazines
  • Breaks down for easy storage
  • Tons of rail space
  • Extremely reliable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Control scheme isn't the best
  • Accuracy can be dependent on ammo choice

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
  • Capacity: 17
  • Length: 16.12”
  • Barrel Length: 6.8”
  • Weight: 6.8 lbs - 7.2 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

Ruger has long been a proponent and manufacturer of pistol-caliber carbines, such as the Ruger Police Carbine and the Ruger Deerfield Carbine. But historically, these guns never really took off for them.

Luckily, Ruger's PC Carbine has been the hit Ruger deserves.

The Ruger PC Carbine packs tons of modern features into a rather tried-and-true design. It's not much different in layout than the 10/22 and the old-school PC Carbine design.

Ruger PCC studio
Ruger released many different models of the PC Carbine, and every one of them is a winner.

Ruger wisely integrated the takedown feature into the PC Carbine, making it extremely compact and easy to transport. The gun has a reversible charging handle that can be swapped for left- or right-handed use.

The magwell can also be swapped. Ruger ships the gun with a Ruger magwell in place, but also includes a magwell that allows the use of Glock magazines.

This humble yet wise move opens Ruger PC owners to a wide range of affordable and readily available Glock magazines in various capacities.

Ruger PCC shooting prone
Shooting the Ruger PCC

The integral system uses a blowback design unique to the PC Carbine series and features a tungsten weight. This dead-blow blowback system helps eliminate the recoil associated with blowback systems and works well.

Sadly, tungsten adds weight. Usually, the lighter a PCC is, the better.

If the PC Carbine is a bit too big for you, check out the PC Charger, a pistol variant of this gun compatible with various pistol braces.

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
9/106/106/1010/108/1077

Get more deets by watching our video below or reading the full review here!

9. JP Enterprises JP-5 - Best Competition PCC

Quick Verdict: The JP Enterprises JP-5 gives you the ultimate edge when it comes to pure speed and competition shooting. These use a roller-delayed blowback system, AR controls, Glock magazines, and a full 16-inch barrel with a compensator to deliver the fastest shooting and flattest tracking PCC on the market.

Best for Competition
JP Enterprises JP-5
Prices accurate at time of writing

Pros

  • Excellent trigger
  • Ultra flat-shooting
  • Full AR controls
  • Glock magazine compatibility

Cons

  • Very expensive

Specs:

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
  • Capacity: 17
  • Length: 35”
  • Barrel Length: 14.5”
  • Weight: ~ 6.7 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

With USPSA PCC competition becoming more and more popular, we will most certainly start to see certain guns popping up more and more.

One such model is the JP Enterprises JP-5.

The JP-5 is a factory rifle that comes outfitted with many features that refine it into a state-of-the-art PCC competition rifle. It is one of the most popular rifles in the upper echelon of competitions.

JP Enterprises produces tons of high-end AR stuff, and they seemingly tossed it all into this PCC.

JP Enterprises JP-5
JP Enterprises JP-5 (Photo: SSUSA.org/Peter Fountain)

First off is the roller-delayed operating system that features interchangeable locking pieces that let you custom-tune the recoil impulse and bolt speed to your liking.

Next up is the Supermatch barrel, which drives 9mm accuracy about as far as it can go. Paired with the awesome JP Enterprises trigger, it makes placing 9mm holes in tiny paper and cardboard targets pretty easy.

The buffer system is the JP Enterprises silent-captured spring tuned specifically for the 9mm round. A nice compensator reduces muzzle rise and recoil, keeping the gun super flat and easy to drive between targets.

JP Enterprises JP-5
The JP-5 features a fully ambidextrous lower receiver. (Photo: JP Enterprises)

Controls are the familiar AR-15 scheme, including a rear-mounted charging handle. JP added a massive magazine release and cavernous magwell to help facilitate fast reloads. A super lightweight handguard keeps things trim out front, and the standard buffer tube lets you use any AR-style stock you want.

The JP-5 is the definitive, top-tier, out-of-the-box competition gun; all you need to do is add an optic, and you can hit the ground running.

10. Ruger LC Carbine 5.7 - Best 5.7 PCC

Quick Verdict: If you are a fan of the 5.7x28mm round, the Ruger LC Carbine offers up an accurate, reliable, lightweight package that doesn't break the bank. It doesn't do anything groundbreaking or new, but it executes a simple design very well.

Best 5.7 PCC
Ruger LC Carbine
Prices accurate at time of writing

Specs:

  • Caliber: 5.7x28mm
  • Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
  • Capacity: 20+1
  • Length: 28.70" - 30.60"
  • Barrel Length: 16.25"
  • Weight: 5.9 lbs
  • Country of origin: USA

Why We Love It

There has been a big uptick in guns chambered in 5.7x28mm in recent years. As 5.7 ammo prices drop, the prospect of a 5.7 PCC is becoming more appealing.

While 5.7 isn't any more powerful than 9mm, it is a high-velocity round with a flat trajectory, very little recoil, and great capacity for its magazine size.

Ruger adapted their existing 5.7 handgun into a PCC platform called the LC Carbine. These are simple, direct-blowback PCCs that share the general ergonomics, controls, and magazines of the Ruger 57 pistol.

Ruger LC Carbine and pistol
Ruger LC Carbine next to the Ruger 57 pistol

Despite having no muzzle device, the recoil is soft and allows for quick follow-up shots. This is partially due to the properties of the 5.7 round itself, but also Ruger's design. During our testing, we also experienced excellent reliability and accuracy.

There is plenty of room for mounting accessories, and the adjustable stock can fold for easier storage. Overall, the gun feels pretty balanced, but the grip is fairly wide front to back to accommodate the longer cartridge.

Ruger LC Carbine shoot left
The left-side charging handle is intuitive and easy to operate.

While other 5.7 PCC options exist, like the futuristic PS90 and the excellent CMMG Banshee Mk57, they cost more than double the LC Carbine. In short, if a 5.7 PCC interests you but you don't want to spend a small fortune, the LC Carbine is your ticket.

By the Numbers

ReliabilityAccuracyErgonomicsCustomizationValueOverall
10/1010/106/106/108/1086

Not sold yet? Check out our complete review of the LC Carbine or check out our video below!

Who Should Buy a Pistol Caliber Carbine?

PCCs really shine as home defense tools and fun plinkers.

When protecting your home, you want a gun that’s smaller and more maneuverable in tight areas, like doorways and hallways.

Most pistol-caliber carbines, even with a suppressor fitted, are going to be shorter than any long gun, save maybe some of the nice bullpup shotguns and rifles out there.

BT APC9 Pro
BT APC9 Pro

While handguns are very maneuverable, accuracy tends to drop on them when shooting at a target from 15 – 25 yards away, especially in dangerous situations where adrenaline and stress levels are through the roof.

Pistol caliber carbines give you that added stability to get close follow-up hits faster and hit your mid-range target with more accuracy.

That same stability and speed also make for a hell of a fun time at the range when you pair it with a cheaper caliber like 9mm. It is much cheaper to run a 9mm PCC all day than a 5.56 AR-15.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Pistol-caliber carbines have grown in popularity extremely fast over the past decade. Manufacturers have taken note and brought a ton of new guns to the table.

The configuration and caliber you should choose depends widely on your needs and your personal preferences, but there is a little something out there in the PCC world for just about everyone these days.

25. Grand Power Stribog SP9A3S A1
A pair of Grand Power Stribog PCCs

Regardless of what PCC you opt for, you’ll get much more stability and accuracy with your carbine than with a handgun. They are easy to shoot and fun to boot!

Which one of these is your favorite? Do you have experience with any of the guns on this list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you are looking to make your PCC even more fun, check out our article on the Best 9mm/.45 ACP Suppressors!

Meet the Experts

Glock G43X Eric Shooting
Eric Hung – PPT CEO and Founder

This article was put together by Pew Pew Tactical CEO and Founder Eric Hung. In addition to founding Pew Pew Tactical as a place for shooters to learn, he’s also an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Eric has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms, training, gear, and just about everything else related to firearms.

Wyatt shooting a Staccato P
Wyatt Sloan – PPT Editor

Also editing this article is Wyatt Sloan, Editor. Wyatt is an NRA and USCCA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms, various PCCs included, and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Latest Updates

September 2026: Removed JP Enterprises GMR-15, added JP Enterprises JP-5, Ruger LC Carbine 5.7. Added FAQs section and additional information on how we test firearms.

July 2025: Removed KUSA KP-9, KelTec SUB2000, PSA PX-9, Aero EPC-9, Auto Ordnance Thompson M1, CZ Scorpion EVO S1. Added Century Arms AP5, Springfield Armory Kuna, S&W FPC 9. Added comparison chart and reorganized the article.

Written By

Eric Hung

Eric Hung

Founder, CEO

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I'm Eric Hung, the founder of Pew Pew Tactical, and I love guns. For over 10 years I've been soaking up as much information as possible online, in competitions, classes, and from my own testing. Now I hope to bring that info to you! I've written over 250 articles on Pew Pew Tactical that are read by millions a month. I'm also an NRA certified pistol instructor and avid USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Learn more at About Us.

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