The pistol caliber carbine is an enjoyable and easy gun to run. While it may be new to some, the idea behind a PCC has been around since the mid-1800s. With the invention of the metallic cartridge, gun makers made shorter more compact versions of popular rifles. The main idea behind this move was to design a rifle that would shoot the same ammunition as a handgun a person would carry. The rifle we see most commonly today though is in an AR-style platform. This design itself came to be in the late 1950s when Eugene Stoner designed the now legendary M16 rifle. This design would become the most popular rifle design in American history.
Like its larger caliber cousin, the PCC has the same basic components. These include an adjustable buttstock, pistol grip, safety selector, magazine release, and muzzle device. These rifles can easily be customized by adding different stocks and even various muzzle devices. One very popular thing is to attach a suppressor to these guns. This allows you to not only enjoy the mild recoil but also to be able to shoot without hearing protection. You can also add optics and or various iron sights to these guns. In our video, I used a Trijicon Credo 1-6×24. I like this optic because I can easily shoot with both eyes open, and it gives me great magnification should I need it. I also used a variety of different magazines. While standard high-capacity Glock mags work great, you can also use clear magazines from companies like Elite Tactical Systems.
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The PCC has become very popular in the U.S. for a variety of reasons. The first is that it is very enjoyable to shoot. It has very low recoil and can be very accurate. The gun is also less expensive to shoot compared to running rifle ammunition. Most PCCs are chambered in 9mm with others in calibers such as .45ACP and .40 S&W. The PCC can also be a great rifle for those who are just learning to shoot. The controls and operation of the gun are identical to those of a regular AR-15. You can master the mechanics and fundamentals and then move into a larger caliber rifle if you choose.
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Gun Safety Rules
As we launch this Pistol Caliber Carbine 101 series, I feel it is important to talk about safety. It is essential that you treat your guns with respect and follow the four basic firearms safety rules.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike. Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target.
- Don’t muzzle anything you are not willing to destroy. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing at all times and be sure that you are in control of the direction the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. This is your responsibility, and only you can control it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position or anywhere in between “safe” and “fire.” It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without you ever touching the trigger again.
- Treat all guns as though they are loaded. By treating every firearm as if it is loaded, a habit of safety is developed. When you handle a firearm or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber, receiver, and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. Never assume a gun is unloaded — check for yourself.
There was a day when the PCC was considered a bit of a fad in the gun world, but that has changed. Companies like Quarter Circle 10 have made the PCC a permanent and popular part of the firearms world. If you are looking for a very enjoyable and affordable rifle to shoot, a pistol caliber carbine should be on your list.
The best caliber for a Pistol Caliber Carbine is the Fifty Action Express, IMHO. If you are going to shoot a handgun bullet out of a rifle, IMHO it should be a big one.