The world of pistol caliber carbines continues to spread like wildfire. Every year, the market grows substantially, and SHOT Show is the place to see the latest and greatest. For the 2024 SHOT Show, I set out to find the most creative and interesting best new pistol caliber carbines soon to be on the market.
KelTec SUB2000 Gen 3
A few ago, I saw KelTec’s SUB2000 CQB model. They took the famed folding rifle and produced an integrally suppressed model. Outside of being oh-so-cool and suppressed, the rotating handguard was a neat feature. I remember thinking, “why didn’t they just put this on the regular SUB2000?” It’s 2024 and they’ve finally taken my unspoken advice.
The new SUB2000 Gen 3 features a rotating handguard. A rotating handguard promotes easier optics mounting with the SUB2000’s folding design. This feature is largely a first for KelTec’s SUB2000. Previously, a number of innovative optics mounting solutions were offered for the famed folding carbine. Red dots always rule, and they’re perfectly at home on guns like the SUB2000. Furthermore, the Gen 3 removes the previous generation’s iron sights.
The SUB2000 Gen 3 is only available in 9mm at this time. Previously, the SUB2000 series famously offered a number of compatible magazine patterns. However, the Gen 3 currently only operates with Glock-pattern magazines. It’s likely they’ll expand, but maybe not out of 9mm, since .40 S&W is a lame horse at this time. Personally, a few extra magazine designs would be nice to see.
Other improvements include what looks like a much heavier charging handle based on an MCARBO design for older SUB2000s. This heavier charging handle reduces recoil by increasing bolt weight and slowing the violent impulse down a bit.
Show Low Blackjack
This sleeper hit has big potential. The Show Low Blackjack is a 9mm AK-lite platform. It’s AK-lite because it’s like a very modern AK. The safety is bigger and easier to use, and doesn’t keep you from opening the action when placed on safe. The handguard is a metal M-LOK design. In addition, the gun features a last-round bolt hold open device. The gun uses CZ Scorpion magazines, which give the gun that AK curve we all love.
The Blackjack comes in three sizes: a K-style with 4.5-inch barrel, an 8-inch model, and a 16-inch rifle variant. Both pistol variants feature a rear rail to accommodate stocks and braces. The rifle version uses standard AK-style stocks. The rifle completely lacks iron sights and features an optics rail across the top of the receiver. It’s AK-lite, but not totally an AK.
I really love the gun’s new delayed blowback system, aptly named “detent delay”. The system uses spring-loaded detents to keep the bolt closed until the round leaves the barrel. This reduces recoil compared to most direct blowback PCCs. Unfortunately, the apparent downside is it requires a couple tools for disassembly. Luckily it’s nothing crazy, just an Allen wrench or two.
The Show Low Blackjack is a really cool gun. It looks well-made with a good degree of innovation. While something we don’t see often, I think the braced 4.5-inch version would be a sweet PDW.
Military Armament Corporation – MAC-5
Military Armament Corporation is known for the famed MAC submachine gun series. However, the MAC-5 has nothing to do with original MACs. Also, the current Military Armament Corporation has new ownership and management since soldier of fortune Mitch Werbell is dead and gone. The new MAC-5 is an MP5 clone aimed at being less pricey than other MP5 clones on the market. If you didn’t already know, MP5s are notoriously ridiculously expensive.
The MAC-5 will come in a standard full-sized pistol model as well as a smaller ‘K’ model. The MAC-5 and MAC-5K have an MSRP of $1,099.99. I anticipate the street price might be a bit lower when they hit gun stores. According to MAC, they are compatible with most other MP5 accessories and magazines. In addition, MAC plans to release their own accessory line.
The MAC-5 series will likely get us an MP5 option for less than a grand out the door. That’s a great price with two 30-round mags and a really nice custom-cut foam case. Hopefully the MAC-5 starts shipping soon since I want to get hands-on with one; to not only test and review, but also to relive my Die Hard fantasy. Personally though, I’m a bigger fan of the K gun, but could be convinced otherwise.
Bishop Ammo and Firearms AR45TC
Bishop Ammo and Firearms is well-known for their .458 SOCOM lever gun as well as some super-powerful custom rifle rounds, crazy bolt action rifles, and uber-powerful AR-10 platforms. These extremely powerful guns are known for accuracy and insane performance. Bishop took a step back from the uber-powerful and included themselves amongst this year’s best new pistol caliber carbines with their first PCC offering.
The Bishop AR45TC is a custom AR-style PCC utilizing a custom left-side charging handle on a custom billet set of lower and upper receivers. The barrel and handguard are incredibly interesting. The top handguard is cut off, exposing a large portion of the barrel. The EV-5 Match barrel is coated with Thompson-style cooling fins while the tip features a Cutt’s-style compensator.
The furniture is all wood with a stock and a forward grip. The front grip mounts via a custom M-LOK attachment adapter. This custom adapter turns any AR-15 rear grip into a front grip. Obviously, it looks like 2024’s version of the classic Thompson submachine gun. With match-grade ammo, the AR45TC will produce guaranteed one-inch groups at 50 yards. The guns are all custom-built with available calibers in 10mm, 9mm, and .40 S&W. MSRP is $1,900 and, yes, it takes Glock mags.
The Smith and Wesson Model 1854
Most people associate Smith & Wesson with revolvers. However, the creators, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, started their career in the arms industry with a lever gun. This original firearm and company comprised Volcanic Repeating Arms. In 2024, they decided to bring the lever gun back with the Smith & Wesson 1854. This rifle chambers the mighty .44 Magnum cartridge and, since the .44 Magnum is a revolver round, the 1854 is a must to include with this year’s best new pistol caliber carbines.
Smith & Wesson featured two models at the show. One sported wood furniture and blued metal and looks like a limited edition introductory run. The standard model features a stainless steel finish with polymer furniture sporting three M-LOK accessory slots on the forend. The gun is a side-loader but smartly includes a removable mag tube for easier unloading.
The gun comes optics ready with a nice long rail along with robust iron sights. It’s a fairly modern take on a very classic design. The gun looks absolutely fantastic, and I’m excited to see one more entry into the lever gun world. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning there will be a collector’s model that pairs a gold inlay and wood-stocked 1854 rifle with the Model 29.
Pistol Calibers, Rifles, and You
It’s nice seeing the industry do things a little differently this year. The world of PCCs is no longer isolated to plain Jane ARs accepting Glock mags. The market is full of those, so it’s nice to see the industry expand beyond the boring and predictable.
