The firearms industry is swarmed with loads of different pistol caliber carbines. It can be overwhelming to figure out which one is better than the next. Thankfully the folks over at Survival Gear gave us the top 10 PCC of 2022, specifically in 9mm, that give would give the end-user the most bang for their buck, no pun intended.
10. CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1
According to Survival Gear, the CZ Scorpion Evo 9mm carbine takes the submachine pistol to the civilian legal design. The folding buttstock is adjustable, and the fore-end has loads of M-Loc attachment points. These points make it easy for lights, laser lights or grips to be added to the slim system. The Evo is nimble and easy to maneuver with loads of aftermarket options for customization.
9. Kriss Vector
The Kriss Vector comes in ninth on the list as a remarkable and versatile 16” barreled carbine. The Super V system makes the Vector easy and comfortable to shoot. The nonlinear multilink blowback design takes the recoil energy and redirects it down instead of back and up, thus counteracting the muzzle rise. SG says that this is a very good option for home defense and is said to be the most controllable and fasted PCC on the market. The Vector was designed for tactical team deployment in CQB situations, so this carbine does one thing very well and that is to spit bullets at the target at blinding speeds, according to SG.
8. Keltec Sub2000
While it may be unconventional at first look, it is modular and versatile according to SG. The Sub2000 features a fold-down that takes it down to a 16.25” by 7” package. It can be ordered to accept the most popular handgun magazines on the market, including SIG, Beretta, and Glock to name a few. SG stated that the Sub2000 is a compact and minimalistic firearm that is great for backpacking, survival, or home defense situations.
7. CMMG Banshee
The CMMG Banshee is the premium PCC option on the list at number seven. It has lots of options and levels to choose from ranging from 100 to 300 series along with the price tags. They all feature the radial delayed blowback design that seriously reduces recoil according to SG.
6. Sig Sauer MPX K
The Sig Sauer MPX K carbines are some of the most popular pistol caliber carbines on the market today according to SG. They have AR controls but are fully ambidextrous. The short-stroke gas piston has no buffer tube so a folding stock can be used on the MPX K. It is a small package with a 13.3” barrel and pinned 2.7” flashhider to make it a legal length. SG states that they found the MPX K to be super reliable and nice to shoot.
5. Aero Precision EPC
The EPC is customizable so it can be whatever you need. It is an AR-type carbine, takes Glock mags, and the company sells the uppers and lowers separately to meet the needs of the end-user. The PCC boasts a large magazine release button and a large magwell flare for quick reloads. For SG, this one is the best back for the buck for the 9mm PCC sector. They found it to have excellent accuracy and ergonomics.
4. HK MP5
The HK MP5 is quite possibly the most recognizable firearm on the planet and it is all over movies, TV, or print media. The delayed blowback firearms are popular with military and law enforcement in almost 100 countries thanks to the lightweight and versatile personal defense weapon. It has been a huge hit since it came out in the 1960s and has been updated a few times since then. The bonus is that since it has been around so long there are loads of aftermarket products including higher capacity magazines.
3. Ruger PC Carbine
The Ruger PC Carbine has evolved from the police carbine concept. The PC Carbine arms shooters with a familiar configuration all in a take-down style. The 34” overall length almost shrinks in half when taken down, making it a great truck or bag gun. SG says that is absolutely portable. It’s also Security 9 and Glock mag compatible.
2. IWI Tavor X95
The Israeli Weapons Industries Tavor X95 gives a 9mm PCC in a bullpup configuration. The shorter overall firearm has the action in the rear allowing it to be very controllable with a carbine barrel. SG states that it is a great home defense firearm that is also available in a .223×56 with 9mm conversion kits or as a straight 9mm system.
1. PSA AK-V
Survival Gear’s number one “Best 9mm PCC” is based on a Russian submachine gun but in a 9mm carbine option from Palmetto State Armory. The lever safety, paddle release, and side charging handle are all familiar, but it is not Kalashnikov through and through. The blowback function present in the system means that some features are purely for aesthetics. As an example, the front sight block is just a sight. They pinned and welded a barrel extender to get to the 16” required by law and kept it from being classified as an SBR.
So that is Survival Gear’s top 10 pistol caliber carbines for 2022. What would you add to the list?
