Bob's thread on the rifle go-bag gave me the idea for this thread. He's thinking about an AR pistol for his go-bag while I have a 9mm PCC (Sub 2K) folded up in mine. That thread is located here:
http://sepboard.us/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=290
So I thought it might be worth looking at the merits and negatives of both. I think either is a viable option and that the go-bag is a great idea. As mentioned, I have mine set up and pictured in the above thread.
Advantages of a PCC off the top of my head are ammo compatibility with a carried pistol, or extra pistol you've tossed in the go-bag along with the PCC and other gear. With the right round a PCC is effective at a somewhat extended range. Not as much as a rifle, not sure about a SBR/pistol as I've not checked into longer range accuracy or ballistics with one too heavily. I would imagine at normal 'combat' distances the SBR/pistol is going to be more effective than the PCC but not sure how much more?
I'm using the PCC simply because that is what I have, it easily fits in a very small back pack, takes Glock magazines, is light and it's very easy to shoot.
Thoughts welcome.
AR pistol or PCC?
AR pistol or PCC?
A man cannot call himself peaceful if he is not capable of violence. If he's not capable of violence he isn't peaceful, he is harmless. There is a distinct difference.
Fate whispers to the warrior "You cannot weather this storm". The warrior replies, "I am the storm".
Fate whispers to the warrior "You cannot weather this storm". The warrior replies, "I am the storm".
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
The 5.56 pistol or SBR has two advantages, range and power. Even with the short barrel it will have a greater effective range and hit harder. It may or not defeat body armor depending on exact load and barrel length.
There are also some serious drawbacks. You can only go so short. Most agree that a 10.5" is as short as you want to go to maintain velocity. Muzzle blast is not only worse, it's getting dangerous. While any gun can do damage without ear protection, a 5.56 is extra bad with the pressure and blast. The shorter you go, the worse it gets.
The PCC has several advantages too. They can be much shorter. A 4.5-5" barrel is common and gives you the same velocity as a pistol which is where the bullet is designed to perform best. Going a few inches longer can get you to 357mag velocities while still being handy.
Being able to share ammo and magazines is a really nice feature whether you're running it in a 2gun match or for defense. Anyone who carries a long gun probably already carries spare mags for their pistol. Having reloads on you that also work for the PCC is great. Of course, the drawbacks of the PCC are range and power. It has plenty of both, but falls short of the 5.56 in the extreme case of having to reach out to 300 yards. A 9mm carbine is realistically a 150 yard gun. After that it's dropping so much you have to really know your holdover. Not a problem in a match, but problematic in a defensive situation.
Like everything else, you have do decide what you are preparing for. Are 300 yard armored bad guys on your list? Or, are you mostly worried about muggings, carjackings, or possibly being caught in a BLM riot?
There are also some serious drawbacks. You can only go so short. Most agree that a 10.5" is as short as you want to go to maintain velocity. Muzzle blast is not only worse, it's getting dangerous. While any gun can do damage without ear protection, a 5.56 is extra bad with the pressure and blast. The shorter you go, the worse it gets.
The PCC has several advantages too. They can be much shorter. A 4.5-5" barrel is common and gives you the same velocity as a pistol which is where the bullet is designed to perform best. Going a few inches longer can get you to 357mag velocities while still being handy.
Being able to share ammo and magazines is a really nice feature whether you're running it in a 2gun match or for defense. Anyone who carries a long gun probably already carries spare mags for their pistol. Having reloads on you that also work for the PCC is great. Of course, the drawbacks of the PCC are range and power. It has plenty of both, but falls short of the 5.56 in the extreme case of having to reach out to 300 yards. A 9mm carbine is realistically a 150 yard gun. After that it's dropping so much you have to really know your holdover. Not a problem in a match, but problematic in a defensive situation.
Like everything else, you have do decide what you are preparing for. Are 300 yard armored bad guys on your list? Or, are you mostly worried about muggings, carjackings, or possibly being caught in a BLM riot?
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
A pistol caliber in a rifle/carbine has an advantage over a pistol in the same caliber but doesn't have any advantage over carrying a rifle in a rifle cartridge. So if you need a pistol cartridge, carry a pistol. If you're going to carry a rifle* carry one in a rifle cartridge because it's more powerful and has a longer range. Simple as that.
*or AR pistol with a moderate length bbl.
*or AR pistol with a moderate length bbl.
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
First of all - Ronin; That LOUD warning is golden. Note to self; Add canal caps on the outside of AR go bag!!!!
Second....I'm jonesing for 9mm PCC!!!!!!!! Too many pistols to NOT have one. Glock or Beretta makes the most sense mag wise.
But...been thinking about a 9mm AR build, using Glock mags.
Second....I'm jonesing for 9mm PCC!!!!!!!! Too many pistols to NOT have one. Glock or Beretta makes the most sense mag wise.
But...been thinking about a 9mm AR build, using Glock mags.
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
Warning, you'll quickly fall in love. Most people who buy one will tell you how fun they are.Bob wrote: ↑Mon Aug 17, 2020 6:31 pm First of all - Ronin; That LOUD warning is golden. Note to self; Add canal caps on the outside of AR go bag!!!!
Second....I'm jonesing for 9mm PCC!!!!!!!! Too many pistols to NOT have one. Glock or Beretta makes the most sense mag wise.
But...been thinking about a 9mm AR build, using Glock mags.
I've been proselytizing PCCs for 20 years now and seeing the flood of excellent models hit the market is great.
I commented on your other thread too, but the recommendation is the same. The Ruger PC-9 is the best bargain going for a PCC right now.
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
One advantage of a PCC over a AR carbine/pistol is that I can run a PCC on my steel target range. Can't really do that closer than 100 yards with the 223/556 without damaging the targets.
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
There are still many indoor ranges that don't allow rifles too. Having a long gun you can shoot anywhere is a nice bonus.
Re: AR pistol or PCC?
My .357 lever is all kinds of awesome. The speed and control and familiarity of a good ol' Win 94, with the kick of a BB gun and stopping power Dirty Harry would approve of out to 100 yards.