Gun Hobbyists

[Foxtrot X-Ray]

Hey, Gang.

At the Range lately, and thinking a bit about my next purchase.
Planning a rifle, probably chambered in .223, later on, but what I'm contemplating right now, is a pistol caliber carbine, preferably in 9mm.
(Cheap to shoot, easy to find, I've already got a fair supply on hand and I know some guys who are habitual and obsessive reloaders)

Been researching a handful of models and planning "Test Drives" of a couple sometime soon, but I was wondering what our Firearms Enthusiasts here might have to add on the subject.

Gun Guys, what are your thoughts on Pistol Caliber Carbines?
Any suggestions on models to look at?

[the armourer]

For a .223 platform, the AR-15 should be good for you. Infinite variations and spare parts are not a problem. I'm very partial to the AKS-74 in 5.45x39 too. AK's in .223 can be hit or miss depending on the builder. Then there is the stone axe reliable AKM-47. While it's not as accurate as the AR, it is pretty much idiot-proof and will run under horrendous conditions and lack of maintenance. I keep a milled receiver underfolding stock 47 as my 'truck gun'. I've never been a fan of the pistol caliber carbines. I feel that if you need to reach out beyond the effective range of you sidearm, you should be reaching for your rifle. Hope this helps.

[Foxtrot X-Ray]

Got a LOT of practicing to do before I'd call myself even remotely competent with my sidearm.
in short, I'm downright pathetic with it.
Won awards for rifle shooting in my youth.. so might do OK with a longer gun.

As for new purchases, I tend to bounce around a lot before picking out new Iron... Revolvers, Automatics, .38, 9mm, .357, .45ACP, and so on..
(Settled on a 9mm Auto with a 17 round Mag)

The PCC (Pistol caliber Carbine) is the Interest of the Day, but I'm only "Window(s) Shopping" for the moment and I might decide I want the .223 before I even get done typing.
The idea on the PCC is a fun range toy, not a weapon of war, but with an eye towards home defense in the event of home invasion (On the rise here in the States.)
Something less likely to over penetrate and ventilate the neighbors...

As far as a .223 rifle is concerned, the AR is great, but I've had a fascination with the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle for years.
I've also recently noticed the Kel Tec SU-16.
Only researching the latter at this point, but finding it quite interesting.

[the armourer]

The Mini-14 isn't all it's hyped up to be. The AR is a more accurate platform. Getting factory parts for the Ruger can be a problem. Ruger doesn't like to sell spares to common citizens. Factory high-cap magazines are very expensive. The AR is like a toy Erector Set for adults. So many variations and configurations.