Pistol caliber carbine question

Parhams0508 · Jul 13, 2012

I saw some of yall posting about buying pistol caliber carbines, but why would/do you want one? Does the extra barrel length provide better ballistics? Is the range of that particular caliber improved by the longer barrel and associated twist rate? Is it just another way of preparing for TEOTWAWKI?

I'm just curious as to the reasons for buying one.

Schultz · Jul 13, 2012

I've had a carbine that was in 357 and it was a fun rifle to just go goof off with. Personally I would say just for plinking but there is Cowboy action shooting, They use pistol calibers.

BTW what the hell is TEOTWAWKI?

fordnut · Jul 13, 2012

the end of the world as we know it...

Parhams0508 · Jul 13, 2012

I guess I should have differentiated between rimmed and rimless cartridges...my primary thought was 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. My dad has a Marlin in .44 mag and an Italian made SA revolver in .44 mag.

Personally, I love the idea of having something like a .357 revolver and lever action; makes buying bullets a whole lot easier for the mrs. when she goes grocery shopping! Lol. But how do shorter cartridges benefit from a carbine?

Clicker · Jul 13, 2012

If it's speed you're looking for then a carbine is the ticket. For example in a 9" barreled 10mm rifle with I can achieve 1500FPS w/o much effort. Very small & lightweight combo to hunt medium sized game. The 44 mags yield more speed as well plus a longer sight radius vs a pistol. Another benefit is the muzzle blast is moved away from your face (in most cases) compared to a revolver.

With the 9mm guns I don't really feel the need for speed but often just the opposite as I shoot them suppressed.

I enjoy shooting shoulder fired weapons more than pistols so it's a personal preference thing. Huh, guess that explains why I have 7 of them in the safe, wow I had a little epiphany sort of thing there.

melloyello · Jul 13, 2012

Its cheaper to shoot and plinker handgun cartridges...

However, I am on the rimmed cartridge side, 357/38 & 44.
Been considering the Ruger m77 in 357 or 44 and m96/99 44mag.
But they are limited capacity 357 bolt but it has about the same barrel length as my levers.

As to rimless, been contemplating JR carbines.
Nice to have my handgun rounds and mags convertible to a rifle.

AND cheaper MEANS more time shooting!!!

Would love to see some comparison data (velocities) between revolvers, pistols and rifles.

Midnight Raver · Jul 15, 2012

My uncle has a Ruger .44 Magnum carbine, looks like a 10/22 on steroids. It was a pretty nice rifle to shoot and made for a nice brush gun to hunt with.

melloyello · Jul 15, 2012

Midnight Raver said:
My uncle has a Ruger .44 Magnum carbine, looks like a 10/22 on steroids. It was a pretty nice rifle to shoot and made for a nice brush gun to hunt with.

I'd like to compare the kick between the Ruger 44 Carbine and my Marlin 1894 44 Mag Lever.

Tigerstripe · Jul 15, 2012

the carbine, being semi auto using some of the recoil up in operating the bolt, should have less recoil.

Midnight Raver · Jul 16, 2012

That Ruger is pretty smooth, didn't seem much on recoil or muzzle climb. I don't think they have made them for a long time now, wonder why?

Clicker · Jul 16, 2012

Midnight Raver said:
That Ruger is pretty smooth, didn't seem much on recoil or muzzle climb. I don't think they have made them for a long time now, wonder why?

The original tube feed rifles used a very complex lift mechanism which was expensive to machine and fit. They were out for production for a while then Ruger introduced a new version with their rotary box mag.

The only other thing about them is the gas system requires the use of jacketed bullets, so much for shooting cheap home made cast projectiles.

melloyello said:
I'd like to compare the kick between the Ruger 44 Carbine and my Marlin 1894 44 Mag Lever.

I can arrange that!

Midnight Raver · Jul 16, 2012

That Ruger had a 4 round magazine if I am not mistaken, I wonder if they ever made any aftermarket ones that held more?

Torontogosh · Jul 16, 2012

You guys are talking about the Ruger Deerslayer. I have seen one...ever. I think it is the number one product request Ruger gets, but they just could never get it to work right. I know if I found a nice clean one, I'd jump on it.

As far as pistol/carbine combos, I think the idea os awesome. Is it perfect, not really, but I always wished I nabbed a PC9 and a P89 Ruger set years ago. Just seems like an easy and fun idea.

Hmm...sounds like Ruger keeps making guns I like but don't buy. Seems like a bad habit.

Clicker · Jul 16, 2012

Torontogosh said:
You guys are talking about the Ruger Deerslayer. I have seen one...ever. I think it is the number one product request Ruger gets, but they just could never get it to work right.

Mine runs like a sewing machine as long as I stick full power magnum ammo down the magazine tube.

Torontogosh · Jul 16, 2012

I envy you. I always thought they were super cool, but never managed to wrangle one.

ReefShark · Aug 9, 2012

I finally broke down and picked up a gun on my bucket list. I am the proud owner of a Sterling Assault Rifle. She is a beauty. I can't wait to get her out to Boggy Head this weekend.

Clicker · Aug 9, 2012

That Sterling is way cooooool.

Midnight Raver · Aug 9, 2012

A funny tidbit of movie history:

The stormtroopers of Star Wars fame used the Sterling SMG as their blaster rifles. They added a scope of sorts, a couple of little doohickeys and a stubby magazine about the size of a 10 round staggered to it. Sterlings are kind of like a cadillac child of the old Stens of WWII. Nice firearm there, don't forget to give us an after range report on it!

Dave29461 · Aug 9, 2012

Congratulations, Reef Shark. That is a firearm worthy of a bucket list.

Gr8shot · Aug 10, 2012

I have a Kel Tec Sub 2000 in 40 cal that uses the Glock mags. Its a great little carbine that shoots well. Its been 100% reliable, its fairly accurate, but recoil is surprisingly stout for a pistol caliber carbine. Best thing is it folds in half to 16" length so it will fit in a pack or even in some of my storage compartments in my truck.