Best 9mm Carbines [Hands-On Tested]

Pistol caliber carbines have been popular since the advent of the self-contained cartridge. They saw heavy use during the settlement of the American West, as ranchers and outlaws alike saw the value and convenience of having their rifles and pistols shoot the same ammunition. Adding a 9mm carbine or one in another caliber can be a valuable addition to any collection.

Today’s carbines have evolved from select-fire submachine guns like the H&K MP5 and CZ Scorpion and gained popularity with the AR pistol trend. This shift has ushered in a new era for PCCs, offering the advantages of a compact, high-capacity rifle while avoiding some of the drawbacks of traditional rifle calibers. We’ve examined the top 9mm carbines available today.

Here’s a brief overview of why a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) is a great choice for your next firearm.

Noise

One major advantage of PCCs is their reduced muzzle volume. Unlike a standard AR in .223/5.56, which can be quite loud, especially as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) with a concussive blast, PCCs are generally much quieter. Even when unsuppressed, they produce less noise, and with a suppressor, they can often be hearing-safe without requiring ear protection.

Home Defense

Many firearm owners choose a dedicated home defense weapon, and a PCC is an excellent option. It offers less recoil than a typical shotgun, making it ideal for smaller or recoil-sensitive shooters. When compared to a pistol, a carbine will provide an increase in accuracy, especially in high-stress situations. Having a longer sight radius held closer to your eye makes a big difference.

They are also lighter than most ARs, which are quickly becoming a common home defense choice.

For range practice, 9mm is cheap and there are many different rounds to choose from to fit your needs. These include subsonic rounds, several kinds of hollow points, light and heavyweight ball, Teflon coated, and premium match grade ammo.

Distance Shooting and Competition

For most pistol rounds, bullet velocity increases as barrel length does. This is especially true with 9mm ammo. This leads to flatter trajectories, allowing for a longer effective range. Most 9mm carbines are accurate out to at least 100 yards. Additionally, PCCs have carved out their niche in USPSA competitions, making them a great choice for competitive shooters as well.

Here are the best pistol caliber carbines available as of 2024.

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Best Budget Carbine: Ruger PC Carbine

The Ruger PC Carbine is a new offering with an old heritage.

Originally released in 1996 as the Ruger Police Carbine, this model was discontinued in 2007 due to poor sales. It was designed for use in squad cars for situations requiring longer range or more firepower compared to a pistol. With the renewed demand for PCCs, Ruger has reintroduced the carbine.

The new version is based on the popular 10/22 and shares several components with its smaller caliber counterpart, including most of the trigger pack. While not completely interchangeable, this means a better chance of aftermarket options down the road. Other features include a 16” fluted barrel threaded ½”-28, and a built-in Picatinny rail. The fluted barrel is a welcome addition. It has decreased weight and increased surface area for better heat management. Plus, it looks really cool. It has a side swappable charging handle and magazine release, and a quick disconnect for easy takedowns.

Additionally, the carbine is lightweight, weighing just 6.8 lbs when unloaded, and measures 34.37″ in overall length when fully assembled. It comes with three spacers that can be placed between the buttpad and stock to adjust the length of pull, accommodating taller or long-limbed shooters. When broken down, it fits easily into a backpack, making it an excellent choice for a bugout bag or campers seeking added protection without drawing too much attention.

It’s ideal for backpackers as well, given that 9mm rounds take up less space than .223/5.56.

This carbine is an excellent choice for use with a suppressor. Its dead blow blowback action results in less gas being directed back at the shooter compared to the direct impingement system commonly seen on AR-15s. It accepts magazines from Ruger’s SR-Series and Security-9 pistols, and includes a mag well adapter for Glock magazines, which is a significant advantage given the widespread availability of Glock mags.

Disassembly for cleaning is quick and straightforward. Priced under $600, the PC Carbine is a solid option for those on a budget.

Best Competition Carbine: SIG MPX

If you appreciate the classic MP5 appearance but prefer the controls of an AR-15, this carbine is a great choice for you.

Introduced in 2015, SIG markets it as the first submachine gun featuring a fully closed, rotating bolt and piston system designed to keep out water and dirt. While this may not be a major concern for most shooters, enhanced reliability is always advantageous. It features an ambidextrous magazine release and safety selector, positioned like those on a typical AR-15. The charging handle is conveniently located at the rear.

The carbine measures 33″ in overall length and weighs 7.6 lbs. It has a 13.3″ free-floating barrel with a 2.7″ pinned and welded flash hider. This setup meets the 16″ barrel requirement because the flash hider is intended to be permanently attached and not easily removed. Ideally, it should have come with a standard 16″ threaded barrel. If you plan to replace the flash hider, you’ll need a tax stamp unless you choose another welded and pinned muzzle device that fulfills the 16″ requirement. A pinned and welded suppressor adapter would also meet the requirements and avoid needing two tax stamps (as of the current regulations).

The carbine features an adjustable stock with three length settings and a full-length KeyMod handguard, offering ample space for mounting optics. The handguard design avoids the discomfort that standard rails can cause during firing. Attachment points are available on all sides, making it easy to add lights and foregrips. The included iron sights are quite good for those who prefer using them. The all-metal build feels robust and is a pleasure to shoot. The trigger weight is ideal for quick and accurate shooting, and the gas system operates smoothly with any weight of 9mm ammunition without requiring adjustments.

As a popular choice in competition shooting, the MPX offers a wide range of aftermarket parts for customization. While the trigger performs well out of the box, it can also accommodate standard AR trigger groups if you prefer or want to experiment. It includes one 30-round magazine and disassembly is akin to other ARs, making maintenance straightforward.

The MPX combines the classic MP5 look with AR-15 functionality and is produced by a reputable company with a proven track record. However, it does have a minor drawback: gas can blow by the charging handle, especially when shooting suppressed. Since the charging handle is smaller than typical AR models, existing drop-in solutions are not compatible, though MPX-specific handles are in development to address this issue. Despite this minor issue, the MPX remains a highly recommended 9mm carbine.

Although Sig lists it at just over $2000, you can find it online for around $1700.

Best for Suppressors: CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1

The CZ Scorpion is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of suppressors. It’s reliable when suppressed, robust enough for competition use, and folds to a compact size. Despite its name, the current EVO 3 model is a significant departure from the original 1961 Scorpion in terms of mechanics.

The semi-automatic EVO 3, which became available to civilians in early 2015, has select-fire variants used by several military forces. It features an adjustable trigger reach, ambidextrous safety, and magazine release. The charging handle is swappable to the right side and remains non-reciprocating, so it won’t interfere with your grip if you hold the carbine close to the mag well. You can perform the H&K slap to close the bolt, adding a fun element to its use. The M-Lok handguard is long and versatile, accommodating various lights and foregrips.

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 is notably lightweight, even for a carbine, weighing in at just 7 lbs. This is largely due to its durable polymer construction. The top rail is also made of polymer, but its high-quality fit and finish make it less apparent. Even with attachments, you shouldn’t worry about damaging the rail. It features a 16” barrel, which is either topped with a faux suppressor or a functional muzzle brake, and has an overall length of 34.75”.

The faux suppressor version has a hollow suppressor that covers the standard 16” barrel and screws onto the end. It’s purely for aesthetic purposes and can be removed while keeping the firearm compliant. The muzzle brake version, however, is functional and effectively minimizes the already slight recoil. Both variants have 1/2×28 threaded barrels, offering a range of muzzle attachments that can be swapped with ease.

The stock on the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 is robust and locks securely with a distinct click. It offers three adjustable length-of-pull settings and, when folded, reduces the overall length to 24.5”. It is designed to be functional even in its folded state. A magnet at the end of the stock helps keep it flush against the side of the gun when folded, preventing it from interfering during use. However, be cautious with any magnetic objects, as the magnet can attract items like earrings, as I discovered when it snagged on a friend’s ear at the range.

This carbine is well-suited for suppressed shooting due to the forward placement of the charging handle and chamber, which keeps them further from your face compared to most ARs. The closed-bolt design also ensures your support hand stays clean from powder residue. It operates with a basic dead-blow action, eliminating the need for gas system adjustments with different bullet weights. The trigger pull is relatively heavy at around 9 lbs, but affordable aftermarket trigger kits are available to lighten it. The carbine comes with two magazines and excellent iron sights, including a four-way adjustable rear sight to customize the ghost ring width. Like the Ruger, it is easy to disassemble for maintenance.

If you want to know more read our full CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine Review.

Best AR Carbine: Wilson Combat AR9

This carbine is the epitome of AR design, setting a high standard for all 9mm ARs. Wilson Combat is a well-recognized name among firearm enthusiasts, renowned for their premium 1911 customizations.

Their reputation extends to providing handguns for elite units like Delta Force and Navy SEALs, which speaks volumes about their quality. Expanding their offerings, Wilson Combat now includes a range of rifles and shotguns, with their AR9 exemplifying the fusion of AR components with 9mm-specific features. It’s particularly notable for how closely it mimics the functionality of a traditional AR, while utilizing the blowback action optimized for 9mm.

The AR9 is available in two barrel lengths and magazine compatibility options. The 14.7” barrel is fluted and features a Q-COMP Flash Hider, pinned and welded to meet the 16” barrel requirement. The 16” barrel comes in both fluted and non-fluted versions, with both being threaded 5/8”x24. The Q-COMP Flash Hider on the 16” barrel is easily removable, allowing for the addition of a different muzzle device or a suppressor. The carbine is remarkably lightweight, weighing 6 lbs 1 oz for the 14.7” barrel and 6 lbs 4 oz for the unfluted 16” version, with the fluted 16” barrel falling in between.

It is designed to accept either Glock or Beretta magazines, with the lower receiver and magazine well specifically milled for each type. This means you must choose your magazine preference at the time of purchase, as there is no adapter for switching later. Although this might seem limiting, the dedicated design for each magazine type should enhance feeding reliability. Both Glock and Beretta magazines are widely available, making this a manageable trade-off. The carbine features a full-length M-Lok handguard and an overall length of 32.75”.

The stock is secure and adjustable throughout its entire range of motion, rather than being limited to a few preset positions. This design is robust, with a cam lock mechanism that feels durable and reassuring, so concerns about wear and tear are minimal. The carbine is offered in a variety of Armor-Tuff finishes, enhancing both its appearance and durability. The controls mirror those of a standard AR, making it compatible with regular AR grips, triggers, charging handles, and buttstocks. The included trigger is a two-stage model with a 4.5-pound pull, which is excellent for precision shooting. However, it might be a bit too light for fast-paced competitions, though this is largely a matter of personal preference.

With its closed bolt blowback system, this carbine avoids the gas blowback issues experienced with other models like the MPX when a suppressor is used.

Best Bullpup Carbine: IWI US Tavor SAR/X95

Originally developed in 5.56, the Tavor was intended to replace the M4 as Israel’s standard issue rifle, and it succeeded.

It has a unique bullpup design that allows for a full-length barrel in a small package and has a similar action to the one used in the AK-47, which is known for reliability. Durability was a major consideration in its design, and it is waterproof for all your aquatic needs. The 9mm chambering was originally released as a submachine gun conversion kit for existing rifles and was offered as a complete carbine in the US in 2014. It’s been available in Canada since 2008, but got held up by our wacky US import laws. The action in the 9mm version was converted to a more basic blowback design, but it is still housed within the same body as the gas-operated rifle version. It is offered in two variants, the SAR and the X95. Both are ambidextrous. It can also use UZI magazines, which is a plus.

The SAR model was the first to be released and features a charging handle located at the front of the handguard. It includes a full-length top rail and a shorter side rail positioned at a 45-degree angle opposite the charging handle. The sides and bottom of the handguard are textured for improved grip.

The X95 enhances upon the SAR by repositioning the charging handle closer to the shooter. It features a lighter trigger pull and has additional rails on the bottom and sides, complete with rail covers. The controls have been adjusted to better suit AR shooters, reflecting a trend seen across many modern firearms. Both the SAR and X95 come with a 17″ barrel, threaded ½”x36 and equipped with a flash hider. Weighing in at 7.9lbs, the X95 is slightly heavier than some other options, but its compact dimensions offset the weight. With an overall length of 26.125″, it is the shortest carbine on our list. Its durability and compact size make it a popular choice in competition shooting, though it requires some modification to match the performance of more specialized competition carbines.

Shooting the Tavor provides a distinctive experience. The controls are within easy reach, but the rear magazine placement may take some getting used to. For those with longer arms, like myself, it might feel a bit tight compared to a longer carbine. However, it is easy to handle and quick to aim. The disassembly process is simpler than it appears, and a cleaning rod is included. It comes with one 32-round magazine and has a retail price of $1749. If you favor bullpups and seek a carbine with a design considered superior to the M4, the X95 is an excellent addition to your collection.

With a wide selection of carbines available, from 9mm AR-15s to specialized models like the CZ Scorpion and Ruger PC Carbine, it’s an excellent time to consider adding a PCC to your firearms collection.

Photo Credit:
Header, Ruger PC Carbine: thetruthaboutguns.com