Good Pistol Caliber Carbine

[MurrayNevada]

I'm looking for a good pistol caliber carbine for home defense and occassional trunk carry.  I would like a .45acp carbine that uses 1911 mags but no one seems to make one anymore.  

I like the looks of the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 in .40S&W but wonder about the reliability.  I am a big Kel-Tec fan but a couple of the gun store folks say they are reluctant to order them because customers have been unhappy.  What do you suggest.

[flyandscuba]

Murray,

Here's two you should look at -- Marlin Camp 45.  No, not made anymore -- but my Camp 9 has been excellent.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5888322

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20193667

[R9SCarry]

Mike - I have heard both good and bad re Sub 2000 .... doubt I'd go that route.  I have a Marlin Camp 9 - see pic below - super lil' fella.  I know a coupla guys lucky enough to find a used Camp .45 ... that by all accounts is a great gun.

Also - in 9mm .. the Ruger PC9 has its following.  Then some like the Beretta Storm ..  9mm.  Even too, there are those people who like (despite fugly!) the cheapo Hi-Point carbine - again 9mm.!

What about a Thompson 1927A1 for the .45???  

[flyandscuba]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Hi-Point Carbines.

They are available in .40 S&W -- at $190, it seems like a bargain.

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20371193

[skinnygun]

I have a Mech Tech conversion unit for my Kinber .45 cost $250 from a gun store .Just take off the slide ,attach  the lower frame to the conversion unit  and insert mag..you are ready to go..Unit weighs 7 pounds or so , the recoil is mild.With a scope it makes a nice little .45 rifle.

[Frenchy]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Hi-Point Carbines.

They are available in .40 S&W -- at $190, it seems like a bargain.

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20371193

Same here...good little carbines!

[MurrayNevada]

I ended up buying a Marlin.  A lever gun,  the 1894 in .44mag.  I chose the cowboy model because I wanted a bit longer barrel.  I also loved the look of the octagon barrel and the Marble sights.  

After looking at everything, the lever gun seemed a good option.  Holds 10+1 and with some training should allow really fast follow-up shots.  

[R9SCarry]

Mike ..... I doubt you'll be disappointed .... fine rifle.

I have the ''std'' version ... and tho a tad shorter it shoots very well .... only downside as a reloader is - micro-groove barrel!  But - it thrives on Mag-Tec ammo!




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Sorry - not one of my better pics!

[MurrayNevada]

Chris:
I see you don't have the pistol-grip version.  I hate the look of the pistol-grip on a lever gun.  Tell me about the scope you have mounted on it.

[R9SCarry]

Pistol grip???  Hey Mike - when it comes to lever actions I am Mr Purist!!  Pistol grip?  On a lever?  Nahh!! (shudder!) - like you.

The ''scope''? ........... actually, a red dot ..... 30mm ''Miradot'' .. a real cheapo Chink manufacture!  I have added ''something'' to about all my long guns now ..... some have halfways decent scopes .. I also have a coupla Leupolds but for most part .. have resorted to red dots otherwise .... my eyes just struggle so much with irons.

Generally, and accepting some parallax .. the cheapo red dots are not that bad .... this gun will manage very capably at 100yds ... with just the simple red dot ... so it suits me fine.  It's hard to justify Millets and Aimpoints on everything!

[GeorgeH]

Check out the Beretta Storm carbine. It comes in several pistol calibers, including 9mm.

I see it for about $550-$649 at gun shows. This thing is built like a tank. I shot 1 mag at a gun range and it was cool beyond doubt. Accurate, fun, I can't think of anything negative.

I want to buy the 9mm version as a centerfire plinker. 9mm ammo is fairly cheap and it is going to be tough to find a carbine that is more fun to shoot.

[MurrayNevada]

George:
I agree that the Beretta Storm is a great gun.  I'm waiting until their .45acp is available.

[Richard S]

The August edition of GUNS Magazine has a review of the Beretta Storm carbine and contains accuracy test results for the 9mm version.  I agree.  It's an impressive weapon.  (And just when I thought I had finally filled my gun safe. . . .)

RS

[R9SCarry]

The Storm has been on my list a while now - few days ago found a guy down in AZ who is moving one on with a mere 200 rnds thru ... to all intents a new gun.  He is selling for $$ reasons and not any dislike of weapon.

I have weakened and it should be on the way to me end of week.  (Sorry Honey!!).

[Richard S]

Way to go, Chris!  What caliber is it?  Please keep us informed.

RS