9mm Carbine Choices - Which one to buy

Mr Phil · May 2, 2011, 09:34 AM

I have seen other post touching on this issue – but I am hoping for a more specific discussion.

Over time, and by inheriting guns, I have accumulated a wide variety of guns and calibers and wish to simply for hunting, HD and SHTF. Ease of reloading is also a consideration.

I am going to drop down to 6 calibers.

.22 (Ruger 10/22 rifle and Walther pistol)
9mm (Springfield XD)
5.56 - .223 (LWRC and CMMG)
6.5x55 (I know this is a weird one but I love my knife handled mannlicher mausers)
.308 (Springfield, FN and Savage)
12 gauge (Mossberg and Beretta)

As part of my reorg - I am going to buy a 9mm carbine … THE question is which one?

Kel Tec Sub-2000
Beretta CX4
Callico
HK-94
AR type
Bush Master
Spikes
Olympic
RRA
CMMG
Other?

I want to be able to run 9mm NATO so the Sterling and Suomi are not a viable option based on the info I have.

I have a FN- S90 and two FN5-7 pistols but ammo is unlikely to be widely available in SHTF situation and the round is a pain to reload, so they are going to go.

I also have two M1-carbines which I like ... but ammo is more expensive than 9mm and there is a more limited supply in SHTF.

I am leaning to the AR type 9mm for parts redundancy. Cost not a primary issue as sale of other guns will finance.

Your advice and guidance is appreciated.

Best wishes
Phil

spacecoast · May 2, 2011, 09:37 AM

You missed the Hi-Point 995TS... fun little rifle.

kx592 · May 2, 2011, 09:40 AM

Gotta say for the cost its hands down the 995TS. Throw a 35$ red dot on it and run the cheapest 9mm you can find, its surprisingly accurate and functions very well. Just feels like an air soft gun

flight954 · May 2, 2011, 10:15 AM

Rock River LAR-9 carbine
Marlin Camp 9
Beretta Storm 9 carbine
B&T TP9 SBR'd (I know it's not a carbine but it's kewl)

tulsamal · May 2, 2011, 11:20 AM

I like the 9mm AR's myself.

If you had a Glock 17 or 19, I would really suggest getting a Lone Wolf lower and building your own. Then you could use Glock magazines. That's my preferred solution. It's what I did with my custom AR except I went with .357 SIG.

Gregg

Cornhusker77 · May 2, 2011, 12:50 PM

I don't think they make em anymore, but the Ruger PC9 is a dandy little carbine.
I also like the Kel Tec and Hi Points, but at the moment, I'd say Kel Tec is my favorite because it's lighter than the other 2.

macsters · May 2, 2011, 12:51 PM

i have never heard anything bad about the hi point carbine.

i have also never heard anything bad about the sub-2000, which has the advantage of being able to use glock mags up to 33 rounds and folding. the highest capacity hi point mags i've heard of are 15 rounds.

also, and i realize that this is not what you are asking for, but i can't help but make the suggestion, you may consider buying an AK. for SHTF, the best rifles to have are going to be the ones that wont break (or that you can find parts anywhere for) and which have readily available ammo. and since everyone and their mother has an AK or an AR on the rack, and a brick of ammo in the closet, it makes sense to have both available, just in case.

anyway, back on subject now, the guys above me are right--the hi-point is the cheapest 9mm carbine money can buy, and it functions reliably and accurately. You are limited in magazine capacity.

step up $100, and you can get a sub-2000 with two advantages: (1)you can get a glock-compatible model and use 33 round mags, and (2)it will fold and fit in a backpack, or even a large computer bag.

RetiredMajor · May 2, 2011, 01:07 PM

I can't speak to all the other guns but I own a Keltec Sub 2000. it's a great little carbine. As was said, it folds in half and accepts 33 round Glock magazines. I have a Glock 19, so it's nice to be able to use similar gear. I like how small I can get it when folded for transportation.

LordTio3 · May 2, 2011, 01:23 PM

Personally, I think Hi-Point finds a nice niche market in making pistol caliber carbines. They are good products that function well and come with an unbeatable warranty.

But if you have the money...
Beretta CX4-Storm-

Come on. How awesome is that?

~LT

Drummer101 · May 2, 2011, 01:25 PM

I was able to shoulder a CX4 and I just found the stock to be really short and the sights hard to see through. Could just be a personal thing...

bigghoss · May 2, 2011, 01:35 PM

I shot a 9mm hi-point carbine. it's a good gun but the fun is over way too soon with the single stack mags.

I have a ruger p95 so if I could find a PC9 I would grab it. since I have a glock the kel-tec would be nice too.

Crosshair · May 3, 2011, 01:04 AM

The BEST choice IMHO is a Ruger PC-9 if you can find one for a good price. Reliable 20 round Mec-Gar magazines are available and those magazines will interchange with any P85-P95 9mm pistol. You are thus down to only one magazine and one ammunition. Not to mention the PC-9 is sturdy enough to deliver a serious beat-down should the need arise.

I would personally avoid the SUB-2000. They work, but the charging handle position is awkward, the recoil spring is very heavy, and shooting one feels like getting slapped in the face with a broom handle. However if you already have a Glock they are reliable and can be had so they use Glock magazines.

If you are unsure and just want something that shoots 9mm so you can get your toes wet with 9mm rifles, get a Hi-Point and stick with factory magazines. You can always sell it at a gunshow and get most of your money back or you can keep it in your trunk for a car gun and keep the more expensive stuff at home.

SVO · May 3, 2011, 03:37 PM

Uzi B carbine. or one of the Norinco Uzi B copies.

emcon5 · May 3, 2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

I want to be able to run 9mm NATO so the Sterling and Suomi are not a viable option based on the info I have.

What info is that?

NWdude83 · May 3, 2011, 03:55 PM

RRA

rjrivero · May 3, 2011, 04:19 PM

The only way a 9mm Carbine makes sense is if it shares magazines with your chosen pistol.

If you have a Beretta, then get the CX4. If you have a Glock, then use an Olympic 9mm Carbine, or build one with a Lone Wolf lower to make a Glock compatible carbine.

The Marlin Camp 9 used S&W Magazines?

If you are doing a "SHTF" kind of setup, make your gear count....

Otherwise, there is precious little advantage to a Pistol Caliber Carbine, IMVHO.

MrWesson · May 3, 2011, 05:50 PM

I love my glock mag Keltec sub 2000 and IMO its the best 9mm carbine for the money(better than hipoints that cost as much these days).

That being said its not the best 9mm carbine.. I would vote buy a few of the cheaper end rather than buying one high dollar one.

Id go keltec sub2k,hipoint 995 and try a suomi(dont know what your talking about with 9mm nato stuff)

Ozzieman · May 3, 2011, 07:10 PM

LordTio3 said it best “But if you have the money...Beretta CX4-Storm”
My suggestion is to put all of them to your shoulder and see which one feels best.
The one person that complained about the shortness probably tried a gun with all the stock spacers removed, at 10$ per that’s not a problem that can’t be fixed.
I prefer my Beretta to my HK MP5, and it’s also a lot more accurate.
http://www.berettausa.com/products/c...r/default.aspx

MC 1911 · May 3, 2011, 07:39 PM

Check out the Glock Roni 1. Not a bad deal & much better then the Storm.

Mr Phil · May 4, 2011, 07:43 AM

Regrading +p in Suomi

I spoke with 2 gunsmiths who deal with mil surplus and antique weapons - both said no +p in Suomi and Sterlings. To be sure I called TGI and spoke to one of thier gunsmiths and he confirmed.

I was going to go with the Suomi - cheap price and full parts kits only $70 could have bought 2 guns and 2 spare parts kits for less than $1K

ohen cepel · May 4, 2011, 07:57 AM

I have the CX4 and like it.

Drummer- If you don't like the length of pull it comes with spare spacers to lengthen it.

MrWesson · May 4, 2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Regrading +p in Suomi

I spoke with 2 gunsmiths who deal with mil surplus and antique weapons - both said no +p in Suomi and Sterlings. To be sure I called TGI and spoke to one of thier gunsmiths and he confirmed.

I was going to go with the Suomi - cheap price and full parts kits only $70 could have bought 2 guns and 2 spare parts kits for less than $1K

Seems strange as the suomi is a SMG and designed to shoot SMG ammo which is much hotter than +P ammo.

Id bet they are saying not to shoot it to cover themselves based on it being an older gun.

Big Shrek · May 4, 2011, 03:58 PM

I'd say you're missing the BEST 9mm carbine from your list...the Calico Tactical Carbine

100-rounds of 9mm PER MAGAZINE!!!! 50-round mags also available...

http://www.ammoland.com/2010/03/24/c...eapon-systems/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqW3JvrHKrk

Mags interchange with the Calico Pistol as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQt35...eature=related

Chesster · June 11, 2011, 10:13 PM

I like the Keltec that takes the Glock 9 mags. I've had good luck with it so far and don't have to buy different mags for it.

gunnut310 · June 11, 2011, 10:51 PM

I have a storm and I love it, will shoot less than 2" group @ 50yrds open sights all day it's only down side is the goushy trigger. thier's lots of parts for them and come apart in very easy and not picky about ammo

May 2, 2011, 09:34 AM	#1
Mr Phil Member Join Date: January 23, 2009 Posts: 43	9mm Carbine Choices - Which one to buy I have seen other post touching on this issue – but I am hoping for a more specific discussion. Over time, and by inheriting guns, I have accumulated a wide variety of guns and calibers and wish to simply for hunting, HD and SHTF. Ease of reloading is also a consideration. I am going to drop down to 6 calibers. .22 (Ruger 10/22 rifle and Walther pistol) 9mm (Springfield XD) 5.56 - .223 (LWRC and CMMG) 6.5x55 (I know this is a weird one but I love my knife handled mannlicher mausers) .308 (Springfield, FN and Savage) 12 gauge (Mossberg and Beretta) As part of my reorg - I am going to buy a 9mm carbine … THE question is which one? Kel Tec Sub-2000 Beretta CX4 Callico HK-94 AR type Bush Master Spikes Olympic RRA CMMG Other? I want to be able to run 9mm NATO so the Sterling and Suomi are not a viable option based on the info I have. I have a FN- S90 and two FN5-7 pistols but ammo is unlikely to be widely available in SHTF situation and the round is a pain to reload, so they are going to go. I also have two M1-carbines which I like ... but ammo is more expensive than 9mm and there is a more limited supply in SHTF. I am leaning to the AR type 9mm for parts redundancy. Cost not a primary issue as sale of other guns will finance. Your advice and guidance is appreciated. Best wishes Phil __________________ Don't bother running away ... you'll only die tired.

May 2, 2011, 01:07 PM	#8
RetiredMajor Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Dubuque, Iowa Posts: 456	I can't speak to all the other guns but I own a Keltec Sub 2000. it's a great little carbine. As was said, it folds in half and accepts 33 round Glock magazines. I have a Glock 19, so it's nice to be able to use similar gear. I like how small I can get it when folded for transportation. __________________ RetiredMajor, NRA Certified Instructor Every day's a holiday and every meal's a feast!

May 2, 2011, 01:23 PM	#9
LordTio3 Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2010 Location: Bloomington, Indiana Posts: 850	Personally, I think Hi-Point finds a nice niche market in making pistol caliber carbines. They are good products that function well and come with an unbeatable warranty. But if you have the money... Beretta CX4-Storm- Come on. How awesome is that? ~LT __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ- Greek:"Come and take them..." Meaning: Here we peaceably stand as armed and free men, willing to defend that peace, and ready to make war upon anyone who threatens that freedom.

May 2, 2011, 01:25 PM	#10
Drummer101 Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 943	I was able to shoulder a CX4 and I just found the stock to be really short and the sights hard to see through. Could just be a personal thing... __________________ "I would say that we have to make up criteria." OK, which is better for 2 Bantu, 5 Hottentots, and 3 pygmies playing a war march on a calliope at 3 a.m. during a monsoon? Show your work and round to the nearest decimal. -Mike Irwin Last edited by Drummer101; May 2, 2011 at 01:38 PM.

May 2, 2011, 01:35 PM	#11
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	I shot a 9mm hi-point carbine. it's a good gun but the fun is over way too soon with the single stack mags. I have a ruger p95 so if I could find a PC9 I would grab it. since I have a glock the kel-tec would be nice too. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.

May 2, 2011, 09:37 AM	#2
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	You missed the Hi-Point 995TS... fun little rifle.

May 2, 2011, 09:40 AM	#3
kx592 Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2009 Posts: 645	Gotta say for the cost its hands down the 995TS. Throw a 35$ red dot on it and run the cheapest 9mm you can find, its surprisingly accurate and functions very well. Just feels like an air soft gun

May 2, 2011, 10:15 AM	#4
flight954 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 933	Rock River LAR-9 carbine Marlin Camp 9 Beretta Storm 9 carbine B&T TP9 SBR'd (I know it's not a carbine but it's kewl)

May 2, 2011, 11:20 AM	#5
tulsamal Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2004 Location: Vinita, OK Posts: 2,552	I like the 9mm AR's myself. If you had a Glock 17 or 19, I would really suggest getting a Lone Wolf lower and building your own. Then you could use Glock magazines. That's my preferred solution. It's what I did with my custom AR except I went with .357 SIG. Gregg

May 2, 2011, 12:50 PM	#6
Cornhusker77 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2009 Posts: 219	I don't think they make em anymore, but the Ruger PC9 is a dandy little carbine. I also like the Kel Tec and Hi Points, but at the moment, I'd say Kel Tec is my favorite because it's lighter than the other 2.

May 2, 2011, 12:51 PM	#7
macsters Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2011 Posts: 119	i have never heard anything bad about the hi point carbine. i have also never heard anything bad about the sub-2000, which has the advantage of being able to use glock mags up to 33 rounds and folding. the highest capacity hi point mags i've heard of are 15 rounds. also, and i realize that this is not what you are asking for, but i can't help but make the suggestion, you may consider buying an AK. for SHTF, the best rifles to have are going to be the ones that wont break (or that you can find parts anywhere for) and which have readily available ammo. and since everyone and their mother has an AK or an AR on the rack, and a brick of ammo in the closet, it makes sense to have both available, just in case. anyway, back on subject now, the guys above me are right--the hi-point is the cheapest 9mm carbine money can buy, and it functions reliably and accurately. You are limited in magazine capacity. step up $100, and you can get a sub-2000 with two advantages: (1)you can get a glock-compatible model and use 33 round mags, and (2)it will fold and fit in a backpack, or even a large computer bag.

May 3, 2011, 01:04 AM	#12
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	The BEST choice IMHO is a Ruger PC-9 if you can find one for a good price. Reliable 20 round Mec-Gar magazines are available and those magazines will interchange with any P85-P95 9mm pistol. You are thus down to only one magazine and one ammunition. Not to mention the PC-9 is sturdy enough to deliver a serious beat-down should the need arise. I would personally avoid the SUB-2000. They work, but the charging handle position is awkward, the recoil spring is very heavy, and shooting one feels like getting slapped in the face with a broom handle. However if you already have a Glock they are reliable and can be had so they use Glock magazines. If you are unsure and just want something that shoots 9mm so you can get your toes wet with 9mm rifles, get a Hi-Point and stick with factory magazines. You can always sell it at a gunshow and get most of your money back or you can keep it in your trunk for a car gun and keep the more expensive stuff at home. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

May 3, 2011, 03:37 PM	#13
SVO Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 728	Uzi B carbine. or one of the Norinco Uzi B copies.

May 3, 2011, 03:55 PM	#15
NWdude83 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 351	RRA

May 3, 2011, 04:19 PM	#16
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	The only way a 9mm Carbine makes sense is if it shares magazines with your chosen pistol. If you have a Beretta, then get the CX4. If you have a Glock, then use an Olympic 9mm Carbine, or build one with a Lone Wolf lower to make a Glock compatible carbine. The Marlin Camp 9 used S&W Magazines? If you are doing a "SHTF" kind of setup, make your gear count.... Otherwise, there is precious little advantage to a Pistol Caliber Carbine, IMVHO.

May 3, 2011, 05:50 PM	#17
MrWesson Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2010 Posts: 357	I love my glock mag Keltec sub 2000 and IMO its the best 9mm carbine for the money(better than hipoints that cost as much these days). That being said its not the best 9mm carbine.. I would vote buy a few of the cheaper end rather than buying one high dollar one. Id go keltec sub2k,hipoint 995 and try a suomi(dont know what your talking about with 9mm nato stuff)

May 3, 2011, 07:10 PM	#18
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	LordTio3 said it best “But if you have the money...Beretta CX4-Storm” My suggestion is to put all of them to your shoulder and see which one feels best. The one person that complained about the shortness probably tried a gun with all the stock spacers removed, at 10$ per that’s not a problem that can’t be fixed. I prefer my Beretta to my HK MP5, and it’s also a lot more accurate. http://www.berettausa.com/products/c...r/default.aspx

May 3, 2011, 07:39 PM	#19
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 373	Check out the Glock Roni 1. Not a bad deal & much better then the Storm.

May 4, 2011, 07:43 AM	#20
Mr Phil Member Join Date: January 23, 2009 Posts: 43	Regrading +p in Suomi I spoke with 2 gunsmiths who deal with mil surplus and antique weapons - both said no +p in Suomi and Sterlings. To be sure I called TGI and spoke to one of thier gunsmiths and he confirmed. I was going to go with the Suomi - cheap price and full parts kits only $70 could have bought 2 guns and 2 spare parts kits for less than $1K __________________ Don't bother running away ... you'll only die tired.

May 4, 2011, 07:57 AM	#21
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	I have the CX4 and like it. Drummer- If you don't like the length of pull it comes with spare spacers to lengthen it. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

May 4, 2011, 03:58 PM	#23
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	I'd say you're missing the BEST 9mm carbine from your list...the Calico Tactical Carbine 100-rounds of 9mm PER MAGAZINE!!!! 50-round mags also available... http://www.ammoland.com/2010/03/24/c...eapon-systems/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqW3JvrHKrk Mags interchange with the Calico Pistol as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQt35...eature=related __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

June 11, 2011, 10:13 PM	#24
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 2,538	I like the Keltec that takes the Glock 9 mags. I've had good luck with it so far and don't have to buy different mags for it. __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle" Vote 'Pro-Choice' on 2nd Amendment issues!!!

June 11, 2011, 10:51 PM	#25
gunnut310 Member Join Date: March 24, 2009 Location: southeast texas Posts: 61	I have a storm and I love it, will shoot less than 2" group @ 50yrds open sights all day it's only down side is the goushy trigger. thier's lots of parts for them and come apart in very easy and not picky about ammo