What's your favorite 9mm backpack carbine?

[Tool]

It seems that the HK SP5 series is very popular, but it is also super expensive. Is the Beretta PMX is a good alternative? How about CZ Scorpion and PTR 9c? Anything else?

[P-990]

What is your purpose for this "9mm backpack carbine"? As much as I enjoy 9mm PCCs, I can think of much more useful things to carry around in a backpack out and about.

Don't leave out the Kel-Tec Sub2000 (folds in half), S&W FPC (folds in half, but sideways), Ruger PC Carbine (take down).

Which one you like is going to depend on what you're used to using, and I assure you it will change when you actually put rounds downrange with the carbine. The Kel-Tec is ergonomically inferior to most of the others; the sights are a bit low, the charging handle runs beside your face, the recoil spring is stiffer than you'd expect, and some other things I can't recall off the top of my head.

The CZ Scorpions are OK but are only about 90% complete out of the box. I have a Scorpion Carbine and it needed a set of trigger springs to reduce the horrible trigger pull, a different right side safety to keep from taking skin off my trigger finger, the charging handle really needs to be about 33% bigger to be useful, the stock pistol grip is oversized and oddly angled, and swapping the magazine release to a larger paddle-style release changed how the 30-round magazines activate the bolt hold open, so now it drops the bolt when I remove an empty 30-round magazine. Which makes the aforementioned small charging handle really inconvenient.

The PC Carbine isn't bad, it's really mostly a 10/22 scaled up and beefed up into a blowback 9mm rifle. It had the best trigger and a reasonably smooth firing impulse. The only real downside is the barrel mounted rear aperture sight, and possible POI shifting if you mount an optic on the receiver and then mount and dismount the barrel regularly.

MP5s and clones are fun, and hit the nostalgia button for many people. I've only put a couple magazines through a transferrable select-fire MP5 and my opinion based on that is kind of heavy for what it is, but very smooth shooting.

Having said that, my current pick for a 9mm carbine is an AR-15 based rifle, and that won't work well as a backpack gun. Mine is a Colt 9mm Carbine. I like it because it's an AR-15, so ergonomically it's laid out where I expect all of the controls to be. It does have its faults too, mostly centering around the fact that it could use a bit more reciprocating mass and the recoil impulse is quite a bit sharper than one would expect if you're used to shooting an AR in 5.56mm. Oh, magazines can be a bit of a headache too. I prefer the Colt/modified Uzi pattern magazines to the Glock mags, but I've learned there's a very high probability the bolt hold open tabs on the magazine followers will need to be modified to ensure smooth feeding of the last 2-3 rounds on some mags.

[Tool]

Thank you so much for the excellent write-up.

AR9 is a good choice too. Have you had any experiences with Foxtrot Mike FM-9 or CMMG Banshee?

[jmr40]

I bought one of these about a year ago and love it. They sell for around $700.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/fpc

It uses Smith M&P 9mm magazines and comes with two 23 round magazines and one 17 round mag. Two spare mags can be carried in the buttstock giving you 63+1 total rounds onboard. The rifle folds in half for easy transport (view the gallery in the link).

I put a Holosun sight on it. Mine will keep 5 shots in a 2" group at 100 yards.

I doubt if I'd use it for backpacking. But folded it easily fits inside a small pack or suitcase. I take it with us when we travel (where legal). It goes from the car to the hotel room unobserved.

[Tool]

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately, I live in a state where foldable stock is outlawed.

[Screwball]

I think a definition of backpack gun would help us…

Is it something you want to stow in a backpack, without any need to deploy it fast? Or is it something that needs to be ready to go upon pulling it out?

Are you looking for a braced pistol, SBR or 16” carbine?

And which state would also help out with recommending a gun.

Now, I’m not that familiar with the PMX, minus the decent deals offered over the past few months. Beretta can make awesome firearms, but they tend to not stay in the limelight for a long time. The CX4, for a quick example, is a great carbine. Able to switch majority of the controls/ejection to either side… but minus a few notable adoptions, it wasn’t really marketed and now is discontinued. The PMX, while it is nice… I feel will meet a similar fate.

I have a SUB-2000. It is a nice gun, after you convert the internals to MCARBO. Stock, it feels like a mix between an airsoft gun and BB gun. But it does what it originally was designed to do… fold in half and shoot. I don’t have too much experience with the Gen 3, but my Gen 2 is perfect.



I got into the 9mm PTR just before the brace fiasco went down. Got me an approved Form 1 that doesn’t have my name engraved on it. While I tend to side with ARs (will touch on later), the MP5 platform is a very slick setup. Minus no last round bolt hold and a more archaic reload method… the gun is pretty close to what the AK is to assault rifles. But yes… they are expensive.



If you are looking for something more ready to go out of the bag, check out the Flux Raider for the P320 or P365. People can holster carry the P365 version, but the P320 one is right in the middle ground between compact enough and able to make good hits on.



Personally, I feel the AR is an all around better option for most applications. Familiar controls, pretty ergonomic and seems to work out for most people. I’m pretty happy with the 2 AR9s I have; the top one in the above picture is one, which also uses the DOE upper below it… just tossed it on another SBR lower for the picture. Also have one that uses a Stern adapter for Glock magazines and Angstadt Vanquish 10.5” suppressed barrel (did an Aero EPC for a similar .40 setup… not suppressed).

With those, I can touch on the Foxtrot Mike and CMMG. FM has decent reviews, however I also do not like some of their options for their blowback AR9s. This is a good website that talks about a lot of the AR9… and the author does YouTube videos about them (he is big on AR15.com).

https://blowback9.wordpress.com/

When I looked for a .40 to build, I looked at the CMMG Banshee. One thing that kept me away is the ejector design, which seems to be a pretty faulty setup. Like to the point of replacing the ejector spring every 1,500 rounds type of faulty. I do think the radial delayed blowback is nice… but I’d opt for the Dissent over the Banshee.

There are plenty of options, as well as some I did not touch on (SIG MPX, B&T, Stribog, etc). I’m sure you’ll find something.

[44 AMP]

What's your favorite 9mm backpack carbine?

That would be the one I have, a Calico.

[jonnyc]

HP995.

[ballardw]

Only reason I could think for carrying a PCC is to use the same magazines as the pistol I'm already carrying. Which sort of restricts the choices at that point.

But maybe I'm weird that way.

[jetinteriorguy]

I’ve had a Just Right Carbine for several years and it’s pretty decent but does have a couple drawbacks. First the positive things, same setup and parts in the FCG as an AR15, can be set up with either a Glock or M&P magazine, mine is the takedown version so barrel and shroud are removeable with a simple tool that’s easily stowed in the hand grip. Mines been accurate and dependable. You can use any AR15 stock, but it’s a commercial tube so be aware of that. Now for its drawbacks, it’s heavy, a bit of a pain to break down for cleaning since it takes a couple different sizes of Allen wrenches, and it doesn’t lock back after the last round has been fired. These aren’t enough negatives to get rid of mine but if I had to do things over and price wasn’t part of the equation I’d go with the Ruger LC Carbine in 10mm for hiking or knocking around in the woods. But in a SHTF scenario I would get it in 9mm. I understand where you live a foldable firearm isn’t bueno but since this one’s a takedown maybe it’s ok.

[Tool]

Thank you so much for all the replies. What a collection, Screwball.

After watching some youtube videos, I think I will skip Beretta PMX. It seems to have way too much recoil.

[Hellcat1]

Originally Posted by Screwball

I think a definition of backpack gun would help us…

Is it something you want to stow in a backpack, without any need to deploy it fast? Or is it something that needs to be ready to go upon pulling it out?

Are you looking for a braced pistol, SBR or 16” carbine?

And which state would also help out with recommending a gun.

Now, I’m not that familiar with the PMX, minus the decent deals offered over the past few months. Beretta can make awesome firearms, but they tend to not stay in the limelight for a long time. The CX4, for a quick example, is a great carbine. Able to switch majority of the controls/ejection to either side… but minus a few notable adoptions, it wasn’t really marketed and now is discontinued. The PMX, while it is nice… I feel will meet a similar fate.

I have a SUB-2000. It is a nice gun, after you convert the internals to MCARBO. Stock, it feels like a mix between an airsoft gun and BB gun. But it does what it originally was designed to do… fold in half and shoot. I don’t have too much experience with the Gen 3, but my Gen 2 is perfect.



I got into the 9mm PTR just before the brace fiasco went down. Got me an approved Form 1 that doesn’t have my name engraved on it. While I tend to side with ARs (will touch on later), the MP5 platform is a very slick setup. Minus no last round bolt hold and a more archaic reload method… the gun is pretty close to what the AK is to assault rifles. But yes… they are expensive.



If you are looking for something more ready to go out of the bag, check out the Flux Raider for the P320 or P365. People can holster carry the P365 version, but the P320 one is right in the middle ground between compact enough and able to make good hits on.



Personally, I feel the AR is an all around better option for most applications. Familiar controls, pretty ergonomic and seems to work out for most people. I’m pretty happy with the 2 AR9s I have; the top one in the above picture is one, which also uses the DOE upper below it… just tossed it on another SBR lower for the picture. Also have one that uses a Stern adapter for Glock magazines and Angstadt Vanquish 10.5” suppressed barrel (did an Aero EPC for a similar .40 setup… not suppressed).

With those, I can touch on the Foxtrot Mike and CMMG. FM has decent reviews, however I also do not like some of their options for their blowback AR9s. This is a good website that talks about a lot of the AR9… and the author does YouTube videos about them (he is big on AR15.com).

https://blowback9.wordpress.com/

When I looked for a .40 to build, I looked at the CMMG Banshee. One thing that kept me away is the ejector design, which seems to be a pretty faulty setup. Like to the point of replacing the ejector spring every 1,500 rounds type of faulty. I do think the radial delayed blowback is nice… but I’d opt for the Dissent over the Banshee.

There are plenty of options, as well as some I did not touch on (SIG MPX, B&T, Stribog, etc). I’m sure you’ll find something.

Hey, @Screwball, how do you like that Sig P320 Flux Raider? I'm thinking of getting one in the next few days.


Frank

[Screwball]

Originally Posted by Hellcat1

Hey, @Screwball, how do you like that Sig P320 Flux Raider? I'm thinking of getting one in the next few days.


Frank

It’s a fun package… definitely recommend Form 1ing the FCU so you can do a stock. Even shooting it like a pistol is easier with the stock over the brace.

[Hellcat1]

Originally Posted by Screwball

It’s a fun package… definitely recommend Form 1ing the FCU so you can do a stock. Even shooting it like a pistol is easier with the stock over the brace.

Thanks, I appreciate your response! Unfortunately, being in RI, I can't go the Form 1 route since all NFA items are illegal here.

Hey, what is the extension on the muzzle end of the slide? That's one thing I find a bit funky with the design of the stock rig, where the normal slide is shorter than the frame. But what you have there fills in that "gap" nicely. And did you have to replace the barrel in order to install that?

Thanks,


Frank

[Screwball]

Originally Posted by Hellcat1

Thanks, I appreciate your response! Unfortunately, being in RI, I can't go the Form 1 route since all NFA items are illegal here.

Hey, what is the extension on the muzzle end of the slide? That's one thing I find a bit funky with the design of the stock rig, where the normal slide is shorter than the frame. But what you have there fills in that "gap" nicely. And did you have to replace the barrel in order to install that?

Thanks,

Frank

Compensator… there are a few different versions from HA. I got that one because it was designed to make the best out of the Flux Raider. No side ports, so makes shooting next to a wall not as terrible.

https://herringtonarms.com/collectio...20-compensator

For the full size slide, you need the 5.5” threaded barrel. SIG sells them directly on their site, but they do have a Metric threaded version, so make sure you get the 1/2x28.

There are a few different compensators that Flux users go with… but I feel that one is the best. In the back of the chassis, there is an Allen key to service the setup. Same size as the set screws on that compensator.

Installation is easy… but I do recommend on drilling two indents in the barrel to like up with the set screws. Put the barrel/recoil assembly in and line it up to the slide, tighten one screw good so it doesn’t rotate, then start the drilling. Once that one is good, switch to the other side. Nothing too deep, just enough for the screws to get a good bite and not rotate. Threads on the barrel and the set screws… blue Loctite, and let them sit for a day. Haven’t had any issues with those steps.

[bamaranger]

Sorry, I don't have a horse in this race. I don't own a 9mm carbine, my PCC's are all chambered in mag pistol calibers. ( well, I do have a 10mm HiPoint) None of them collapse and thus none will fit conveniently in a backpack. They all bring more power to the game than any 9mm carbine however.

Bamaboy has the Ruger carbine in 9mm. It is sufficiently accurate to 100 yds, light and reliable. It's report is mild and recoil is nil and with it's dot sight, anybody can shoot it better than a handgun, especially at distances past 15 yds or so. I could see it as an urban home defense gun where distances would be short and recoil would be a concern as in wives, daughters or young boys. It is a hoot to shoot and a great fun as a plinker.

Honestly, I just don't have the use for a 9mm backpack carbine (I didn't have the use of the 10mm carbine either, but it was so cheap I couldn't resist) . I still plink with a .22, and if I feel I need a carbine, it's chambered mag pistol or intermediate rifle and will be in my hands or slung over my shoulder.

Now.....as a backpack full power RIFLE, I think the SIG Cross TRAX is an interesting piece. But the folding/pack bit would only be for storage and or transit.

[Hellcat1]

Originally Posted by Screwball

Compensator… there are a few different versions from HA. I got that one because it was designed to make the best out of the Flux Raider. No side ports, so makes shooting next to a wall not as terrible.

https://herringtonarms.com/collectio...20-compensator

For the full size slide, you need the 5.5” threaded barrel. SIG sells them directly on their site, but they do have a Metric threaded version, so make sure you get the 1/2x28.

There are a few different compensators that Flux users go with… but I feel that one is the best. In the back of the chassis, there is an Allen key to service the setup. Same size as the set screws on that compensator.

Installation is easy… but I do recommend on drilling two indents in the barrel to like up with the set screws. Put the barrel/recoil assembly in and line it up to the slide, tighten one screw good so it doesn’t rotate, then start the drilling. Once that one is good, switch to the other side. Nothing too deep, just enough for the screws to get a good bite and not rotate. Threads on the barrel and the set screws… blue Loctite, and let them sit for a day. Haven’t had any issues with those steps.

Great info! Thanks so much for the detailed reply. I'm hoping to get to my local gun shop next Tuesday to pick up the Sig P320-Flux Legion. So it's the Flux and handgun all in one package. Not sure if that's what you got or whether you bought the components and put it together yourself. The Sig comes with a 3.9" barrel, so I'm assuming that the slide isn't "full size" (not being familiar at all with the P320). Don't know if that makes a difference or not. I'll have to see once I have it in hand, and have had a chance to do a lot more research on it.

Thanks again for all the great info; much appreciated. And if there are any other forums, or places you'd recommend for me to get educated on these things, that would be great. I'm a member of the Sig Talk forum, but didn't see much there about them. Maybe a dedicated Flux forum?


Frank

[deadcoyote]

As silly as it may sound Ruger makes a charger pistol version of their PC carbine. Perhaps it can be adapted to use a folding brace. This seems like the most reasonable concept for a backpacking carbine.

[Screwball]

Originally Posted by Hellcat1

I'm hoping to get to my local gun shop next Tuesday to pick up the Sig P320-Flux Legion. So it's the Flux and handgun all in one package. Not sure if that's what you got or whether you bought the components and put it together yourself. The Sig comes with a 3.9" barrel, so I'm assuming that the slide isn't "full size" (not being familiar at all with the P320).

Need to do another slide. The slide compensator does not allow a longer barrel to be installed. Reason why I bought a Raider chassis, SIG FCU and picked the rest of the parts myself (M17 slide).

Originally Posted by Hellcat1

Maybe a dedicated Flux forum?

There is a Flux FB group that is pretty good… Flux Defense, Antimatter, And Snakestaff Owners Group (No Sales/Trades)

[GHOL]

I love my Keltec Sub2000 in 9mm. It folds, I can reliably hit stuff out to 100+ and it takes Glock mags.

The .40 has been a problem child!

[Mainah]

I purchased a S&W FCP last month, my initial goal was to use it in my hurricane bug out kit. However it is so fun to shoot, and well suited for my living arrangements (townhouse with neighbors next-door) that it replaced my 870 as my primary hd gun.

My wife loves shooting it too, that certainly wasn't the case with the 870.

[Hellcat1]

Originally Posted by Screwball

Need to do another slide. The slide compensator does not allow a longer barrel to be installed. Reason why I bought a Raider chassis, SIG FCU and picked the rest of the parts myself (M17 slide).



There is a Flux FB group that is pretty good… Flux Defense, Antimatter, And Snakestaff Owners Group (No Sales/Trades)

I just realized that I never responded after your last post. Once again, thanks for all the info. Very helpful. And on your recommendation, I've joined the Flux FB group. Looks great, and I'm learning a lot from it. It will also be a great resource for when it comes time for me to research and make mods to the gun, once I have it in hand and have had a chance to play around with it. Thx again.


Frank

[Erno86]

My 32-round Sterling L2A3 semi-auto carbine with the ventilated barrel shroud.

But the folding stock is way too short since I frequently scratch my Eye-Pro on the rear of the receiver.

[GHOL]

I am enjoying my Henry Homesteader that takes G19 mags... It is fun, solid and a Henry.

[44caliberkid]

I’ve had a Kel Tek Sub 2000 for several years. I put a cushion on the stock tube to lessen the punch in the face you get from recoil. The best thing about them is they fold into a very compact package, function has been 100%, accuracy is just OK, but certainly adequate for 50 - 60 yards or personal defense ranges.