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SHOP NOWClassic Firearms hosts go head-to-head with their top five pistol caliber carbines for 2024, comparing operating systems, ergonomics, magazine options, and real-world performance across a variety of modern PCC platforms.
The hosts open the video joking about whether each other’s favorite pistol caliber carbines made the opposing list, then explain the format: a head‑to‑head “top five fight” focused on PCCs that are still relevant in 2024. Each host has his own list of five guns, and they will compare picks at each position while arguing why their choice is better. They remind viewers to watch on Rumble and check the description for direct links to the featured firearms so viewers don’t have to search for them. The criteria they plan to emphasize include operating system, reliability, ergonomics, magazine options, and overall practicality rather than just nostalgia or internet hype.
For the number five slot, one host chooses the H&K MP5. He calls it iconic and says it belongs on any PCC list in 2024 and beyond because of its long service history. He notes that militaries and police agencies around the world have used it for decades and that he still sees it carried by officers overseas, including compact variants. He praises its roller‑delayed action and reliability but admits the manual of arms feels old‑school, with slower reloads and dated controls compared to newer designs. Opposing that, the other host brings out a CMMG AR‑pattern PCC inspired by the classic Colt 9mm carbine concept. He references CMMG’s Mark 9 that uses traditional Colt stick magazines and talks about how well those mags run. He frames his choice as a more Americanized AR‑style 9mm platform with familiar controls. He also mentions CMMG’s Banshee line that uses Glock magazines as another strong option, even though it is not technically on his official list, and they briefly compare the appeal of Colt stick mags versus Glock mags for a modern PCC.
At number four, one host selects the Kalashnikov USA KP‑9, specifically the Vityaz‑style configuration inspired by Russian special‑purpose units. He describes it as soft shooting, very reliable, and offering a distinct manual of arms compared to AR‑pattern guns, which some shooters prefer. The other host counters with the CZ Scorpion as his number four choice, calling it one of the most recognizable modern PCC platforms. He highlights its simple direct blowback system, proven reliability, and the ease of adding a stock, folding brace, or suppressor. They discuss the Scorpion’s strong aftermarket support and modularity, though he criticizes the placement of the bolt release near the trigger as less than ideal from an ergonomic standpoint. Even with that drawback, he argues the Scorpion still earns a solid place on a contemporary PCC list.
For the third position, one host picks the Grand Power Stribog. He points out that it is offered in multiple calibers such as 9mm, 10mm, and .45 ACP, and notes that certain versions use a delayed system that makes them soft shooting. He emphasizes the platform’s modularity and the fact that, while it ships with proprietary magazines, there are different lowers available that accept Glock magazines or CZ Scorpion magazines, which he considers a major advantage for users who want common mag types. The other host again goes with a CZ option, this time the Scorpion SD. He praises the SD’s configuration that is optimized for suppression, describing it as quiet, compact, and very effective while retaining the familiar Scorpion controls and magazine ecosystem. They mention that some shooters have reported issues with original Stribog magazines, which further supports the appeal of Stribog lowers that can use more common Glock or Scorpion mags.
In the number two slot, one host presents the B&T APC9 Pro. He notes that it represents a major modern PCC adopted by U.S. forces after a long gap since earlier designs and says it has seen wide international use. He prefers the longer‑barrel configuration over the compact K‑style version because it gives more room for the support hand and accessories. He highlights the very soft recoil impulse, crediting the internal buffer system, and points out that the APC9 Pro can be configured with different lowers that accept various magazine types, including Glock and SIG P320 magazines. The other host acknowledges that the APC9 Pro is excellent but offers the Daniel Defense PCC as his own number two. He describes it as a 9mm carbine built to mirror Daniel Defense’s AR‑15 style rifles, with an M‑LOK rail and the use of CZ Scorpion magazines. It is a direct blowback design paired with a hydraulic buffer to tame recoil. He stresses Daniel Defense’s reputation for quality and mentions that his hands‑on time with the gun at SHOT Show range day left him very impressed with its performance and handling.
For the top spot, one host splits his pick between two concepts. First is the KelTec Sub 2000 in its integrally suppressed configuration, a folding PCC that can be stored very compactly. It uses Glock magazines, is relatively affordable compared to many other integrally suppressed options, and is described as a one‑stamp gun that gives both compactness and quiet operation right out of the box. His second concept is the Flux Raider, a chassis system that uses SIG magazines and turns a handgun into a highly compact, stocked‑style platform that blurs the line between PCC and PDW. The other host questions whether the Flux Raider should truly count as a PCC, comparing it to other chassis systems that convert pistols rather than being dedicated carbines. As an honorable mention, he brings up the SAR 109T from SAR Firearms, a 9mm AR‑style platform on which he has fired thousands of rounds, including in full‑auto testing both at the factory and in the U.S. He praises its reliability and consistent ejection pattern but criticizes the factory buffer tube arrangement, noting that the way it ships can limit what can be mounted on the rear without some modification.
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