Originally Posted by Tangle

First, where/when could a civilian unleash a .308 round in our typical society? There's just no tellin' where the bullet could wind up. It could easily go through both sides of a car, through both sides of another car, and after that go through all walls of a house and come out lethal on the other side of the house. In what situation would we need that kind of power, penetration, and range?

So, the first issue is why do we need a rifle for SD? How are we gonna claim SD if we're shooting 100-200 yards off? Why would we need to do that?

Then the shotgun: a shot gun is low capacity, very loud, lots of recoil, range limited, and heavy. The shells themselves have to be carried separately and loaded individually, and the typical scenario is to carry both slugs and 00 to address range issues. But again, where does the shotgun fit into home defense scenarios? Just shooting a shotgun indoors with no ear protection, will definitely impair your hearing for a long time. Then there's the bright muzzle flash and there goes night vision.

The .223: not bad, but they require a second type of ammo and mags and they are loud, esp. if you shoot indoors - it will impair your hearing for a long time. Then there's the muzzle flash - a ball of fire that will take away your night vision.

The PCC: much improved accuracy over a handgun. Electronic sights can be used on a carbine with practically no increase in bulk. That also enhances speed and accuracy. You can easily do head shots at 50 yards.

They have significantly lower muzzle flash and blast. Several pistol rounds have suppressed muzzle flash powders which all but eliminate problems with night vision. The 9mm round has just about the ideal balance of penetration. It penetrates almost any barrier material better than a .223, but is far short of the penetration power of a .308.

The PCC has a longer barrel than the handgun and may give a little boost to the bullet. E.g. the velocity of a 9mm may approach the velocity of some .357 sigs and .357 mags. Short of the energy of the .357 mag because of bullet weight.

PCCs use the same magazines and ammo as the pistol. So if the carbine or pistol becomes damaged or unoperational for what ever reason, all that ammo can be used in other weapon - same ammo, same mags. Some PCCs, e.g. the Beretta Storm, is shorter than ARs and shotguns and ligher as well making them very manueverable in tighter places.

Pistol ammo is very compact, so lot's of it can be carried in pistol mags.

What's not to like?

Originally Posted by Miggy

And let's also take in consideration that there is not a single weapon that takes care of everything.
Great thread!