PCC

PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) refers to carbines chambered in pistol calibers, typically 9×19 mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. These are long guns with a design similar to assault rifles but using ammunition originally intended for pistols. PCC combines the compactness and lower recoil of pistol ammunition with improved accuracy and extended range thanks to a longer barrel. They merge the advantages of pistol calibers with the ergonomics of a rifle. While less common in the military, PCCs are highly popular with police forces and sport shooters. In airsoft, PCC replicas are among the most popular for CQB thanks to their compact size, high rate of fire, and realistic looks. Among airsoft replicas, we recommend the well-thought-out PCC weapon Lambda Defence Angstadt Arms MDP-9 PCC GBB with blowback, which, like the real firearm, uses Glock gas magazines (VFC, Umarex, TM, WE and others).

History and development of PCC:

Beginnings: As early as the 1930s, the first carbines chambered for pistol rounds appeared (e.g., Thompson SMG, M1 Carbine).
Modern era: PCCs spread significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in law enforcement, where magazine compatibility with pistols and reduced risk of over-penetration compared to rifle ammunition were advantages.
Today: PCCs are popular among civilians, police, and sport shooters (IPSC, USPSA – PCC division).

Difference compared to rifles and SMGs:

PCC vs. Rifle (AR-15): PCC uses pistol ammo (9mm), while rifles use rifle ammo (5.56 mm NATO). PCC offers lower performance but cheaper ammunition and easier handling.
PCC vs. SMG: A submachine gun (SMG) is a fully automatic weapon for military use. PCC is the civilian counterpart, often based on the AR platform or other sporting designs.

Uses of PCC:

Police: Ideal for urban environments, with lower risk of bullets penetrating walls compared to rifle calibers.
Military: More limited use, mainly for VIP protection or in logistics units.
Civil sector: Very popular for sport shooting (PCC divisions), home defense, and training thanks to cheaper ammo.

Advantages of PCC:

Lower recoil: Easier control during rapid fire.
Compatibility: Ability to share magazines with pistols (e.g., Glock → AR-9 PCC).
Cheaper ammunition: Training with 9mm is significantly more affordable than rifle rounds.
Compactness: Shorter barrel makes it easier to handle indoors (CQB).

Disadvantages of PCC:

Lower performance: Less range and penetration compared to rifle ammunition.
Limited military use: Replaced by 5.56 mm rifles with greater effectiveness.

Examples of PCC firearms:

AR-9: AR-15 platform in 9mm (Colt, PSA, CMMG).
HK MP5: A classic PCC/SMG used by militaries and police worldwide.
Sig Sauer MPX: Modern PCC with modular design.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3: Popular PCC/SMG among both military and civilian shooters.

PCC in airsoft:

G&G ARP 9: Legendary CQB AEG platform.
Novritsch SSR9: Sporting PCC optimized for airsoft competitions.
Classic Army PX9: AEG PCC compatible with ARP 9 magazines.
Specna Arms X-Series: PCC AEG replicas available in various lengths and configurations.