Best Pistol Caliber Carbines of 2025
If you’re in the market for a new pistol caliber carbine (PCC) in 2025, you’re in luck. This year has brought a wave of fresh releases that cover just about every base from home defense and range fun to serious competition. PCCs are more than just a niche trend now they’re a smart, versatile option for shooters of all experience levels.
In this post, we’ll break down the hottest new PCCs of 2025, highlight what makes each one special, and help you decide which might be the right fit for your needs.
Why Pistol Caliber Carbines Are a Big Deal in 2025
Pistol caliber carbines are gaining major ground this year and it's easy to see why. These firearms combine the best of both worlds: the compact power of a handgun cartridge with the control, accuracy, and longer sight radius of a rifle.
Here’s what’s fueling their rising popularity:
Cost-Effective Shooting: 9mm and other handgun rounds are cheaper to shoot, and with ammo prices still high in some areas, that matters.
Shared Magazines: Many PCCs accept the same mags as your favorite handgun (think Glock®, SIG®, M&P®), which saves money and simplifies logistics.
Compact and Easy to Handle: PCCs are great for new shooters, smaller-framed folks, or anyone who wants a lightweight, low-recoil firearm.
Legal Workarounds: With increasing restrictions on AR pistols and braces, many gun owners are looking at PCCs as a feature-rich, compliant alternative.
Whether you're hitting the range, prepping for home defense, or diving into PCC competition, there's something new for you this year.
Top New PCCs for 2025 (Ranked by Use Case and Value)
Let’s get into the fun part new hardware. Below are some of the most talked-about PCCs released in 2025, backed by industry reviews and specs from trusted sources like Shooting Illustrated, Gun University, and the manufacturers themselves.
1. Henry Homesteader (9mm)
Price: $928–$959
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Mag Compatibility: Glock®, SIG Sauer®, Smith & Wesson M&P
Key Features: Wood furniture, threaded barrel, simple blowback system
Best For: Shooters who love the classics, but want modern function
Why You’ll Love It:
This is a PCC your granddad would approve of. The Henry Homesteader brings back that old-school rifle vibe with a gorgeous wood stock, while still accepting modern pistol mags. It’s perfect for someone who wants a reliable, easy-to-shoot gun that doesn’t scream “tactical.” It’s also incredibly quiet when suppressed.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P FPC (9mm)
Price: ~$1,049
Weight: 5.25 lbs
Folded Length: Just over 16"
Key Features: Side-folding barrel, built-in mag storage, M-LOK handguard
Best For: Compact carry, home defense, bug-out bags
Why You’ll Love It:
This thing folds flat, stows easily, and holds extra mags in the stock. It's tailor-made for a backpack or car trunk. If you're already running M&P handguns, it uses the same mags, which is a huge bonus.
3. CZ Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition (9mm)
Price: $1,499
Weight: 6 lbs, 14 oz
Capacity: 35 rounds
Key Features: Magpul upgrades, ambi controls, folding stock
Best For: Competition shooters and tactical enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love It:
The Scorpion has always had a strong following, and this Magpul version ups the ante with smoother controls and better ergonomics. It's a PCC you can run hard in 3-gun matches or tactical training without missing a beat. The 35-round capacity is just icing on the cake.
4. Ruger LC Carbine (10mm)
Price: ~$1,049
Weight: 7.4 lbs
Capacity: 30 rounds
Key Features: Threaded barrel, powerful 10mm chambering
Best For: Hunters and those who want stopping power
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’ve ever wished your PCC packed more punch, this is your answer. The 10mm round offers serious terminal performance, whether you're hunting or prepping for worst-case scenarios. It's beefier than your average PCC, but the recoil is manageable, and the Ruger name means it’s built to last.
5. Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter (.357 Magnum)
Price: $1,399
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Key Features: Lever-action, tactical look, threaded barrel
Best For: Lever gun fans who want modern updates
Why You’ll Love It:
This one turns heads. Lever guns are making a huge comeback in 2025, and S&W's 1854 Stealth Hunter blends tradition with cutting-edge aesthetics. The .357 Magnum chambering offers flexibility you can also run .38 Special for light recoil. It’s a cowboy gun with a tactical twist.
6. Taylor’s & Company TC73 Lever Action (9mm)
Price: $1,999
Weight: 7.81 lbs
Barrel: 18 inches
Key Features: Classic lever design, 10-round tube mag
Best For: Collectors, historical fans, and lever-action purists
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re into cowboy-style rifles but want to keep things practical (and affordable to shoot), this 9mm lever gun hits the sweet spot. It’s not cheap, but the quality and craftsmanship justify the price. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your 9mm sidearm.
What the Experts Are Saying
Industry sources agree: PCCs are no longer just niche range toys. According to Gun University, the overlap with common handgun mags and the low cost of ammo make them incredibly practical. Shooting Illustrated also highlights the resurgence of lever-action PCCs in modern calibers, such as 9mm and .45 ACP, for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
SHOT Show 2025 also teased several upcoming releases like the B&T APC9K SD and GFORCE Arms Jawbone, signaling more innovation in this space though their release status remains uncertain.
How to Pick the Right PCC for You
Here’s a quick comparison based on use case:
Use Case | Top Choice |
---|---|
Budget-Friendly Classic | Henry Homesteader |
Compact/Portable | Smith & Wesson M&P FPC |
Competition Ready | CZ Scorpion 3+ Magpul |
Hunting/10mm Power | Ruger LC Carbine |
Lever-Action Modern | S&W Model 1854 Stealth Hunter |
Old-School Lever-Action | Taylor’s & Company TC73 |
Final Thoughts
The 2025 lineup of pistol caliber carbines is better than ever. Whether you're looking for something sleek and tactical, rugged and classic, or just plain fun to shoot, there’s a new PCC with your name on it.
From the Henry Homesteader’s old-school charm to the futuristic foldability of the M&P FPC, these carbines prove that you don’t need to break the bank or your shoulder to enjoy reliable, accurate, and stylish shooting.