Like dubstep, PCCs (pistol caliber carbines) are not dead —they’re actually at an all-time high. In 2015, PCCs represented only 3% of total rifle and braced pistol sales; today, PCCs represent 15% of that annual total — a 5x to 6x increase (based on new models, sales and competition use). Over the last decade, PCCs in competitions are also up 10x to 15x. Notably, USPSA only had a provisional PCC division starting in 2016; the same with Steel Challenge (SCSA) adding PCCI/PCCO in 2016. The IDPA added a PCC division in 2017. Today, PCCs make up 10 to 15% off all move-and-shoot competition entries, but the percentage is still trending up.
Although PCCs have been around since the first and second world wars, the 1960s pushed the concept of the modern PCC into the market with the Uzi, Mac and MP5s. In the 1980s, Armalight/Colt introduced the easily replicable AR9 format; essentially a AR-15 that fed Colt 9mm stick magazines. The polymer PCC revolution started with Calico’s futuristic helix magazine, and pistol magazine-fed PCCs from Beretta, Ruger, Marlin and Keltec Sub-2000 joined in. The Sub2K made manufacturers take note that unique designs could deliver backorder-level sales. In 2010, the all-polymer CZ Scorpion EVO 3 broke all the rules with a light, affordable, and reliable PCC, and again ,the manufacturers noticed when customers bought multiples to customize. The introduction of the premium Sig MPX pistol and rifle formats in 2013 pushed quickly into competitors’ hands, which spurred the competitive use beginning with “outlaw” categories. The 2016 SB Tactical braces hit the market with a joint release that pushed sales. Recent brace rulings legally allowing brace use have thrown more gas on a growing sales fire. Most dealers we talked to are having a hard time keeping PCCs in stock.
Rising ammo cost is a big influencer of double-digit sales, with customers realizing quickly that PCCs deliver lower ammo costs and are more fun/quieter for shorter outdoor and indoor ranges.
Through this is a partial list, we wanted to showcase some unique and interesting attention-grabbing PCCs. The PCC market is also spurring market growth in large accessories, which spans magazines, soft goods, optics, triggers, braces and upgrades. According to Timney Triggers, their CZ Scorpion, AR9, and HK MP5 compatible triggers are some of their best-selling models. Magpul’s product support of the AR9, MP5, and CZ Scorpion platforms with various upgrades has strengthened consumer perception for support and upgrades. Midwest Industries’ Tyler Storch noted, “Our PCC-focused products and braces have some of the strongest accessories sales for our dealers.”
Caracal CMP9 9mm
Not your average consumer-grade PCC. Fed from MP5 magazines, like all Caracal products, the CMP9 is built for military procurement and passes the TOP 3-2-045 Small Arms destructive testing including bore obstruction, 20K-round semi-automatic and fully automatic fire sequences. This is an all-metal gun with the exception of the grips and bolt buffer.
Hands-on testing of the CMP9 with a Primary Arms GLX 1 prismatic optic delivered exceptional accuracy, modern ergonomics, 100% reliability and a softer recoil thanks to long dual AR180-style recoil springs that dampen typical snappy PCC recoil. The CMP9 features AR spec ambi controls and is fed by proven MP5 magazines as a competitive replacement for the 1.5-2.5M of aging H&K MP5 inventory globally. According to Jeff Spaulding, President of Caracal USA, “The CMP9 is a fantastic sub-5-pound platform in standard and short K formats that represents the only PCC on the market to have passed TOP destructive testing. We believe this is hands down the most durable PCC on the market, and global militaries are looking for a modern update to their 50+ year old PCCs in heavy rotation. The CMP9 has been sold globally for about two years and is now available for US dealers.”
Century Arms AP5 MSRP
$1,359.95-$1,699
Roller-delayed 9mm MKE-produced MP5 clone. The H&K MP5 is a legend; however, many do not know that MKE has technically been producing licensed MP5 variants longer than H&K, using all H&K tooling identical at a blueprint and metallurgy level. Century Arms is now offering their Turkish MKE-produced AP5 variants in many options that have not been available in the U.S. from H&K for decades. The Century models include a full-sized AP5 model, a midsized version as the AP5-P, a compact version as the AP5-M and the specialized AP5-SD, AP51, AP53 being offered in 9mm, 5.56 NATO & 308 Winchester. All models include a claw top Picatinny optics mount. Based on comparing the AP5 directly to an MP5, the MKE version is indistinguishable other than the branding.
Our testing sample was the unique AP5-SD model, originally designed with an integrally suppressed barrel and suppressor. This version includes a standard unvented 5.75-inch barrel that is about 2 inches shorter than the handguard length. The result is the ability to tuck about 2 inches of either the included faux suppressor or a suppressor inside the handguard for the look without the tax stamp. The Primary Arms GLX-MD-21S was mounted to the included Picatinny mount for testing. Other extras are an extremely nice case, cleaning kit, two magazines, and period-correct sling with H&K-style clips. These old legendary models die hard but put smiles on faces with every round.
AP5 Upgrades: The AP5 series is compatible with nearly all the SP5/MP5 clone parts and accessories. Timney offers the installed 2-stage trigger kit in the Magpul-updated lower trigger housing with extended safety. Magpul also offers the shown adjustable sliding brace, 50-round drum magazine and handguard for the full-sized AP5 model.
Nexus Evo Gen 2
$1,799
Imagine a 3/3+ CZ Scorpion, but in an all-metal bearing-delayed design with 40% less recoil that is one of the fastest-shooting PCCs on the market. Nexus has quickly become a big player in the PCC market with their completely recreated all-metal billet bearing-delayed Nexus Evo Gen 2 receiver $350 and now complete Evo Gen 2 pistols $1799+. Nexus’ Evo Gen 2 complete pistols include billet upper and lower receivers, a tool steel bolt, CZ barrel assembly, the fast-shooting Timney trigger, Magpul grip and safety, and HB Industries handguard.
The system delivers super-soft recoil paired with a safer delayed action and optional tool steel bolt. As a bonus, the metal-on-metal barrel mounting and bearing-delayed system offered sizable accuracy improvements over our OEM Scorpion. Direct blowback PCCs have a higher potential for out-of-battery detonations, and Nexus has drastically improved accuracy and safety with both the bearing-delay system and a billet vs CZ polymer receiver. Customers/dealers can purchase parts separately as upgrades or as a complete pistol ,and all parts are 100% backward compatible with OEM CZ Scorpion 3/3+ parts.
Keltec Sub2000 5.7x28
$511 MSRP
Keltec's 2025 5.7x28 Gen 3 Sub2000 platform made quite a splash. It has delivered an extraordinarily lightweight, soft-recoiling and accurate platform that accepts plentiful 20-round FN Pro-compatible magazines with a ProMag 20-round magazine included. The new 5.7x28 Sub2000 carries through all the other Gen 3 updates, including swivel barrel when folded, new trigger, and updated stock. This model proved completely reliable during testing with delightfully soft recoil — when suppressed with a 5.7x28 rimfire suppressor, it was shockingly quiet for a round that is known to be a little noisy. Not only is this the lightest PCC tested at 4.36 pounds, but it was also the least expensive by 3x. For customers/dealers looking for a budget PCC option, the Sub2000 platform is hard to pass up for a fold-and-go packable rifle with a proven defensive round.
Kriss Vector Gen 3 9mm
$1,499-$1,799 MSRP
The much-anticipated Gen 3 update of the unique Vector platform is identical internally to the Gen 2. The notable external Gen 3 updates include a more compact charging handle, swappable ambi-magazine release, significantly improved trigger with less take-up, and billet handguard with 3-6-9 MLOK slots and slimmer shell, with a higher fence around the magazine release. The Gen 3 changes from a rear buffer tube mount to a 1913 rear brace/stock mount, which shortens the overall SDP length by 1.5 inches. The Vector SDP still feels like the most futuristic PCC available with its unique Super V recoilless design, and our Woodland Delta camo model offers head-turning looks and class-leading accuracy.
Springfield Kuna from HS Produkt 9mm
MSRP $1,173
Springfield leveraged its ongoing relationship with Croatian HS Produkt (HSP) to release the affordable and high-quality roller-delayed 9mm Kuna PCC. HSP and Springfield are also going after aging MP5 inventories of global military and LEO markets with an modern PCC that is up to 250% less expensive, lighter, modern, warranteed, and roller-delayed with inexpensive magazines that fit the MP5 pouches. The Kuna was 100% reliable during our extensive testing, paired simply with a Sig Sauer Romeo RS-Pro. Testing delivered very soft recoil, great accuracy, modern AR ambi-controls, and a clean design. Springfield has priced the hot-selling Kuna at a competitive price point with the CZ Scorpion and most AR9 formats.
Kuna Upgrades Already: Fast Kuna sales led to backordered Kuna magazines, and the above-noted Nexus Firearms solved those issues by creating a Magpul Scorpion magazine-fed billet aluminum Springfield Kuna lower. The Nexus Kuna lower features AR-15 spec fire controls (including upcoming Rarebreed FRT trip) and feeds from proven and widely available Magpul Scorpion magazines. Interestingly, a Scorpion magazine-fed Kuna option with AR spec trigger was what many were hoping for with the U.S. release, and dealers are reportedly selling this quickly as upgrades at $374 MSRP.
Looking Forward
There are many new PCC designs slated to hit shelves this year, including some exciting new entrants such as the Palmetto State Armory roller-delayed Sabre AR-V, extremely futuristic Glock magazine-fed Pistollo 77, folding Magpul ZEV FDP 9 based on Magpul’s original design, and Matador Arms roller-delayed MAT with models for Glock, Colt, MP5 mag compatibility. Based on market growth, this is likely the very short list of new 2026 PCCs to come.
