The case for PCC as PDW

TL;DR: PCC are more usable and handy compared to a SBR for civilian unrest-type problem in Europe

Definitions:

  • A PCC is a “Pistol Calibre Carabine”. It is a rifle with pistol ammo. Like the CZ Scorpion, or H&K MP5.
  • A PDW is a “Personal Defense Weapon”. A weapon which is mainly used for self protection. Like the H&K MP7 or FN P90.
  • A SBR is a “Short Barreled Rifle”. A rifle with barrel length less than 11.5" for our discussion. Like the MK18.

The scenario is that of a higher threat level in Europe. This will not apply to open carry countries like the US, Iraq, Yemen or Guam.

End of world scenarios (Zombie apocalypse, russian invasion, global thermonuclear war etc.) are unlikely or irrelevant. If populations of whole cities, millions of people, flee or search for food, you will have bigger problems than chosing a rifle. There will be rarely a time where you can walk around in your plate carrier setup in public, not even if the russians are in front of the border. Military, police or common citizens (of oppositing groups?) will apprehend those who try. We have seen this when Hamas attacked Isreal in 2023 and citizens wanted to arm themselves.

But there may be situations where hightened alertness is required. Part of it is that law enforcement can’t keep up. The country is divided into different groups, e.g. pro/anti-vax, left/right, rich/poor, pro-russia/pro-west, pro-marx/lenin/stalin/sp/grüne vs pro-putin/trump/erdogan/jinping, christian-cathlic/orthodox/mormons/muslims whatever. Groups start taking matter into their own hands, be it for change, for power, or for food. The threat of a neighbour thinking you are in the wrong group raises constantly, small scale exchanges ensure. There may be just sabotage acts, but other people will try to exploit overworked police force and take opportunity in their own hands, for example by looting.

People will be either unarmed (very likely), armed with a pistol (rare), or armed with a bigger rifle (very rare). As concealed or even open-carry is still forbidden, there aint people wearing full kit with plate carriers.

PCC vs rifle

Advantages of a PCC:

  • Small: Can be stored in a messenger bag, door of a car, small backpack
  • Light: Dont have to carry around so much weight, more energy to focus on the mission
  • Less noise: Pistol calibre generally are a bit quiter than rifle calibre (around 150db vs 160db)
  • Less flash: most of the day(s), its not that bright. Flash can blind the user, or expose his position
  • Good effect on unarmored targets
  • Reliable (for simple blowbacks)

Disadvantages of a PCC:

  • Cant realisticly engange beyond 100m distance (maybe 150m)
  • Defeated by Level 3a plates (or even soft armour)

SBR rifle as PDW

5.56 is mostly made for 16" barrel length. If you have like 13" or less, you gonna have some issues:

  • Less FPS for the bullet, therefore:
    • Less energy on impact
    • Less accuracy (slower means more bullet drop, and more influence of wind during travel)
    • Less bullet shattering (when given enough FPS, 5.56 will shatter upon impact and have good effect on target)
  • More powder burning outside the barrel
    • More noise
    • More flash
  • Generally less reliable (due very low dwell time)

Other disadvantages:

  • Long
  • Large bullets

Advantages:

  • Can engage >100m (up to around 300m)

Discussion

While a pistol is the go-to in civil unrest scenarios, a PCC is a nice little upgrade. I argue that the increase in availability of the PCC makes up for its disadvantages in long-range engagements.

Alternatively, use a 223 Bullpup like AUG, Tavor X95 or Hellion to have a compact rifle while still adequately use the 223 calibre. But, it wont be really backpack compatible.

Or, use 300 Blackout with a smol rifle. Having the disadvantages of both PCC’s and SBR’s in one package, while paying more for the ammo and therefore training.

Youtube Info

2021-10-17