PDW: 9mm vs 5.56

[GemJedi]

Vertx tourist bag with PDW and G17 for the long walk home. Not rifle caliber but I think still a decent force multiplier in a small light package. G26 AIWB
suarez Tourist 1.jpg
Suarez Tourist 2.jpg

[krav51]

Vertx tourist bag with PDW and G17 for the long walk home. Not rifle caliber but I think still a decent force multiplier in a small light package. G26 AIWB
suarez Tourist 1.jpg
Suarez Tourist 2.jpg

I was able to play with recover tactical brace kit on a G34 with an rmr and was pretty impressed with it.

[Jsavik]

I prefer 300 supers even when suppressed. Hollywood quiet isn’t my highest priority.

300 subs have their place, but it’s a lot more specialized IMO.

Definitely agree with Brent. I've shot deer with subsonic .308 (which would be similar to 300B0) and the results were far from impressive. If I have to punch a whole in someone, I want supers. Think back to all the videos we've seen of handgun shootings vs the Kenosha Kid. One rifle shot and the perps were done.

[Nagantguy]

In a short AR .300 blk is the correct answer.

This is also what I believe after testing shorties in 5.56 and 300, so unless size and mag/ammo compatibility are paramount to your decision then the 300blk wins every time in every category. Your mileage may of course vary.

[Nanuk]

As I have posted in the past, the choice I made is the AR pistol in 40 S&W. Why 40 many ask. For me, logistically it makes perfect sense. The 155 grn contract HST's from the 8.5" barrel out perform the 5.56 from the same barrel length and is magnitudes quieter. It is quite a bit quieter than the 300 AAC as well.

This does not replace my 5.56 carbine, it suppliments it.

[Tracker]

As Gabe has pointed out, there are different tools in the same box.

IMO, a 556 with Heavier then 70 gr bullets and a 10.5 inch barrel is a stone killer inside 75 yards. An EVO, with 147 gr bullets inside buildings has fewer issues with bouncers and is more forgiving to your unprotected ears. An Amphibian ( one of my favs) is an absolute resolver of disputes at handgun distances but requires training to make the best use of it. You also have to be carrying a big boy card to use it effectivily for more than 1-2 rounds. Again its a motivator to train with it not just buy it and leave it alone.

For zips in the wire, I grab my small chest rig and AR, when Im not really sure whats coming. I have other options for specific situations if they arise.

Someone made a comment about bullpups. Ive been carrying my Tavor for 4-5 years now I think. But even after all those years the AR platform is a faster reload, and manipulates differently enough Im still faster with reloads and manipulation than the Tavor. 35 years with an AR, 5 years with a bullpup. It does show and IM honest enough to admit where I am less capable. YMMV

[LawDog]

As I have posted in the past, the choice I made is the AR pistol in 40 S&W. Why 40 many ask. For me, logistically it makes perfect sense. The 155 grn contract HST's from the 8.5" barrel out perform the 5.56 from the same barrel length and is magnitudes quieter. It is quite a bit quieter than the 300 AAC as well.

I question your data. Yes, 5.56 takes quite a hit when you shorten a barrel down to 8.5", but I suspect it still outperforms .40 S&W. I haven't dug up the numbers, and I'm willing to be corrected, but my initial response to that was a guffaw.

Additional thoughts are (a) I wouldn't cut a 5.56 that short; I'd leave it to at least 10.5", and (2) if I really demanded an 8.5" barrel, then I'd choose .300 BLK for the reasons laid out above. But even if I set aside those issues, and I just look at the precise question that you laid on the table, I think you're working with a flawed foundation of data. I don't think .40 beats 5.56 even in an 8.5" barrel. My mind is open to be convinced otherwise, if you can point to data that supports your proposition.

[gatorgrizz27]

I own both a .300 Blackout 8.5” AR pistol, and a Scorpion that’s about to be SBR’d. We know the only acceptable “safe” way to carry an AR that’s not slung on your person is loaded mag, bolt closed on an empty chamber. AR’s are not drop safe and the bolt can release easily from a bump if it’s carried locked back.

Personally, I find it challenging and awkward to rack the charging handle on an AR when it is extremely close to my chest, as it would be inside a vehicle or when trying to move it from a bag to sling discreetly. Yes, it’s a training issue I need to practice more with.

However, I’m wondering if it is considered “acceptably safe” (by military use, history, or whoever determines such things), to carry the scorpion with a loaded mag and the bolt to the rear via the charging handle in its locked back position. It’s a much simpler motion to thumb or slap it down and load the chamber IF 1. It can’t be easily be released by bumps/jostling/etc in bag or vehicle carry, and 2. The weapon is considered “drop safe” should you end up with one in the chamber unintentionally. From what I’ve found, it does appear to have a firing pin block.

Even if its not, it is much easier to me to rack the charging handle on the scorpion when it’s right against my chest.

[Badger]

I own both a .300 Blackout 8.5” AR pistol, and a Scorpion that’s about to be SBR’d. We know the only acceptable “safe” way to carry an AR that’s not slung on your person is loaded mag, bolt closed on an empty chamber. AR’s are not drop safe and the bolt can release easily from a bump if it’s carried locked back.

Personally, I find it challenging and awkward to rack the charging handle on an AR when it is extremely close to my chest, as it would be inside a vehicle or when trying to move it from a bag to sling discreetly. Yes, it’s a training issue I need to practice more with.

However, I’m wondering if it is considered “acceptably safe” (by military use, history, or whoever determines such things), to carry the scorpion with a loaded mag and the bolt to the rear via the charging handle in its locked back position. It’s a much simpler motion to thumb or slap it down and load the chamber IF 1. It can’t be easily be released by bumps/jostling/etc in bag or vehicle carry, and 2. The weapon is considered “drop safe” should you end up with one in the chamber unintentionally. From what I’ve found, it does appear to have a firing pin block.

Even if its not, it is much easier to me to rack the charging handle on the scorpion when it’s right against my chest.

I will save you lots of time and trouble. When you place the weapon in your car, carry bag, etc., just go ahead and charge it. The four rules of firearms safety take care of the rest.

[Dorkface]

I will save you lots of time and trouble. When you place the weapon in your car, carry bag, etc., just go ahead and charge it. The four rules of firearms safety take care of the rest.

That is a horrible idea.

The fact of the matter is that if you don't have time to awkwardly charge your gun in a car or something because the bad guys are that close you should be pulling the gun on your belt and dealing with it until you have a change to get the bigger one up and running.