AR-15s and pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) are easily two of the most popular rifle variants around, offering similar degrees of utility. The AR-15 stands as one of the most adaptable rifle platforms ever created, capable of being configured in many ways so that they can cater to each enthusiast’s individual needs. PCCs are similar but take advantage of the low recoil impulses provided by pistol caliber cartridges like 9mm.
Both options are incredible for a variety of different purposes, with them often being used interchangeably for home-defense, competitive shooting, and even recreationally. That said, both platforms have their distinct advantages over the other. It’s important to recognize the differences in these rifles before you set out to buy one, so if you’re on the fence about which one is best for you, follow along to see how they compare.
Understanding the AR-15 and PCC
The AR-15 has been well established as one of the industry’s favorite rifles, renowned for its adaptability and modularity. As such, they can be set up to fit a multitude of separate roles, plus they can be chambered to take a wide array of cartridges that are better suited for different applications. For instance, calibers like .300 AAC Blackout are ideal for suppressor use, while options like 6.5 Grendel and 6mm ARC are capable of landing hits on targets upwards of 800+ yards away.
PCCs, on the other hand, accommodate smaller pistol caliber rounds like 9mm, hence the name, “pistol caliber carbine”. Whereas AR-15s can more or less be the same across different manufacturers, PCCs can come in all sorts of unique designs. Choices like the CZ Scorpion, H&K SP5, and the many AR-9 models are all considered a type of pistol caliber carbine but feature their own unique designs. Notably, PCCs tend to have light recoil impulses, making them ideal for new enthusiasts, plus, there are multiple competitive leagues that exclusively use PCCs as well.
There’s a lot to cover when discussing PCCs, and our guide, “What is a Pistol Caliber Carbine?”, goes over everything you’ll need to know about them.
Differences Between AR-15s and PCCs
Aside from their caliber differences, AR-15s and PCCs differ considerably when you look at their operation. AR-15s traditionally use a direct impingement gas system to cycle the BCG, while PCCs utilize an assortment of different gas systems, depending on which one you look at. For example, the H&K SP5 uses a roller-delayed blowback, while the B&T APC9K utilizes a hydraulic-assisted blowback system. AR-9 rifles, one of the more popular PCCs, most often use a much simpler direct blowback system, making them more affordable albeit with a greater recoil impulse.
Thanks to their shared lineage, AR-9s very closely resemble the AR-15. These similarities are part of what makes the AR-9 such a popular PCC, as the manual of arms and adaptability is pretty much on par with what you’d get from an AR-15. We even have a guide to building an AR-9, showing just how similar the two platforms are.
Ballistic Performance
As you’d likely assume, AR-15s and PCCs perform drastically differently ballistically. Although both platforms can be made to chamber different rounds, for simplicity’s sake, we’re going to focus on the most common rounds for each: 5.56 NATO and 9mm.
5.56 NATO is an intermediate rifle cartridge that boasts muzzle velocities of around 2,900 to upwards of 3,100+ feet per second. By design, standard 5.56 loads have an effective range of roughly 500 yards, making the AR-15 more than capable in both close quarter and medium-range applications. Like we said, there are other calibers the AR-15 can be chambered in, and we feature them in our tactical rifle cartridges guide.
9mm is a much smaller pistol caliber cartridge that has much lower muzzle velocities, usually somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 FPS. Bear in mind that velocity can increase to around 1,750 FPS out of longer barrel PCCs, but even with this jump in velocity, the typical effective range of a PCC tops out around 75 to 100 yards. So, while PCCs excel in close range applications, they lack the punch of an AR-15 at longer ranges.
AR-15 vs. PCC in Different Scenarios
Competition
Both AR-15s and PCCs are great for competitions, with dedicated leagues for each platform. Although the AR-15 is generally more versatile across diverse types of competitions like CQB and long-range shooting, the lighter recoil impulse afforded by most 9mm PCCs makes them a good pick for carbine courses. Keep in mind that recoil varies from PCC to PCC, especially since they often use different gas systems. As we mentioned above, the direct blowback system of most PCCs is a straightforward design but often comes with higher felt recoil. Delayed blowback mechanisms delay the opening of the bolt, allowing pressure to die down before cycling the bolt. Regardless, both platforms are more than capable of excelling in competitive applications.
Long Range Applications
To put it bluntly, the AR-15 is the clear winner in terms of long-range use. With its effective range of 500 yards, it’s capable of accurately hitting targets at distances much farther than what PCCs are capable of. Even further, specialized 5.56 ammo like Mk. 262 can stretch out the effective range of these rifles to distances up to 750+ yards away. 9mm PCCs just can’t compare, as even with a 16-inch barrel, their velocity drops considerably after around 30 to 50 yards.
Home Defense
Once again, both AR-15s and PCCs can be a great option for home defense, as they both handle similarly and can be equipped with many of the same optics and accessories. Additionally, they can both come with a compact form-factor, making them even more capable of performing in this application.
One crucial consideration for any home defense gun is overpenetration—when a bullet impacts a target and has enough energy to continue moving, potentially hitting something else unintentionally. Specialized defensive ammo is used to overcome this, but that begs the question: is it better to run a PCC or an AR-15?
While many might assume that PCCs are best since they most often use 9mm, which admittedly has a wider variety of defensive ammo, it’s worth noting that many Law Enforcement agencies have made the switch from pistol caliber firearms like the MP5 in favor of short barreled 5.56 rifles. Various studies have shown that lighter 5.56 rounds are more likely to destabilize and tumble to the ground after hitting light cover like drywall, while 9mm has been noted to go straight through it. Additionally, instead of expanding on impact, 9mm hollow points can essentially become packed with the cover material, effectively giving it the characteristics of FMJ ammunition.
This isn’t to say that PCCs are a bad choice for home defense, it’s just that you’ll need to be sure of what’s beyond your target before firing—the same applies for a 5.56 AR-15. Regardless of which you use, it’s paramount that you opt for a dedicated defense round, so hollow points for 9mm and light weight frangible rounds for 5.56.
Something else to consider is the rifle’s sound signature. On their own, rifles are more than loud enough to permanently damage your hearing, but when in close quarters, the sound reverberating off the walls can amplify the sound and subsequent hearing damage significantly. Suppressors are the best way to overcome this issue, and they pair particularly well with PCCs. While they can be used on AR-15s, with 5.56 being such a high-pressure round, even with a top-tier suppressor it still won’t be hearing safe. PCCs can more effectively use sub-sonic ammunition, giving them potential to be truly hearing safe, depending on the load and suppressor use.
AR-15 And PCC Options
As we’ve hinted throughout this article, there is no shortage of top-tier AR-15 and PCC options to choose from. Due to the sheer variety of unique firearms available, it can be challenging to choose just one. Below are a few of the industry’s popular manufacturers to get you started on your search:
LaRue Tactical
Larue Tactical is one of the most well-known and popular rifle manufacturers, offering a diverse array of rifles, arguably the most popular of which are their AR-15s.
Notably, their Stealth AR-15 is available with either a 16- or 18-inch barrel and comes standard with an upgraded LaRue MBT trigger, full length M-LOK handguard, and with a LaRue SPR-1.5 one piece scope mount that’s perfect for LPVOs or other variable power optics. Instead of standard forged receivers, these rifles come with a matched, billet upper and lower receiver for better fitment, plus their barrels use their XTRAXN Technology®, which helps extend the life of your bolt carrier group. Being one of the more premium options around, these rifles don’t fit every budget, but if you want a solid rifle with some added utility, they’re hard to beat.
Sons of Liberty Gun Works
As far as high-quality AR-15s are concerned, Sons of Liberty Gun Works has become one of the most prominent names in the industry. They offer an assortment of high-quality AR-15s in a multitude of configurations, making them a solid choice for anyone interested in starting a new AR build.
Two of the most popular rifles offered by SOLGW are their M4-89 and M4-L89 rifles. These rifles come with full length M-LOK handguards, ambidextrous controls, B5 Systems Furniture, and can come with different muzzle devices such as the Surefire Warcomp, HUXWRX Flash Hider, or an Expo Arms FCD Brake, to name a few. Plus, these rifles also come standard with an A5 buffer system, complete with a 9-position buffer tube. Both the M4-89 and M4-L89 are available in the same configuration, with the main difference being their handguards. Simply, the M4-89 comes with their M89 handguard, while the M4-L89 comes with their L-89 handguard.
Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense needs almost no introduction. They boast an expansive lineup of firearms that covers nearly all the bases. Though their prominently known for their AR-15s, they’ll soon be releasing PCCs such as their upcoming DD PCC rifle.
As far as AR-15s are concerned, their DD4® RIII AR-15 is packed with features, coming outfitted with fully ambidextrous controls, DD’s RIS III handguard, upgraded furniture, and a CHF and chrome lined barrel. As some of the highest quality rifles on the market, they’re a solid platform for anything from carbine competitions to home defense.
As of writing this, the DD PCC is not currently available, but it’s coming out soon. Reminiscent of the AR-9, it shares a lot in common with the DD4 RIII, coming with ambidextrous controls, and a CHF chrome lined barrel, but instead of using GLOCK or Colt style 9mm magazines, it uses CZ Scorpion magazines which are widely available from Magpul.
Patriot Ordnance Factory
Patriot Ordnance Factory, better known as POF-USA, is well-known for their innovative firearms designs. Much like Daniel Defense, POF-USA produces both AR-15s and PCCs.
Their P415 Edge AR-15 has a lot of unique features. Notably, instead of using the traditional direct impingement gas system, these rifles instead use a short-stroke gas piston system. Each P415 Edge rifle comes standard with an M-LOK handguard, MFT furniture, an upgraded POF-USA drop in trigger, and an ambidextrous POF Strike Eagle Charging Handle. These rifles also come in an assortment of barrel lengths as well, with 13.7- and 14.5-inch pin and welded options as well as 16-inch and longer too.
In addition to P415 Edge is the POF Pheonix. An AR-9 style PCC, it shares many of the same features, coming with MFT furniture, ambidextrous controls, and an upgraded charging handle. Instead of a traditional AR buffer system, the Phoenix comes standard with a picatinny at the rear of the receiver, allowing you to use different folding stocks. Also, the Phoenix doesn’t come with a traditional AR charging handle but a forward-mounted one like an MP5/SP5.
Smith and Wesson
Another iconic in the industry, Smith & Wesson has a substantial lineup of different rifles and pistols, including both AR variants and PCCs. Rifles like their Volunteer XV AR-15s are a solid pick if you’re considering picking up an AR-15. Depending on the model you look at, they come with either a drop-in BCM Gunfighter Handguard or a free-floating M-LOK one. Aside from this, they come standard with B5 Systems furniture, flip-up iron sights, and an upgraded flat facing trigger.
They also have a couple PCCs to choose from as well. The Smith & Wesson Response PCC is an AR-9 style rifle that comes standard with a free-floating M-LOK handguard, an upgraded trigger, a S&W pistol grip, and a Magpul MOE Slimline stock. Despite being reminiscent of other AR-9s, the S&W Response has some unique features. Mainly, it uses a unique upper and lower receiver design that’s compatible with S&W’s FLEXMAG™ adapter system and comes with two adapters: one double stack GLOCK insert, and one double stack M&P insert.
In addition to the Response rifle is the M&P FPC. A more unique design, the FPC is different from the other PCCs mentioned thus far, in that it can fold in half for easy storage. Built into the receiver is a hinge mechanism that allows the barrel and handguard to fold over to the side, making it easy to transport or store in a secure location. Aside from this, the FPC comes standard with a 16.25-inch threaded barrel, and is compatible with Smith & Wesson double stack magazines.
Conclusion
AR-15s and PCCs are currently among the most popular firearms available today. And while neither one is a bad choice, they aren’t always suited for specific applications. Each platform brings its own advantages that lend itself to different tasks. The adaptability, ballistics, and long-range versatility of the AR-15 allow it to shine in multiple scenarios, while the low recoil and more compact nature of PCCs make them better suited for competitive and defensive use almost exclusively.
As we’ve shown above, regardless of which route you plan to go down, you’ll have a solid selection to choose from. Before you make any final decisions though, it’s important to recognize that choosing between one over the other ultimately comes down to whatever your needs dictate. It’s paramount that you carefully consider your intended purpose for owning one before buying.
So long as you’ve done so, you can rest assured knowing you’ve made the right decision. If you’re planning to go with an AR over a PCC, we recommend checking out our guide, “AR-15 brands in the $2,000 and under range”. It goes over some popular options that are all under or around $2,000.
