PCC or short rifle

[Loneranger04]

I’ve bought two different carbines over the years for keeping in the vehicle whilst traveling on vacation. The first was a 10” AR with a brace/stock in 556 and the second was a Ruger PCC 9mm. The Ruger comes apart so it’s easy to put in a backpack to disguise it but the AR has much better range and more muzzle energy however the 556 is so loud from a 10” barrel that it’s very uncomfortable to shoot even with hearing protection. I’d still rather carry the AR and have swapped the barrel to a .300 blackout which toned down the muzzle report drastically but is still a longer, harder to hide than the Ruger. Wondering what others tote for trips and why.

 

[jagdawg]

I've been experimenting for the perfect backpack/compact truck gun too. Many talk about how...if in a gunfight...you don't worry about your hearing. But I guarantee you, if you're lighting up a 10.5 or 11.5 AR without suppression or ear pro, repeatedly, the concussion alone is likely going to affect your ability to shoot, and bonus - give you permanent hearing loss.
I know, I know...it's ok as long as you survive...right?
But, I don't think anyone practices like that. We wear ear pro. So we really don't know how we're going to handle it.
A linear comp helps. Suppressed would be better. But even a suppressed 10.5 or 11.5 is loud.
9mm, or better yet, 9mm suppressed is decent. But, as you said, you lose range.
I'm leaning back towards suppressed 300BO. I have one, but it's a pieced togther PSA 7.5"...but at least it runs.
But:

Palemetto State announced their new AXR SSP (short stroke piston) PDW in 300BO at 2026 Shot Show. Not sure if it's weight yet, but it looks promising.

 

[Midwestshooter]

The pack gun is the one are where I think a PDW is justified. I don’t personally have one but I don’t have a “truck gun” either. I don’t blame people for wanting or having one tho. My thoughts on the topic. Pros: possibly share mags and ammo with a carry gun. Better practical accuracy than a handgun.
Cons: handgun ammo is heavier than 556 ammo. Less “stopping power” and range then most rifle rounds. Personally if I’m going to carry a rifle then I want a rifle cartridge. But they make PDWs smaller than a folding 10.5 AR so I get why people do them.

 

[Alan]

I’ve bought two different carbines over the years for keeping in the vehicle whilst traveling on vacation. The first was a 10” AR with a brace/stock in 556 and the second was a Ruger PCC 9mm. The Ruger comes apart so it’s easy to put in a backpack to disguise it but the AR has much better range and more muzzle energy however the 556 is so loud from a 10” barrel that it’s very uncomfortable to shoot even with hearing protection. I’d still rather carry the AR and have swapped the barrel to a .300 blackout which toned down the muzzle report drastically but is still a longer, harder to hide than the Ruger. Wondering what others tote for trips and why.

Yeah, it always comes back to that triangle..size, shootability, and concealment and something’s always giving.

 

[Tahoe]

I know I'll get some flak for this, but I have a couple of those Roni-type stocks for pistols. Similar to a Flux or Tyrant chassis (but a lot cheaper), you get a very compact weapon that gives you better accuracy and handling than a pistol, complete compatibility with your pistol (mags, controls and even spare parts), and can be broken down into a pistol if needed. Yes, you still get pistol range and power (though better accurate range).

My thoughts are that if I have to get into a gunfight with someone more than 50m away, something really bad is going on and I'd like an actual rifle, please.

 

[jagdawg]

No flack here. You hit all the points why.
I have G17 in a first Gen Roni that does everything it needs to do for a compact "sub" gun.

But, again, you also eluded to this, I still like the 300BO folding brace concept for all-around.