Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive resurgence of the pistol caliber carbine, most notably the 9mm PCC.
The biggest advantage that the pistol caliber carbine has over any sidearm is stability.
We’ve seen some skillful shooters at the local range who can shoot the wings off a fly at 25 yards with their sidearm.
For the majority of shooters though, handgun accuracy tends to begin dropping off around 15 yards, especially in kinetic situations where the adrenaline is surging and stress levels are through the roof.
The 9mm PCC gives you added stability to hit your mid-range targets more accurately and consistently when used in conjunction with a red dot sight.
Maxim Defense recognized this demand in the industry and answered with the MD9 9mm carbine.
The Maxim Defense MD9 offers a short-barreled rifle-like performance chambered in 9mm.
Maxim Defense MD-9 9mm PCC
When you’re looking for Maxim Defense ingenuity in an AR-9 platform, then the MD-9 is your answer.
The MD-9 was engineered to fit the growing demand for cutting-edge AR9-style rifles for today’s Military and commercial market.
For increased comfort and versatility every MD9 features Maxim’s free-floating barrel and custom handguard. These handguards provide a monolithic-like upper receiver platform and M-Slot compatibility.
Features
- HATEBRAKE Flash hider
- M-Rax and M-Slot compatible handguard
- Military-grade materials
- 5.8″ barrel
- ALG Combat trigger
- Radian charging handle and selector
- Maxim CQB brace
- Ambidextrous magazine release
- Fully floated barrel
- Receives all Glock 9mm pattern magazines, G19 and longer
Specs
- Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
- Barrel Thread Pitch: ½-28
- Material Composition: 7075 Aluminum & tool steel
- Finish: Nitride / Type III Anodizing
- Barrel Length: 5.8″ [147.32mm]
- Overall Length: 20″ [508mm] (collapsed)
- Weight: 6lb 1oz [2.75kg]
- Barrel Material: 4150 CrMoV
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 FPS (Federal FMJ 124gr)
Is the MD-9 The Best PCC
The package weighs in at just over six pounds unloaded and 20 inches collapsed, adding to the small footprint. The MD9 also boasts an ambidextrous magazine release and Radian charging handle and selector.
It accepts all Glock 9mm pattern magazines, G19 or longer. Rounding out the set-up is a modified Maxim Defense HATEBRAKE muzzle booster and ALG Combat trigger.
An issue seen in previous pistol caliber carbine designs is that the shooter would use the magwell for their support grip which would cause the magazine to move just enough to cause failure to feed malfunctions.
Maxim Defense recognized this issue and mitigated it by extending the length of the magwell, giving the shooter a full support hand grip without interfering with the function of the magazine.
The Modified HATEBRAKE emulates the back pressure of a suppressor. Not only is it directing the blast forward and away from the shooter and those around the shooter, but regulates the cyclic rate.
The advantage of this is whether you’re running the included HATEBRAKE or a 9mm suppressor, the cyclic rate is going to be consistent and not over-gassed.
To maximize the velocity and accuracy of this 9mm PCC, Maxim Defense went with a barrel length of 5.8″.
The optimal barrel length for the 9mm cartridge is roughly 6″, so with the MD9, you’re getting optimal performance out of the 5.8″ barrel.
During testing, Maxim Defense used 124gr FMJ which resulted in a muzzle velocity of 1,150 feet per second.
Which Caliber is Best for PCC?
9mm is by the far the most common caliber for pistol caliber carbines followed by .40 S&W and 45 ACP.
9mm is the most affordable and offers the most options for training ammunition and personal defense ammunition.
What is the Effective Range of a 9mm PCC?
The max effective range of the 9mm PCC is roughly 100 yards depending on your ammunition selection, training, and ability to master the fundamentals.
The advantage that the PCC offers over a standard pistol is increased points of contact which offers better stability and barrel lengths of around 6″ adding to the accuracy of the round. Those two advantages alone are what allow most shooters to be effective out to 100 yards with a 9mm PCC platform.
Vertx Dead Letter Sling
Looking for a clandestine way to transport your compact pistol caliber carbine?
The Vertx Dead Letter Sling bag is your best bet. It doesn’t scream tactical and carries everything you need in addition to your 9mm PCC. All without anybody knowing.
I’m able to comfortably carry my Maxim Defense MD9 along with my 13″ Macbook Air, cables, other tech accessories, a full-sized notebook, and a compact medical kit.
This mid-sized sling works and plays large because of the versatility built into every critical feature. The Dead Letter Sling’s appearance and functionality can be modified in seconds to adapt to your immediate needs.
Multiple carry options let you move confidently and discreetly on the street with invisible CCW and ballistic panel capabilities as well as a full complement of office-friendly aesthetics and organization.
Conclusion
When it comes down to defending your home and keeping your family safe, stack the odds in your favor with the Maxim Defense MD9 pistol caliber carbine.
*This article was originally published on RE Factor Tactical
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