A carbine is a type of rifle with a shorter barrel than a traditional long gun and has multiple uses including sports, hunting, and by militaries for defense. Due to the shorter length of the barrel compared to traditional long guns, carbines are easier to maneuver in tight areas and are easier to carry on your body.
The shorter length of the barrel also makes them a bit lighter than a standard rifle or shotgun, and easier to handle. This can make carbines better for new shooters, people that are 50 and over, or don’t want to carry a heavier firearm with them, especially if they have to camp or hike through the woods for hunting.
The shorter barrel and lighter weight could increase recoil (depending if the firearm is gas powered, cartridge power, muzzle break, etc…), so make sure to test and configure the carbine properly if recoil is a concern.
We recommend the following as a starting point to reduce recoil on a carbine:
- Cartridge type – The type of cartridge significantly impacts the amount of recoil a firearm experiences, as the bullet’s weight and velocity, determined by the cartridge design, directly influences the force of recoil generated when fired.
- Gas system – A gas system helps manage the recoil force by redirecting it through the mechanism instead of directly impacting the shooter’s hand.
- Muzzle brake – A muzzle brake reduces recoil by redirecting the expanding propellant gases exiting the barrel to counteract the recoil force.
There is no shortage of options for a carbine as most of the popular gun manufacturers produce a carbine model. Some of our favorite carbines include:
- Sig Sauer MPX K
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000
- Beretta CX4 Storm
- Ruger PC Carbine
- Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9mm Carbine
- Colt AR9
- PSA AKV – Technically classified as a pistol due to barrel length and configuration, but can be considered a carbine.
- Smith & Wesson M&P FPC – A blowback-operated carbine, but not beholden to the AR-pattern.
Carbines can be stored in any long gun safe as there will be enough space available length wise compared to handgun safes which are likely not long enough for the barrel. The biggest difference between the way you store a carbine vs. a standard rifle is the shorter barrel may need a different holder or grip as the mechanism that holds the firearm in place may not be short enough to grip it allowing for it to fall over or shift while in the gun safe.
Our Agile™ line of gun safes allow for modular storage and will work perfect for your collection.
You’ve likely also seen carbine rifles and pistol caliber carbines in movies, music videos, video games, and with the military. This is because they’re equally visually striking as they are easy-to-use for sports, hunting, and defense. Now you know what a carbine is, why they are popular types of long guns, and have some options to help make a decision if you’re looking to purchase one.