An interesting article discussing the merits of a carbine for home defense.
http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/15/6-home-defense-carbines-5-are-not-ars/
Nice site. Bullets, boobies and royalty gossip all together.
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There have been several other pistol caliber carbines not in the article that share the same magazine as a handgun. Colt 1911 & Marlin Camp Carbine in .45 ACP, Smith & Wesson double stack 9mm & the Camp 9, Beretta 92 & the Cx4 Storm, Ruger P handguns & the police carbine PC9 or PC4.
Or if you want to go revolver/lever action in the same caliber there are many options to choose.
What do you guys think of the Hi Point carbine mentioned in the article? Sounds like it would be cheap to shoot, compared to something chambered for rifle rounds. Any similar low cost weapons to recommend? Also, how does the Benelli MR1 Tactical Rifle compare to lower cost ARs?
(EDIT: I see Eyebiter has already mentioned a few.)
This review didn't think much of that MR1. 2" groups @ 50 yards, 5rd magazine, $1300 price.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2010/08/bryan-hyde/gun-review-benelli-mr1-tactical-rifle/
Don't have much experience with that HP carbine. Think they use Glock mags. Cheap enough, could always sell it if you didn't like it.
If you don't have a Ruger 10/22 yet, that should be your next purchase. Around Xmas they have a package deal (Rifle & Scope combo) at many American sporting goods stores. Then buy two large bulk boxes of cheap .22lr ammo. Should be around $300 out the door.