Hi-Point .45 ACP Carbine: Are Handgun Caliber Rifles the New Home Defense Shotgun?

The Truth About Guns ^ | 10 August, 2010 | Robert Farago

[marktwain]

Capt. John Raguso keeps threatening to send us a review of Kel Tec’s smokin’ SUB-2000 9mm carbine. Today, Hi-Point Carbines drops the news that their long awaited .45 ACP rifle is ready to rock and roll. These handgun-caliber carbine may be gaining favor over the venerable 12-gauge as the weapon of choice for hom defense. And for good reason. In fact, here are four. . .

1. Less recoil than a shotgun

While home defense shotguns put an awful lot of lead downrange with a single trigger squeeze, shooters pay the price with a big ole’ wallop to their shoulder. That’s no big thing for big people who’re comfortable with firearms (who may, in fact, like the kick). And in the heat of battle, who cares? But if a gun is formidable to fire (i.e. painful), its owners are FAR less likely to practice. If they don’t, they will not be confident and accurate.

Even in .45 ACP, handgun-caliber carbines have minimal recoil, relatively speaking. The lower recoil makes the rifles far more attractive to women, teens and (let’s be honest here) small-framed men. They can also put a lot of lead downrange. BONUS! Quick mag changes are easier than reloading a shotgun.

2. Quieter than a shotgun

The state prohibitions against silencers really piss me off. (Somebody was watching way too many spy movies.) Meanwhile, shotguns are ridiculously, enormously loud. While a handgun caliber carbine will make plenty of noise, a shooter stands a chance of being able to hear something after firing—which could save their life. Comparing the two firearms genres, handgun caliber rifles will definitely reduce a shooter’s chances of permanent, perhaps even catastrophic hearing loss.

3. Better than a handgun

So’s a shotgun. But again, there are plenty of people who find shotguns intimidating. In that sense, handgun caliber carbines hit the sweet spot. Thanks to the carbines longer sight radius, they’re easier to aim than a handgun, And more intimidating (i.e. visible)

Handgun caliber carbines increase bullet speed and, thus, penetration. Hi-Point says their .45 ACP’s longer barrel increases velocity figures between 80-200 FPS (feet per second) over a like-chambered handgun.

4. Less expensive

To my way of thinking, a semi-automatic weapon is the best home defense shotgun. A good one costs the thick end of a grand. This Hi-Point .45 ACP Carbine costs $330. The SUB-2000 goes for $409.

I love shotguns. But the handgun caliber carbines may be better for more people. The market will speak.

Specifications for Hi-Point .45 ACP Carbine:

Price: $330 MSRP Finish: Special high-durability black powder coat Stock: Black molded polymer-(with standard upper and lower Picatinny rails). Barrel length: 171/2-inches Overall length: 33-inches Weight: 71/2-pounds. Magazine capacity: 9-rounds. Sight: Adjustable front post and adjustable rear (ghost ring) Warranty: Lifetime on parts and labor that follows the gun. Manufacturer: Hi-Point of Mansfield Ohio-every part is made in the U.S.A. Factory affordable options are available: Folding grip, laser, scope sight, etc.

[conservativeharleyguy]

Actually that is a Saiga, it's just been modified by Tromix (Lead Delivery Systems). It's not mine though, just one of his sample guns. Someday, maybe.

[Lurker]

When I saw them they were running about 400 or so new IIRC. You did darned well. I KNEW I should have bought one.

[starlifter]

I absolutely agree.

And with a shotgun:
- You just have to be close to get a disabling hit
- Chances of sending a round through the Sheetrock and hitting fluffy bunny in the next room are nil.

[Vendome]

thanks

[dblshot]

If the Bear is in the house already get out first! Who cares what he tears up as long as it aint you and yours. A friend of mine once ran a bear out of his tent with a camera, the flash bulb startled it. He said that was the first thing he could grab. picture was to close to be in focus, pity.

[Vendome]

LOL, it looked to pretty for Saiga.

Have to go back and look them.

[Oatka]

I have two, a Beretta Storm, and my favorite, a Marlin Camp Carbine in .45ACP that uses 1911 mags,

Hope Kel-Tec gets smart and does the same - mags are cheap. I understand there's a 50-round drum for the Marlins.

[JimRed]

The first, and last, sound they should hear is BOOM!

There's an old saying that you never hear the one that got you...

[Desron13]

I’m already sold on this carbine and have just been waiting for the .45 cal version to come out.

[BluH2o]

I have a Mossberg 590A1 Persuader 12ga.
Who manufactures the weapon displayed in the picture?

[umgud]

Here’s a link to their website; http://www.serbu.com/top/superShorty.php

[FreedomPoster]

>>I thought the M3 submachine gun was dubbed “grease gun” . Not the Thompson.

You are correct.

Dad was a tank platoon commander back in the mid-1950s, and had to qualify with the M3. He loved those things.

[FreedomPoster]

Nothing wrong with storing a pistol in a proper holster ready to go.

[FreedomPoster]

>> I have whats called a “trench gun” or riot shotgun,

Does it have a bayonet lug? To my mind, it is not a trench gun if not.

See here:

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_other_firearms_shotgun_m12.php

The sentry in the first pic has a riot gun. Scroll down a little, and there’s a trench gun with a bayonet lug.

Also, I presume it’s a Winchester Model 12?

[thackney]

Does one also come short barreled?

- - - - -

18” minimum, federal law

But really, if the concern is I’ll be safe with a 6” barrel pistol, but I’ll let the intruder get close enough to grab a 18” barrel: don’t get any gun.

[Vaquero]

see #12

[mcshot]

Likely a Mossberg and a potential wrist breaker with high power loads. I have the 590A1 next to my bed loaded with 3” copper plated BBs.

[wku man]

"To my way of thinking, a semi-automatic weapon is the best home defense shotgun. A good one costs the thick end of a grand. This Hi-Point .45 ACP Carbine costs $330. The SUB-2000 goes for $409."

Plenty of good riot guns, semi and pump, can be found for less than the $330 you propose spending on that Hi-Point junk. Just take a trip to Cabela's and browse their consignment rack. If there's not a Cabela's within easy driving distance to your home, move.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[archy]

Gotta disagree, here — there’s no more intimidating sound, from man or nature, than the distinctive ‘racking’ of a pump-action shotgun...

I'm willing to bet you've never heard the distinctive *pop* of the igniter cartridge of an M2-A2 flamethrower about to go to work.

[Ron H.]

The key words here is “Home Defense”. Kinda hard keeping a rifle in your night stand drawer.

I prefer the Judge. But some cleanup required after shooting bad guy.

Here Comes the Judge! Taurus .45/410 Revolver

I agree. I kep mine loaded with 3 .410 00buck magnum rounds and two .45LC rounds. This is then backed up by my Mossberg 500 pistol gripped 12g shotgun loaded with 8 00buck magnum loads. I say let the perp kick in my door. He'll never have to worry about the blast being too loud for his ears.