One of the ways that explorers and outdoorsmen have simplified their gear sets in the past has been to carry pistol-caliber carbines (PCC). A long gun chambered for the same ammunition as the traveler's handgun reduces the number of calibers to pack to just one. This in turn saves on storage space and weight. In the Old West, a single-action revolver on the hip was quick and handy to access while a lever-action carbine tucked into a saddle scabbard could be drawn when shots at longer distances were called for. Today, folks still enjoy current production lever guns paired with revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt. And for those who prefer modern semi-automatics, it's not hard to find pistols and carbines chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP that share the same ammunition and magazines.
As we discussed last year, the 10mm has been picking up steam as a trail gun round tucked into polymer-framed pistols for defense against bears and other dangerous game. Its current level of popularity has resulted in a solid selection of ammunition and pistols. However, the selection of 10mm Auto carbines has been relatively thin. The occasional AR-pattern carbine or large-format pistol has been introduced from time to time but models configured with feature sets conducive to outdoor adventuring have been few and far between.
But times are changing! As of 2025, the selection of 10mm carbines, which feed from pistol magazines, has finally expanded enough it could be considered a 'class' of PCC. Here is a quick look at the models that have caught my eye along the way with a few suggestions for what I would like to see next.
Hi-Point 1095 Carbine
Back in 2018, Hi-Point Firearms launched the 1095 series of carbines chambered in 10mm Auto. It includes the camouflage stock 1095TS Edge model that I worked with. These guns tip the scales at 7-pounds 13-ounces and sport a 17.5-inch threaded barrel. They use proprietary 10-round single-stack magazines which are compatible with Hi-Point's JXP-10 pistol. The Hi-Points are not particularly pretty or light weight. But they are tough, reliable and sell for real-world prices of around $350 making them the most affordable options in this class. You can read a full review here.
TNW ASR (Aero Survival Rifle)
One of the most outdoor-accessible carbines I've worked with over the years has been the TNW Firearms Aero Survival Rifle (ASR) series. Designed for emergency use by bush pilots, these guns have been chambered in several calibers including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and the 10mm Auto version which was released in 2020. The ASR is a proprietary takedown design with an aluminum receiver set and a removable barrel. It is designed to accept Glock-pattern 10mm pistol magazines, weighs in at 6-pounds and prices start at $919. This company also offers a comfortable day pack with pockets especially designed for this gun's components. You can read the full review of the 10mm Auto version here.
Ruger LC Carbine
After the release of the 10mm ASR 5-years ago, there was next to no movement on the 10mm carbine front until 2024. That's when Ruger decided to finally stir the pot by expanding their LC Carbine series to include a 10mm Auto version.
The first LC Carbine was launched in 2022 chambered in FN 5.7x28 mm. The series has since grown to include .45 ACP and 10mm Auto options. Weighing in at 7-pounds 6.4-ounces, this gun's aluminum receiver features a rear facing integral 2-slot Picatinny rail which is used to support a removable and adjustable folding shoulder stock. This carbine's grip is sized for 15-round Glock G20 mags but ships with a tactically minded 30-round stick. It sports a 16.25-inch long threaded barrel and an AR-inspired handguard for a suggested price of $1049. A quick look at what this model has to offer is available here.
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC
Smith & Wesson deserves kudos for converting their folding 9mm PCC, called the M&P FPC (Folding Pistol Carbine), into a 10mm much more quickly than their competitors. The 9mm version arrived on the scene early in May of 2023 with the 10mm launching in March of 2025. The FPC takes a fresh approach to the takedown-type carbine. Instead of removing the barrel or folding it back over or under the receiver, the barrel assembly swings to the side. This allows for quick deployment while an installed optic remains in place when the gun is folded for transport or storage.
This carbine's grip, trigger and controls have been lifted from the company's successful M&P pistol series. In this case, it uses the same 15-round magazines as the M2.0 version of the handgun with a total of three magazines provided with the carbine. Other features include a 16.25-inch threaded barrel, a flat-faced trigger, reversible magazine release, in-stock magazine storage and a 16.5-inch overall length when folded. This is one of the lighter models with an unloaded weight of 5-pounds 11.2-ounces and it’s more affordable than some with a suggested retail price of $699.
I just recently received the 10mm M&P FPC for an evaluation which will be posted to this website—stay tuned! In the mean time, an American Rifleman gun-of-the-week video for the 9 mm version is available here.
KelTec SUB2000
In production for nearly 25-years now, KelTec has finally gotten around to chambering their top-folding SUB2000 pistol-caliber carbine in 10mm Auto. But in fairness, they launched the Gen3 models of the SUB2000 at the beginning of 2024 with this version slated to ship summer of 2025. Technically speaking, that's less than a year to expand the Gen3 lineup to include a 10mm option (if we squint a bit around the Gen1 thru Gen2 years).
Like earlier models of the SUB2000, the Gen3 version sports a hinged barrel which swings up and over the top of the receiver for a folded overall length of 16.15-inches. One of the new features of the updated series is the rotating forend. When released, it can be twisted to the right or the left. This allows a red dot or magnified scope mounted to the full-length optics rail to remain in place when the barrel is folded. This is another model with a magazine well sized for 15-round Glock G20 magazines. With an un-accessorized weight of 5 pounds, this is the lightest carbine included in this round-up. It’s also the least expensive with a suggested price of $599. A closer look at the 9mm version of the Gen3 model is available here.
