Executive Summary: The End of the Blowback’s Reign
The 2026 Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show will likely be recorded in industry histories as the definitive expiration date of the “AR-9” era. For nearly a decade, the Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) market was defined by a singular, somewhat stagnant engineering philosophy: the simple blowback, AR-15-derived 9mm carbine. These platforms, while affordable and ubiquitous, suffered from inherent mechanical compromises—specifically, excessive reciprocating mass, harsh recoil impulses relative to caliber, and a reliance on magazine geometries (primarily Glock) that were never designed for carbine feed ramps.
The analysis of the products unveiled on the exhibition floor this year indicates a radical shift in manufacturing priorities. The “Top 20” platforms identified in this report are not merely iterative updates; they represent a fundamental bifurcation of the market into two distinct, sophisticated lineages. On one side, we witness the Democratization of Delay—the migration of roller-delayed, bearing-delayed, and gas-delayed operating systems from the exorbitant price tiers of European imports to the accessible mid-market of American mass production. On the other, we see the maturation of the Integrated Chassis PDW, where the firearm is designed from the ground up to collapse into a sub-liter volume, prioritizing concealability and rapid deployment over traditional rifle ergonomics.
This report provides an exhaustive technical and market analysis of the twenty most significant Personal Defense Weapons (PDW), Submachine Guns (SMG), and Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) of 2026. The selection criteria prioritize engineering innovation, market disruption potential, and manufacturing capability. The data suggests that the “buffer tube” is now viewed as a liability, 10mm Auto is experiencing a heavy-for-caliber renaissance, and the industry has finally solved the engineering challenges required to make delayed-blowback systems affordable for the civilian consumer.
Section I: The Roller-Delayed Renaissance (The MP5 Killers)
The most significant engineering trend of 2026 is the widespread adoption and adaptation of the roller-delayed blowback system. Historically, this mechanism was the exclusive domain of the Heckler & Koch MP5 and its licensed variants—a system praised for its smooth recoil impulse but derided for its stamped-steel construction, difficult optics mounting, and lack of modularity. In 2026, manufacturers have successfully divorced the roller-delayed mechanism from the MP5 platform, housing the operating system in modern, extruded aluminum receivers with M-LOK compatibility and AR-style ergonomics.
1. Springfield Armory Kuna: The Import Disrupter
The Springfield Armory Kuna 1 represents the most aggressive play for market dominance in the sub-$1,200 sector. Manufactured by HS Produkt in Croatia 2—the facility responsible for the highly successful Hellcat and Echelon pistol lines—the Kuna is not a clone of an existing platform but a modernization of the roller-delayed concept designed to undercut the pricing of established competitors like B&T and H&K.
Technically, the Kuna utilizes a monolithic aluminum upper receiver.1 This is a critical departure from the stamped sheet metal of the MP5 lineage. The rigidity of a monolithic upper allows for a continuous top rail, solving the primary deficiency of legacy roller-delayed guns: reliable optics mounting. In traditional stamped designs, claw mounts can shift under impact or heavy use; the Kuna’s integrated rail eliminates this variable entirely. The barrel is a 6-inch cold radial hammer-forged unit 1, a manufacturing process HS Produkt has perfected, which reportedly yields sub-2 MOA accuracy—exceptional performance for a pistol caliber platform.
The operating system is a classic roller-delayed blowback, utilizing a locking roller to delay the bolt’s rearward travel until pressures have dropped to safe levels.1 This delay allows for a significantly lighter bolt carrier group compared to a direct blowback system, which translates directly to reduced reciprocating mass and, consequently, less muzzle dip during rapid strings of fire. The Kuna feeds from proprietary translucent 30-round magazines featuring metal feed lips 2, a design choice that prioritizes durability over the convenience of Glock magazine compatibility. While some consumers may balk at proprietary magazines, the geometry of a double-feed magazine (like the Kuna’s) is vastly superior for carbine reliability than the single-feed design of Glock magazines.
Market positioning is aggressive. With an MSRP ranging between $1,000 and $1,150 4, Springfield is positioning the Kuna to destroy the market share of high-end straight-blowback AR-9s (which often cost $1,200–$1,500) while undercutting the B&T APC9 and HK SP5 by nearly 50%. The inclusion of a Picatinny endplate 1 acknowledges the industry-wide shift toward standardizing stock and brace attachments, allowing users to leverage the massive aftermarket of 1913-interface stocks developed for the MCX and various brace systems.
2. JP Enterprises JP-5: The Competitor’s scalpel
If the Kuna is the roller-delayed carbine for the masses, the JP Enterprises JP-5 is the precision instrument for the elite. The 2026 iterations of the JP-5 solidify its status as the “Ferrari” of the PCC sector.5 While the platform was introduced previously, the 2026 updates focus on granular tunability, a requirement for the high-level United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) competitor.
The JP-5 distinguishes itself by retaining the AR-15 manual of arms entirely.6 The safety, magazine release, and charging handle (in some configurations) are exactly where an AR shooter expects them to be. This muscle memory compatibility is the JP-5’s primary advantage over the MP5 or Scorpion platforms. However, the core innovation lies in the lock pieces. JP Enterprises offers interchangeable lock pieces with varying angles (e.g., 80°, 90°).6 These angles dictate the mechanical disadvantage applied to the rollers. A competitor running high-velocity, lightweight 9mm loads for a flat trajectory needs a different delay timing than a tactical user running heavy subsonic ammunition with a suppressor.
By combining this tunable delay with their Silent Captured Spring (SCS) buffer system 6, JP Enterprises has created a system that can be tuned to have virtually zero muzzle rise. The SCS eliminates the “twang” of a traditional buffer spring and allows for fine-tuning of the return stroke. The result is a carbine that, according to team shooters, “shoots like a.223, not a 9mm” 6, implying the recoil is sharper but lighter and more predictable than the heavy “thud” of a blowback 9mm.
3. Matador Arms MAT-9 Roller-Delayed: The Modular Upgrade
Matador Arms has delivered one of the most disruptive engineering pivots of the show by transitioning their MAT-9 line from simple blowback to roller-delayed operation.7 Crucially, they have done this without altering the external form factor or compatibility, creating a “drop-in” upper receiver solution.
The significance of the MAT-9 lies in its democratization of recoil mitigation. Previously, accessing roller-delayed technology required purchasing a complete, proprietary firearm (like an SP5 or JP-5). The MAT-9 upper, however, is compatible with standard AR-15 lowers and various magazine adapters (Glock, Colt, Scorpion).8 This means a user with a budget-tier lower receiver (e.g., Anderson or Palmetto State Armory) can purchase a MAT-9 upper for approximately $575–$599 9 and instantly upgrade their system to a roller-delayed operating mechanism.
This creates a “Ship of Theseus” upgrade path for the millions of AR-9 owners currently in the market. Rather than selling their entire firearm to upgrade to a better operating system, they can simply swap the upper receiver. The MAT-9 upper is a bufferless design, containing the recoil system within the upper receiver itself 8, which further allows the user to install a folding stock on a standard AR lower—a feature previously requiring expensive adapters like the Law Tactical folder.
4. Zenith Firearms ZF-9 & ZF-10: The Bufferless Evolution
Zenith Firearms, a company that built its reputation importing MKE MP5 clones from Turkey, has successfully transitioned to US-based manufacturing with the ZF-9 and ZF-10 platforms.10 These firearms represent a “bufferless modernization” of the roller-delayed concept.
Unlike the AR-platform adaptations that often still rely on a buffer tube for function or mounting, the ZF series features a recoil system contained entirely within the upper receiver.10 This design choice is critical for the “Bag Gun” role, as it allows for a true folding stock that does not impede the function of the firearm (though firing while folded is generally less controllable).
The introduction of the ZF-10 in 10mm Auto 10 is particularly noteworthy. 10mm Auto generates substantially higher bolt velocities and chamber pressures than 9mm. In simple blowback systems, this necessitates an incredibly heavy bolt and stiff spring to prevent case ruptures or out-of-battery detonations, often resulting in a firearm that is heavy and unpleasant to shoot. The roller-delayed system of the ZF-10 mechanically manages this energy, taming the 10mm’s recoil impulse significantly. This makes the ZF-10 a viable candidate for wilderness defense—a “bear gun” that offers higher capacity and faster follow-up shots than a revolver, with a mechanism that doesn’t beat the shooter (or the gun) to death.
5. Angstadt Arms MDP-9 Gen 2: The suppressed Specialist
Angstadt Arms continues to refine the MDP-9, with the Gen 2 updates focusing heavily on the “Vanquish” integral suppression system.11 The MDP-9 utilizes a roller-delayed action similar to the MP5 but housed in a hyper-lightweight chassis.
The Vanquish system is notable because it uses a ported barrel design to bleed gas into the suppressor, effectively rendering standard supersonic 115-grain ammunition subsonic.11 This is a massive logistical advantage for the user, as it negates the need to source specialized (and often expensive) subsonic ammunition to achieve “Hollywood quiet” performance. The roller-delayed action is essential here; by delaying the bolt opening, the system ensures that the majority of gas and noise is directed forward through the baffles rather than escaping out the ejection port (port pop), which is a common issue in suppressed blowback guns.
Section II: The Engineering of Delay (Mechanical Analysis)
To fully appreciate the significance of the 2026 market shift, one must understand the physics that separate these new platforms from their predecessors. The transition from Simple Blowback to Delayed Blowback is not merely a marketing buzzword; it is a fundamental change in how energy is managed.
In a Simple Blowback system (like the Hi-Point HP-15 or a standard AR-9), the only force keeping the breech closed during ignition is the inertia of the bolt mass and the tension of the recoil spring. To safely contain the 35,000 PSI pressure of a 9mm round, the bolt must be heavy—typically around 20 to 24 ounces. When this heavy mass reciprocates, it creates a “pogo stick” effect. The muzzle dips when the bolt slams forward and rises when it slams back. This reciprocating mass creates a recoil impulse that is often described as sharper and more jarring than a gas-operated 5.56mm rifle, despite the 9mm cartridge having significantly less energy.
The Roller/Bearing Delay solution (seen in the Kuna, JP-5, and MAUL) uses mechanical disadvantage to keep the breech closed. Rollers or bearings are pushed outward into recesses in the trunnion. When the round fires, the rearward force of the casing must first overcome the mechanical leverage required to squeeze these rollers back into the bolt carrier. This “delay” allows chamber pressures to drop to safe levels before the bolt unlocks. Crucially, because mechanical leverage is doing the work of holding the breach closed, the bolt itself can be significantly lighter. A roller-delayed bolt might weigh 40-50% less than a blowback bolt. Less moving mass equals less muzzle movement and a softer, smoother recoil impulse.
Section III: The Bufferless Revolution & “The Fold” (The Bag Guns)
The second dominant macro-trend of SHOT 2026 is the erasure of the AR-15 buffer tube from the PDW form factor. The industry has collectively recognized that for a Personal Defense Weapon to be viable in a civilian context—where the “Gray Man” doctrine of discreet carry prevails—it must fit inside a standard, innocuous backpack (approx. 18-20 inches max length). This requirement has birthed a generation of “Bag Guns” that utilize internal recoil systems to facilitate folding stocks and braces.
6. Sig Sauer P365-Flux Raider: The Hybrid Standard
Perhaps the most viral and significant release of SHOT 2026 was the official factory release of the Sig Sauer P365-Flux Raider.13 For years, Flux Defense existed as an aftermarket innovator, producing chassis systems for the P320. Sig Sauer’s decision to bring the P365 variant in-house as a factory SKU signals a major paradigm shift: major manufacturers are now willing to blur the lines between “pistol” and “PDW” at the factory level.
The concept bridges the gap between a concealed carry handgun and a carbine. By utilizing the serialized P365 Fire Control Unit (FCU), the Flux Raider is legally a pistol (or SBR, depending on configuration) but offers the stability of a chassis system.13 It features a rapid-deploy brace that springs open with a lever press, an integrated spare magazine carrier that doubles as a vertical grip (circumventing vertical foregrip laws on pistols by angling the mag carrier), and an optics-ready mounting surface that holds zero independent of the slide. With a footprint smaller than a laptop and a capacity of 30+ rounds (two 17rd magazines on board), it represents the ultimate “backpack gun.” The engineering challenge here was miniaturization—fitting a stable bracing system onto a subcompact pistol frame without adding excessive bulk or weight (the chassis weighs just ~8.7 oz empty).13
7. PSA X5.7: The “MP7 at Home”
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has built an empire on identifying “Grail Guns”—firearms that are highly desired but unobtainable or unaffordable—and producing accessible clones. The X5.7 15 is a dedicated PDW chambered in 5.7x28mm that targets the aesthetic and functional niche of the Heckler & Koch MP7.
The MP7 is famously unavailable to civilians due to its status as a machine gun and import restrictions. The PSA X5.7 mimics the MP7’s ergonomics, specifically the “grip-in-center” layout which provides excellent balance. The firearm features a polymer lower and an aluminum upper 15, keeping weight low. Mechanically, PSA has implemented a delayed blowback system (likely a lever or rock-lock system similar to the AA 5.7) to handle the high pressure of the 5.7x28mm cartridge.16
This release is timely. 5.7x28mm ammunition prices have stabilized following the NATO standardization and the entry of more ammo manufacturers (like Fiocchi and AAC). The X5.7 offers the high-capacity (40+ rounds), flat-trajectory, and armor-penetrating potential (with proper ammo) of the 5.7mm cartridge in a package priced for mass consumption.17 It is currently in final endurance testing, with a launch expected in mid-2026.
8. KelTec Sub2000 Gen 3 CQB: The Silence of the Fold
KelTec has updated their iconic folding carbine, the Sub2000, to its third generation. The Gen 3 CQB 18 addresses the two most significant complaints of the previous generations: the inability to fold the rifle with an optic mounted, and the harsh noise/concussion of the blowback action.
The Gen 3 features a rotating forend.19 In previous models, the gun folded vertically, smashing any top-mounted optic into the stock. The new design allows the handguard and optic section to rotate out of the way before the rifle folds, preserving zero and allowing for the use of modern red dots. The “CQB” designation refers to the integral suppression system. By integrating the suppressor into the barrel length, KelTec keeps the overall package short and handy. As a “truck gun” or hiking companion, the Sub2000 remains unrivaled in its deployed-to-stowed size ratio, and the addition of suppression makes it a far more practical tool for emergency use without hearing protection.
9. B&T “Just in Case” Briefcase: The Executive Solution
Switzerland’s B&T (Brügger & Thomet) unveiled a product that leans heavily into the “executive protection” niche: the “Just in Case” Briefcase PDW system.20 While arguably a specialized accessory, its integration is so complete it functions as a distinct weapon system.
Inspired by the Heckler & Koch “Operational Briefcase” for the MP5K, the B&T version is a polymer hard case that houses a B&T submachine gun (compatible with models like the APC9 or SPC9). The engineering marvel is the firing mechanism: a trigger is integrated into the briefcase handle, linked mechanically to the firearm’s trigger inside. An optic pass-through allows the operator to aim the briefcase itself. This system allows for immediate engagement in high-threat environments without the “brandishing” phase of drawing a weapon. While priced at a premium (approx. $1,250 for the case alone, excluding the firearm) 20, it demonstrates B&T’s dominance in the specialized protection sector and their ability to engineer complex, niche solutions.
10. Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) Bufferless 9mm: The Entry Level Folder
Bear Creek Arsenal plays a critical role in the market ecosystem by establishing the price floor. Their Bufferless 9mm 21 is significant because it brings the “folding stock AR-9” capability to the sub-$500 price bracket.
By designing a proprietary bolt carrier group (BCG) with contained recoil springs 22, BCA eliminates the receiver extension. While the recoil impulse of this simple blowback system is likely heavier than the delayed systems mentioned earlier, its existence forces the entire market to compete. It proves that “bufferless” does not have to mean “expensive.” For a budget-conscious user who needs a PDW to fit in a gym bag, the BCA offers 90% of the utility of a Sig MCX at 20% of the cost.
Section IV: Duty-Grade & High Performance Innovations
This cluster represents the pinnacle of reliability and mechanical ingenuity. These platforms are designed for Law Enforcement (LE) contracts and discerning users who prioritize bomb-proof durability over rock-bottom pricing.
11. Mean Arms MAUL: The Tunable Revolution
Mean Arms introduced the MAUL, utilizing a Bearing Delayed Blowback system 23 that offers a distinct alternative to roller delay. The mechanism uses ball bearings that interact with the barrel extension and the bolt carrier to delay opening. Bearings offer a distinct advantage over rollers: they provide more contact surface area, which theoretically spreads the load more evenly and reduces wear on the locking surfaces.24
The killer feature of the MAUL is Tunability. Users can swap the “lifters” (the ramps that push the bearings outward) to adjust the dwell time.23 This allows the firearm to be mechanically optimized for specific ammunition. A competitive shooter running light 147-grain subsonic loads for USPSA can install a “fast” lifter to ensure reliable cycling with low-energy ammo. Conversely, a police armorer can install a “slow” lifter for a SWAT team using high-pressure +P+ duty ammunition, preventing the bolt from opening too early and battering the receiver. This level of customization was previously the domain of custom gunsmithing but is now an off-the-shelf feature.
12. Daniel Defense PCC: The “Mk18 of PCCs”
Daniel Defense, known for their ubiquity in the AR-15 market with the Mk18 and DDM4, has finally entered the PCC space.25 The Daniel Defense PCC distinguishes itself by choosing the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 magazine pattern over the more common Glock pattern.26
This is a significant engineering decision. Glock magazines are designed for pistols; they present the round at a steep angle and have a single feed position. In a carbine, this geometry can lead to feeding issues, especially with hollow-point ammunition. The Scorpion magazine is a true double-stack, double-feed design (similar to an AR-15 mag), which is inherently more reliable for high-speed automated fire and debris tolerance. By choosing this magazine, Daniel Defense signals that they prioritize reliability over the convenience of magazine commonality. The platform features fully ambidextrous controls (mirroring the DD4 RIII) and is available in SBR and pistol configurations.28 Note: While airsoft variants were also teased, the real-steel MSRP of $1,949 confirms its positioning as a premium duty weapon.
13. Laugo Arms Alien Creator PDW: Physics Defied
The Laugo Alien pistol is famous for having the lowest bore axis in the world. At SHOT 2026, Laugo showcased PDW/Carbine configurations of the Alien Creator.29
The physics of the Alien are unique: the barrel is fixed and sits below the recoil system (the top rail/slide). This creates a recoil impulse that drives straight back into the web of the hand, virtually eliminating muzzle rise.31 In a carbine format with a stock, this results in a red dot sight that simply does not move during rapid fire. The system uses a gas-piston delayed blowback mechanism, which further smooths the impulse. While the price point is extreme (likely $4,000+), it represents the absolute ceiling of performance for the platform, targeting the most affluent segment of the competition market.
14. Jacob Grey TWC / Hex Pro: Aerospace Precision
Jacob Grey Firearms, with a background in aerospace manufacturing, displayed their high-end 1911/2011 hybrid platforms, specifically the NOX 9 and Hex Pro.32 While often categorized as pistols, these double-stack 1911s (2011 style) effectively function as ultra-compact PDWs when equipped with modern compensators and large-capacity magazines.
The “TWC” (Throwback With Class) and Hex Pro lines utilize 7075-T6 billet aluminum and precision machining tolerances that exceed standard industry practices. The Hex Pro, in particular, is designed as a performance-driven defensive tool, integrating the control of a 2011 (light sliding trigger, heavy frame) with the reliability required for carry.33
Section V: The Caliber Wars (5.7x28mm, 10mm, & 8.6 Blk)
Innovation isn’t just about the gun; it’s about the bullet. 2026 saw a move away from the 9mm monoculture toward calibers that offer specific ballistic advantages.
15. Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 10mm: The Wilderness Carbine
Building on the surprise success of the 9mm FPC (Folding Pistol Carbine), Smith & Wesson released a 10mm Auto version.5 The 10mm Auto cartridge gains significant velocity from a 16-inch barrel, with some loads approaching the energy levels of low-end.41 Magnum. This transforms the FPC from a recreational plinker into a legitimate deer hunting or wilderness defense carbine.
The FPC’s side-folding mechanism allows it to stow compactly, making it an ideal companion for backpackers in bear country who need more power than a 9mm but less bulk than a rifle. This release directly challenges the Hi-Point 10mm carbine, offering a much more refined, ergonomic, and reliable package.
16. Q Boombox: The Heavy PDW
The Q Boombox 35 challenges the definition of a PDW. Chambered in 8.6 Blackout (a.338 caliber projectile in a shortened 6.5 Creedmoor case), the Boombox is designed to deliver massive terminal energy from short barrels, particularly when suppressed.
The 8.6 Blackout utilizes a fast 1:3 twist rate, which imparts massive rotational energy to the projectile. Upon impact, these monolithic copper bullets expand violently, creating wound channels disproportionate to their velocity. The Boombox serves as a “heavy PDW”—compact enough for vehicle operations but capable of dropping large game or penetrating barriers that would defeat pistol calibers. It is the “Battle Rifle” shrunk down to PDW proportions.
17. Show Low Manufacturing Black Jack: 10mm Innovation
Show Low Manufacturing displayed the Gen 3 version of their Black Jack PCC, now available in 10mm Auto and.45 ACP.37 The Gen 3 features a mechanical delay system (detent/roll pin delay) designed to handle the 10mm’s pressure without the massive bolt weight of a blowback gun.37
Crucially, Show Low moved away from MP5 magazines for the 10mm version (which are rare and expensive) and seemingly optimized the feed geometry for reliability. The shift to a standardized AR handguard interface 37 also simplifies the platform, reducing weight and screw count.
Section VI: Retro, Hybrids, & Budget Kings
Nostalgia and affordability remain powerful market drivers.
18. Lionheart Industries Daewoo K7: The Unicorn Returns
The Daewoo K7 is a legendary suppressed submachine gun variant of the South Korean K2 rifle. Lionheart Industries announced the importation/manufacture of a semi-auto variant for the US market.38 This platform satisfies a massive pent-up demand from military collectors. The K7 features an integral suppressor look (or function, depending on NFA configuration) and utilizes the robust long-stroke gas piston system of the K2 adapted for the sub-gun role.
19. Brigade Manufacturing Makasi: The FAL Hybrid
The Makasi 40 is a fascinating hybrid that marries the aesthetic and short-stroke gas piston operation of the FN FAL with the modularity of the AR-15. It uses a FAL-style charging handle and piston system but accepts AR-15 trigger groups and lowers. The 2026 9mm variant offers a “Cold War” aesthetic with modern ergonomics, appealing to those tired of the AR-15’s visual dominance.
20. PSA AXR SSP “Krink”: The 9mm AK
PSA delivered the long-awaited “Krink” style AK in 9mm.42 While visually mimicking the AKS-74U, the AXR SSP (Short Stroke Piston) claims to use a piston system rather than simple blowback (or a hybrid system), which would offer smoother recoil than standard 9mm AKs (like the KP-9). It fills the niche for a classic Eastern Bloc PDW with cheap, available ammo.
Honorable Mention: Mimic Firearms Speed9 The Speed9 44 deserves mention for its sheer creativity. It uses a “rotating” magazine system where two 30-round double-stack magazines are fused back-to-back. When one stack is empty, the user ejects, rotates the mag 180 degrees, and reinserts. It provides 60 rounds of on-board ammunition without the bulk of a drum.
Conclusions
The data from SHOT Show 2026 confirms that the PCC market has matured. We are no longer in the era of “make it work”; we are in the era of “make it optimized.” The prevalence of delay systems proves that consumers are educated on recoil mechanics and demand better performance. The integration of folding mechanisms proves that portability is a non-negotiable requirement for the civilian defender.
For the industry analyst, the key takeaway is the compression of the mid-tier. The $700–$900 simple blowback AR-9 is effectively dead. Consumers will either spend $450 for a Bear Creek/Hi-Point or $1,100 for a Springfield Kuna/Matador delayed system. There is no longer a justification for paying $900 for a technology (simple blowback) that has been rendered obsolete by the democratization of delay.
| Rank | Model | Manufacturer | Caliber | Operating System | Key Feature | MSRP (Approx) |
| 1 | Kuna | Springfield Armory | 9mm | Roller-Delayed | Import value, monolithic rail 1 | $1,000-$1,150 |
| 2 | P365 Flux | Sig Sauer | 9mm | Tilt-Barrel | Factory chassis, rapid deploy 13 | $1,699 |
| 3 | JP-5 | JP Enterprises | 9mm | Roller-Delayed | Tunable lock pieces, competition 6 | $3,200+ |
| 4 | MAUL | Mean Arms | 9mm | Bearing-Delayed | Tunable bearings, AR compatible 23 | $1,200+ |
| 5 | MAT-9 | Matador Arms | 9mm | Roller-Delayed | Bufferless upper, wide compat 7 | $575 (Upper) |
| 6 | X5.7 | PSA | 5.7×28 | Delayed Blowback | MP7 aesthetics, capacity 16 | ~$600-800 |
| 7 | FPC 10mm | Smith & Wesson | 10mm | Blowback | Folding, heavy caliber 34 | $699 |
| 8 | Just in Case | B&T | 9mm | Hydraulic Buffer | Briefcase fire capability 20 | $1,250 (Case) |
| 9 | Sub2000 Gen3 | KelTec | 9mm | Blowback | Integral suppressor, rotating forend 18 | $1,199 |
| 10 | ZF-9/10 | Zenith Firearms | 9/10mm | Roller-Delayed | Bufferless, 10mm option 10 | TBD |
| 11 | Daniel Defense PCC | Daniel Defense | 9mm | Blowback | Scorpion mags, duty grade 26 | $1,949 |
| 12 | MDP-9 Gen 2 | Angstadt Arms | 9mm | Roller-Delayed | Integral suppression updates 11 | $2,500+ |
| 13 | Alien Creator | Laugo Arms | 9mm | Gas-Delayed | Low bore axis, fixed barrel 31 | $4,000+ |
| 14 | K7 | Lionheart | 9mm | Gas/Blowback | Retro styling, integral supp 39 | TBD |
| 15 | Boombox | Q | 8.6 Blk | Gas Impingement | Heavy PDW, fast twist 35 | $3,000+ |
| 16 | Makasi | Brigade Mfg | 9mm | Hybrid Piston | FAL/AR hybrid 40 | ~$1,600 |
| 17 | Black Jack | Show Low | 10mm | Mech Delay | 10mm delay system 37 | ~$1,800 |
| 18 | AXR SSP | PSA | 9mm | Piston | Krinkov aesthetics 43 | ~$1,100 |
| 19 | Bufferless 9mm | Bear Creek | 9mm | Blowback | Budget folder 21 | ~$450 |
| 20 | Speed9 | Mimic Firearms | 9mm | Blowback | 60rd rotating mag 44 | $1,799 |
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