Life used to be simple. If you wanted a long gun in a pistol caliber, you were either looking at a semi-custom AR-15 build, an entry-level polymer gun or a lever-action rifle chambered in a caliber most commonly found in revolvers. Then, about 12 years ago, the pistol-caliber carbine revolution sparked new interest in lower-recoiling long guns that used the same ammunition as a defensive carry gun.
Now the circle is closing in on itself, and we are seeing more and more lever-action firearms chambered not only in perennial favorites like .38 Spl and .44 Mag, but 9mm and .45 ACP as well. Here's the latest and greatest firearms in pistol caliber carbines for 2025.
CZ-USA | Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition
CZ-USA’s Scorpion carbine has no shortage of fans, nor does Magpul, with its components and accessories. Now, CZ-USA has teamed with Magpul to offer the Scorpion 3+ Magpul Edition, utilizing Magpul furniture for enhanced ergonomics.
▶Magpul PMag EV9 35-round magazine
▶Folding stock
▶Magpul Adjustable MBUS
▶Ambidextrous bolt release
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 35 rounds
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Overall Length: 34 inches
Weight: 6 pounds,14 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(800) 955-4486 cz-usa.com
Ruger | LC Carbine
The LC Carbine just received a boost—a terminal-performance boost—provided by its new 10 mm chambering. The same practical features abound like an adjustable, folding stock, threaded barrel and compatibility with Glock-pattern magazines.
▶Ambidextrous bolt release
▶30-round magazine
▶Reversible magazine release
▶Ambidextrous 1911-style safety
Specifications
Caliber: 10 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.3 inches
Overall Length: 30.6 to 32.6 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 6.4 ounces
MSRP: $1,049
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
Smith & Wesson | Model 1854 Stealth Hunter
Smith & Wesson adds a .357 Mag. chambering to its lever-action rifle line, allowing folks who prefer wheelguns in that caliber to have a matching carbine.
▶M-Lok fore-end
▶Oversize-lever loop
▶5/8x24 tpi threaded barrel
▶XS Sights ghost-ring rear sight
Specifications
Caliber: .357 Mag.
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 16.3 inches
Overall Length: 33.3 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,399
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Taylor’s & Company | TC73 9 mm Lever Action Rifle
The legendary 1873 rifle has been brought to life with modern materials, technology and quality standards. From premium steel to one-at-a-time quenching of the receivers for best case coloring, the TC73 is a fine-quality lever-action with a difference: It is chambered for the popular and readily available 9 mm cartridge.
▶Semi-buckhorn rear sight
▶Rubber buttpad
▶Threaded barrel
▶Color-case-hardened receiver
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 37.5 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 13 ounces
MSRP: $1,999
(540) 722-2017 taylorsfirearms.com
