SAR 18#6

as the manual of arms is the same no
matter the AR-15’s chambering.
Then there is a small group of innovative
companies that are making dedicated
pistol caliber carbines that take
a more practical approach to the PCC.
They mimic the form or function of a familiar
weapon platform as it’s quick to
learn. They utilize commonly available
parts and basic repairs are cheap and
easy. Proprietary components are simple
and robust – they’re durable and unlikely
to fail. They might feature a quick
caliber swap so the gun can adapted
and upgraded easily, even without tools.
They scale the weapon down for the pistol
ammunition; so it can be made smaller
and lighter. The result is a dedicated,
purpose-built carbine. These companies
have names like JRC, TNW, and Thureon
Defense. The JRC is a slick little
package; it’s approaching its 10th year
of manufacture and has earned its accolades.
But for this evaluation, we wanted
something newer to the PCC market, so
we procured some PCCs from two relative
newcomers; Thureon Defense and
TNW. We opted for the basic models
from each company in 9mm luger.
Thureon Defense GA Carbine
This PCC can be ordered in any
of five calibers; 9mm, .40 S&W, .45
ACP, .357 SIG, and 10mm auto. The
.357 and 10mm versions feature some
unique internals to properly handle the
increased pressure and velocities. This
carbine can be ordered to work with any
of five common magazine types; Glock,
XD, M&P, SIG, or Uzi, and will soon be
released to accept 1911 single stack
magazines. Thureon’s PCC is not able
to switch calibers or magazine well.
What you get is what you get. This carbine
can be ordered with a number of
enhancements. These include a Picatinny-railed
forend assembly, a slide-fire
stock, and a selection of Magpul AR-15
furniture and components. The charging
handle is on the left side of the receiver
so it’s fast to operate with the shooter’s
front hand and it ejects empties to the
right. The gun is offered as a left-handed
version with the charge handle and ejection
switched accordingly. The Thureon
borrows the fire control assembly from
the AR-15, so it will accept any trigger
upgrade meant for the AR-15. The stock
trigger breaks at 5.5 pounds. The magazine
release can be reached with the
trigger finger. The lower receiver houses
the fire control, magazine, feed ramp
and ejector. The feed ramp and ejector
are attached to the lower by screws and
are easily replaced. The lower connects
to the upper with two captive pins, not
unlike the AR-15. The upper houses the
barrel, bolt, forearm and an AR-15 buffer
tube and stock. The forearm is not an
AR part; it is unique to this gun as it acts
as a jam nut against the receiver to lock
the barrel in place. The barrel is threaded
at the muzzle and comes equipped
with a flash hider. A 16-inch barrel is
standard and 19-inch is an option. A
pistol and SBR version are available,
both with 10.5-inch barrels. The GA can
be stripped down to all its moving parts
with only a pin punch for a tool. We must
note that the Picatinny base atop the receiver
is located one inch over the stock
– one-half inch higher than we find it on
the AR-15 and its derivatives. This is
significant as most scopes mounts and
sights are made to a specific proportion,
which contributes to proper location
of that sighting device while maintaining
correct check weld. The extra
height of the scope rail can cause some
complication here.
TNW Aero Survival Rifle (ASR).
The gun can be had in 9mm, .40
S&W, or .45 ACP. Conversion kits allow
the gun to be swapped over in minutes,
without tools. The TNW only accepts
Glock magazines. The company has
plans to release the ASR in .22 long
rifle, .22 and .17 magnum, .357 SIG
and 10mm auto. This PCC is offered in
PISTOL CALIBER CARBINES