In this post I'll go more into detail about options with the above systems and similar systems that grabbed my attention.
I have wanted a Ruger 10/22 in .22lr for quite a bit now, and if I do get one I'd pick the Tactical since it comes with a threaded barrel and has a 1913-rail already. I like modding and taking things from stock form into something different and more suited to my own taste. I thought about changing the stock to something like the Archangel or the Tapco Fusion. I also came across Tactical Solutions offerings and think an accurized 10/22 would be fun, and I think I could build that component by component from the ground up. I think that option may be affordable and give me something to work on bit by bit. There's no arguing the after-market for Ruger 10/22's is pretty large. I just came across a company producing a nifty looking bullpup design that reminds me of the 7.62mm M14/M1A bullpup conversion by Juggernaut Tactical and the Bulldog.
Next up...The Kel-Tec RMR-30. This is the one I'm excited about the most. I think I might be standing in line when it becomes available. It's chambered in .22wmr like it's cousin the PMR-30 which is also pretty cool. It'll have the same 30rd capacity, but with a 16" barrel, retracting stock, and lots of rail space. A recent post by Oleg Volk indicates it also has a threaded barrel. It might make for a decent tactical trainer. It's certainly going to be portable. I'll go ahead and say it, I'm kind of impressed with the outside-the-box thinking of Kel Tec. They make some ugly stuff, but they stand by it, and it works. The RFB, KSG, PMR / RMR... Innovative thinking. Makes me feel bad that I used to mix them up with Hi-Point in the day.
If I go the M4 route, I will be registering the lower as an NFA SBR, a $200 tax-stamp on top of the cost of anything else. I plan to build an M4 SBR anyway, but was envious of the rifles built by Noveske. Costly, but everything is top-quality and built to last generations. I'm primarily interested in the AR-57 upper in 11". It's available in 7", 11", and 16" lengths and uses the FN P90 magazine and 5.7x28mm round shared with the FN Five-seveN pistol. Making a post-edit here. Although the 5.7mm appeals to me, it's not high on my list due to ammunition cost. I found a 50rd box going at $25. That equates to a single mag on the AR-57 costing $25 to shoot, unless I find a bulk deal.I've mentioned it before, but I'm going to say it here again. I'm very interested in getting a Silencerco Sparrow. The reason I mention it is that it is now offered in stainless steel and is full-auto .22lr rated. While primarily designed for .22lr, it is a multi-caliber suppressor rated for .22lr, .22wmr, .22mag, .17hmr and 5.7x28. So it will be usable on a wide variety of firearms I am interested in. The Walther P22, the Ruger 10/22, the RMR-30, and also the AR-57. The competing suppressor, the SWR Spectre II offers the same functionality, but is slightly heavier, nearly an inch longer, and not as easy to clean. The Sparrow MSRP is $499 vs the Spectre at $399, and the Spectre also lists the .22 hornet as compatible although I believe the Sparrow should handle that as well.
In regular pistol caliber carbines I found the CCU by MechTech which is neat in using the Glock frame as the lower. Other 9mm carbines seem to require a specialized AR-15 style lower which I can't justify since there would essentially be zero modularity from that point on and they are rather expensive. The CCU would be a pistol carbine, but it's more costly (when configured with a few basics) than the Kel Tec Sub-2000 which can use my Glock magazines, and the CCU doesn't leave me with a working sidearm. The CCU loses a lot of viability at that stage. The M4 pattern 9mm carbines lose out being too costly and having little modularity for the cost.I've taken a liking to the CZ Skorpion EVO III. I know, it's actually a SMG, but I'm going somewhere with this. I can't confirm if it is coming stateside in a civilian purchasable form. It's running 9mm and has a cyclic rate of 1150rpm. 30rd magazines won't last long in auto, but it is safe/semi/burst/auto selectable. Of course if it comes stateside, that barrel will get pushed to 16" and the selector will go to safe/semi. I'm quite impressed with it, and it's an attractive little monster. It's the CZ vz. 61 Scorpion all grown up. Check out the video of it wasting money in auto ;)
Brugger & Thomet developed a very similar SMG they're calling the APC (Advanced Police Carbine) which would be offered in 9mm and .45 but again, no word on it coming stateside. I absolutely love SMG's and have shot all of the MP5 series (K, N, SD) and they were great to handle and fun to shoot. I didn't get my paws on the UMP45 (NSWC Crane had just sent out their last one) but good authorities said it was a pleasure. I have yet to find an MP7 to shoot or handle.
I first heard of the CAA RONI-G1 years ago and it has since been upgraded a little to tweak some deficiencies in design and is now the RONI-G2. I had the pleasure of putting a magazine through one and absolutely loved it. I was hitting at 25yds in rapid fire with speed and ease I could only dream of doing with just a bare Glock. Not to mention, my accuracy was notably better despite my rapid firing spree. The system is simple enough, it basically hinges open, you place a charger block over the back of the Glock, then insert it into the frame and pin it shut. It has a retractable stock, cheek riser, some rail space, and a vertical fore-grip which folds back. The system says it can accommodate suppressors up to 1.35" but I've heard some rumbling on the net that the reality is you'll need a smaller diameter suppressor. The significant shortfall with the system is that your Glock (or other pistols) will become an NFA class weapon the second a shoulder stock or fore-grip are attached. $200 SBR tax-stamp please. But damn if I don't think it's cool.
GSS Gear which is local to me, had the competing Mako KPOS on display and while a viable alternative, it just didn't have as solid a feel as the RONI did for me. The KPOS can be found on Amazon also... Another Glock 'Carbine' is the HERA Arms Conversion. They have some newer kit's that are pretty interesting and rival the RONI. Now SIG Sauer has developed their own incarnation, without the SBR requirements (no stock), which they call the Adaptive Carbine Platform. Without the stock, I take it they intend you to use the old MP5-K euro technique of pushing out hard using the sling to stabilize the platform for rapid firing. They do offer a LE version, which would add a wire top-folding stock, but then you need that SBR registration.
In conclusion, I still want to get a Ruger 10/22, probably to accurize for plinking. Accurate guns are fun guns. I definitely want the RMR-30, it looks great and should be both fun and practical. I can't have a sub-gun, and the closest I'll get will likely be the 11" AR-57, second to the RONI-G2. The RONI would be rather costly, and other than the fun factor, not very practical unless I was working Personnel Security guarding someone or in a place I expected some serious hostility to break out and needed a concealable force multiplier. If I expect hostilities, I'll likely not be there or roll something much heavier. The RONI is more concealable than most SMG's I've seen, and much simpler to ship around since it isn't a firearm by itself. It seems the RONI is more viable to me than an M4 patterned pistol caliber carbine but the Sub-2000 carbine is cheaper, and leaves my Glock free as a sidearm. Just my thoughts, feel free to throw in yours.
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