In the 80s -90s we had an embarrassment of riches when it came to available non 9mm pcc that were to my mind a lot more useful than the current crop and certainly much more attractive as well as affordable. I am not bemoaning the loss of the penny on the dollar commando M1 receivers that became all manner of commercially available very affordable guns (sometimes in interesting calibers as well)
But the current crop just seem to lack anything except a tactical usefulness. While i certainly owned a high point 10mm i used for deer (straight wall state) and black bear and pig as well as some close predator work it was neither aesthetically or ergonomically pleasing but it was at least affordable.
And yes there are at least 2 companies producing M1 clones set up in a few configurations (they are by no stretch of the imagination affordable and the other two chamberings available are 9mm and .22 lr ) . The homestead carbine is 9mm and not what i would consider affordable for what it is , i could buy one of the s&w law enforcement models but again its all black plastic and the only reasonable option is 10mm . The keltec folding carbine suffers from its available chamberings and its butt ugly nature and absolutely garbage ergonomics .The above sort of carbine has by and large disappeared where during the 80s it was fairly well represented. Now yes lever guns are absolutely a good option (especially in short barreled rifle configuration) but i don’t know i feel nostalgic for the semi automatic outdoor wood stocked carbine! For defending camp or shooting anything up to and including close range deer (where legal) and the ruger .44 mag was potent bear,deer,hog medicine they were really something special. Plinking with them (barring the .44 mag rugers which were usually wonderful straight utility hunting carbines) was pure enjoyment … am i missing any , anyone have any opinions,memories , anything i should especially consider buying used ? whatever sound off ?!?!