PCC & Subgun Releases at SHOT Show 2026: Caracal, B&T, and Beyond header image
NewsJanuary 24, 2026

PCC & Subgun Releases at SHOT Show 2026: Caracal, B&T, and Beyond

SHOT Show 2026 marks the transition away from the AR-9 era. Caracal displays now-shipping MP5-compatible pistols, B&T showcases existing suppressed variants, PSA introduces a modular PDW system, and specialized concealment gear emerges for PCC platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • Caracal CMP9/CMP9K: MP5-compatible pistols with 9" and 6" barrels, accepting HK MP5 magazines, MSRP $1,833, now available through authorized dealers (shipping since November 2025)
  • B&T APC9SD: Integrally suppressed variant on display alongside KH9B, showcasing Swiss engineering in advanced blowback systems
  • PSA AXR PDW: 9mm quick-deploy PDW using the same modular fire control as AXR handguns, accepting Glock magazines
  • EDDY Harness by Triangle WRS: Most-scanned product on Day 2, designed for concealed carry of PCCs and subguns under clothing
  • Advanced Operating Systems: Market shift away from simple blowback toward modern designs and MP5 ergonomics

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Caracal CMP9 and CMP9K: MP5 Magazine Compatibility

Side view of a Caracal CMP9 9mm pistol (MP5-style) on a white background
Caracal CMP9 with 9-inch barrel (Credit: Fortress Tactical)

Caracal USA displayed the CMP9 and CMP9K at SHOT Show 2026 in Booth #10334. Both models are 9x19mm NATO-chambered pistols accepting HK MP5-type 30-round magazines. The platforms use advanced blowback operation and feature cold hammer-forged barrels with 1:10-inch twist rates.

ModelBarrelOverall LengthWeightMSRP
CMP99"17.1"-$1,833
CMP9K6"14"4.5 lbs$1,833

Both platforms feature 7075-T6 aluminum receivers with machined 1913 Picatinny rails, M-LOK handguards, and threaded muzzles (2/28 pitch). The top rail accepts optics, while ambidextrous controls and charging handles accommodate both left and right-handed shooters. AR/M4-compatible pistol grips allow grip module swaps.

Both models are now available through authorized dealers, with units shipping since November 2025.

B&T APC9SD and KH9B: Swiss Precision Systems

Side-profile of B&T APC9 SD suppressed 9×19 mm carbine with integrally suppressed barrel and folding stock on a neutral background
B&T APC9 SD with integral suppression (Credit: The Firearm Blog)

B&T showcased the APC9SD and KH9B at SHOT Show 2026. Classic Firearms conducted an interview with B&T representatives covering both platforms. The APC9SD is an existing product line featuring an integrally suppressed barrel optimized for subsonic 9mm ammunition, while the KH9B represents a compact variant in the separate KH9-series lineup.

The APC9 platform uses a hydraulic buffer system to reduce felt recoil and features a closed-bolt blowback operation. The SD variant integrates the suppressor into the barrel assembly, eliminating the need for separate suppressor mounting. B&T also displayed their latest suppressor designs alongside the PCC platforms.

Pricing and availability details for the APC9SD and KH9B were not provided at the show. B&T representatives stated that updated information would be released through dealer channels.

Pistol Caliber Carbines

Scroll
Illumination • $329

Surefire X300 Ultra

  • 1000 lumens
  • 1.25 hour runtime
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Controls & Ergonomics • $129

Unity Tactical AXON

  • Dual-button control
  • USB-C LINK compatible
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $30

Glock OEM G17 Magazine 17-Round

  • 17 rounds
  • 9mm
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $45

Glock OEM G17 Magazine 33-Round

  • 33 rounds
  • 9mm
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $16

Magpul PMAG 15 GL9

  • 15 rounds
  • 9mm
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $17

Magpul PMAG 17 GL9

  • 17 rounds
  • 9mm
Check Price at OpticsPlanet

PSA AXR PDW: Modular Fire Control 9mm Platform

PSA AXR PDW pistol-caliber carbine in side profile showing a Glock-style 9mm magazine inserted
PSA AXR PDW with Glock magazine compatibility (Credit: Palmetto State Armory)

Palmetto State Armory introduced the AXR PDW as part of their modular AXR Series ecosystem at SHOT Show 2026. The platform uses the same serialized Modular Fire Control (MFC) as the AXR handguns, allowing users to swap between PDW and pistol configurations without additional paperwork.

The AXR PDW accepts either Glock magazines or Sig P320 magazines depending on the selected grip module. The platform represents PSA's evolution of the previous X9 concept, integrating it into the AXR modular ecosystem. The PDW format provides a quick-deploy 9mm platform while maintaining compatibility with existing AXR components.

Additional details on barrel length, overall dimensions, and weight were not disclosed at the show. PSA stated that full specifications and pricing would be announced closer to the release date.

EDDY Harness by Triangle WRS: Purpose-Built PCC Concealment

Vertx Firebase PCC bandolier chest rig (concealed-carry harness) displayed on a white background
Similar PCC carry solution shown for reference - Vertx Firebase bandolier (Credit: Vertx)

The Executive Detail Detachable Yoke (EDDY) harness by Triangle WRS was the most-scanned product during Day 2 of SHOT Show 2026. The system is designed specifically for concealed carry of pistol caliber submachine guns under clothing. The hands-free design positions the firearm close to the body and reduces fatigue during extended carry periods.

The harness accommodates various PCC and subgun platforms through adjustable retention systems. The under-clothing design allows discrete carry while maintaining quick access. Weight distribution across the shoulders and torso reduces pressure points compared to sling-based carry methods.

Pricing, material specifications, and platform compatibility details were not disclosed at the show. The high scan count indicates significant interest in purpose-built PCC concealment solutions.

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The End of the AR-9 Era

SHOT Show 2026 marks the transition away from simple blowback AR-9 platforms toward advanced operating systems. Manufacturers are adopting modern designs that move beyond the basic blowback systems that dominated the market in previous years.

MP5-compatible magazine systems are gaining traction with Caracal's entry into the market. The availability of surplus and aftermarket MP5 magazines provides an established ecosystem for new platforms. Manufacturers are leveraging this existing infrastructure rather than developing proprietary magazine systems.

Modular fire control systems like PSA's AXR platform allow users to swap between pistol and PDW configurations using a single serialized component. This approach reduces the barrier to entry for multiple configurations and simplifies ATF compliance.

The emergence of purpose-built concealment gear like the EDDY harness by Triangle WRS indicates growing interest in discrete PCC carry. The high scan count suggests demand for solutions beyond traditional sling-based carry methods.

Suppressed variants from B&T showcase the integration of sound suppression into PCC platforms. Integrally suppressed designs eliminate the need for separate suppressor mounting and simplify the overall package for users requiring quiet operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pistol caliber carbine (PCC)?
A pistol caliber carbine (PCC) is a rifle-format firearm chambered in handgun cartridges like 9mm, .45 ACP, or 10mm. PCCs offer reduced recoil, lower ammunition cost, and often accept the same magazines as common handguns. They're popular for home defense, competition shooting, and training due to their manageable recoil and shared ammunition with pistols.
What is the best MP5 clone or alternative in 2026?
The Caracal CMP9 ($1,833) is a leading MP5 alternative that accepts genuine HK MP5 magazines. It features a 9-inch barrel, cold hammer-forged construction, and advanced blowback operation. The CMP9K variant offers a compact 6-inch barrel option. Both are now shipping through authorized dealers.
What is roller-delayed blowback and why does it matter?
Roller-delayed blowback uses rollers in the bolt to delay the breech opening, reducing felt recoil compared to simple blowback designs. The HK MP5 popularized this system. Modern PCCs are moving away from simple blowback toward advanced operating systems that provide smoother shooting characteristics and better suppressor compatibility.
Can I use Glock magazines in a PCC?
Many PCCs accept Glock magazines, including the PSA AXR PDW and numerous AR-9 platforms. Glock magazine compatibility provides access to an extensive aftermarket of reliable, affordable magazines in various capacities. Some platforms like the PSA AXR PDW also offer Sig P320 magazine compatibility through swappable grip modules.
What is the B&T APC9 and APC9SD?
The B&T APC9 is a Swiss-made 9mm platform using hydraulic buffer technology for reduced recoil. The APC9SD variant features an integrally suppressed barrel optimized for subsonic 9mm ammunition, eliminating the need for separate suppressor mounting. B&T platforms represent premium Swiss engineering in the PCC market.
How do you conceal carry a PCC or subgun?
Purpose-built harness systems like the EDDY harness by Triangle WRS allow concealed carry of PCCs under clothing. These harnesses distribute weight across the shoulders and torso, position the firearm close to the body, and provide quick access while maintaining discretion. The EDDY was the most-scanned product at SHOT Show 2026 Day 2.

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