Stocked/Braced pistols

[PieterCoetzee]

So everything Old becomes New again. Harking back to the Broomhandle age, there were Broomhandles, Lugers and a few other designs of pistols with shoulder stocks.

A little bit later came the stocked Brownings and following that the Soviests got into the game

Even earlier there were muzzle loading pistols with shoulder stocks and Cap&Ball revolvers also

They arent quite rifles but can be more than a pistol when the stock is attached. They fill a small but I think useful niche of adding to the handguns ability. We talked before about not showing up to the active shooter with a rifle and not expecting to look like another bad guy; but perhaps with a handgun and a detachable stock you arent immediately identified as a threat (perhaps). Then there are cases where you are traveling and dont want to be seen with a rifle case.

 

[PieterCoetzee]

Today we have modern options, some are even small enough to carry concealed in a holster or certainly a bag / briefcase. For the 3-3-3 crowd they probably arent for you; but for folks who can see a potential for longer shots and still want something that doesnt screeeeem rifle, they may be worth a look. Maybe you want something for Church Security that isnt a AR but that can reach the length of the sanctuary and make precise shots???

Below is the Recover 2020 brace on a Glock with the holster. It can be carried all day under a jacket.

 

[PieterCoetzee]

So lets go over some of the Pros and Cons of a stocked/braced handgun. For the purposes of this discussion I am intentionally leaving out semi auto micro SMGs Kuna, Scorpion, MP5K, Mac10 etc, which are more SMG/PDW then a Stocked Handgun. A stocked handgun for this discussion is a typical carried handgun such as a Glock 17, Beretta 92, Sig, etc.

A concealed carry handgun has at best a 50m range, although Im sure some may be able to stretch out the performance to 100m on a static range; but perhaps not under fire. Some might argue even 50m is a bit much from a two hand UNsupported stance. Add a stock giving Four points of contact (hand, hand, shoulder, cheek) and you advance to rifle like control, extending the handgun range to 100m and perhaps beyond depending on the cartridge.

Theres no question that a stock added to a carry handgun, does NOT turn it into a rifle; but the added support DOES make steadier shots possible, increasing the range AND hit potential at extended ranges.

To be clear adding the stock is a commitment and except in a few cases moves it from a holster carry to something like a bag carry. In the right BAG it can still be quick into action; but admittedly not as fast drawing a conventional pistol from a belt holster. So its a zero sum situation

The modern stocked pistols are available with extended mags, which would not typically be worn in a holster carried handgun; but can be carried in a stocked pistol if worn with a single point sling. Stocked pistols are also lighter than the mini/micro SMG type pistols, which still require a stock or brace to make them useful as in a SMG capacity. At this point I will add that I would dispute claims of the much vaunted "SAS Sling Method". Yes it is an improvement over NO support; but it hardly comes close to a stock or brace for support

I own a few mini SMG type weapons (Mac 10. MP5K, Colt DOE, VZ61) in either SBRs or Braced configuration. After a recent storm, I was able to walk around the neighborhood to check the damage (downed trees. flooding etc). Only the VZ61 is/was small and light enough to be a concealed option and is 32 acp cartridge makes its application questionable at best for a serious response to potential looters. Conversely I was able to walk with my amnesty (no longer required) SBRd Glock with the Recover 2020 chassis in the holster with only a shirt for cover. I was also able to assist neighbors with debris removal. My MP5K is a great gun but much heavier and more awkward to carry even in the shoulder holster.

The role for a Stocked/Braced handgun IS small, of that there is no question; but that small role may be useful when concealment is a primary concern. If you work in an office in an urban area an realize you might need at some point to fight your way home (or even to your car) OR if you travel and dont want to walk through the lobby of your hotel with a rifle case OR fly and dont want to add another bag, your stocked pistol can be carried in a regular suitcase as long as it in a locked case