The reasons these firearms are getting this attention are varied…
The PDW’s fit both a functional and aesthetic niche that conventional rifles do not.
From both a legal and practical standpoint PDW’s are more easily transported as a defensive firearm in a vehicle than a rifle or other long gun. Under many state statutes pistols can be kept loaded and accessible for self defense where a rifle must be unloaded and secured, this permissive set up increases in utility when the owner has a concealed carry permit allowing greater freedom in carry and storage of pistols with regard to vehicles and carry on your person.
In many cases the SBR variants garner these same advantages but they lose the mobility when it comes to interstate travel due to the NFA. Check local laws as you begin looking at the options to be sure your choices and the law align.
In summary PDW’s make excellent “truck guns” giving greater on hand firepower practically and legally accessible from the vehicle. PDW’s are also more accurate, easier to handle, and have far better ammunition capacities than your average carry pistol. Even a small magazine for these generally has 20, my LWRCI M6 PSD has 60. I’d much rather be caught in a fight with that in reach.
From the aesthetic side PDW’s aren’t your off the shelf AR, AK, or shotgun. They’re different, more unique, and that makes them fun unto themselves. The market is heavily saturated with traditional rifle and carbine models and the PDW’s offer just enough design separation that making an addition to the collection becomes enticing. Picking up a second AR15 might be an expensive venture just for an identical platform… but make it a 10.5″ barreled pistol with a brace that can be carried on person and transported legally for protection interstate and the investment takes on a different practicality.
Even the training community is starting to look at these PDW’s and a few like Teufelshund Tactical offer a training course selection catered around them.
So is this a Subgun Summer? Are you participating?
I am.
I’ve integrated PDW’s into my EDC for that increased utility… and for the fun of it too.
