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Armalon pistol carbine (Great Britain)

Armalon PC carbine with polymer stock and optical sights
Image: Armalon Ltd

Type / action	bolt action repeating carbine
Caliber(s)	9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP; also .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .50 AE
Weight unloaded	3,7 kg / 7,6 lbs
Length	mm
Barrel length	406 mm / 16"
Magazine capacity	7 - 15 rounds, depending on caliber

Armalon PC carbine, developed in around 1997 by British company Armalon Ltd, follows the general idea of the Spanish "Destroyer" carbine, which was developed between two World wars for use by Spanish Guarda Civil. Basically, it was a shortened and lightened conversion of the standard bolt-action rifle to significantly less powerful pistol ammunition, which resulted in much shorter effective (and dangerous) range, as well as in decreased recoil and noise. Armalon carbines also produced with idea of short-range weapon which can be fired accurately at ranges beyond capabilities of most pistols. these carbines are suitable for security, training and self-defense purposes. Being manually operated, such weapons are more tolerant to variations in power of ammunition used, but practical rate of fire will be of cause slower, compared to semi-automatic carbines in same caliber, such as Ruger PC9 or others like that. On the other hand, in some countries civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons can be limited by law, and bolt-operated pistol caliber carbine might be a good choice there.

Armalon PC carbine is based on famous Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield No.4 (SMLE No.4) rifle action, with manually operated rotary bolt. The basic action and bolt are highly redesigned for better work with short pistol cartridges. Original barrel is replaced with shorter one, in appropriate caliber. Original magazine is also discarded and a magazine adapter is installed, which will then accept pistol magazines in appropriate caliber. In "semiautomatic pistol" calibers, such as 9mm, 10mm or .45ACP, Armalon carbines use Tanfoglio pistol magazines in respective calibers. In "revolver" calibers (.357, .44) and in .50AE, these carbines use modified IMI Desert Eagle pistol magazines. Armalon carbines are produced in two basic versions, with adjustable iron sights or with no iron sights and with proprietary scope rail, which is removably attached to the top of receiver. Standard stock is three-part walnut, although an alternative polymer stock is also available.

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