henry homesteader 9mm pcc. $928-$956

Not yet displayed on the Henry website, the Homesteader is Henry's inaugural foray into an increasingly saturated 9MM PCC market. Because of the ballistic limitations of the 9MM pistol cartridge, I think 9MM PCC's should optimally be lightweight and compact (or compactible), and thusly easily stuffed in a backpack out of sight: in this regard the KelTec Sub2000 is (in my opinion) the benchmark. Virtually every other 9MM pistol caliber carbine (carbine = 16" barrel) is forfeiting stowability and ballistic excellence for ammo accessibility/affordability. Extensive testing has disproven the rumor that a 9MM round from a 16" barrel is as good as a 357MAG from a 16" barrel. It's now a trope, but it simply isn't true. That's like saying a 22LR is ballistically comparable to a .223 round - diameter of projectile does not determine velocity and energy foot pounds. The 357MAG is a far superior round with around 75% incapacitation from a single shot versus 47% for 9MM. So if you're looking for stopping power, Henry have several impressive 357MAG lever action rifles available.

All that being said, the Henry Homesteader is a handsome carbine with nice wood furniture, a tang safety (my personal favorite), a threaded barrel, Skinner-type sights, a five-round capacity with options for 10 round mags and an adapter for Glock/S&W M&P mag compatibility. The bolt handle can be installed on either side and the bolt release is ambidextrous (i.e. there is one on either side of the trigger guard). True to it's moniker, this would be a perfect one rifle for the homesteader with little or no firearm experience who doesn't want the fuss or recoil of a more formidable firearm. 9MM ammo is by and large cheap and after a couple of boxes any new owner will have reasonable familiarity and competence with this smart wee carbine. I have a great fondness for Henry rifles and Mr Imperato himself: they have made consistently good longarms and listened eagerly to their customers since their rebirth in 1996, and their mantra of "Made in America, or Not Made at All" is an example to follow in this era of cheap overseas manufacturing and profiteering. Keep your eyes on their WEBSITE for pricing and availability.