Swiss Arms CQB or Carbine?
- Thread starter robstar
- Start date
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
I disagree, I think the carbine is the one to get. The PE90 is on the heavy side and the carbine does pretty much everything the PE90 does, it's just handier. Can't see much use for the CQB other than plinking. Easier to mount optics on the carbine, but I suppose it depends on whether you want to do that. The flip-up sights on the carbine are okay.
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Both the carbine & the CQB are RESTRICTED, so their practical use is about the same...range guns only! I use my CQB out to 200M on a regular basis with zero problems. Mounting optics on the CQB is no harder than mounting them on a full-size PE-90, (TSE, Wolverine Supplies, etc...will happily sell you a picatinny scope mount) plus we still have those rock-solid diopter irons available. As for other doodads, like lasers, combat lights, etc...all are easily mounted using picatinny rails that mount to the standard furniture, or you can replace the stock handguards with the B&T quad rail set. Pricey, but for those looking for the ultimate LCF.... I personally like mine stock, but I will be adding an S&B shortdot in the fall for use with several of my toys.
Given the length of the carbine's barrel, I'd opt for the full-length, Non-Restricted PE-90 or go the other way, and get the CQB...that is, if I was just buying ONE Swiss Arms. I hope to comple the "set" so I'm hoping to pick up the carbine in the next year...surpising how much money you can save by not hitting the bars on the weekends!
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
And as a range gun, the carbine makes more sense to me. Like I said, easier to mount optics on and handier than the rifle. The difference in barrel length is immaterial for any range use I can think of, other than worse ballistics as the barrel gets shorter. If IPSC rifle were more popular in Canada I might change my mind (for going through doors) but frankly none of them make much sense for IPSC since those 10-round AR mags became available.
Longer barrel = higher MV = flatter trajectory which is what you need for target shooting. Obviously the sniper makes the most sense using that logic, but that wasn't the question asked, the question was whether the CQB or Carbine was the best choice.
I think the popularity of the CQB has more to do with the "cool" factor myself than any practical advantage to it.
Not sure what you mean by "target shooting” all range use is target shooting...
In a 100m or less range that allows movement there really isn't much advantage to the carbine. People with CQB's set up IPSC type stuff and have fun. Using a carbine doesn't make that any better or more accurate, if you compete and need one rifle that is good out to 300+ then a carbine is your choice, as it is easier to maneuver then a 20" and for most shooters more accurate past 200m then a CQB.
As far a LCF goes people seem to have the biggest grins after shooting a CQB, and that's about as good a gauge as any in this sport for what to get.
You can't go wrong with any of the Swiss arms really.
17.8" is the way to go if you want a general infantry rifle - the 21" is too heavy. If you need shoot iron, yes, longer sight radius yada yada....but iron sight is yester-aeon for a practical/fighting rifle. We are talking about 1lb here.
The 8.9" is a bit too specialized for what it is - and that the durability is sometimes questionable. Hence, the 553 gas system.
I will pick the 551 gas system with both the 14.25 and the 17.8 barrel options, but with the 553 system in the work, I would think the 14.25 barrel 551 system is getting redundant. Remember- the longer the gas system, the heavier it is. Also, the rail system is heavy too. Also, on the book it is 14.25", but after taking the flash suppressor off, it is really a 12.5" barrel.
Therefore, a CQB with 553 gas system and the 552 LB barrel in the 12" length is going to be lighter and do the same job as the carbine with 551 barrel.
The 8.9" is a bit too specialized for what it is - and that the durability is sometimes questionable. Hence, the 553 gas system.
I will pick the 551 gas system with both the 14.25 and the 17.8 barrel options, but with the 553 system in the work, I would think the 14.25 barrel 551 system is getting redundant. Remember- the longer the gas system, the heavier it is. Also, the rail system is heavy too. Also, on the book it is 14.25", but after taking the flash suppressor off, it is really a 12.5" barrel.
Therefore, a CQB with 553 gas system and the 552 LB barrel in the 12" length is going to be lighter and do the same job as the carbine with 551 barrel.
