pistoolikiväärien

Pistoolikiväärien is a Finnish term that translates to "pistol caliber carbines" in English. These firearms are a type of long gun that fires a pistol cartridge, but are designed with a rifle-like form factor, typically featuring a shoulder stock and a longer barrel than a traditional pistol. The primary advantage of a pistol caliber carbine is its ability to offer the handling and stability of a rifle while utilizing ammunition that is generally less expensive and has less recoil than standard rifle cartridges.

Pistol caliber carbines are often used for recreational shooting, competitions such as 3-gun, and in some law enforcement or security roles where a compact and controllable firearm is advantageous. Their ammunition is often interchangeable with a user's sidearm, which can simplify logistics. Common calibers for pistol caliber carbines include 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

While they do not possess the same range or terminal ballistics as traditional rifle cartridges like 5.56mm or 7.62mm, pistol caliber carbines can be effective at typical engagement distances for civilian use and some tactical scenarios. The longer barrel of a carbine generally allows for a more complete powder burn compared to a pistol, often resulting in slightly higher velocities and thus increased energy from the same ammunition. They represent a versatile category of firearm blending aspects of both pistols and rifles.