In Part 1, I covered revolvers, and in Part 2, I went over some basics for semi-automatic pistols. Now, it's time to look at some oddball options that don't fit into those more typical categories.

Yes, this post is an afterthought of sorts, but bear with me. There are some interesting options here.

AR15-pattern pistols & other rifle-based models

At the time of this post, there is an interest in AR15 pistols with shorter barrels and either a bare buffer tube or a wrist brace in place of the typical rifle stock. There has been much uproar and legal argument about whether this is a nefarious subversion of regulations and tax laws for short-barreled rifles (SBRs), or a beautifully elegant loophole to sidestep the regulatory karens. Unelected bureaucrats are eagerly planning ways to legislate by fiat, but for now, this is an intriguing option for .223/5.56mm, .300 Blackout, and other rounds used in the AR platform.

There are also pistols built on the AKM platform, and probably others as well. Advantages include more power, more capacity, and a plethora of customization options. Disadvantages include legal limbo, suddenly becoming a "felon" if they are classified differently by regulators, and scowls from other folks at the range when your muzzle blast bothers everyone within 25 yards to your left and right.

The recent advent of dedicated pistol-caliber receivers means you can also have an absurdly oversized 9mm instead of an ordinary Glock 19 if you're feeling really crazy, or just exploiting the present loophole for a not-SBR. In my humble opinion, a proper pistol-caliber carbine is a better option here. Still, an AR- or AK-pattern pistol could be a viable hunting and combat option in a rifle caliber.

Ruger .22 Charger

Take one of the most popular .22LR rimfire rifles in the world. Give it a pistol grip, no stock, and a short barrel. Presto! You have a pistol with all of the Ruger 10/22 infrastructure for support. This can easily be equipped with a bipod, and it can take anything from the flush-fit 10-round rotary mags to 25-round stick mags to crazy drum mags. Pop a scope on that puppy and you have a backpackable plinker capable of accurately taking small game or even deer.

Edge case scenario: you can probably just add a standard 10/22 folding rifle stock for a sweet SBR. But unless we face TEOTWAWKI or you're willing to get a $200 tax stamp and wait for an official OK, this might not be such a great feature after all.

Even without a stock, though, this might be the best platform for survival in the wilderness. Ammo is light, the gun is easy to maintain, recoil is almost nonexistent, and the report is not too bad. I'd say a suppressor tax stamp might be more worthwhile here than an SBR tax stamp. Y'know, if you're planning to be a legal survivalist.

Thompson/Center Contender & Encore

Do you want a real rifle caliber without rifle bulk? These break-action single-shot pistols are designed for precision shooting, and as an added bonus, you can change caliber with just a barrel swap. Of course, these are also available with rifle stocks and rifle-length barrels, too, so if you're thinking about a survival rifle, this might also suit your needs. A single shot is enough with good aim and a good round either way.

What do you think, and which unusual handguns might you consider in addition to these?