Pistol Caliber Carbines vs. Shortened Carbines

[Hussar]

I'm on the fence about the issue, too.
One CERTAIN, unquestioned, advantage of the rifle-caliber guns is the range. The ability to engage targets at 200, 300, maybe 400 yards. You're not going to be doing that with a straight-walled pistol cartridge. 100 yards would be the practical max.

The pistol caliber will be more FUN to shoot. More ENJOYABLE. And perhaps that means that the gun will get used more, and keep you totally familiar and comfortable with it. Watch out for guns that you don't like shooting, but rely on for self-defense. When you go to grab them in a panic, you might find out that they don't handle as naturally as the guns you love and shoot every chance you get.

What’s the likelihood of having to take a 200/300/400 yard shot for SD outside of a ranch situation? Let’s be realistic here.

I absolutely agree with the second point though. Entering a uspsa pcc league would really help improve your skill and is a whole lot of fun too.