Pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) in 9mm Luger/Parabellum are experiencing an increasing and well-deserved popularity among sport shooters and enthusiasts. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and very cheap to feed. Many models use pistol-compatible magazines, simplifying ammunition management. They are particularly popular in dynamic sport shooting competitions, where they offer rewarding performance and reduced operating costs compared to traditional rifle calibers. It should come as no surprise then that the US is experiencing a veritable PCC-mania, with interesting models coming out on the market at a rapid pace, and technical solutions that, in the marketing claims of American companies, are always "a revolution" and "game changers". In this stream of products, it is always interesting to study what small US companies are doing, which often churn out ingenious ideas.
The Mongoose PCC from Nemo Arms
Let's start with the name: the mongoose, a small and cute mammal, is also brave and pugnacious, which has made the deadly cobra its favourite prey. Nemo, the manufacturer's name, means "no one" in Latin and may allude to the nickname of Ulysses or to the famous commander of the submarine Nautilus created by Jules Verne. In short, a nice bunch of animals and people that are better not to be messed with.
After this zoological-literary premise, let us turn our attention to the gun. The most exclusive and interesting feature of the Nemo Arms Moongose is undoubtedly its short-recoil operation, in fact identical to that used by centerfire semi-automatic pistols. Upon firing, bolt and barrel recoil together by about 3 mm, then unlock, and while the bolt continues its retrograde motion, the barrel tilts downwards. This creates a very slight delay in the action opening, which is sufficient to cause the pressure in the chamber to vent forward. Theoretically, this architecture should interfere negatively with the intrinsic accuracy of the gun, as the barrel moves and repositions itself with a minimum of play with each shot, but according to the company's statements, given the gun's elective ranges, these interferences are negligible.
The barrel of the Mongoose is 5.8 inches long, or 147 mm, and has a threaded muzzle for the mounting a suppressor (where permitted). In order not to leave the muzzle exposed when the suppressor can't be used, a compensator is available that is perfectly integrated into the carbine's silhouette.
Although the Mongoose has a distinctly AR-15 look, its design does not include any buffer tube and the recoil spring is totally contained within the receiver. Even the charging handle for once is not AR-style but is positioned on the right side of the handguard, in the "G3" position and is easily reversible from one side to the other to suit the user's training. The ambidextrous safety is AR-15 style, with the classic fire selector.
The stock of the Mongoose consists of an FS1913 brace from US specialist SB Tactical and a Magpul MOE SL AR-15 compatible pistol grip. Depending on local laws, the gun can be fitted with a tactical slng instead of a brace stock, or it can be used as a pistol, without any rear stock. In this case, the stock/sling attachment is covered by a polymer rear plate.
Also from Magpul comes the PMAG 35 EV9 polymer magazine, which is the same magazine that can be used in the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 carbine with a capacity of no less than 35 rounds in 9mm caliber. Once the last round in the magazine has been fired, the bolt of the Mongoose remains open.
The PCC Mongoose has no mechanical sights, but the long Picatinny rail that runs the full length of the receiver and handguard allows for the mounting of any accessory, from metal flip-up sights to red dot sights.
Finally, let's talk about the weight, which, including the stock, is around 1,930 grams. Slightly less light, however, is the price: in the USA the Mongoose is priced at $2,699, which in direct exchange would be around 2,300 euros. To find out more, visit the Nemo Arms website.
