Your handgun - be it a Glock, a Smith & Wesson, or something else - offers maneuverability, light weight, and responsiveness. Handguns are also easier to conceal and carry for defensive purposes.
But beyond that? They lack in basically every other respect compared to carbines and other shoulder-mounted platforms.
That dynamic changes today, though - with the help of a device called a “pistol conversion kit” which will revolutionize every aspect of handgun shooting.
Why Does a Pistol Conversion Kit Do?
Sometimes also referred to as “pistol converters” or “pistol to carbine conversion kits” pistol conversion kits, like the ever-popular MCK (micro conversion kit) are basically platforms that transform your handgun’s handling, making it more like a shoulder-mounted arm, like a carbine, than a handgun.
They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations and many are paired with a multiplicity of attachment points that vastly expand the overall utility of the handgun. If you’ve ever had a gripe with the way handguns handle and wish they offered more, this is the single most impactful upgrade you can make.
Why Are Pistol Conversion Kits Like MCK Platforms So Popular?
There isn’t just one reason that pistol conversion kits like MCK platforms are popular. There are many.
The following are among the most frequently cited:
- Improved handling
Because pistol conversion kits include a stock and expand the overall footprint of the handgun, they overhaul handling, making it easier and more comfortable for most users to manipulate and shoot the platform - again, more like a carbine than a pistol.
- Superior ergonomics
Because the overall footprint of the handgun will expand when it’s configured with a pistol conversion kit, most users find the ergonomics improved significantly as well.
- Better control over recoil and muzzle flip
Being able to shoulder a pistol conversion kit with a stock makes a huge difference in the overall handling and mass of the platform. This in turn makes it much easier for operators to control recoil and muzzle flip, which results in diminished shooter fatigue and improved accuracy through faster, more precise follow up shots.
- No modifications needed
Another great thing about some pistol conversion kits, like the CAA MCK, is that they don’t require any modifications to the handgun. All you have to do is insert the weapon into the conversion kit and lock it in place and you can get to shooting, just like that.
- Improved accuracy even at farther ranges
Beyond recoil control, arguably the strongest selling point of a pistol conversion kit is that being able to shoulder the platform makes it easier to execute more accurate shots at greater distances. Some users report that they can shoot more accurately beyond 100 yards with a conversion kit like an MCK. Moreover, converting to a carbine-style platform has the added benefit of lengthening the sight radius, which can also help improve accuracy.
- More attachment points, enhanced expandability
Most conversion kits also come with a variety of rail systems integrated with their design, along with other attachment points like swivel studs and mounts. This makes it much more practical than expanding a handgun, as the vast majority of handguns have extremely limited options with respect to mounting points, if not none at all.
- Greater firepower
Some pistol conversion kits, like the CAA MCK, are specifically designed with integrated storage for a second mag, forward of the main grip. This can double your handgun’s capacity and keep a second, loaded mag within easy reach.
How Can You Expand a Conversion Kit Like an MCK?
One of the biggest selling points of pistol conversion kits is that many of them come with integral rail systems and other attachment mounting points that simplify expansion of the platform.
Most of these are equipped with Picatinny rail slots, for example, which are compatible with the vast majority of shooting attachments, such as lights and optics.
However, in the case of some conversion kits, like CAA micro conversion kits, there are also a whole bunch of shooting attachments expressly designed for them. For instance, there are a whole category of CAA micro conversion kit accessories such as lights, lasers, optics, glass breakers, slings, brass catchers, and much more. See our previous link for more details.
Want to Learn More About Pistol Conversion Kits?
Whether you’re still somewhere in the process of learning about pistol conversion kits or already convinced you want to get serious about looking for one that’s compatible with your handgun, we can help.
First, take a look through our blog. We’ve written about many subjects relevant or even directly related to pistol conversion kits in the past, including helpful lists of FAQs.
Next, get familiar with our collection of conversion kits themselves to find one compatible with your pistol, and if you have any questions contact us directly.