Pistol caliber carbines

The 9mm fired from a carbine develops about the same energy as a .357 Magnum fired from a 6-inch revolver with a similar weight bullet, but typical 9mm JHP pistol bullets when driven faster than they are designed to go, will come apart violently and FAIL to provide adequate penetration.

This link gives velocity data for common 9mm ammo from various barrel lengths:
http://ift.tt/2mWbuJr

My experience in firing common 9mm FMJ and JHP law enforcement handgun ammunition from the HK94 carbine and the MP5 indicates that accuracy of a 9mm carbine is inferior to a 5.56mm M4 firing service ammunition. If you want a handy, semi-auto carbine, you would be better off with an AR platform in 5.56mm or .300 Blackout.

If you are simply wanting a 9mm carbine to exploit inexpensive and common ammunition as a recreational gun and plinker, that is OK, but realize that you will spend about the same for a 9mm carbine as for a 5.56, .300 BO or 7.62x39 platform and you will have only a short range firearm which is less effective.

As for having a rifle and handgun which share the same common ammunition, the concept is sound, but if doing so I would opt for a lever-action rifle and companion revolver in either .357 Magnum or better, the .44 Magnum, which give you greater energy and versatility.

My two cents.

Others may disagree, but this approach has worked well for me for over 40 years.
Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum and Marlin 1894S lever action.

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Pistol caliber carbines