Handguns are the primary force equalizer for self defense outside the home.
Radical leftists are changing the language and burning books. That's usually a precursor to eventually "cleansing" the dissenters.
I would prefer not to give up my handguns. However would I trade them to keep my MBRs? Yes, I would.
Without a trade of some kind, radical leftists, who have already invaded our political structures and strongholds, will attempt to take all our long guns. Including all of your AR-15s and AK variants. They'll send their jackboots to do it. But not just jackboots, but some regular rank and file law enforcement. Some LEO's won't comply. Some will face losing their jobs ( and the ability towards feeding their kids ) if they don't.
I have no problem fighting the good fight, however I will not see the reason and purpose in risking firefights with LEOs. Because that is exactly what will happen. And after the first few have their stories go viral in the mass media, which is what the radical leftists power brokers want, it's all the justification they need in public to start lining us Conservatives/Republicans up against a wall and start executing us.
The general public will be sated with the removal of handguns. That fits the narrative and optics in the Court Of Public Opinion that the radical left can't actually control.
You'll say it's not fair, I'll say I agree it's not fair. But the end pathway otherwise looks grim to horrible for gun owners otherwise.
You'll say this is where we should make our stand. I'll say it's not the right issue and not the right time and place.
It's something the radical left won't expect and can't control and it ends all other 2A conflicts with the general public. The odds of all Pro 2A eventually being cuffed and hooded and disappearing is a lot higher than any gun owner getting into a self defense scenario in a grocery store parking lot.
You'll lose your Glock, but you'll gain your pure military grade M16A4. It's not surrender, it's a trade. It's a trade that will sell to the majority of the non gun owning public.
As for something actually pistol sized, I think it's high time Pro 2A seriously begins to look at Less Than Lethal options, like the Byrna pistol, as a functional alternative. Further development and market demand can eventually make something even better. It's not the same, but if it's a way to keep hassle free long term use of MBR's, then I'd say do it.