The real surprise of SHOT Show 2018 came from Ruger, and I would argue this for best of the new firearms, and second place contender for the story of the year. Only 224 Valkyrie as a cartridge ranks higher in my opinion, and that is saying something. So Ruger has decided to enter the Pistol Caliber Carbine game, and I am really glad I didn’t spend the last year on R&D for a competing product. Because Ruger is going to sink a lot of ships with their new Ruger PC Carbine.
SPECS:
- Capacity: 17+1 rds.
- Uses Glock & Ruger mags
- Easy takedown
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Barrel length: 16.12 in.
- Overall length: 34.37 in.
- Front sight blade; rear adj. ghost ring
- Finish: Type II hardcoat anodized
- Weight: 6.8 lbs.
- MSRP: $649
Impressions
The Ruger PC Carbine is basically a scaled up 10/22, which offers a number of advantages. First and foremost, 9mm carbines are all blowback models. Ruger knows a little something about this. The 10/2isng the most ubiquitous 22 LR rifle in the world — by a large margin. Walking into this, Ruger had decades of experience to fall back on, probably most of the reason they went with a 10/22 style action.
The rifle is a takedown model, which is also cool. If you already have the capability in engineering terms, why not? So while there are not as many stock options for a takedown 10/22 as a regular 10/22, there is still a lot.
The PC Carbine and 10/22 don’t share a footprint, but the scale is close. It won’t be long before we see aftermarket stocks piled up like cordwood, and that is a huge win. You can make a 10/22 look and feel like anything from a Tommy Gun to a HALO alien carbine, and I bet we’ll see the same thing for the PC Carbine soon.
The barrel is threaded from the factory, so it ships suppressor ready. Also important, Ruger put some magic in the bolt. I haven’t taken it apart yet to see exactly what, but the company man we interviewed mentioned recoil dampening.
This platform recoils less than any 9mm carbine I have shot to date.
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Pricing & Availability
In a big step for Ruger, they also acknowledged the strength of the Glock magazine in the market. The PC Carbine ships set up for an SR-9 magazine ( a nod to the Ruger loyalists), but includes an insert to adapt it to Glock magazines. Well played, Ruger, well played. At a retail price of $649, this carbine is poised to wreck house. I wish I had purchased Ruger stock last week.
For more information about Ruger’s PC Carbine, click here.
I purchased one the other day. I initially thought it was ugly when I seen the photo on the internet. I was walking by the gun rack in a hardware store and decided to have a gander at some guns. Low and behold there it was. Comparing a Ruger to a Kel Flec is like comparing a Yugo to a Bigadi. So don’t even think that it is too expensive. A little heavy, yes, but solid and robust.Anyways, I liked it a lot but walked out telling myself I don’t need it. It was the last one of three. I went back and got that carbine fifteen minutes later after I went to a shoddy gun store and just seen the kel tec laying in a glass counter (a buddy had one also and I had forgotten until I seen it. Big Pass then and seeing made my mind up that I wanted the Ruger).My dad has the older Ruger version and I wanted it when I shot it. Very accurate.
I haven’t shot mine yet but from what I know about my dad’s PC 9 it is going to be an improvement and I did not have to get a used one. Hold it, and look down the barrel, add the information from this article and you will want one too.
There is a rail under the fore end for mounting a light or laser. I think this going to replace my 12 gauge home defense and judge for that matter. 9mm is more than enough these days and it is in a reliable carbine.
I purchased one the other day. I initially thought it was ugly when I seen the photo on the internet. I was walking by the gun rack in a hardware store and decided to have a gander at some guns. Low and behold there it was. Comparing a Ruger to a Kel Flec is like comparing a Yugo to a Bigadi. So don’t even think that it is too expensive. A little heavy, yes, but solid and robust.
Anyways, I liked it a lot but walked out telling myself I don’t need it. It was the last one of three. I went back and got that carbine fifteen minutes later after I went to a shoddy gun store and just seen the kel tec laying in a glass counter (a buddy had one also and I had forgotten until I seen it. Big Pass then and seeing made my mind up that I wanted the Ruger).
My dad has the older Ruger version and I wanted it when I shot it. Very accurate.
I haven’t shot mine yet but from what I know about my dad’s PC 9 it is going to be an improvement and I did not have to get a used one. Hold it, and look down the barrel, add the information from this article and you will want one too.
There is a rail under the fore end for mounting a light or laser. I think this going to replace my 12 gauge home defense and judge for that matter. 9mm is more than enough these days and it is in a reliable carbine.
To all concerned be advised I contacted Ruger regarding production of this carbine in 40 and 45 calibers but they refused to answer citing disclosure laws.
So…why 9mm? Why not the .17 or .22 or even .223? If they made it is .22 people could afford to shoot it.
Check the prices of ammo. THAT is the limiting factor. Beyond that, I will probably own one of these…this spring when it warms up a tad. Great ground hog and coyote gun I think.
… because they already make those?
Not 22 because they already make a line of rimfire carbines. You may have heard of them. It’s 10-something… facepalm.
When is the .45 acp version coming out?
.45 would be great but 10mm would be phenomenal 😃
Yep. A 10mm version would be amazing.
Lots of hyperbole and little in the way of quantitative/qualitative analysis in the above article. The entire article can be written in four sentences:
1. Ruger re-released their 9mm carbine.
2. It can take Glock mags through the use of an adapter.
3. It has a threaded barrel.
4. It is a take-down model.
Other than the above four factors, what is exciting about it? Yes, it offers people in “PC” States a firearm option [a nod to those customers in naming it?] that is semi-automatic, but will it find a niche in the national firearms market? Based on the previous experiences of Marlin and Ruger in the 1990s, I doubt it.
The well-written article is a good read….and Mr Martin is paid by the word.
Smart move, making this rifle compatible with Glock mags. Glock magazines are plentiful and easily available and (for the time being) available in most jurisdictions in hi-caps.
I hope the real Blue Dog doesn’t see what you wrote…
Now that I have had my PC Carbine out a couple of times and fired about 500 rounds through it, I figured I would share my experiences. While I see many comments on the PC carbine by people saying that they would be interested in it..IF…., I think that it is well worth the money AS IS.
Let me begin by stating that I have two Marlin camp 9 carbines and a Kel Tec Sub 2000 multimag with S&W 59 series adapter and many mags to share on these. I also have a Beretta CX 4 Storm that uses the PX4 magazines. I love shooting them as well, but I find the trigger on the Beretta to be long and gritty but good enough for a plinker to have fun with. As you can see, I like the pistol caliber carbines. I find them fun and economical to shoot. Reloading for them is quick and easy on the Dillon 550B. The time savings alone compared to reloading bottlenecked cartridges is a true blessing.
I will try to base my review upon the comments that I have been reading on the carbine by both those that like the idea and those that say why?
My initial impressions on the looks of the rifle? It looks like a well built practical rifle, not a dainty, sleek, sexy lightweight offering that one loves to look at and hold but is scared to use in the field.
I have seen many reviews on the large ugly magwell. I see it as sturdy, functional, and necessary for the ability to accept current adapters and will allow for additional to be created. The simplicity of changing them and the ability to use to hold magazines which are locked in place via side or front takes some room. My sub2k allows a plate to be changed to raise or lower side catch, but the design does not allow for front catch.
Many have said that there is no need for a takedown. I love the takedown feature for reasons aside from obvious of portability, or possible caliber changes. It makes for easier cleaning of the gun and the barrel itself. One can easily remove barrel and check for an obstruction. One can remove barrel and let it sit on table at range to cool, while the rest of the rifle is out of the way. There is no question that a disassembled gun is clear during cease fire at range.
My old eyes love the peep style sights. I intend on using them as well as an optic. I am obviously going to want a quick detach mount.
The stock spacers allowing adjustable length of pull while taking away from the beauty ARE very practical.
While I am not a southpaw, I love the fact that I can and do have the charging handle on the left side of the rifle. When shooting rifle with the forearm on a sandbag or rest, I find it more convenient on the left. More importantly, I can use either my E&L mini compact or compact brass catcher to save all of my brass for reloading and have full access to charging handle. The person to my right will also appreciate not getting pelted with empties.
YES! One can simply pull back and release charging handle and “slingshot” a round in the chamber when bolt is locked back. One does not need to fumble around with the bolt catch that annoys me on the 10/22.
No magazine disconnect. While this feature is intended as a safety feature by many manufacturers on some guns, I feel it the opposite. Pro/con safety opinions aside, I like the fact that there is none for one primary reason and it is not so I can defend myself if I were to drop mag out and still have a round in chamber. The reason I am excited about it is because when I am at range and know that I am going to quit shooting before mag empty, I can remove the mag BEFORE my last shot and then fire the round from the barrel and have an empty gun.
I have no need for sling studs at the moment, but I am sure some day I will appreciate them and am glad they are included.
I think the integrated picatinny rail is awesome. I am positive that I would have bolted on on anyway as opposed to scope rings directly to rifle as I need it for my brass catcher. I am sure a few would rather have the sleeker look and less sharp edges and clutter, another matter of opinion. Highly pleased withb it myself.
I do not own a suppressor, so cannot give any reviews regarding shooting suppressed, but love the fact that the possibility is there should I get one some day due to the already threaded barrel.
I wrote a lot already and have yet to mention the best aspect yet. IT IS UNBELIEVABLY FUN TO SHOOT! While I am a big guy and would not have issues with 9mm recoil in even the lightest carbine, I must agree that if one is comfortable shooting a 22LR, he/she would be comfortable with this.
I took my SR9c companion pistol the range the first time I took this carbine out so I could shoot both. I emptied all my magazines using the carbine and did not even take the pistol out of the bag. I simply could not put the PC Carbine down. Truth be told, I actually did, as I alternating with shooting my 77/44 carbine, allowing cooling time, not that it was necessary. I am just one that does not like shooting a gun until it is steaming hot. I also was just as anxious to shoot the 77/44. I enjoy slowing down a bit and shooting the manually cycled actions. I really want to get a Ruger Blackhawk convertible to shoot 9mm. I actually was saving up for one but money got spent on the PC Carbine. If I had more money to spend and were to see both in store today, I would likely have a difficult time choosing one over the other. I can definitely see a second PC Carbine is definitely in my future as I have a wife and two kids.
I made it out the second time with the PC Carbine with my 21 year old daughter this time and we both shot it and had a blast. So far right around 500 rounds of various handloads and not one single malfunction. It has fed various bullet shapes of plated bullets from various manufacturers, hollow points included. All shooting done with the Ruger SR9c 10 round or SR9 17 round magazines. I bought a single 33 round Glock magazine that I may try some day, but since I have ten Ruger mags, I see no point in switching magwell insert. I just figured I ought to have option to try the Glock mag. IF I ever find a round that doesn’t feed, I may try it in glock mag, but right now it does not seem probable. I also feel the 17 round mags are the ideal size. Twenty rounders would make for easy counting of rounds, but why bother? Either I have ammo or I don’t. Either way, I will always need more as this is fun to shoot. Need I say more?
In Summary, I love the PC Carbine as it comes. Yes, I would like to see additional magwell adapters for days I wish to use magazines that I have for other guns. Yes, I would also like to see a 45ACP version that accepts 1911 and possibly more magazines. There are many things I want, I feel blessed to have the PC Carbine as it is.
Troy
Now, by golly, THAT’s what I call a great new gun review. Written by an obvious first-person shooter, not some manufacturer’s fan boy or marketing guy. I wasn’t interested in the PC carbine before, but I am now. But I’ll wait until the price comes down.
I like what Connie said about a ‘blowback’ bolt for an AR…
Having said that, I’m looking at the $ 650 price tag, and….
Paaaasssssssssss !!!
Where do I find 10/22 HALO Covenant Carbine kits? Because, I really want one.
Must make in 10mm please!!!!!!!!!!! We need a good 10mm carbine from a good company!
Yep…once you get the rifle you’ll also need a new trigger, different magazines, a new barrel…might as well go with an FN
I don’t think you have to.
Some of the fun is in customizing stuff, at less for me.
Over priced, sub 2000 it is.
I have one…and Yep…
ThankYou
The difference being anything Kel-Tec is inherently poorly manufactured, while Ruger makes quality products.
I bought a sub 2000k and I am a southpaw, it threw hot powder in my face! It is a great concept, but cheap!
This is a great idea, but a bit overpriced.
Palmetto State Armory has AR9s in the 500 range which seems the best bang for your buck!
I know a lot of people don’t care for pistol cal. carbines. I love them. This gun looks nice. Sure would like to see a 10mm available that accepts G20 mags. ( A.357 Sig would be nice also ). I own many pistols and rifles, pistol cal. carbines are just fun to shoot. And if Ruger gets the weight down, a nice rifle to go with my hiking/off road 10mm pistol.
My hiking/off-road gun is my e.d.c. .45 cal. Officers 1911, and my 300 blackout AR pistol with 10.5″ barrel. I’ve often though of getting a 10 mm pistol for the woods though, it is a better pistol caliber than my .45, for the woods, but that’s what i made my AR pistol for. especially when I travel to remote areas where the animals are bigger ( & meaner ) than around here. (Northern Arkansas, Southern Missouri )
I also take them both on my multi day kayaking trips. It’s like hiking, except you don’t have to carry your gear! just throw it in the boat and go…. and you can stop and swim whenever you want ( i dont swim on the winter trips ) and you can always stop and do day hikes here and there as you go downstream. i do that a lot on the Buffalo River in Northern Arkansas ( 150 miles long )
Ruger,
Please, please, please make this in 10mm. Please?
At least its something other than a .22 that we here in good ole “lol” NY can use for some fun semi auto shooting instead of those Butt Ugly AR’s that are NY legal….
They haven’t entered the pistol caliber carbine world, they’ve reentered it. You obviously forgot about the PC9 & PC40.
Hey kids,
Don’t forget one of the most famous pistol cartridge carbines Ruger ever built. The 44Mag.
Thank you Michael! I was going to mention that but you beat me to it. I have a PC40 that I acquired a number of years ago when a LEO organization retired them. Went looking for a PC9 but they were very pricey at the time. Glad to see Ruger do a replay after 12 years.
If they take a hint from the SUB-2000 and make mag well adapters for CZ and SIG magazines in addition to Glock, I’ll be on board.
I bought one as soon as they were available. My first impressions:
Little heavy… for gun made out of plastic.
Trigger had heavy pull.
wish they would have prettied up the mag well. works and thats what matters.
at 100 ft I was smacking the metal plate I use as target with every shot. At 150, you’d be safe to stand there. This was with the iron sights.
you can use glock mags, but you do have to change out the mag well. which is not hard, but not somthing you are going to do in the field. Magazines are not interchangeable its either glock or ruger.
Fun rifle to shoot. easy one to grab when groundhog is in the back yard or other vermin.
Thanks
Nice to hear from someone who has one and has enough experience with it, to get 1st impressions and range time info for the rest of us. and did you see the shadow before you shot the groundhog? just wondering when winter will end 🙂
I made a AR pistol (80% lower) for the mean critters, with a 10.5″ 300 blackout barrel. for when my 1911 isnt big enough
Just what everybody needs…a Hi-Point carbine that is only half as ugly but costs twice as much. OK the use of Glock and clone mags is a very nice feature. No mention of manufacturer blessing for +P’s but surely it is so rated since carbines can make better use of them than handguns.
Granted, it is a take-down, which will matter to some people. Other than that, why is this worth almost twice the price of the Hi-Point carbine?
“why is this worth almost twice the price of the Hi-Point carbine” Please tell me this is a rhetorical question or you forgot the sarcasm tag. LOL!
This needs to in 44mag. My favorite carbine is my Ruger 44 carbine, mines is from the 60’s.
This rifle should use CZ mags not glock.
I like ole 10/22’s but I gotta be honest this don’t excite me at all? I think they could of made a way better chassis for 9mm? One more modern or universal, and no I dont mean just another AR style pistol caliber however Id prefer it to the Valkyrie. If it was a $250-$300 rifle maybe? That would be most you would ever squeeze outta me for this rifle. I just don’t get why the author acts like it’s literally the moon landing of new rifles? No offense. The first thing most people do even on a .22cal 10/22 is start modding it heavily very often so At this price range a 9mm version just don’t do it for me.
Ruger has had quite a few very popular rifle, pistol, and shotgun platforms. The M77 series of rifles are my choice for hunting. I have owned several of the pistols; Redhawk, Blackhawk, and the old .22 semi auto. I also own one of the Red Label shotguns which could be my favorite for competition shooting, except the friggin vent rib keeps sliding off. Not the best engineering going on there and apparently only temporary fixes at best. That one thing keeps the Red Label series from being a 4-gun set in my gun rack and a lot of people who have shot my Red Label have expressed the same regret; a well put together shotgun but if the rib flies off it’s no sale.
Had one before… of course, it was the older version . Too heavy , and the action was gritty & clunky . ( Mind you , I love Ruger revolvers , the semi-auto’s -notso much ) Looking here at the numbers, they didn’t lower the weight . > 6.8 Pounds ? for a lightweight pistol caliber camp carbine ??
Weighing more than an original M16 would explain the “recoils less than any 9mm carbine” comment, wouldn’t it?
Not to mention costing more than any other 9mm carbine. Asking over $600 in a saturated market, that’s a bold move.
this new Ruger reminds me of a 9 mm Marlin Camp Carbine that I had a number of years ago, except the Ruger is a takedown. The Camp was a nice little firearm, reliable and accurate (given sights and ammo) – just not quite sure why I got it or what I used it for? It worked well, but was a little much for small game; seemed not quite enough for big game- though I never tried. It would spew empty cases all over making them hard to collect for reloading. After a while, traded it in for a Marlin lever in .357 mag, a very pragmatic choice. 357 Marlin is Good for small game, varmits, deer, defense, tin can targets, etc..(with right handload). Ruger made a small bolt action carbine in .357, regret not getting one when I could. Think the Ruger 9 mm will be like the 9 mm Camp; nice tool, but will fade away after a while. Still thinking about the little Ruger 357 bolt action.
If Ruger could take whatever they did with that bolt and make a drop-in AR bolt that operates the same way…
Goldmine.