Ruger PC Carbine Review

If you’ve been considering a pistol caliber carbine (PCC), then you’ve probably heard about the Ruger PC Carbine. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the Ruger PC Carbine — we try to cover everything: the specs, the accuracy, the new features, and the pros and cons. 

The Ruger PC Carbine has been around for a little while, but some of the more recent updates to this firearm have caused potential buyers to take another look. Many people who have dismissed this firearm upon initial inspection often change their opinions after putting a couple of hundred rounds through it. It’s reliable, and fun to shoot. 

But only you can decide whether this carbine is right for you. In this review, we’ll do our best to present the facts and share some honest opinions, so you can make an informed decision.

Carbine Concepts

Let’s start with a quick origin story and discuss where the demand for this firearm comes from. The Ruger PC carbine was born in the mid-90s and conceived as a carbine option for police officers. The idea was that the police officer could easily switch to a more offensive firearm while still maintaining continuity with magazines and ammunition. 

Around 2007, the gun was discontinued; however, it was then brought back several years later. Since then, this gun has found a home amongst those who enjoy the crossover between a handgun caliber and carbine, like that it’s easy to carry around, and appreciate the relatively affordable price. 

Now, let’s look at a few features of the PC carbine and talk about what it’s good at. 

Features: Ruger PC Carbine

This section will look at the specs and features of the 9mm Ruger PC Carbine. We’ll talk about dimensions, weight, capacity, and everything else. 

Note: these specs are for the 19122 model – the M-lock version. The other models feature the same barrel length, but they have a slightly longer length of pull, as they don’t have a telescoping stock. 

Specs of the Ruger PC Carbine: 

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, blowback
• Barrel Length: 16.12”
• Overall length: 32.25” – 35.50” (keep in mind adjustable stock) 
• Length of pull: 10.50” – 13.75”
• Sights: None – Picatinny 1913 rails on top
• Barrel features: threaded (1/2”-28) and fluted 
• Stock: Adjustable 
• Weight unloaded: 7.3 pounds 
• Receiver material/finish: Aluminum alloy and type III hard-coat anodized 
• Capacity: 17, with Ruger mags
• MSRP: Various Models, $979.00 – $750.00

Key Features of the Ruger PC Carbine: 

• Picatinny rails and M-Lock attachment slots extend from the back to the front of the firearm, allowing shooters to easily configure their optics. 
• Interchangeable magazine wells allow you to use Glock magazines with ease. Flared magazine well.
• Simple takedown. Quickly remove the barrel and reattach – no tools needed. 
• The magazine release and charging handle are both reversible. 
• Cold hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel barrel. 
• Six-position telescoping Magpull buttstock. 
• Trigger has a little bit of travel before a clean break, about 3.5 pounds. Audible and tactile reset. 

Note: while the gun works well with Glock mags, you should double-check older magazines. Ruger’s website notes that some of the earliest versions of Glock mags may not be compatible.  

Ruger PC Carbine: Who’s It For?

What’s the intended purpose of the Ruger PC carbine?  It depends on your perspective. The Ruger PC Carbine is a versatile and user-friendly firearm designed to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of gun owners. Some people see a PCC as filling a clear hole, others look at it more as an orphan among more established firearms. 

If you happen to be one of those who aren’t sure what the fuss is about, here are a few reasons the PCC is popular.

Best Uses for the Ruger PC: 

• New & Intermediate Gun Owners. An excellent entry-level rifle with the ability for upgrades. Managable recoil, straightforward design, and intuitive controls. 
• Plinkers & Range Enthusiasts. For the plinkers out there, this firearm provides an enjoyable experience at the range. Works great with a suppressor, and with the 9mm ammunition, you can have more fun at a lower price. 
• Competition Shooters. For those shooting in PCC divisions, the design allows for quick follow-up shots and easy customization. 
• Truck Gun & Home Defense. This gun makes a great option for the vehicle, as a backup gun, like the police first used it. It breaks down small and fast. For home defense, the 9mm caliber reduces the risk of over penetration, and optics and a light can be added. 
• Critters & Varmints. For defense against critters or intruders, the Ruger PC carbine provides a real option. The simplicity of the gun lends itself to self-defense situations of all kinds
• Glock Owners. Will we ever get the rumored Glock carbine? Who knows, until then, this is one of the next best options. 

Accesories & Customizaition  

We’ve already touched on many of these features in the previous sections, but we’ll highlight a few key upgrades and options for this section (as they do drastically change the look and feel of the Ruger PC Carbine). 

Accessories & Customizations for the Ruger PC Carbine: 

• M-lok Handguard & Picatinny Rails: The floating M-lok handguard and extended Picatinny rails allow you to do whatever you’d like with the firearm. 
• Telescoping/Fixed/Folding Stock: Six-point stock allows for easy adjustment between shooters or shooting styles. Folding or fixed stock options for select models.
• Pistol Grip: The pistol grip is comfortable and allows for strong and steady shooting. All these features combined to create a firearm that’s made for the modern shooter. 
• Optic & Light Compatible: Attach a wide variety of rail-mounted optics and lighting solutions.
• Capacity Options: From ten-round compliant mags to mischief sticks and drums, if it’s Glock compatible, the PC can run it.

Now, let’s get into the pros and cons of this firearm. 

Pros & Cons: Ruger PC Carbine 

Now that we’ve talked about the features of this rifle, let’s go over some of the reasons people love this firearm and some of the reasons people look the other way. 

Note: there are several models of the Ruger PC carbine, with some that have a more tactical feel, with M-lock and extending stocks, and some that are more geared toward utility, and pest control applications, that look more like a semi-automatic 22-long rifle (Ruger 10/22). 

Just try to keep in mind the variations, as some might be less enthusiastic based on the model. Also, there can be a significant price variance between these two models, with the more tactical Ruger PC going for about two hundred dollars more than the “standard” model. For this section, we’ll be referring to the updated version that looks more like a tactical rifle. 

Pros: Ruger PC Carbine

Power & Control

For the 9mm, the Ruger PC Carbine will support that 9mm cartridge in two major ways. First, the increased barrel length can provide some increase in velocity. That 9mm bullet will hit a little harder and fly a bit further. Second, the larger size, heavier weight, and the ability to make a full three points of contact will give you more control. Even with the bolt in operation, the felt recoil is much less than a regular handgun. 

9mm Accuracy

The Ruger PC can also pull off some impressive accuracy. If you shoot irons, you can easily attach a forward sight to the m-lock on the end of the barrel, providing a longer sight radius. With the Picatinny rails, it’s as easy as cake to slide an optic onto the Ruger PC Carbine, allowing you to optimize your accuracy with this firearm. 

9mm Compatibility

Not only will you make gains with accuracy, control, and power, but you’ll also have all this while maintaining complete interchangeability with your 9mm handgun. However, it’s not just the ammunition. The Ruger PC Carbine is fully compatible with Glock magazines, and it gives you the tools and adaptable mag well for the conversion. In fact, some folks will barely use the assigned mags, choosing only to run Glock mags. 

Simple Barrel Breakdown 

The latest versions of the Ruger PC Carbine allow for the simple removal of the barrel and the stock. The reassembly is just as simple, making this great for several key situations. First, some like the idea of having this as a backup weapon in a vehicle. Perhaps even a backup to an AR-15. It makes sense, as it can share ammunition with the sidearm. Another possibility allowed by this simple breakdown is for backcountry situations, particularly backpacking or even ATVing in the wild. 

Whether you’re paroling your own property or want something for an excursion, this gun packs down nicely. Allowing it to easily slip into storage compartments yet be quickly deployed when the time is needed. 

Accesories & Options

The M-Lock handguard and overall more tactical setup of the newer Ruger PC Carbine make it attractive. The M-Lock and wisely placed Picatinny rails solve a couple of problems that this firearm creates. If you want to place your own custom sights further down the barrel then you can, if you want to add a second connection point for a sling, you can. If you want to place a flashlight, red dot, or grenade launcher, you can (maybe not the grenade launcher). 

Ruger Reliability

You’ll see this more when we discuss the ammo, but overall, this is a reliable firearm. Ruger is known to make reliable guns, and the Ruger PC carbine appears to be no exception. 

Cons: Ruger PC Carbine 

Weight Considerations

Some have noted that, for a 9mm caliber, this is a heavy gun, at around 6.8 Lbs unloaded, and 8 Lbs when loaded. Of course, this will come down to personal preference, but some feel that, for the weight, the blowback action of the firearm still presents a noticeable recoil. It’s by no means uncomfortable to shoot; however, some may want slightly more control over the loadout.

Limited Features 

Right out of the box, some people raise their eyebrows at the lack of iron sights on the M-Lock model, as well as the placement of the front rail. Similar to the front sight issue, on the M-Lock version, there isn’t an intuitive area to place a sling at the front of the weapon. Again, an easy fix with the M-lock, but still a downside to some.

Limited Calibers

The short-lived .40 S&W version of the Ruger PC Carbine came and went. 9mm is your only option for the gun to be chambered in now. It’s a good option. Some would say the best option. However, having other caliber options would be nice.

Mag Release & Ergonomics

The mag release is not easily within reach of the trigger finger. This means that you have to engage the release with your reloading hand. For many, this is frustrating, as it’s not as simple as releasing an AR-15. Still, once you’ve become used to it, it’s less of a problem. You can change which side the mag release is on, or add a larger magazine release lever, making it easier to engage. 

Overall Aesthetics 

Some models of the Ruger PC Carbine have received lackluster reviews when it comes to appearance. Is this a big deal? Not really, but it depends on who you are. Some people are strictly practical gun owners, looking to hunt game or defend themselves in the case of intrusive critters or assailants. 

On the other hand, some take a more recreational stance on firearms, and when it comes to the “fun factor” aesthetics matter. All in all, the upgraded Ruger PC carbine looks pretty neat, with styling reminiscent of the AR-15. However, the more standard models are just that – standard. 

Some might like the more subtle look of the standard model, particularly those who live in areas with more stringent gun regulations. In fact, the Ruger PC Carbine comes in several “state legal” models. For those who are unable to obtain a full AR-15 or another semi-automatic rifle, these PC carbines fill a hole. 

Now that we’ve discussed the features and the pros and cons, let’s look at how this firearm performs in ballistics and accuracy with various ammunition. 

Ballistic Considerations

We set up a ballistic chronograph at the range to test two popular 9mm ammo loads. We shot ten rounds of PMC 9mm 115gr FMJ, and ten rounds of  Speer Gold Dot 9mm JHP 124gr +P ammo, and averaged the data. The recorded data from the chronograph was captured at the muzzle with a calibrated unit. Being known for reliability and mechanical accuracy, both guns performed extremely well while cycling the FMJ, and JHP self-defense ammo. We had no issues with feeding, firing, or ejecting rounds from either brand of ammunition in the carbine.

In terms of ballistic data, the 16″ barrel of the Ruger PC Carbine gives it a considerable edge in performance. The 4″ barrel of the Glock 19 is considered to be the industry standard for most compact handguns. The 12″ difference in barrel length between the guns is leveraged by the limited ballistics of the handgun ammunition. With the FMJ rounds, the carbine saw a +128 FPS/+92 ft-lbs over the Glock. With the JHP +P self-defense rounds, the carbine saw a +270 FPS/+193 ft-lbs over the Glock.

Accuracy Expectations

The Ruger PC Carbine is known for very good accuracy for a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC), especially considering it’s chambered in 9mm. With a simple 1X red dot optic, we were able to ring steel targets at 25, 50, and 100 yards easily. At 150 yards and beyond, bullet drop starts to become an issue. However, with a slight hold over the target, it stays true to the point of aim.

At 200 yards from a rest, it took a couple of shots to figure out the holdover. Once we did, we were back on target and ringing steel consistently. If you added a magnifier to your red dot setup, it’s not unreasonable to expect the rifle to hit targets beyond 200 yards. Of course, keep in mind that at that distance and beyond, you’ll be dealing with extreme bullet drop.

Ruger PC Carbine: Buy it? 

PCC carbines have increased in popularity over recent years. With so many options on the market, is the Ruger still a good buy? We think so. There are a few reasons you might pick this gun up. The first is the combination of reliability and price. The Ruger PC Carbine fits into most budgets, allowing folks to get in the door without paying thousands for a super high-end PCC option. Sure, you could spend more on a custom-built PCC, but at the end of the day, they will both do the same thing.

Second, this gun allows you to configure it however you’d like. With the M-lock version, you can create a practical system that meets all your needs for a variety of situations. Add an optic of your choice, a light, and a suppressor, and you’ve got an undeniable self-defense option. Finally, the fact that the Ruger PC Carbine gives you a crossover between 9mm ammunition and Glock magazines makes it surprisingly practical. If you already own a Glock handgun, the Ruger feels like a natural addition to the ecosystem. 

Note: If you’re curious about learning more, read our article on the difference between a carbine and a rifle.