Ruger PC Charger: First Look at the New 9mm Compact Takedown Pistol

Ruger PC Charger Takedown Pistol, 9mm Ruger Pistol, angle

pistol caliber, 9mm, left, glock magazine, pistol grip

The Ruger PC Carbine — PC standing for “Pistol Caliber” — is a favorite amongst shooters. It takedown capabilities make it a joy in the field. But what if we had some kind of pistol variant based on the PC Carbine? Well, you no longer have to wonder. Ruger just announced its PC Charger takedown pistol.

Ruger PC Charger Details

As mentioned, Ruger based the new 9mm pistol on its PC Carbine Chassis model. And, as expected in a pistol vs. carbine format, there are some glaring differences; size is an obvious start. The PC Charger has a barrel length of 6.5 inches barrel and an overall length of just 16.5 inches.

It features an integrated rear Picatinny rail allowing for the mounting of Picatinny-style braces. Meanwhile, a glass-filled polymer chassis system allows for the use of standard AR pistol grips. The PC Charger includes a flared magazine well for improved reloading capabilities. It also has an ergonomic pistol grip with extended trigger reach.

The PC Charger utilizes a CNC-machined, hard-coat anodized aluminum handguard with Magpul M-LOK-compatible slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for easy mounting of M-LOK-compatible rails and accessories. The 6 o’clock position of the handguard features a factory-installed handstop for secure support-hand placement.

PC Carbine Similarities

OK, so then how is this based on the PC Carbine? Good question. Like the PC Carbine, the Ruger PC Charger features an easily interchangeable magazine well system that accepts Ruger Security-9 and SR9 magazines. It also accepts Glock double-stack magazines, so there’s that.

The PC Charger uses a dead blow action with a custom tungsten weight; it shortens bolt travel and reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise. And you southpaws can rejoice, as the reversible magazine release and charging handle accommodate both right- and left-handed use.

Then there’s the takedown aspect. A simple takedown mechanism allows for quick separation of the barrel/forend assembly from the action; not much needed there. Rounding out the PC Charger is a heat-treated, chrome-moly steel bolt, as well as a cold hammer-forged chrome-moly steel barrel with a 1/2″ x 28 threaded barrel.

Last Details

A couple more things here. Firstly, the PC Charger ships with the SR-Series and Security-9 pistol magazine well installed and an additional magazine well that accepts newer Glock magazines.

Secondly, there are two PC Charger models available: A standard model, which features a 17-round capacity, and an additional 10-round, state compliant model. However, neither model is available in California or Massachusetts. Just move already.

Lastly is MSRP, which comes in at $799 — not bad. This is a pretty cool release. We’ll be looking to test one immediately. For more information, please visit Ruger.com.