This Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine Review by The Old Deer Hunters. When it comes to reliable and versatile firearms, Ruger has earned a well-deserved reputation. The Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine is no exception, combining the familiarity of the 9mm round with the practicality and adaptability of a carbine.
“This Thing Is Like A 1022 On Steroids!!”
The Ruger PC9 is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in 9mm Luger, which makes it compatible with a wide range of readily available ammunition. It features a blowback action and a reversible magazine release, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters. The carbine comes with a 16.5-inch barrel, providing increased accuracy and muzzle velocity over a pistol. It is equipped with a durable synthetic stock, adjustable sights, and a Picatinny rail for easy attachment of accessories such as optics or lights.
The Ruger PC9 Pistol Caliber Carbine got me excited when I heard about because I love rifles in pistol calibers and I‘d heard Ruger had really done their homework on this one. I called around to all the gun shops I knew and all I heard was that they were on order.
Then one day I walked into Academy Sports and there it was in all it glory sitting right on the shelf. I have tried an AR9 and a Marlin Camp Carbine 9mm but both had a few things I did not like. The Ruger really feels great – solid but user friendly. Ruger says the PC9 has a dead blow action that features a custom tungsten dead blow weight that shortens bolt travel and reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise. The PC9 does not blow carbon into the mag and your face as it fires like some 9mm carbines. The mag and the rifle itself stay very clean. I like the controls layout – trigger finger safety, mag release is easy with large non-firing had button release and bolt handle right behind the ejection port. Bolt handle and mag release can be changed to either side.
There are also many other great things about the PC9. It is a breakdown model like the similar version of the 1022 that makes it easier to pack ( but it does not come with a case). The carbine weighs in at about 6 1/2 pounds without the scope and comes with a couple of Ruger 17 round mags, spacers to increase the length of pull, and tools to change the mag well for either Ruger or Glock mags. It has rear peep sight on the nice looking fluted barrel that is threaded for a suppressor. The receiver has built in scope rail to make scope mounting a scope or optical sight easy.
The barrel and forearm can be quickly removed from the stock by pushing a latch and short twist of the barrel and forend without tools, and it goes back together just as easily. There is a tension nut on the rear end of the barrel to make sure the barrel stays secure. I never had to adjust the nut for 200 rounds of firing and the rifle retained it’s zero throughout the several range trips. The stock is a black synthetic, with textured grip on the forearm and pistol grip for a secure hold. The receiver and barrel are finished in a matte black. There is also a small rail on the bottom forend for laser or flashlight attachment. I really like the look and feel of the PC9.
Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine: Accuracy
That brings us to the fun part of the review and that is range time. I mounted a Leupold 2×7 scope, picked up some Federal 115 gn FMJ and off to the range for some fun. After a few shots for zero, I started shooting from 50-200 yds. Yes, this little rifle will put hard ball ammo on target at 200 yards. At 50 yds it shoots about 2” groups, and 100 it still keeps them in 4” and I was able to hit a 12” steel plate 9 strait shots after the first spotter round.
The PC9 never missed a beat..no jams or feed problems and everything worked well. Nice trigger for an autoloader, the balance is great it points easily. I am an average size guy and with on stock spacer it fit me well. It pumps out 9mm ammo as fast as you can pull the trigger and works like a swiss watch. It would be hard to beat for a home defense gun or just all around firearm. If you get in a survival situation, it would certainly put meat on the table. If you want fun range time it will be hard to find a gun that is more fun to shoot. Since the rifle is a “take-down” model, I took the rifle apart a few times to check for change in point of impact, but it stayed right on target each time.
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Leupold 2×7 Scope for Pistol Caliber Carbines
The Leupold 2×7 scope with duplex reticle works well with the 9mm carbine. Zeroed at 50 yds, it is only a few inches low at 100. I shot the 100 yd target using the top of the duplex post at 7x, and used the top of the post on the duplex reticle at 2x for a 200 yd zero. The old Leupold VX2 is a little shiny but it still works well on the PC9.
I am a fan of the 2×7 power scope. Leupold, Nikon, Weaver and other companies make 2×7 Variable, and they are truly all purpose scopes. I use one on the PC9, my AR15 and my Ruger 77/357. These scopes are always a little lighter and more compact than a 3×9 and are sometimes as much as $100 cheaper than a 3×9 of the same brand and quality. You can get the standard high power version, or a rimfire version to match the normal range for your rifle. These scope weigh less than 10 oz, and are great for lightweight deer rifles or pistol caliber carbines!
For me, iron sights are a bit of a challenge but I still wanted to give them a try. I took the scope off and was able to do pretty well using the peep sight out to 100 yds keeping most of the shots in the center of a man sized silhouette. It helps me that the rear sight is mounted on the rear of the barrel. For me, it is easier to use than a peep at the rear of the receiver. I would say most people after they are familiar with this 9mm carbine can shoot it as well at 50-100 yards with it as they can a pistol at 25 yds. Aside from plinking and fun, this firearm would be excellent for home defense. Short, well balanced and accurate. I have not chronographed any loads, but the 16” barrel should give you about 200 feet per second higher velocity than the same ammo from a 4” pistol.
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TruGlo TRU•BRITE™ DUAL COLOR MULTI RETICLE
TruGlo Optic Sight for PC9
Well now that the accuracy testing is done, it is time for a more practical optic for the PC9. I have a TruGlo TRU•BRITE™ DUAL COLOR MULTI RETICLE site that I use on my S&W AR15-22, so I moved it to the Ruger PC9 to see how it would work on the 9MM carbine. The TRU-Bright has red and green reticle colors and 4 reticle patterns, 2.5 and 5 MOA dots, with or without a larger circle around the dots. A leaver under the rear of the scope makes it quick and easy to change patterns, and it has 5 brightness settings.
LOW MOUNT FOR PC9. One thing to consider when you choose a red dot type sight for the PC9 is that you do not need a riser like you need on an AR15. The lower the mount the better for this rifle. The TruGlo provided proper alignment for quick acquisition of targets so it was easy to put lead on target quickly and accurately. Rapid supported shots grouped 2-3” at 50 yards. I was actually shocked at how well I did. Off-hand shots at 2” targets at 50 yards is pretty easy using the 2.5 MOA green dot, and the circle dot is great for rapid fire in close. I really like the size of the 24x34mm window. The larger field of view makes sweeping targets from side to side, easier than with most red dot sights. Another plus for me is that I can see the dot clearly while wearing my glasses. I can not see very well through a scope with my glasses, so this is a plus for me. Just another plus for this 1X sight.
I have used this optic for several months on different rifles and it has not missed a beat. Zero has held perfectly and it only cost about $80. If the rifle’s primary purpose was self defense, I would probably use an Aimpoint sight, but this my fun gun, and I can have a lot of fun with the TruGlo and all the ammo I can buy with the money I saved.
Features
•Two choices of reticle color for contrast against any target / background (red and green)
•Durable / compact design
•Unlimited eye relief
•Wide field of view
•24 x 34mm window for ultra-fast target acquisition
•Anti-reflection coating on target side
•Parallax free from 30 yards
•Integrated Weaver-style mounting system
My only complaint is that windage and elevation adjustments must be made with the supplied Allen wrench. I wish it was finger adjustable knobs or a standard screw for flat tip screwdriver. That being said, I have never had to adjust it after zero.
Ruger Firearms Books
RUGER AND HIS GUNS: A History of the Man, the Company and Their Firearms
Nov 4, 1996 Hard Cover
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The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition
by Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund, et al. | May 26, 2020
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Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine Review: A 9mm Carbine Combining Versatility and Fun
Versatility and Compatibility: One of the Ruger PC9’s greatest strengths is its versatility. The ability to use 9mm ammunition, a popular and widely available caliber, makes it a practical choice for various applications. Whether used for home defense, target shooting, or even competition, the PC9 offers shooters the benefits of reduced recoil, affordability of ammunition, and compatibility with standard 9mm pistol magazines, including those from Glock.
Handling & Portability: The Ruger PC9 excels in handling and portability. Its compact size makes it easy to shoot and handy in close quarters operation. It can be broken down for storage or packing make it ideal for camp gun or plinker. The inherent stability of a carbine platform contribute to enhanced accuracy, allowing for precise shot placement at short to medium ranges. The ergonomic design of the synthetic stock ensures a comfortable and secure grip, promoting better control and reducing felt recoil. The adjustable sights, combined with the option for optics, provide shooters with flexibility in aiming and target acquisition.
Practical Applications: The Ruger PC9’s versatility extends to its practical applications. As a home defense firearm, the carbine’s manageable recoil, higher capacity than a typical handgun, and ease of use make it an attractive option for protecting one’s home and loved ones. It is also an excellent choice for recreational shooting and training, allowing shooters to practice with a platform that closely resembles their 9mm pistols. Additionally, the PC9 is a competitive option for Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) matches, where its accuracy and compatibility with pistol magazines offer a competitive edge.
Accessories and Customization: The Ruger PC9 offers a variety of accessories and customization options to suit individual preferences. The Picatinny rail on the carbine’s receiver allows for the attachment of optics, lights, or other accessories to enhance functionality and tailor the carbine to specific needs. Furthermore, the stock can be upgraded or replaced with aftermarket options, providing shooters with additional comfort and adjustability.
Conclusion: The Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine has a lot going for it. It combines the familiarity of the 9mm round with the practicality and versatility of a carbine platform. Its reliability, accuracy, and compatibility with 9mm pistol magazines make it an appealing choice for home defense, recreational shooting, and competition. With Ruger’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, the Ruger PC9 9mm Carbine is a reliable and enjoyable firearm that caters to a wide range of shooting enthusiasts.
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