NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger PC Charger

by
posted on February 12, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Ruger’s PC Charger in 9 mm Luger presents the market with a blowback-operated pistol based on the company’s PC Carbine first offered in 2017. The full-frame pistol is fully featured to accommodate myriad accessories available that combine with a well-tuned, blowback action.

Black pistol right side metal plastic text on image noting make and model "Ruger PC Charger"

Ruger’s quality, attention to detail and efficiency couldn’t be more prominent with its PC Charger. The gun’s 6.5” cold-hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel barrel provides great accuracy and allows for use with a suppressor; the muzzle threaded 1/2x28 t.p.i. come capped for protection. The overall length measures 16.50”, and the pistol's weight tips the scales at 5.2 lbs.

Black pistol barrel metal plastic

The gun’s length, balance and weight provides myriad options for shooters. A Picatinny rail extends across the receiver’s aluminum top for sights and optics. The removable barrel assembly features M-LOK-compatible slots to further accommodate accessories. At the gun’s rear is a rail for attaching a brace, as well as sockets for slings.

Man wearing green shirt disassembling black pistol with text on image noting "quick-takedown operation"

Ruger takes additional steps to add versatility to the PC Charger experience. Not only does the gun come with a 17-round Ruger SR Series magazine, two removable magazine-well adapters are built into the package to further accommodate magazine offerings, such as Glock’s well-loved over-mold design.

Man in green shirt holding black pistol upside down with red arrow pointing at magazine well

Our experience on the range with Ruger’s PC Charger was a enjoyable—the recoil is manageable and functionality proved dependable. We attached an optic and were able to make fine off-hand groups at close-in distance. Manipulating the magazine release and manipulating the bolt required minimal effort. Ruger supplies a reversible charging handle for all types of shooters, which is a handy feature.

Man wearing a green shirt ballcap ear protection and glasses holding and shooting black pistol with text on image noting "remote camera nra gun of the week"

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about the Ruger PC Charger pistol in 9 mm Luger.

Ruger PC Charger Specifications
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 6.5”, cold-hammer-forged chromoly-steel, blued finish
Receiver: aluminum alloy, hard-coat-anodized finish
Chassis: glass-filled black polymer
Grip: AR-style
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Magazine: 17-round capacity
Overall Length: 16.5”
Weight: 5 lbs., 3.2 ozs.
MSRP: $799

Further Reading:
Tested: Ruger’s PC Carbine and Security-9 Pistol

Ruger PC Charger Review

Assembling an Urban Survival Kit with the Ruger PC Carbine

5 Perfect Pairs: Handguns and Pistol-Caliber Carbines

Spruce Up Your Ruger Charger Pistol

I Have This Old Gun: Ruger 44 Carbine

NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger PC Carbine

Latest

Springfield SA 35 4 01
Springfield SA 35 4 01

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.