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

Gotw Pws Uxr 1
Gotw Pws Uxr 1

Gun of the Week: Primary Weapons Systems UXR

Primary Weapons System took the consumer demand for modularity in firearm design to the next level with its UXR or User Xchangeable Rifle.

Heritage Rough Rider Now Available in .32 H&R Magnum

Long available only in rimfire chamberings, Heritage Manufacturing's popular Rough Rider revolver series is now available in the .32 H&R Magnum centerfire chambering for the first time.

Get Your Official NRA Licensed Merchandise!

It’s never been easier to show your pride in NRA than with a new line of NRA Official Merchandise!

The Armed Citizen® April 17, 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.

Taurus' GX2 T.O.R.O.: Offering Affordability & Optics Readiness

As handgun optics are becoming more of a must-have accessory, Taurus is adding that option to its GX2 design with the GX2 T.O.R.O.

Review: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro

The latest update to the Savage bolt-action rifle line, the Axis 2 Pro, is a feature-rich design that still remains affordably priced.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.