Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger PC Carbine FDE Takedown

by
posted on June 16, 2023
** 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. **

We’re back with another Gun Of The Week video, and this time, we’re taking a closer look at a Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger PC Carbine. Except this isn’t your run-of-the-mill PC Carbine. This version comes outfitted with Magpul’s FDE-colored Backpacker stock.

This, of course, is another exclusive from Davidson’s, which means that this particular configuration is only available through the Gallery of Guns. The company is one of the world’s biggest firearm distributors, and because of that, it develops unique designs you won’t find anywhere else. Davidson’s works with manufacturers across the world, but when it comes to Ruger, the collaboration between the two has produced dozens of unique options for today’s shooters. Watch the video above to see this exclusive Ruger PC Carbine in use on the NRA Tech Range.

title screen from video text on image noting GUN OF THE WEEK with ruger PC Carbine takedown rifle in background shooting gun rifle indoor gun range

Introduced in December 2017, the Pistol Caliber Carbine, or PC Carbine, marked Ruger’s return to the concept, which had been explored more than two decades earlier with the Police Carbine, a pistol-caliber long gun that used magazines from the company’s P series of handguns. The original PC-9 was discontinued in 2007, but the rise in popularity of pistol-caliber carbines in the last few years encouraged the company to introduce its refreshed PC Carbine.

Ruger PC Carbine Takedown closeup in hands disassembly 9 mm barrel removal flat dark earth plastic

The Ruger PC Carbine is a takedown design at its core, with the barrel being able to twist off the front of the receiver. All a user has to do is lock the bolt back, push a lever on the underside of the fore-end, and then break the rifle apart. The front and rear sight of the PC Carbine are both located on the barrel assembly, so there’s no loss of zero. A milled-in Picatinny rail atop the receiver allows users to mount optics.

nine images mosaic tiles gun detail ruger pc carbine takedown davidson's dealer exclusive 9 mm rifle

In keeping with Ruger’s earlier pistol-caliber concept, the PC Carbine is designed to use magazines from an existing Ruger handgun, in this case, the SR series and Security-9 line of pistols. However, Ruger also developed an interchangeable magazine well for the PC Carbine, and an included Glock-compatible magazine well ships with each gun. An additional magazine well compatible with Ruger American Pistol magazines is available through the company.

two black plastic polymer magazine inserts for Ruger PC Carbine FDE Takedown in 9 mm luger

Davidson’s tuned up the PC Carbine by adding a Magpul Backpacker stock in flat dark earth, which provides some additional benefits. For one, it reduces the bulk of the PC Carbine and transforms it into a sleek, slender platform that can be easily broken down for transport and storage. The Backpacker stock even has a mechanism that allows the separate components to be locked together in a compact configuration. Additionally, a hinged door at the top of the stock comb provides storage space for a single pistol magazine. The grip also provides a storage compartment, and the stock also features M-Lok accessory slots, interchangeable cheek risers, a rubber buttpad and QD cup mounting points.

Ruger PC Carbine Takedown 9 mm magpul backpacker gunstock closeup disassemble packed survival compact storage gun

At the range, this Davidson’s Exclusive PC Carbine was a sweet shooter. The gun’s blowback operation was simple and reliable, and the heavy bolt easily soaked up the energy from fired 9 mm Luger rounds, which allowed us to stay on target for fast follow-up shots. We also appreciated the easily accessible charging handle and magazine release, both of which are reversible. If you’re planning to set up a PC Carbine for easy storage and transport, then this set-up is the easiest, least-expensive way to get what you want.

Davidson’s Ruger PC Carbine FDE Takedown Specifications
Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire carbine
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 16.25"
Receiver: 7075 T6 aluminum
Finish: Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote
Stock: Davidson's Dark Earth Magpul PC Backpacker
Sights: adjustable ghost-ring rear, wing-protected post front
Magazine: 17-round detachable box
Overall Length: 35" (assembled)
Weight: 6 lbs., 12.8 ozs.
MSRP: $919

Latest

Cz600 Review Right
Cz600 Review Right

Review: CZ 600 Alpha

As an aside from traditional wood and steel rifles like the Model 527, CZ Firearms has a suite of offerings in its 600 series of which are noteworthy and capable performers with modern aesthetics and unique functionality.

San Tan Tactical Launches Defender Program

San Tan Tactical has launched a Defender Program to provide increased support for the professional community of law enforcement officers, servicemen and women and veterans.

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.