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

Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol
Chuck Yeager’s Beretta Model 1935 pistol

Take a Safe Queen to the Range

With few exceptions, there’s no reason not to shoot your classic firearm periodically.

9 New 1911s & 2011s for 2026

There is a host of new 1911s and 2011s available to today's handgun enthusiasts, with each design bringing a unique feature set to the table.

Wyoming Breaks Ground on State Shooting Sports Complex

Wyoming state officials were on hand at the groundbreaking ceremony for the state's new shooting complex, which is expected to open in mid-2027.

Beretta Holding and Ruger Agree to Partnership

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. and Beretta Holding S.A. have announced that both companies are entering into a strategic cooperation agreement.

Return of the Encore: T/C Arms Brings Back Its Iconic Single-Shot

In 2024, former owner Gregg Ritz purchased Thompson/Center Arms. Now the company has introduced a modern take on its classic Contender/Encore concept: the ENCORE PROHunter.

7 New ARs for 2026

While it's certainly a saturated marketplace these days, the AR-15 has never been more popular with American firearm enthusiasts, and many manufacturers are continuing to feed the need with new options loaded with new features.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.