In the Fall of 2020 I was able to acquire a Ruger PC Charger pistol in 9mm. The PC Charger was introduced by Ruger in early 2020, though I haven't seen many in gun stores, but then again I haven't seen much of anything in most gun stores that I've visited.
The PC Charger is a compact package that is capable of using either Ruger or Glock high capacity magazines. I've standardized on Glock magazines which are used in a number of firearms at my homestead, though thus far I've avoided actually purchasing a Glock firearm. I do like Glock mags because they're readily available, they're inexpensive, and they're also highly reliable. The PC Charger uses interchangeable magazine wells which allow the use of the two different magazine types. The magazine well is flared, so magazine quick insertion is easy.
The PC Charger pistol is take down model. If you're familiar with other Ruger take down firearms, you'll easily adapt to this model. The 6.5" hammer forged, threaded barrel and front end smoothly disconnect from the action, giving you two compact components that can be easily discretely transported. This is a pistol, and it is sold without a brace. The hand grip is a typical AR type grip, and it can be replaced with any traditional AR grip. There are two Picatinny rails on the firearm, one for mounting an optic, and another rail at the rear of the gun for mounting a brace. The gun does not come with sights, so users need to install their preferred sight or optic. The front end has M-Loks slots for the installation of accessories, and a factory installed hand stop.
The PC charger is a simple blowback design firearm, using a tungsten dead blow weight to shorten bolt travel, and to reduce recoil, no fancy gas tubes on this little beauty. The action has performed admirably, with and without a suppressor attached to the weapon. No failures of any kind have occurred in over 500 rounds fired.
My example of the PC charger has been customized for my use. The pistol grip was replaced. A Sig folding pistol brace was installed to improve handling. A silencerCo Hybrid 46 suppressor optimized for 9mm was installed. A Meprolight M21 is the optic that was selected, since it never needs batteries, yet it can handle most light conditions. An Olight mini Valkyrie was added for weapon lighting. And lastly, a single point sling was selected, that attaches with QD mounts, as QD cups are integrated into the firearm receiver.
This pistol with 30 round Glock magazines makes for a formidable self-defense weapon. I recently did some night testing to evaluate the muzzle blast. I was surprised that there was no blast observed, as the blast was effectively eliminated by the suppressor. The only light observed was coming out of the ejection port when doing double taps or rapid firing. My spouse never heard the shots in the house, though I was not using sub-sonic ammunition for the test, and she was about 75 yards from where I was shooting.
It is currently my preferred firearm for interior self defense purposes, because it is easy to maneuver within the confines of a house. It is not a light firearm, but it is durable and reliable. The recoil is very manageable, and this is a firearm that small statured adults and children can easily handle. Follow-up shots are quick and accurate due to the light recoil.
These are priced much less than the BT's, H&K's, Sig's etc. It's not as inexpensive as a MAC-10, but it is certainly more accurate and more reliable. It's an American made firearm that will protect you and your family at a reasonable cost.
