(stock photo)

Caliber 5.7 x 28 FN. (also available in .45 ACP and 10mm, but oddly, not 9mm. Maybe so as not to draw sales from the PC Carbine?) This cartridge is also new to me, but when I found out it can be obtained for as low as 60 cents a shot and some effective loads are available, that cinched the deal. It came with the factory box and one magazine but no manual. I downloaded one from Ruger's site, printed out the relevant pages, and called customer service to have them send me a paper one.

Before shooting any new or used firearm I break it down for cleaning and lubrication. It is apparently straight blowback in operation. I suppose that is necessary to make it so light and compact. It has not one, but two massive breechblocks/bolts, hooked together and with a strong spring and hard rubber buffer stop. Between them they probably weigh close to a quarter of a pound. (I didn't think to weigh them.) I couldn't see any sign of an extractor; I assume the cases are simply blown clear. That was incorrect. It has a spring steel extractor powered by its own spring. The trigger group, which removes as a unit, has a blade ejector. The magazine is a true double-stack and holds 20 of the little 5.7 rounds. The stock is adjustable for length and folds up flat against the left side of the gun. I assume the gun can be fired with it folded but didn't try it today. The thumb safety is ambidextrous and the mag release and charge handle can be reversed. The handle does not move with the action.

I took it to the range with 50 rounds of FNH-USA loaded with Hornady 40-grain V-Max bullets. It fed, fired and shucked every one and locked the bolt on the last round as it's supposed to, no stoppages of any kind, and put them in a halfway decent grouping at 25 yards. The cases eject very forcefully, faster than I could even see them. I also couldn't find most of them; I assume they went into the grass next to my shooting lane, a good 8 feet away. The cartridge's report is fairly loud. Recoil was a slight but noticeable "thump," no doubt from those huge breechblocks slamming back and forth. Very easy to keep on target - note the barrel positioning well below the stock cheek piece.

The one thing I don't like is the little tiny protrusion on the charge handle. It gives little purchase on your hand to pull those breechblocks back against that strong spring. But overall and so far I am pleased. I've had new pistols out of the box fire exactly one shot (the first chambered round) before choking, and here's this used gun with an unknown history that ran like oats through a horse.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,

I've always like the look of the LC Carbine. Seemed like a more premium Sub 2000. I understand why they went with a picatinny rear, but I think designing the platform to accept a collapsing stock could set the rifle apart from the milquetoast PCCs. I am glad there are more non-AR options out there.

Regarding blowback, I'm pretty sure even the PS90 is blowback, so you get what you get with 5.7x28

Ruger should beef up the charging handle, though.

quote:

Originally posted by Vgex:
I understand why they went with a picatinny rear, but I think designing the platform to accept a collapsing stock could set the rifle apart from the milquetoast PCCs...

The stock on the LC is both foldable and collapsible. I'm pretty sure I've read that the "buffer" tube will accept any other mil-spec stock as well.


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quote:

Originally posted by m499:

The stock on the LC is both foldable and collapsible. I'm pretty sure I've read that the "buffer" tube will accept any other mil-spec stock as well.

I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I meant collapsible like the MP5 or B&T APC9 style of collapsible stock. Not that the MP5 style is particularly good/comfortable, but I'm just looking at it from a compact point of view.

It does adjust over a 2-inch range, with two detents in between.

With the magazine in the grip, the 16-inch barreled LC is ~4 inches shorter than a 16" AR. I did a double-take at first to be sure it was a real rifle and not a pistol with a "not-a-shoulder-stock-wink-wink" brace. Also, it has a threaded barrel for a suppressor. The iron sights are perfectly usable, but I have long term plans for a red dot.

A3 Industries makes a telescoping MP5-style stock for the Ruger LC series. I'd say it's not as refined design-wise as the MP5 stock and it's pretty pricey.

I have an LC Charger and I used one of their modular folding stocks when I SBR'd it.

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quote:

Originally posted by m499:
A3 Industries makes a telescoping MP5-style stock for the Ruger LC series. I'd say it's not as refined design-wise as the MP5 stock and it's pretty pricey.

I have an LC Charger and I used one of their modular folding stocks when I SBR'd it.

You're right! It's not quite as elegant as a more integrated design, but it attaches to the picatinny somewhat well. Just a bit bulky.


Image stolen from a RecoilWeb article .

quote:

Originally posted by Vgex:
You're right! It's not quite as elegant as a more integrated design, but it attaches to the picatinny somewhat well. Just a bit bulky.

Image stolen from a RecoilWeb article

That's actually a SIG MCX/MPX collapsible stock that they had to mill to fit the LC but the A3 Industries stock is the same/similar concept.

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Man, today is not my day. I blame the root canal.

Update: I've put a Vortex Sparc II red dot sight on it. It's "just OK." I don't really like the tiny and stiff on/off/adjustment buttons, and the aperture is kind of small. At some point I'll upgrade it to something like the Aimpoint ACO that is on my AR, or perhaps one of the Holosuns, and move the Sparc to the M&P15-22.

It still runs like a top. I broke it down for a quick clean/lube/inspection and this time, out of curiosity, took the opportunity to weigh the breech blocks on a digital scale that I have. I was way off on that. They are half a pound ... each. But there is no sign of abnormal wear on the receiver or the rubber buffer on the end of the captured recoil spring. Also thinking of moving the charge handle to the other side so I can use my right hand on it. While awkward to hold, it does function with the buttstock folded up.