Ruger PC Charger Overview and SB Tactical Folding Brace
The video opens with an introduction to the 9mm Ruger PC Charger pistol, presented as a compact, highly versatile firearm derived from the Ruger PC Carbine platform. The featured configuration ships from the shop with an SB Tactical brace mounted to the rear 1913 Picatinny rail. This brace is a minimalist, side-folding design with a Velcro strap originally intended to help wounded veterans stabilize the pistol. The host explains that the brace supports both single-handed and more stable two-handed shooting, while keeping the overall package light and compact. The PC Charger’s chassis accepts AR-style pistol grips, allowing users to swap to their preferred AR grip for improved ergonomics. Early in the video, the focus is on how this setup creates a compact 9mm pistol that bridges the gap between a traditional handgun and a pistol-caliber carbine, aimed at backpack, camp, or home-defense roles where portability and control are both important.
Takedown System, Barrel, and Suppressor-Ready Design
Next, the host demonstrates the Ruger PC Charger’s takedown system, inherited from the PC Carbine. After locking the bolt to the rear, a lever is actuated to detach the barrel and fore-end from the receiver, allowing the pistol to break into two main components. This design makes the PC Charger easy to stow in a backpack or discreet case, ideal for travel or camp use. The video highlights the 6.5-inch cold hammer-forged chrome-moly steel heavy barrel, emphasizing durability and accuracy. The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 at the muzzle, making it compatible with common 9mm muzzle devices and suppressors. The host notes that this configuration is particularly attractive for dedicated suppressed setups, where the short barrel and compact receiver keep overall length manageable even with a can attached. The combination of takedown capability and suppressor-ready threading is presented as a key advantage of the PC Charger platform.
Handguard, Optics-Ready Rail, and Magazine Compatibility
The video then focuses on the Ruger PC Charger’s front end and feeding options. The pistol uses a lightweight anodized aluminum M-LOK handguard, which provides mounting slots for accessories while keeping weight down. An included UTG M-LOK hand stop is installed to improve grip and safety on the short barrel, helping prevent the support hand from creeping too close to the muzzle. On top, a Picatinny rail runs along the receiver, intended for mounting red dots or other optics. The host points out the absence of a front sight, framing the PC Charger as an optics-ready platform rather than one relying on traditional irons. Magazine compatibility is a major highlight: the pistol ships with a Ruger SR9 17-round 9mm magazine, but also includes a Glock magwell adapter. With the adapter installed, the PC Charger can accept standard Glock 15- and 17-round magazines, extended 33-round magazines, and even drum magazines, greatly expanding capacity and flexibility for different roles.
Ambidextrous Controls, Dead Blow Bolt, and Sling Options
Attention shifts to the PC Charger’s controls and operating system. The magazine release is reversible, giving left-handed shooters easier access, and the charging handle is ambidextrous, allowing it to be swapped to either side to match user preference. The host explains the procedure for locking the bolt to the rear using the bolt catch, an important step for both takedown and safe handling. Internally, the pistol uses a simple blowback action, but Ruger enhances it with a “dead blow” bolt design that incorporates a tungsten weight. This added mass is engineered to reduce bolt travel, felt recoil, and muzzle rise, making the compact 9mm more controllable during rapid fire. At the rear of the receiver, a QD sling attachment point is integrated, and later the video notes additional rear QD sling points, allowing users to run a single-point sling in conjunction with the side-folding SB Tactical brace for improved retention and stability.
Trigger, 10/22 Compatibility, and Final Impressions
In the final portion, the host covers the fire controls and overall impressions. The crossbolt safety is positioned just forward of the trigger guard, with a clear red indicator showing when the pistol is in the fire position. The trigger is described as having minimal take-up and a short, positive reset, contributing to fast, accurate follow-up shots. A notable feature is that the fire control group is compatible with Ruger 10/22 trigger components, opening the door to a wide range of aftermarket upgrades, including options like the Franklin Armory binary trigger designed for the 10/22. The host praises the PC Charger’s compact 9mm takedown design, the minimalist side-folding SB Tactical brace, and Ruger’s reputation for reliability. The ease of separating and reattaching the barrel assembly is emphasized again as a practical advantage. The video closes by mentioning the B&T APC9 as another compact 9mm pistol, noting its scarcity and giveaway status, and encourages viewers to explore both the APC9 and the Ruger PC Charger on the company’s website.
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